In this review, we will be comparing the Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM for the A Mount and the Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM II for the A Mount, two Standard Zoom lenses by Sony. Both lenses have the same focal length and max apertures of 18-55mm and F3.5 - F5.6 so they are very comparable in this regard.
We will start by looking briefly at the main specs of these two lenses, and in the next section, we will start analyzing them in more detail and listing the pros and cons of each lens.
What type of photography are the Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM and Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM II lenses good for?
The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM and the Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM II for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
| Photography Type |
Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM |
Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM II |
| Bird/Wildlife | Fair | Fair |
| Sports | Fair | Fair |
| Portrait | Good | Good |
| Travel | Good | Good |
| Street | Good | Good |
| Wedding | Good | Good |
| Walk Around | Very Good | Very Good |
| Vlogging | Good | Good |
| Landscape | Very Good | Very Good |
| Macro | Average | Average |
Size and Weight Comparison
The weight of a lens is as important as its external dimensions, especially if you are planning to hand hold your camera and lens combination for longer periods. Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM weighs 210g, which means it is 12g (5%) lighter than the Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM II which has a weight of 222g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Standard Zoom Lenses in Sony Alpha Mount for size comparison purposes.
Standard Zoom Lenses in Sony Alpha Mount for Size Comparison
Lens Mounts
Both the Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM and the Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM II has the same Sony Alpha lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Sony Alpha lenses are Sony A68, Sony A77 II and Sony A58.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of 18-55mm and the fastest aperture of F3.5 - F5.6.