Home > Consumer Reviews > Sony SAL18250 Alpha DT 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 High Magnification Zoom Lens w/Lens Hood

Short version: This is a great lens... very well made, effective, versatile, and performs impressively. A great investment for anyone wanting a lens that really can 'do it all'.

Long version: I got this lens as an upgrade from my original Sony 18-55 lens, since I wanted a lens with a little more zoom capability (and some close-up as well) without having to switch back and forth between the 18-55 for wide angle and a bulky telephoto for higher zoom.

I was worried a little bit by reviews of the similar Tamron 18-250 lens because some reviewers claimed it had slower focus times and zoom slip.

Well, with this lens, I've not noticed any difference in focusing speed or had any problem with the zoom slipping; the zoom itself is tight and the autofocus is spot-on (I have mediocre eyesight, so AF is pretty important for me). Colors are vibrant, the view is clear... everything is good with this lens so far. I'm very pleased and not at all remorseful about dropping the cash for it.

My wife uses the Tamron 18-250 on her Alfa 100. The results are good no more, no less and it is difficult to focus when there is not enough contrast.
I must say I used this lens on my Minolta 7D. I got faster results with this camera but again the pictures were good, no more no less.
With the Sony 18-250 on my (new) Alfa 700, this is another story. This couple is damn fast; only in a few occasions did I have some difficulties to focus. I shot already 1000 pictures at the sea side, in mountain areas, in a desert; I am happy to report that I got accurate colors (those I actually saw) and distortion free pictures.
If you want to travel light, the couple Alfa 700/Sony 18-250 is a must. It is a kind of standard lens along with the Sony 11-18 that I rate 5 stars too.
Simply amazing.

I've only had a chance to take a few hundred shots with this lens so far, but I'm fairly impressed. It's an excellent zoom lens considering the large range it covers; making it a very good "all-purpose" lens. It's clearly better than the kit lens in their overlapping range, focuses pretty quick, and offers much greater zoom, but there's still some noticeable barrel distortion at 18 to 21mm or so, and some softness and light loss at the tele end as expected. You can definately beat this lens with the right smaller range lenses or primes, but you'll pay a LOT more and have more to carry around.

While many people are happy with the Sony DT 18-200 zoom lense, the DT 18-250 is even better. For just a bit more this one has stainless steel mount and longer zoom. The size is surprisingly compact almost the same size with the DT 18-200. It is an awesome lens, I am happy with mine.

I have a number of lenses for my Sonay A350. This is my "everyday" lens. It has a wide enough range to take wide angle to telephoto shots. The only minor flaw is that it is not the fastest lens out there in terms of aperture, but in the midrange, it is fast enough for most shooting. If you are only going to get one lens, seriously consider this. It works flawlessly with the a350 (and my friend's a300.) It weighs just over a pound and considering the zoom range, that isn't bad. Also, when locked, it is fairly small and fits easily into camera cases/pockets. I have taken about 1000 shots and it produces very good results. I only gave it 4 stars because of the aperture, but I wouldn't really hold that against your "basic" lens.