Sony 16-105 kit lens

[Mr_Canuck]

David, how do you find the 18-250 compares to the 16-XXs? Particularly in the same range... and would it come close to the beercan at the longer end?

[David Kilpatrick]

The 18-250mm is surprisingly good. Both Tamron and Sony samples we have used have been excellent when shooting with awareness - i.e., stop down to f/11 at 250mm if you can.
Within the range to 105mm, the 18-250mm is an easy match to the 16-105mm. You lose nothing at all in quality.

David

[KevinBarrett]

In one comparison (I can't remember if it was here, dyxum, or photo.net) I read that the 18-250 was a better lens in the 18-105 range than the 16-105. Do you have any observations to confirm or deny this DK? It challenges my notion of super-zooms, to say the least.

Edit: If I had browsed to page 2 then I would have seen that this was alreay being discussed!

[David Kilpatrick]

I have noticed some weakness in the Sony 18-250mm around 70mm, but from 18-50mm it's very good, and from 85-105mm again, very good. The 16-105mm is pretty consistent across its range but I would find it hard to say it's better than the 18-250mm. The 18-250mm is 1/3rd to 1/2 a stop faster than the 16-105mm in the 24-50mm focal length range.

David

[KevinBarrett]

So, in your opinion, is this assessment a compliment to the 18-250 or a criticism of the 16-105?

[David Kilpatrick]

A compliment to the 18-250mm. Either lens can be used with confidence, but the 18-250mm is unusually good considering its range. It should be worse than the 16-105mm and it isn't.

David