Sony 55-200mm f/4-5.6 SAM DT Telephoto Zoom Lens for Sony Alpha Digital SLR Cameras

by Sony

• Small size, light weight telephoto zoom lens
• 35mm focal length equivelant; 82.5-300mm
• Smooth and silent AF operation with built-in motor (SAM)
• Closest focus distance: 0.95m; Maximum magnification: 0.29x
• Please note: DT lenses are not recommended for use with the DSLR-A900

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 2.8 x 2.8 x 3.4 inches ; 10.7 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0029U0X1A
• Item model number: SAL55200/2
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: May 17, 2009

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

This superb telephoto zoom lens for your a DSLR camera has a smooth and silent AF operation with built-in motor to handle themed range to telephoto zoom shots. In 35mm equivalent, it covers midrange 82.5mm to 300mm telephoto zoom (4x) ideal for shooting portraits, sports, wildlife and more. An excellent all-around lens.
_{*Please note: DT lenses are not recommended for use with the DSLR-A900.}

SteadyShot INSIDE In-Camera Image Stabilization
A major reason for its compact, lightweight lens design is the benefit of SteadyShot INSIDE in-camera image stabilization, built into every a (alpha) DSLR camera -- and enabling lenses to eliminate the extra weight and expense of in-lens stabilization mechanisms.

DT Lens Design
A more compact, lightweight lens designed specifically for the APS-size CCD imager used in some Sony a (alpha) DSLR cameras.

Smooth Autofocus Motor (SAM)
The built-in Smooth Autofocus Motor (SAM) eliminates the need to use a mechanical coupling system in the camera body to transfer auto foucs (AF) drive power and control signals to the lens. Instead, AF control signals from the camera body are sent to the lens-mounted SAM unit, which drives the focusing lens group directly, helping to assure smooth AF response.

ED (Extra-low Dispersion) Glass
To reduce chromatic aberration at telephoto extension, correcting certain wavelengths of light for sharp, clear images with well defined colors.

Circular Aperture
Because aperture blades form a near circle at the wide openings used for low-light shots, spot-light sources have a pleasing circular defocused effect.

Product Description

This superb SAL-55200 telephoto zoom lens for your Alpha DSLR camera has a smooth and silent AF operation with a built-in motor to handle themed range to telephoto zoom shots. In 35mm equivalent, it covers midrange 82.5mm to 300mm telephoto zoom (4x), ideal for shooting portraits, sports, wildlife and more. Please note: DT lenses are not recommended for use with the DSLR-A900.

FEATURES:

• SteadyShot INSIDE In-Camera Image Stabilization - A major reason for its compact, lightweight lens design is the benefit of SteadyShot INSIDE in-camera image stabilization, built into every alpha DSLR camera -- and enabling lenses to eliminate the extra weight and expense of in-lens stabilization mechanisms.
• ED (Extra-low Dispersion) Glass - To reduce chromatic aberration at telephoto extension, correcting certain wavelengths of light for sharp, clear images with well defined colors.
• DT Lens Design - A more compact, lightweight lens designed specifically for the APS-size CCD imager used in some Sony alpha DSLR cameras.
• Circular Aperture - Because aperture blades form a near circle at the wide openings used for low-light shots, spot-light sources have a pleasing circular defocused effect.
• Smooth Autofocus Motor (SAM) - The built-in Smooth Autofocus Motor (SAM) eliminates the need to use a mechanical coupling system in the camera body to transfer auto foucs (AF) drive power and control signals to the lens. Instead, AF control signals from the camera body are sent to the lens-mounted SAM unit, which drives the focusing lens group directly, helping to assure smooth AF response.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Surprising Optical Quality September 10, 2010

By DCA

Amazon Verified Purchase

I purchased this lens on the strength of reviews I have read on various websites, and I was not disappointed. For a lens at this price the quality of the optics is superb. The SAM focus motor is smooth and quiet and the lens is quite compact. It's all plastic construction is a bit of a concern, in particular the plastic mount, however thats what keeps it lightweight. Regardless of the materials used the fit and finish of the lens is very nice. Highly recommended for those on a budget in need of a 200mm zoom, and those who need this range in a compact lightweight package.

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Nice November 7, 2011

By Jerry A. Waters

Amazon Verified Purchase

When I first received this lens I was pretty disappointed when I saw it was made of plastic. Well, I put it on my Sony A700 and took some long range photos and was surprised at the clarity through the view finder. I reviewed the photos on my computer in Photoshop and was pleased with the sharpness of the photos. Maybe I misjudged this lens when I saw it was made of plastic! The photos I took of my Granddaughters birthday party, which was outside in an idle pasture, turned out great. I took close in and distant photos and everyone turned out great except for the few affected by user error with a little hand shaking. The zoom pulls distant objects in real close and only minor focus adjustments need to be made when using manual focus (very smooth). If you've ever used a Sony A700, you'll know they are rather heavy. This lens is so light it really makes the camera easier to use. Less front weight allows the user to get on target and focus a lot faster. I don't use auto focus very often, because I don't like the way it can blur or grain photos when going from close to far objects quickly. I used auto focus with this lens and the photos were crisp and clear. I may use auto focus a little more often with this lens. It focuses fast and transitions between near and distant objects quickly. This may be my best lens and I have eight nice Sony and Minolta lenses for my camera.

I hope this helps you folks out. I am not a professional photographer, but I am a very good amateur with about 40 years experience.

I would recommend this lens to anyone with a Sony Alpha! You won't be disappointed if you buy this lens, the Sony 55-200mm f/4-5.6 SAM DT Telephoto Zoom Lens for Sony Alpha Digital SLR Cameras.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great lens especially compared to kit lens September 27, 2011

By Bhavesh Shah

I agree 1000% to review provided by Andrew Siew. I recently bought A55 kit along with this lens bundled together. This is my first DSLR with two lenses so I can tell you my comparison with Sony 18-55 kit lens. Picture taken with this lens blows away the kit lens. It's amazing low light performance, speed, clarity, color is just great. Now I'm thinking about replacing my 18-55 with a better lens. I don't know what the difference is between these two lenses, any one? (except wide angle and telephoto) but non professional like me can also make out the difference. I whole heartily recommend this lens.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A good lens for the price July 29, 2010

A Kid's Review

This lens is not the ultimate lens for a DSLR camera. Nevertheless I think is a good choice as a matter of fact the quality is beyond my previous expectations. In my recent trip to South Africa I was able to take beautiful pictures with this lens even if I think that I need a wide angle lens.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Zoom April 26, 2013

By Domer 2X

Amazon Verified Purchase

I have the 18-55 and this zoom along with a 35 mm f1.8 primary lens. This gives me, an hobbyist photographer the capabilities to photograph just about everything I want. Very good quality in photos, resolution, color, etc.. Very satisfied with lens and price.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great lens for $200! January 3, 2013

By David C. Massey

Amazon Verified Purchase

I just bought a Sony Alpha A65V camera body and based on the other recomendations here I decided to buy this lens for my telephoto lens and so far it works great! Got it today but by the time I got home from work the sun was pretty low in the sky so didn't have a lot of time to put it thru all the tests I had planned on. I took shots of the bare limbs of the trees in our backyard against the bright sourthwestern sky to check for chromatic distortion and didn't see any at 100% cropping and could barely make out a line of pixels along the edge of the branches that were greenish when I zoomed way in. My testing was done on RAW image files, not the compressed JPG format to get the best analysis of the image without compression artifacts.

The lens focuses very fast and is pretty quiet when focusing. It will work great not only for zooming in on distant objects but at the 55mm setting it does great portrait photos. I'll post some photos over time of various lighting condtions and subjects.

I think this is going to be my primary lens until I need to shoot landscapes or groups of people in tight quarters. The only thing that I personally would consider a "negative" is Sony should use this lens in their "kits" rather than the zoom lense they include (which is why I bought the body separately).

5.0 out of 5 stars great product January 11, 2013

By ladante

Amazon Verified Purchase

great lens takes great pictures even in low light fast focus love it. Enjoying it makes you want to take pictures

3 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars fine lens for a fine camera November 25, 2012

By Michelle D. Bannon

Amazon Verified Purchase

A reasonably priced zoom which picks up where the basic 18-55 stops is a nice enhancement for my A65. Lens mounts/dismounts very easily and operates perfectly. Nice compact size fits in my pocket when needed. I'd recommend this lens.