The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sony DT 55-200mm F4-5.6 SAM and the Sony E 55-210mm F4.5-6.3 OSS for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Sony E 55-210mm F4.5-6.3 OSS is the longer of the two lenses at 108mm. The Sony DT 55-200mm F4-5.6 SAM with a length of 85mm, is 23mm shorter. On the other hand, the Sony DT 55-200mm F4-5.6 SAM has a larger diameter of 72mm compared to the Sony E 55-210mm F4.5-6.3 OSS's 64mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Sony DT 55-200mm F4-5.6 SAM weighs 305g, which means it is 40g (11%) lighter than the Sony E 55-210mm F4.5-6.3 OSS which has a weight of 345g.
Filter Threads
The Sony DT 55-200mm F4-5.6 SAM has a filter size of 55mm whereas the Sony E 55-210mm F4.5-6.3 OSS has a 49mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 55mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sony DT 55-200mm F4-5.6 SAM:
And these are the 49mm filters that we recommend for the Sony E 55-210mm F4.5-6.3 OSS:
Lens Mounts
The Sony DT 55-200mm F4-5.6 SAM has the Sony Alpha lens mount whereas the Sony E 55-210mm F4.5-6.3 OSS has the Sony E lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Sony A68, Sony A77 II and Sony A58 for the Sony Alpha Mount and Sony ZV-E10 II, Sony A6700 and Sony FX30 for the Sony E Mount.
Focal Range
Sony DT 55-200mm F4-5.6 SAM has a focal range of 55-200mm and
3.6X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of
82.5-300mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
On the other hand, the Sony E 55-210mm F4.5-6.3 OSS has a focal range of 55-210mm and 3.8X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of 82.5-315mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
