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Product Description
Wide zoom range (82 - 315mm 35mm equivalent) ideal for sports or natureInternal focusing for smooth, quiet operation - perfect for video capture. Get an amazingly high quality E-mount zoom lens with Optical SteadyShot image stabilization perfect for taking along to your next sports game or on adventure in the great outdoors.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
81 of 87 people found the following review helpful
By Khiem Do
Amazon Verified Purchase
I received this lens 1 day ago and did a quick test comparing it with a canon 100L and a canon 70-200 IS on 60d.
To my surprise contrast, definition, IQ are very comparable if not identical (at same apertures, 4.5-5.6-6.3)
Optical Steady Shot also works well, the smoker and coffee drinker that I am was able to go as low as 1/30 sec at the 210mm extremity.
The zoom is very light, and balance is not that bad on the Nex5. It does extend at long range about 2" but you can still hold the camera by the grip and do not need to support the lens with the other hand if you want to do so.
Focus is admittedly not that fast, but positive nonetheless (progressive in good light, no hesitation and going back and forth).
Built is good (plasticky metal?), there is no indication (distance, OSS on/off) on the lens itself, except focal range.
For all purpose, due to the limited choice on Nex mount, you cannot go wrong with that choice. I used a FD 50mm, FD 135mm and a FD 200mm previously with an adapter but even the 135mm seems heavy and none of these obviously do AF.
I was concerned mainly with the size of this zoom on the tiny Nex5 body more than anything and the IQ was a nice surprise (of course 4.5 - 6.3 is slow).
Hope this will help in your decision because there are samples on the web but not any review yet.
A pity that Nex7 is delayed and probably not available before months. This zoom will balance better on the slightly larger body of the Nex7.
UPDATE 10/25/11: COMPARED TO CANON 70-200mm/4 IS
Soon, experts will be testing this lens shooting charts on tripods with elaborate measures, which will be good for all of us to know. I've compared it today with a 70-200/4 IS directly on the Sony Nex 5 body only to find out that for practical purposes my manual focusing (with peaking and 7x handheld) is poorer (and way slower) than the 55-210mm in many cases.
When focus is manually nailed , at same aperture (6.3) there is no real difference I can notice (on screen display at actual pixels), except in color and exposure (for which you can adjust). Definition on contrast are on par and i cannot be more happy with the Sony although I'll have to bear with the slow maximum aperture and kick up the ISO.
(to keep my Canon at 6.3 on the Nex, I first set it on a Canon body, hold DOF button while dismounting it. Lens will hold that aperture when you mount it on the Nex adapter but that is a lot to bother with. I also have an adapter with built in aperture for Canon EF but I have no idea how this does or does not affect IQ, bokeh vs the aperture in the lens itself).
UPDATE 11/3/11: COMPARED TO CONTAX G 90mm/2.8
Color is different, looks more natural to me with the Contax G.
Bokeh is different as well, more pleasing to me with the Contax G.
Definition is also superior with the Contax, at 100% when peeping.
The Sony zoom is behind but it is Optical Steady and AF.
I would prefer the Contax only when conditions are optimal, tripod, wide opening and time to manual focus (7x-14x) on a still subject. Convenience dictates the Sony otherwise (central AF. You can always tweak the color to your preference and there is no discernable difference in IQ at usual size display/print.
In my particular case, I'll not be able to nail focus most of the time with the excellent Contax, and in outdoor/bright situations, I'll need to use a LCD Viewfinder to start with and not rely 'blindly' (pun intended) on the AF.
UPDATE 5/3/12: COMPARED TO CANON FD 135mm/2.5 on Nex 7
The Canon is about the same size but much heavier and you might as well to hold the combo with both hands because you'll have to focus manually! At the same aperture (5.6) IQ is better with the Sony zoom but the zoom does not have the shallow DOF at 2.5 of the prime. At 135mm magnification is bigger (focusing distance is closer) with the zoom so it compensates for DOF if your subject is small and if you can get closer. Also you can zoom in all the way to 210mm (at 6.3 though) if you want bigger magnification/shallower DOF.
Convenience wise, there is no contest, the zoom is faster, easier to use and has better IQ at same aperture. Stabilization also helps indoor and negates the 2 stops advantage of the prime (i.e. you can handhold the zoom 5.6 and 1/30 sec or the prime at 2.5 and 1/125 sec). You can get the Canon 135mm for under $100 though (+ the $25 adapter for Nex)and it may be fun to to play with DOF at 2.5.
UPDATE 5/3/12: COMPARED TO CANON FD 50mm/1.8 AND SONY E 50mm/1.8
The Sony 50mm/1.8 ($300) is a worthwhile addition to this zoom IMO due to the almost 4 stops difference, better IQ at same 4.5 aperture and same convenience (OS and AF).
The Canon prime is admittedly small and beats both of them at IQ with a small margin. It is also cheap to get (as well as all the standards 40-50mm out there you can use on a Nex with the proper adapter) If you don't mind manual focus one of these will complement your 55-210mm zoom for only some $50 and minimal extra weight/space in your bag.
To my surprise contrast, definition, IQ are very comparable if not identical (at same apertures, 4.5-5.6-6.3)
Optical Steady Shot also works well, the smoker and coffee drinker that I am was able to go as low as 1/30 sec at the 210mm extremity.
The zoom is very light, and balance is not that bad on the Nex5. It does extend at long range about 2" but you can still hold the camera by the grip and do not need to support the lens with the other hand if you want to do so.
Focus is admittedly not that fast, but positive nonetheless (progressive in good light, no hesitation and going back and forth).
Built is good (plasticky metal?), there is no indication (distance, OSS on/off) on the lens itself, except focal range.
For all purpose, due to the limited choice on Nex mount, you cannot go wrong with that choice. I used a FD 50mm, FD 135mm and a FD 200mm previously with an adapter but even the 135mm seems heavy and none of these obviously do AF.
I was concerned mainly with the size of this zoom on the tiny Nex5 body more than anything and the IQ was a nice surprise (of course 4.5 - 6.3 is slow).
Hope this will help in your decision because there are samples on the web but not any review yet.
A pity that Nex7 is delayed and probably not available before months. This zoom will balance better on the slightly larger body of the Nex7.
UPDATE 10/25/11: COMPARED TO CANON 70-200mm/4 IS
Soon, experts will be testing this lens shooting charts on tripods with elaborate measures, which will be good for all of us to know. I've compared it today with a 70-200/4 IS directly on the Sony Nex 5 body only to find out that for practical purposes my manual focusing (with peaking and 7x handheld) is poorer (and way slower) than the 55-210mm in many cases.
When focus is manually nailed , at same aperture (6.3) there is no real difference I can notice (on screen display at actual pixels), except in color and exposure (for which you can adjust). Definition on contrast are on par and i cannot be more happy with the Sony although I'll have to bear with the slow maximum aperture and kick up the ISO.
(to keep my Canon at 6.3 on the Nex, I first set it on a Canon body, hold DOF button while dismounting it. Lens will hold that aperture when you mount it on the Nex adapter but that is a lot to bother with. I also have an adapter with built in aperture for Canon EF but I have no idea how this does or does not affect IQ, bokeh vs the aperture in the lens itself).
UPDATE 11/3/11: COMPARED TO CONTAX G 90mm/2.8
Color is different, looks more natural to me with the Contax G.
Bokeh is different as well, more pleasing to me with the Contax G.
Definition is also superior with the Contax, at 100% when peeping.
The Sony zoom is behind but it is Optical Steady and AF.
I would prefer the Contax only when conditions are optimal, tripod, wide opening and time to manual focus (7x-14x) on a still subject. Convenience dictates the Sony otherwise (central AF. You can always tweak the color to your preference and there is no discernable difference in IQ at usual size display/print.
In my particular case, I'll not be able to nail focus most of the time with the excellent Contax, and in outdoor/bright situations, I'll need to use a LCD Viewfinder to start with and not rely 'blindly' (pun intended) on the AF.
UPDATE 5/3/12: COMPARED TO CANON FD 135mm/2.5 on Nex 7
The Canon is about the same size but much heavier and you might as well to hold the combo with both hands because you'll have to focus manually! At the same aperture (5.6) IQ is better with the Sony zoom but the zoom does not have the shallow DOF at 2.5 of the prime. At 135mm magnification is bigger (focusing distance is closer) with the zoom so it compensates for DOF if your subject is small and if you can get closer. Also you can zoom in all the way to 210mm (at 6.3 though) if you want bigger magnification/shallower DOF.
Convenience wise, there is no contest, the zoom is faster, easier to use and has better IQ at same aperture. Stabilization also helps indoor and negates the 2 stops advantage of the prime (i.e. you can handhold the zoom 5.6 and 1/30 sec or the prime at 2.5 and 1/125 sec). You can get the Canon 135mm for under $100 though (+ the $25 adapter for Nex)and it may be fun to to play with DOF at 2.5.
UPDATE 5/3/12: COMPARED TO CANON FD 50mm/1.8 AND SONY E 50mm/1.8
The Sony 50mm/1.8 ($300) is a worthwhile addition to this zoom IMO due to the almost 4 stops difference, better IQ at same 4.5 aperture and same convenience (OS and AF).
The Canon prime is admittedly small and beats both of them at IQ with a small margin. It is also cheap to get (as well as all the standards 40-50mm out there you can use on a Nex with the proper adapter) If you don't mind manual focus one of these will complement your 55-210mm zoom for only some $50 and minimal extra weight/space in your bag.
42 of 43 people found the following review helpful
By zboub75
Amazon Verified Purchase
I tried the 18-200 lens from Sony for the NEX. It's a good lens, quick, but it has a major drawback: too heavy.
So I ordered this one 55-210, and I'm pretty happy with my choice.
It's light, well balanced, and you can use the camera without holding the lens.
And furthermore, it's the same diameter (49mm) as the 16f2.8 and the 18-55, so it's compatible with my polarized filter (opposite to the 18-200).
Obviously the AF is not quick at 210mm, which may be bothersome for movie shooting, but it's still fully acceptable for me.
Good choice, good value for money, I'm a happy customer.
So I ordered this one 55-210, and I'm pretty happy with my choice.
It's light, well balanced, and you can use the camera without holding the lens.
And furthermore, it's the same diameter (49mm) as the 16f2.8 and the 18-55, so it's compatible with my polarized filter (opposite to the 18-200).
Obviously the AF is not quick at 210mm, which may be bothersome for movie shooting, but it's still fully acceptable for me.
Good choice, good value for money, I'm a happy customer.
68 of 82 people found the following review helpful
By Jiunjr Feng
Amazon Verified Purchase
SONY SEL18200 E-mount 18-200mm was my telephoto zoom lens, and it's very heavy making me feeling like to carry pervious Nikon DSLR when it plugging on NEX5N. After I received this E-mount 55-210mm len, I would say that SONY got the right point to create this len for working with 18-55mm kit lens.
1. Lighter, it's the most key point to use NEX5N instead of tranditional DSLR.
2. Faster, auto focus is faster than SEL18200.
3. Cheaper, the price is reasonable.
4. Easier to carry, LCS-X20 can handle NEX5N mounted 18-55mm kit lens and this E55-210mm together.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Update 3/6/2012
Found internal dust inside the len after taking less than 50 pictures. I called SONY and they arrange me RMA.
1. They asked me to pay for the shipping, so I have to talk to the customer service to discuss for SONY taking the responbility for the shipping.
2. They charged me $82 for labor of the DOA product and their on-line customer serivce cannot do any thing, but asked me to call their customer relationship department.
Good concept and idea for NEX e mount product, but super bad customer service and unreasonable charges again and again.
So, I would like to change review to 3 stars...... Because you will have nice idea product with poor customer serivce.
1. Lighter, it's the most key point to use NEX5N instead of tranditional DSLR.
2. Faster, auto focus is faster than SEL18200.
3. Cheaper, the price is reasonable.
4. Easier to carry, LCS-X20 can handle NEX5N mounted 18-55mm kit lens and this E55-210mm together.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Update 3/6/2012
Found internal dust inside the len after taking less than 50 pictures. I called SONY and they arrange me RMA.
1. They asked me to pay for the shipping, so I have to talk to the customer service to discuss for SONY taking the responbility for the shipping.
2. They charged me $82 for labor of the DOA product and their on-line customer serivce cannot do any thing, but asked me to call their customer relationship department.
Good concept and idea for NEX e mount product, but super bad customer service and unreasonable charges again and again.
So, I would like to change review to 3 stars...... Because you will have nice idea product with poor customer serivce.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
One great lens
My NEX came with the 18-55mm lens. The 55-210mm adds a bit of bulk and weight but is still well balanced while shooting long distance photos. Read more
Published 2 hours ago by RICKCARL80
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good middle-of-the-road lens
This lens is truly a study in compromise. At 210mm the magnification is very good and it produces a solidly clear image, albeit not what you achieve with a longer lens. Read more
Published 3 days ago by Dave in Connecticut
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good lens for the price
If you have a Sony NEX camera or other camera that takes E mount lenses, unfortunately there is little to choose from when it comes to native lenses. Read more
Published 3 days ago by Colin Brown
5.0 out of 5 stars
Execellent lens
Love the close ups and the focusing speed of this lens with the NEX 5N. Great video too! I take a lot of action pictures and the lens doesn't disappoint.
Published 13 days ago by Edward
5.0 out of 5 stars
Perfect
I paid $268 for this lens which is new and not used nor refurbished. While shipping time was much better than advertised, you will have to be patient because it is coming from... Read more
Published 17 days ago by D. Robertson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent first-round lens
* Single best feature: image stabilization. It's like being in slow-motion. Very helpful for distance-shots. Read more
Published 18 days ago by M. Wallace
5.0 out of 5 stars
As expected
Exactly as expected.
Easy to instal and operate.
Delivered with a good package protection.
Considering de size, it is not heavy. Read more
Easy to instal and operate.
Delivered with a good package protection.
Considering de size, it is not heavy. Read more
Published 19 days ago by M.Cardoso
3.0 out of 5 stars
Soft at 210mm
While I enjoy using this lens, it's soft at 210mm. At first I thought I had a defective copy, but the reviews seem to say this is a common issue. Read more
Published 22 days ago by Boulder1259
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great!
Just been great over all!
Useful for shooting school programs from a far!
no regrets!
powerful tool for amateur like me!
Useful for shooting school programs from a far!
no regrets!
powerful tool for amateur like me!
Published 25 days ago by Michel Co
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very nice lens.
This lens works perfectly on my NEX-5 Mounts quickly and is very sharp. It comes with a lens hood that you need to use. Read more
Published 1 month ago by J. Boucher
