Sony E 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Autofocus APS-C Lens for E-Mount, Black {49} SEL1855

The Sony 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 E OSS (Sony part# SEL1855 ) is a standard mid-range zoom lens for Sony α (or NEX) E-Mount mirrorless digital cameras with APS-C sized sensors.  It's a practical general purpose optic perfect for high quality images of travel, special event, and everyday photography.  This lens provides fields of view ranging from moderately wide-angle at 18mm all the way to the start of the portrait focal length range at 55mm.  The versatile zoom range is well suited for photographing just about anything including landscapes, buildings, gatherings of people, children, pets, and environmental portraits.  The 18-55mm also pairs well with a separate dedicated telephoto zoom like the Sony E 55-210mm when you're looking for more reach.

The Sony 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 E OSS uses a well executed optical arrangement that keeps the lens compact while producing excellent images.  More than a third of the optical formulation consists of special Aspherical elements which help control distortion and produce edge to edge sharpness.  To retain as much clarity as possible the lens also incorporates Sony's OSS (Optical Steady Shot) image stabilization system which helps reduce loss of sharpness caused by camera movement.  The lens uses a responsive precise autofocus system designed for both photography and videography.

The 18-55mm is carry anywhere design that exemplifies the promise of mirrorless cameras;  it produces superb results without the bulk of a larger rig.  Also available in silver.

Key Features

• General purpose zoom for Sony E-Mount cameras with APS-C size sensors
• Versatile wide to portrait zoom range
• 27-82.5mm 35mm equivalent
• Great contrast, color, and sharpness
• 4 Aspherical elements
• OSS (Optical Steady Shot) image stabilization
• Direct Drive Super Sonic Motor for fast focus
• Efficient internal focus design for responsive autofocus
• Focuses to 0.25m (0.82ft)
• Light & compact, carry anywhere, perfect for travel
• Attractive metal cladding

Available accessories include: ALC-SH112 Lens Hood, 49mm filters, caps.

Staff Review

I was wanting something other than the 18-55mm kit lens (35mm equivalent 27-82.5mm) when I bought the camera but the price was so good on the kit I could not say no.  After shooting with the 18-55mm lens I have decided that when I get another lens I am keeping this one for backup and hiking as it performs much better than the kit lens did for my Canon and is very light weight.  This little gem has 4 aspherical surfaces in the lens design.  I bought this to supplement my Canon DSLR system but I am so pleased that I may switch from Canon over to Sony and buy an A7 or higher.  The 18-55mm covers a little more than half of what I like to shoot so I will need a longer lens in the future but for the size the 18-55mm is hard to beat.  I do keep the lens hood on all the time except when using the pop up flash.  I also keep a good quality UV filter on the lens.  I have the B+W UV (o) filter mounted on this lens.  The filter size is 49mm and easy to find in both used and new markets.  The lens has a silent autofocusing internal motor.  You can also focus manually.  It also has the OSS (Optical Steadyshot) image stabilization built in. - Larry H