By all accounts, only with the advent of the new “mirror less” class of photographic technique its digital nature acquired ten and a half years ago was embodied in the “iron” most fully and logically. Actually this simple and obvious chain “lens – matrix – LCD-screen or electronic viewfinder ” made all the sophisticated gadgets of the past century designed for feeding the image alternately to the viewfinder eyepiece or to a photosensitive element – mirror, frosted glass, mechanical shutter, optical block of viewfinder – unnecessary in an instant. A photographer could see the future frame on the monitor and the camera became less burdened from at least half of its stuffing, becoming incomparably more compact and lighter.
Moreover, the changeover of many manufacturing companies to completely electronic means of vision electronic viewfinder, LCD screen and the refusal of the optical viewfinder allowed them to wedge themselves into the long way of forming a digital image – immediately after image capture by the matrix and before displaying it on the LCD screen – and already at this stage to correct some aberrations, especially geometric distortion, and sometimes chromatics, and display already a perfectly smooth frame without distortion.
Even when shooting in RAW format, seemingly capturing a “raw” image, the file automatically records lens-specific data and calculated macro-command aberration correction steps when converting. The ability to transfer some of the tasks of optics to software in this way has made life a little easier for lens designers, allowing them to shrink even more.
All this had serious implications for photographic optics. First, the design constraint of keeping a certain distance between the back lens and the sensor required by the mirror on a DSLR is gone.
It is now possible to use lenses, especially wide-angle lenses, with completely different optical schemes that provide better image quality. Secondly, a camera’s compactness is greatly devalued if it has to be fitted with a lens as large as before.
Accordingly, developers were tasked with the urgent task of creating lenses as compact as the new cameras had become. Although only a short time has passed, the first impressive achievements have already been made, most notably with the emergence of the so-called “folding” zooms that rival the fashionable “pancakes” in terms of compactness when in a travel position.
A photographer who changes over to a mirrorless camera cannot avoid a long pondering over the choice of interchangeable optics for it. So this review is dedicated to zoom lenses designed specifically to work with the new format, because the zoom is likely to be the first in this lineup by virtue of its versatility. We have grouped together in this review different types of zoom lenses: standard, telephoto, and wide-angle. They are all useful to the photographer, each has its own tasks and its own merits.
The lens class chosen for review is still very young, like the mirrorless format itself, and is also being updated at an unprecedented rate, so the general, experience-based opinion of many lenses among photographers has simply not yet had time to form. But this is a work in progress, and the main thing that is clear right now: mirrorless cameras today have taken a firm place under the sun as compact and capable cameras, and a great future awaits them. So the lenses you buy are a sound investment in your photography practice.
READ MORE IN DETAIL:
Back to the basics: fixed focal length lens reviews.
Wide-angle lenses: an overview of wide-angle lenses
The new elite: APS-C zoom lens reviews
Light is power: an overview of professional light-fast zooms for full-frame cameras.
Canon EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM
| Bayonet | Canon EF-M |
| Image format | APS-C 25.1×16.7mm |
| Lens design | 13 elements in 11 groups |
| Focal Length | 18-55mm |
| Focal length 35mm Eq. | 29-88mm |
| maximum aperture | 3,5-5,6 |
| Minimum aperture | 22-38 |
| Angle of view | 74° – 27° |
| MDF | 25 cm |
| Maximum magnification | 0,25h |
| Number of blades | 7 rounded |
| Type of lens hood | EW-54 |
| Light Filter Diameter | 52 mm |
| Extra features | image stabilizer |
| Dimensions | 61 ×61 mm |
| Weight | 210 g |
Basic native zoom designed specifically for Canon’s first mirrorless camera, the EOS M. Focal length for the APS-C format roughly corresponds to the classic 28-90mm range in 35mm equivalent. Equipped with an effective optical Image Stabilizer in Dynamic IS mode for steady images even when shooting movies on the go, and Movie Servo AF, which provides continuous autofocus during movie shooting. The optical design includes three aspherical elements which reduce aberrations.
Price $340 [BEGINNING OF REVIEW]
Nikon 1 Nikkor 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6
| Bayonet | Nikon 1 |
| Image Format | CX 13.2 x 8.8 mm |
| Lens construction | 8 elements in 6 groups |
| Focal length | 11-27.5 mm |
| Focal length 35mm eq. | 30-74 mm |
| Maximum aperture | 3,5-5,6 |
| Minimum aperture | 16 |
| Viewing Angle | 72° – 32° |
| MDF | 30 cm |
| Maximum magnification | 0,1h |
| Number of blades | 7 |
| Type of lens hood | HN-N102 |
| Light Filter Diameter | 40.5 mm |
| Supplementary options | – |
| Dimensions | 57.4 x31 mm |
| Weight | 85 g |
A new full-format zoom for Nikon 1, designed with exceptional compactness to match the system’s design concept – minimum weight and size with maximum performance. Weight of the lens only 85g, size minimal. Focal length range equivalent to 30-74mm in 35mm format, suitable for most everyday subjects. An interesting innovation in operation – just turn the zoom ring to bring it from the collapsible to the working position to turn the camera on in the same way, “folding” the zoom by turning the ring turns the camera off. Aspherical lens and anomalous dispersion element effectively reduce image aberrations, while silent autofocus and always-on auto-exposure during video shooting ensure noise-free video clips and accurate exposures. Manual focus with motor drive. Available in black or white, the lens is still reasonably priced.
Price $200 [IN BEGINNING OF REVIEW]
Nikon 1 Nikkor VR 30-110mm f/3.8-5.6
| Bayonet | Nikon 1 |
| Image Format | CX 13.2 x 8.8mm |
| Lens design | 18 elements in 12 groups |
| Focal length | 30-110 mm |
| Focal length 35mm eq. | 81-297 mm |
| Maximum aperture | 3,8-5,6 |
| Minimum aperture | 16 |
| Angle of View | 30° – 8° |
| MDF | 100 cm |
| Maximum magnification | 0,1h |
| Number of blades | 7 |
| Hood type | HB-N103 included |
| Light Filter Diameter | 40.5 mm |
| More features | Optical stabilizer, motor-driven zoom |
| Dimensions | 60 x61mm |
| Weight | 180 g |
The basic telezoom in the Nikon 1 lineup, featuring compact size, excellent image quality and a very affordable price at the same time. Focal length range equivalent to 81-297mm in 35mm format. Lightweight and diminutive, hardly equal even in the “mirrorless” class of optics – weighing only 180g. And the lens is equipped with optical image stabilization, allowing you to shoot handheld at shutter speeds up to three stops slower than normal. Optical circuitry includes two ultra-low dispersion lenses that significantly reduce aberrations and increase image sharpness. The autofocus and auto exposure systems are nearly silent and can operate continuously during video shooting. Like the stock zoom 11-27.5mm, manual focus is electrically operated.
Price $240 [BEGINNING OF REVIEW]
Nikon 1 Nikkor VR 10-100 mm f/4.5-5.6 PD-Zoom L
| Bayonet | Nikon 1 |
| Image Format | SH 13.2×8.8 mm |
| Lens construction | 21 elements in 14 groups |
| Focal length | 10-100 mm |
| Focal length 35mm equiv. | 27-270mm |
| Maximum aperture | 4,5-5,6 |
| Minimum aperture | 16 |
| Angle of view | 77° – 9° |
| MDF | 30 cm |
| Maximum magnification | 0,12h |
| Number of blades | 7 |
| Hood type | HB-N102 included |
| Light filter diameter | 72 mm |
| Supplementary features | Optical Image Stabilizer, silent autofocus |
| Dimensions | 77 ×95 mm |
| Weight | 530 g |
Tenx superzoom for Nikon 1 camera. With a focal range equivalent to 27-270mm in 35mm format, the lens is a great choice for travel. The zoom is electrically operated and there’s a choice of three different speeds, all of which can be adjusted – a boon for video shooting, especially since the drive is silent. An effective optical image stabilization system enables relatively slow shutter speeds. The lens optics continue Nikon’s best traditions: the use of aspherical elements and lenses made of special grades of optical glass, as well as proprietary coatings ensure superior image quality. Fast autofocus will not let you miss a good shot.
Price $850 [IN BEGINNING OF REVIEW]
Fujifilm XF 18-55 mm f/2.8-4 OIS
| Bayonet | Fujifilm X |
| Image Format | APS-C 23.6×15.6 mm |
| Lens construction | 14 elements in 10 groups |
| Focal length | 18-55mm |
| Focal length 35mm eq. | 27-84 mm |
| Maximum aperture | 2,8-4 |
| Minimum aperture | 22 |
| Angle of view | 79° – 28° |
| MDF | 30 cm |
| Maximum magnification | 0,15h |
| Number of blades | 7 rounded |
| Type of lens hood | N/A |
| Light filter diameter | 58 mm |
| Supplementary features | image stabilizer |
| Dimensions | 65 ×70 mm |
| Weight | 330 g |
A built-in zoom for the Fujifilm X system. The focal length for APS-C corresponds to 27-84 mm in 35 mm equivalent. The Fujifilm X System was originally conceived as a luxury camera tool, and this lens lives up to its promise with flawless imaging. Lens aperture ratio is about a step higher than standard lenses from other companies, which provides better background blur. It has optical stabilizer. Autofocus is exceptionally fast and almost silent. Optical design incorporates three aspherical elements and an element of anomalous dispersion.
Price $800 [IN BEGINNING OF REVIEW]
Olympus M. Zuiko Digital ED 9-18 mm f/4-5.6
| Bayonet | micro 4/3 |
| Image format | 4/3 17.3×13 mm |
| Lens design | 12 elements in 8 groups |
| Focal length | 9-18mm |
| Focal length 35mm equivalent. | 18-36mm |
| Maximum aperture | 4-5,6 |
| Minimum aperture | 22 |
| Angle of view | 100° – 62° |
| MDF | 25 cm |
| Maximum magnification | 0,1h |
| Number of lobes | 7 rounded |
| Hood type | LH-55B |
| Light Filter Diameter | 52 mm |
| Optional features | – |
| Dimensions | 56.5 × 49.5mm |
| Weight | 115 g |
An ultra-wide-angle zoom with a focal length equivalent to 18-36mm in 35mm equivalent, a scaled-down version of an earlier development with the same specifications for the 4/3 system. Remarkably compact and lightweight at just 115g, achieved by the new folding design. The lens has excellent sharpness at all focal lengths and is especially good in backlighting, which is good for mirrorless cameras, because very few people will always shoot with a lens hood. Minimal focus distance of just 25 cm. Thanks to the action of aberration-correcting software, the image formed by the lens is practically devoid of geometric distortions.
Price $700 [IN BEGINNING OF REVIEW]
Olympus 12-50 mm f/3.5-6.3 ED M. Zuiko EZ
| Bayonet | micro 4/3 |
| Image format | 4/3 17.3×13 mm |
| Lens construction | 10 elements in 9 groups |
| Focal length | 12-50 mm |
| Focal length 35mm equivalent. | 24-100 mm |
| Maximum aperture | 3,5-6,3 |
| Minimum aperture | 22 |
| View angle | 84° – 24° |
| MDF | 20cm |
| Maximum magnification | 0,72h |
| Number of blades | 5 |
| Type of hood | LH-55B |
| Diameter of light filter | 52 mm |
| Additional options | electromagnetic zoom actuator |
| Dimensions | 52 ×83 mm |
| Weight | 211 g |
Standard zoom with a highly sought-after range of focal lengths equivalent to 24-100mm in 35mm format – this can cover almost all the needs of many photographers. Very compact and lightweight only 211 g . The optical design of the lens is specially designed for digital photography and produces superior image quality. The very short minimum focus distance enables you to shoot at a magnification of 0.72x – that’s almost true 1:1 macro. Lens is dust and splash proof. The zoom drive is electromagnetic with adjustable zoom speed and is virtually silent, making it easy to use in video shooting. Pressing a special button on the lens prevents autofocus failure in case a foreign object briefly appears between you and your subject – also a huge plus for video shooting.
The price is $460 [IN THE BEGINNING OF THE REVIEW]
Olympus M. Zuiko Digital ED 40-150 mm f/4-5.6
| Bayonet | micro 4/3 |
| Image format | 4/3 17.3×13 mm |
| Lens design | 12 elements in 9 groups |
| Focal length | 40-150mm |
| Focal length 35mm equivalent. | 80-300 mm |
| Maximum aperture | 4-5,6 |
| Minimum aperture | 22 |
| Angle of View | 30° – 8,2° |
| MDF | 90 cm |
| Maximum magnification | 0,14h |
| Number of lobes | 7 rounded |
| Type of lens hood | LH-61D |
| Diameter of the light filter | 58 mm |
| More features | – |
| Dimensions | 65.5 ×72 mm |
| Weight | 220 g |
Standard telephoto with a range of focal lengths equivalent to 80-300mm in 35mm format. A logical complement to the standard regular zoom, covering the most popular focal lengths in the tele zoom range. Optical design specifically designed for digital photography. Lightweight only 220 g and compact lens features exceptionally fast and silent autofocus – especially important for portraits and movies. Lens features special optical glass elements for effective aberration correction. Minimum focus distance of just 90 cm for all focal lengths.
Price $360 [IN BEGINNING OF REVIEW]
Olympus M. Zuiko Digital ED 14-150 mm f/4-5.6
| Bayonet | micro 4/3 |
| Image format | 4/3 17.3×13 mm |
| Lens design | 15 elements in 11 groups |
| Focal length | 14-150 mm |
| Focal length 35mm eq. | 28-300 mm |
| Maximum aperture | 4-5,6 |
| Minimum aperture | 22 |
| Angle of view | 75° – 8,2° |
| MDF | 50 cm |
| Maximum magnification | 0,24h |
| Number of lobes | 7 rounded |
| Hood type | LH-61C |
| Light filter diameter | 58 mm |
| More features | – |
| Dimensions | 63.5 ×83mm |
| Weight | 280 g |
Quality superzoom 10.7x magnification that allows photographers to dispense with just one lens for all situations. Especially suitable for travel and fast-paced situations that require fast transitions between close-ups and general shots. Focal length range equivalent to 28-300mm in 35mm format. Like most new generation Olympus lenses, is exceptionally compact and lightweight, losing over a third of the volume of its predecessors. The use of ultra-low dispersion elements in the optical design provides very good image quality for this class of lens, especially at medium focal lengths. Just 50 cm minimum focus distance and 0.24x magnification 78×59 mm field of view .
Price $740 [BEGINNING OF REVIEW]
Olympus M. Zuiko 75-300 mm f/4.8-6.7
| Bayonet | micro 4/3 |
| Image format | 4/3 17.3 × 13 mm |
| Lens design | 18 elements in 13 groups |
| Focal length | 75-300mm |
| Focal length 35mm Eq. | 150-600 mm |
| Maximum aperture | 4,8-6,7 |
| Minimum aperture | 22 |
| Angle of view | 16° – 4,1° |
| MDF | 90 cm |
| Maximum magnification | 0,18h |
| Number of petals | 7 rounded |
| Hood type | LH-61E |
| Light filter diameter | 58 mm |
| Optional features | – |
| Dimensions | 70 ×116 mm |
| Weight | 430 g |
High-class supertelephoto with a unique range of focal lengths equivalent to 150 mm to 600 mm in 35 mm format. On any other system, it would be a bulky, multi-kilogram lens, but the micro 4/3 format manages to be only 430 grams, and smaller than budget telezooms with far more modest specifications. Optical circuitry specifically designed for digital shooting six elements are made of special types of optical glass to effectively correct aberrations. The result is sharp, high contrast images at all focal lengths. Exceptionally fast and near-silent autofocus, plus impressive macro capabilities.
Price $940 [IN BEGINNING OF REVIEW]
Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 12-35 mm f/2.8 Asph.
| Bayonet | micro 4/3 |
| Image format | 4/3 17.3×13 mm |
| Lens design | 14 elements in 9 groups |
| Focal length | 12-35 mm |
| Focal length 35 mm eq. | 24-70 mm |
| Maximum aperture | 2,8 |
| Minimum aperture | 22 |
| Angle of view | 84° – 34° |
| MDF | 25 cm |
| Maximum magnification | 0,17h |
| Number of petals | 7 rounded |
| Hood type | N/A |
| Light filter diameter | 58 mm |
| Optional features | POWER O optical stabilizer. I. S. |
| Dimensions | 67.6 ×74 mm |
| Weight | 305 g |
The first professional zoom lens in the micro-format 4/3, with a classic focusing range equivalent to 24-70 mm in 35 mm format and F2.8 aperture throughout the entire range. Metal body and weatherproofing greatly extend lens life and versatility, while special nano coatings on the lens surface reduce aberrations and flare and ghosting. Incorporates glass elements of a special grade of glass in the optical design, resulting in outstanding image quality throughout the frame. The lens features the professional POWER O optical image stabilization system. I. S., Twice as effective as the standard MEGA O. I. S., and the new autofocus system, optimized for video shooting, provides instant and silent focusing. The lens is compact and lightweight, not much different in size than a regular zoom lens.
Price $1860 [IN THE BEGINNING OF THE REVIEW]
Panasonic Lumix G X Vario PZ 14-42 mm f/3.5-5.6 Power O. I. S
| Bayonet | micro 4/3 |
| Image Format | 4/3 17.3×13 mm |
| Lens design | 9 elements in 8 groups |
| Focal length | 14-42 mm |
| Focal length 35mm equivalent. | 28-84mm |
| Maximum aperture | 3,5-5,6 |
| Minimum aperture | 22 |
| Angle of view | 75° – 29° |
| MDF | 20 cm |
| Maximum magnification | 0,17h |
| Number of blades | 7 rounded |
| Hood type | N/A |
| Light filter diameter | 37 mm |
| Optional features | Motor-driven zoom, POWER O optical stabilizer. I. S. |
| Dimensions | 61 ×27 mm |
| Weight | 95 g |
Specially designed for the micro 4/3 format, providing unmatched compactness and light weight only 95 g through the use of a folding design, electric zoom drive and manual focus. Similar size to a pancake when folded. Focal length range equivalent to 28-82mm in 35mm format. The electric zoom drive is silent, with adjustable push-button force zoom speed , which is ideal for video shooting. Manual focus mechanism is also designed. The lens is marked with X in Panasonic lineup, which means belonging to the higher class of optics, and is equipped with professional system of image stabilization POWER O. I. S. Special nano-coating on the lens element increases backlight and flare resistance. The lens also has an exceptional autofocus speed.
Price $520 [IN BEGINNING OF REVIEW]
Panasonic Lumix G Vario HD 14-140 mm f/4-5.8 Asph./MEGA O. I. S
| Bayonet | micro 4/3 |
| Image format | 4/3 17.3×13 mm |
| Lens construction | 17 elements in 13 groups |
| Focal length | 14-140 mm |
| Focal length 35mm equivalent. | 28-280mm |
| Maximum aperture | 4-5,8 |
| Minimum aperture | 22 |
| Angle of view | 75° – 29° |
| MDF | 50 cm |
| Maximum magnification | 0,2h |
| Number of blades | 7 rounded |
| Type of lens hood | N/A |
| Light filter diameter | 62mm |
| Additional features | optical stabilizer |
| Dimensions | 70 ×84 mm |
| Weight | 460 g |
Superzoom with a magnification of 10x and a focal range equivalent to 28-280mm in 35mm format. Optically one of the most advanced superzooms on the market. Provides good sharpness uniformity in the entire field of view and quite high image quality, especially in the mid-range. Equipped with MEGA O optical image stabilization system. I. S. With 4 aspherical lenses and 2 extra-low dispersion lenses in the optical design. A new autofocus system operates silently, quickly and accurately. Continuous autofocus and AE Auto Exposure also works when shooting movies. Multi-coated lenses minimize flare and backlighting degradation.
Price $830 [IN BEGINNING OF REVIEW]
Panasonic LUMIX G Vario 45-150 mm
| Bayonet | micro 4/3 |
| Image format | 4/3 17.3×13 mm |
| Lens construction | 12 elements in nine groups |
| Focal length | 45-150 mm |
| Focal length 35mm Eq. | 90-300 mm |
| Maximum aperture | 4-5,6 |
| Minimum aperture | 22 |
| Angle of view | 27° – 8,2° |
| MDF | 90 cm |
| Maximum magnification | 0,17h |
| Number of blades | 7 rounded |
| Hood type | N/A |
| Light filter diameter | 2 mm |
| Additional features | optical image stabilizer |
| Dimensions | 62 × 73 mm |
| Weight | 200 g |
Extremely compact and lightweight telezoom with a range of focal lengths equivalent to 90-300mm in 35mm format. Ideal for travel and lightweight outings, in addition to the standard zoom. The optical design includes two aspherical lenses and one ultra-high refraction lens that ensures uniform sharpness across the entire field of view. The lens is equipped with MEGA O optical image stabilization system. I. S., Enables handheld shooting in low light. New autofocus system supports continuous and silent tracking autofocus when shooting movies. The rounded aperture beautifully blurs the image outside the sharpness zone, which is especially important for telezooms, where blurred images often occupy a substantial part of the frame.
Price $360 [IN BEGINNING OF REVIEW]
Panasonic Lumix 35-100mm f/2.8 G Vario Zoom
| Bayonet | micro 4/3 |
| Image Format | 4/3 17.3×13 mm |
| Lens design | 18 elements in 13 groups |
| Focal length | 35-100 mm |
| Focal length 35mm eq. | 70-200mm |
| Maximum aperture | 2,8 |
| Minimum aperture | 22 |
| Angle of view | 34° – 12° |
| MDF | 85 cm |
| Maximum magnification | 0,1h |
| Number of blades | 7 rounded |
| Hood type | N/A |
| Light Filter Diameter | 58mm |
| Additional features | POWER O optical stabilizer. I. S. |
| Dimensions | 67.4 ×100 mm |
| Weight | 360 g |
Another high-end professional lens along with the 12-35/2.8 for the micro 4/3 format, with a constant aperture of F2.8. Focal length range equivalent to the classic 70-200mm in 35mm format, while the size and weight of the lens are many times less than other format counterparts. Still produces an image that meets the highest professional standards, thanks to the use of three lenses with anomalous dispersion and a special nano-coated lens that reduces glare and the effects of backlighting. Physical dimensions of the lens do not change when the focal length is changed. The lens is equipped with a professional optical image stabilization system POWER O. I. S. and all-weather protection, which greatly expands its applications. Lens designed in collaboration with Leica.
Price $1570 [BEGINNING OF REVIEW]
Panasonic Lumix G Vario 100-300 mm f/4-5.6 OIS
| Bayonet | micro 4/3 |
| Image Format | 4/3 17.3×13 mm |
| Lens construction | 17 elements in 12 groups |
| Focal length | 100-300 mm |
| Focal length 35mm eq. | 200mm-600mm |
| Maximum aperture | 4-5,6 |
| Minimum aperture | 22 |
| Angle of View | 12° – 4,1° |
| MDF | 150 cm |
| Maximum magnification | 0,21h |
| Number of blades | 7 rounded |
| Hood type | N/A |
| Light Filter Diameter | 67 |
| Additional features | optical stabilizer |
| Dimensions | 73.6 ×126 mm |
| Weight | 520 g |
Super telephoto with a unique range of focal lengths equivalent to 200-600 mm in 35 mm format. Telezooms of this magnitude, and especially those that remain amazingly compact and lightweight, are only possible in 4/3 and micro 4/3 formats. Always-on, near-silent autofocus in tracking mode when shooting movies. Ideal for sports and nature, sneak peeks and travel. Equipped with an effective optical Image Stabilizer, making handheld photography easier. Super-low dispersion optical element for superior image quality. Uniformity of sharpness over the entire field of the frame. Special lens coating reduces glare and the effects of backlighting.
Priced at $530 [IN THE BEGINNING OF THE REVIEW]
Sony SEL-1018 10-18 mm f/4 OSS
| Bayonet | Sony E-Mount |
| Image format | APS-C 23.6×15.6 mm |
| Lens design | 10 elements in 8 groups |
| Focal length | 10-18 mm |
| Focal length 35mm equivalent. | 15-27 mm |
| Maximum aperture | 4 |
| Minimal aperture | 22 |
| Angle of view | 109° – 76° |
| MDF | 25 cm |
| Maximum magnification | 0,1h |
| Number of blades | 7 rounded |
| Type of lens hood | ALC-SH123 included |
| Light filter diameter | 62 mm |
| Supplementary features | the optical stabilizer |
| Dimensions | 70 × 63.5 mm |
| Weight | 225 g |
New premium ultra-wide-angle zoom with a range of focal lengths equivalent to 15-27mm in 35mm format and a constant aperture of F4 throughout the zoom range. Great for landscapes, close quarters and creative experimentation. Ample light and an effective Optical SteadyShot image stabilization system make it possible to shoot even in low light. Three aspherical elements are used in the optical design to correct geometric distortion, and an ultra-low dispersion lens minimizes chromatic aberration, guaranteeing superior image quality. The rear lens group focusing ensures fast, quiet autofocus and the rounded aperture blurs the out-of-focus area beautifully.
Price $900 [IN BEGINNING OF REVIEW]
Sony SEL-1855 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6
| Bayonet | Sony E-Mount |
| Image format | APS-C 23.6×15.6 mm |
| Lens construction | 11 elements in 9 groups |
| Focal length | 18-55mm |
| Focal length 35mm eq. | 27-82.5 mm |
| Maximum aperture | 3,5-5,6 |
| Minimum aperture | 22-32 |
| Angle of View | 76° – 29° |
| MDF | 25 cm |
| Maximum magnification | 0,3h |
| Number of blades | 7 |
| Hood type | N/A |
| Light filter diameter | 49 mm |
| Optional features | Optical Image Stabilizer |
| Dimensions | 62 x60mm |
| Weight | 194 g |
The most common and versatile standard zoom for the NEX system. Focal length range equivalent to 27-82.5 mm in 35 mm format. The optical design uses four aspherical surfaces, which provides effective aberration reduction and sharp, contrasting images. Since the minimum focusing distance is only 25 cm, the lens can shoot at a fairly high magnification of 0.3x – not yet a full-fledged macro, but already very close to it. Autofocus and autoexposure are optimized for continuous operation during video shooting and are fast and silent. The lens features a proprietary optical image stabilization system for handheld shooting in unfavorable lighting conditions, making it even more versatile. And another valuable difference is that the lens allows you to manually adjust autofocus without leaving autofocus mode.
Price $320 [IN THE BEGINNING OF THE REVIEW]
Sony SEL-1650 16-50 mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Retractable Zoom
| Bayonet | Sony E-Mount |
| Image format | APS-C 23.6×15.6 mm |
| Lens construction | 9 elements in 8 groups |
| Focal length | 16-50mm |
| Focal length 35 mm eq. | 24-75 mm |
| Maximum aperture | 3,5-5,6 |
| Minimum aperture | 22-36 |
| Angle of view | 83° – 32° |
| MDF | 25 cm |
| Maximum magnification | 0,215h |
| Number of blades | 7 rounded |
| Type of lens hood | ALC-SH117 included |
| Light filter diameter | 40.5 mm |
| Additional features | optical stabilizer |
| Dimensions | 64.7 ×30 mm |
| Weight | 116 g |
New standard zoom with a range of focal lengths equivalent to 24-75mm in 35mm format. The folding design of the lens reduced its length in the folded state to only 30 mm, which is comparable to the size of “pancakes. The NEX system finally gets a lens that matches the miniaturization of the camera itself. Zoom and manual focus are motorized. Both are controlled through a multi-function ring on the lens. New autofocus system ensures fast and silent focusing, including during video shooting. Optical Image Stabilization system gives photographers in difficult lighting conditions about four additional shutter speeds without the risk of a blurred shot. Four aspherical lenses and one with anomalous dispersion result in superior imaging.
Price $380 [BEGINNING OF REVIEW]
Sony SEL-18200 18-200 mm f/3.5-6.3
| Bayonet | Sony E-Mount |
| Image format | APS-C 23.6×15.6 mm |
| Lens construction | 15 elements in 13 groups |
| Focal length | 18-200 mm |
| Focal length 35 mm eq. | 27-300 mm |
| Maximum aperture | 3,5-6,3 |
| Minimum aperture | 22-40 |
| Angle of view | 76° – 8° |
| MDF | 30 cm |
| Maximum magnification | 0,27h |
| Number of blades | 7 rounded |
| Type of hood | N/A |
| Light filter diameter | 67 mm |
| Optional features | optical stabilizer |
| Dimensions | 76×100mm |
| Weight | 524 g |
NEX superzoom with a focal range equivalent to 28-300 mm in 35 mm format. Ideal for travel because it can handle almost any shooting task on its own. The optical scheme includes four aspherical elements correcting aberrations within the whole range of focal lengths. An autofocus system with an internal sliding element allows fast, silent focusing without changing the physical size of the lens. The lens is equipped with an effective optical stabilization system that allows you to shoot handheld clear pictures even in low light and at the extreme telephoto zoom position.
Price $880 [IN BEGINNING OF REVIEW]
Sony SEL- 55210 55-210 mm f/4.5-6.3
| Bayonet | Sony E-Mount |
| Image format | APS-C 23.6×15.6 mm |
| Lens design | 13 elements in 9 groups |
| Focal length | 55-210 mm |
| Focal length 35mm Eq. | 82,5-315 mm |
| Maximum aperture | 4,5-6,3 |
| Minimum aperture | 22-32 |
| Angle of view | 29° – 8° |
| MDF | 98cm |
| Maximum magnification | N/A |
| Number of blades | 7 |
| Type of hood | N/A |
| Light Filter Diameter | 49 mm |
| Extra features | optical stabilizer |
| Dimensions | 63.8 × 108 mm |
| Weight | 343 g |
Compact telezoom with a focal range equivalent to 82-315 mm in 35 mm format. Logical complement to the stock 18-55mm zoom. As a rule, a separate pair – a regular zoom and a telezoom – provides better image quality and is cheaper than a single universal superzoom, although this comes at the cost of the noticeable inconvenience of frequently changing optics. The internal focusing system works quickly and quietly, including in continuous autofocus tracking mode when shooting video. An effective optical image stabilization system allows you to avoid blur and take pictures in low light conditions, getting sharp shots without having to mount the camera on a tripod. The use of two elements with anomalous dispersion provides a minimum of chromatic aberration.
Price $370 [IN THE BEGINNING OF THE REVIEW]
Samsung 18-200 mm f/3.5-6.3 ED OIS
| Bayonet | Samsung NX |
| image format | APS-C 23.6 x 15.6 mm |
| Lens design | 18 elements in 13 groups |
| Focal length | 18-200 mm |
| Focal length 35mm equivalent. | 28-308 mm |
| Maximum aperture | 3,5-6,3 |
| Minimum aperture | 22 |
| Angle of view | 76° – 8° |
| MDF | 50 cm |
| Maximum magnification | 0,28x |
| Number of blades | 7 rounded |
| Type of lens hood | N/A |
| Light Filter Diameter | 67 mm |
| Optional features | Optical stabilizer, i-Function |
| Dimensions | 72 × 10.5 mm |
| Weight | 578 g |
A rather unusual 11x superzoom for the Samsung NX mirrorless camera. With a focal range equivalent to 27-300mm in 35mm format, the lens is unusual primarily for its unique i-Function control system. It is intuitive, convenient for beginners and experienced photographers alike, and turns the lens into a full-fledged imaging parameter control device. The pinnacle of simplicity and convenience is Lens Priority Mode, which lets the camera find out which lens is attached and then uses the current focal length to choose the appropriate shooting mode and set the optimum shooting parameters. There is an optical image stabilization system.
Price $630 [IN BEGINNING OF REVIEW]
This seems interesting! As someone who is new to mirrorless cameras, I’m curious to know more about the different types of lenses available in the new format universals. Can you provide some insights on the key features, performance, and versatility of these lenses? Also, are there any recommended lenses for specific photography genres, such as landscape or portrait? Any advice would be highly appreciated!
What are the key differences between mirrorless camera lenses and traditional camera lenses? Are there any specific advantages or disadvantages of using the new format universals for mirrorless cameras?