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Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM A Mount Review

Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM

Main Features

  • 18-55mm Focal Range
  • F3.5 - F5.6 Max Aperture
  • Filter Thread: 55mm
  • Max Format: APS-C / DX
  • Sony Alpha Mount
  • Weight: 210g / 0.46 lb
  • Dimensions(øxL): 70mm x 69mm
  • Min Focus Distance: 0.25m
  • Max Magnification: 0.34x
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Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM Overview


Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM is a Variable aperture Auto Focus (AF) Standard Zoom lens with APS-C / DX max sensor coverage, and it is designed to be used with A Mount cameras.

Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM was replaced with Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM II. Follow the link to read our comparison of these lenses:
Compare Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM vs Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM II


What type of photography is the Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM lens good for?

The type of photography that you are planning to use the Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated its suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type Suitability
Bird/WildlifeFair
SportsFair
PortraitGood
TravelGood
StreetGood
WeddingGood
Walk AroundVery Good
VloggingGood
LandscapeVery Good
MacroAverage

Lenses in Sony Alpha Mount with Same Focal and Aperture Range
Model Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM II Lens Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM II
Compare
APS-C / DX 222gr AF Amazon B&H Photo

Reasons to Buy Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM Lens

Here we've included a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of the Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM lens in a list form to help you determine whether it offers the features you need.

PROs
Autofocus
Minimum focus distance of 0.25m / 9.8 inch
Report a correction

Buy Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM from Amazon or B&H PHOTO


CONs
Hood is not supplied
Lens Extents while zooming
Slow Aperture at Tele end
Variable Aperture


Lens Mount

Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM is compatible with cameras that have a 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.

Size, Weight and Filter Thread

Size and weight is a very important decision factor when searching for your next lens. Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM has a maximum diameter of 70mm and total length of 69mm when not extended. It weighs 210g / 7.4 oz.

Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM has a filter thread of 55mm. Below are links to the filters that we recommend you to consider for your Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM:

  • 55mm Variable ND Lens Filters
  • 55mm Circular Polarizer Lens Filters
  • 55mm Clear Protection Lens Filters




Focal Range

Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM has a focal range of 18-55mm and 3.1X zoom ratio which has a 35mm equivalent focal range of 27-82.5mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.


Optical Image Stabilization

Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM doesn't have an optical image stabilization system so the only option to stabilize the image taken with this lens is to mount on a camera body with IBIS (sensor based In-body image stabilization).

Alternatively, you can check the Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM in Sony Alpha mount that have similar focal range but features Optical Image Stabilization.

Lenses Similar to Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM With Optical Image Stabilization
Model Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM Lens Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM
Compare
APS-C / DX 565gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM Lens Sigma 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM
Compare
APS-C / DX 395gr AF Amazon B&H Photo

Zoom Method

Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM features Rotary (extending) zoom method where the length of the lens changes as you zoom in or out. This makes it possible to design the lens with a smaller minimum length ( generally when it is zoomed out) compared to internal zoom lenses. The disadvantages of this design are being harder to seal against dust and moisture, weight balance shifting while zooming and zoom creep in certain lenses.

Maximum Magnification Ratio

Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM has a Max Magnification Ratio of 0.34x and has a minimum focusing distance of 0.25m. For a non-macro lens, the 0.34x is considered a high magnification and will come handy for close-up shots.

Below are the 3 Standard Zoom type Sony Alpha mount lens alternatives with highest max magnification ratios:

  • Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC OS HSM: 0.37x - (Compare)
  • Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC OS HSM C: 0.36x - (Compare)
  • Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM II: 0.34x - (Compare)

Aperture

Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM is a variable aperture lens with a max aperture of f3.5 and a minimum aperture of f22 at 18mm, and a max aperture of f5.6 and minimum aperture of f36 at 55mm .

Focal Length Max Aperture Min Aperture
18mm F3.5 F22
55mm F5.6 F36

Optical Formula

Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM's optical formula consists of 8 elements in 7 groups .

Lens Hood

Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM doesn't come with a lens hood. You have to order the hood separately and the model number of the hood is ALC-SH108.

Body Colour

Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM is available in Black color.

Popular Comparisons of Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM

Here are the eight most popular comparisons of the Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM amongst Camera Decision readers.

Top Alternatives of Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM Lens
Model Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM II Lens Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM II
Compare
APS-C / DX 222 g / 0.49 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sony DT 16-50mm F2.8 SSM Lens Sony DT 16-50mm F2.8 SSM
Compare
APS-C / DX 577 g / 1.27 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron SP AF 17-50mm F2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical IF Lens Tamron SP AF 17-50mm F2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical IF
Compare
APS-C / DX 430 g / 0.95 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM Lens Sigma 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM
Compare
APS-C / DX 395 g / 0.87 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM Lens Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM
Compare
APS-C / DX 565 g / 1.24 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sony DT 18-70mm F3.5-5.6 Lens Sony DT 18-70mm F3.5-5.6
Compare
APS-C / DX 235 g / 0.52 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sony Vario-Sonnar T 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSM II Lens Sony Vario-Sonnar T 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSM II
Compare
35mm FF 974 g / 2.14 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM Lens Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM
Compare
APS-C / DX 520 g / 1.14 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM Alternatives in Sony Alpha Mount
Model Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
Sony 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSM Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T Lens Sony 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSM Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T
Compare
35mm FF 955 g / 2.10 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sony DT 16-50mm F2.8 SSM Lens Sony DT 16-50mm F2.8 SSM
Compare
APS-C / DX 577 g / 1.27 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM II Lens Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM II
Compare
APS-C / DX 222 g / 0.49 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sony DT 18-70mm F3.5-5.6 Lens Sony DT 18-70mm F3.5-5.6
Compare
APS-C / DX 235 g / 0.52 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sony Vario-Sonnar T 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSM II Lens Sony Vario-Sonnar T 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSM II
Compare
35mm FF 974 g / 2.14 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM Lens Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM
Compare
APS-C / DX 565 g / 1.24 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM C Lens Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM C
Compare
APS-C / DX 465 g / 1.02 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM Lens Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM
Compare
APS-C / DX 520 g / 1.14 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM Lens Sigma 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM
Compare
APS-C / DX 395 g / 0.87 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG HSM Lens Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG HSM
Compare
35mm FF 790 g / 1.74 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro Lens Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro
Compare
35mm FF 715 g / 1.57 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron SP 24-70mm F2.8 Di VC USD Lens Tamron SP 24-70mm F2.8 Di VC USD
Compare
35mm FF 825 g / 1.82 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron SP AF 17-50mm F2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical IF Lens Tamron SP AF 17-50mm F2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical IF
Compare
APS-C / DX 430 g / 0.95 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo

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Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM Detailed Specifications


General
Brand Sony
Lens Type Zoom
Lens Type Standard Zoom
Lens Mount Sony Alpha
Max Format APS-C / DX
Focal Range 18-55mm
Image Stabilization No
Colour Black
Zoom Method Rotary (extending)
Power Zoom No Zoom
Zoom Lock No Zoom
Zoom Ratio 3.1X
APERTURE
Max Aperture F3.5 - F5.6
Min Aperture F22.0 - F36.0
Aperture Ring No
Diaphragm Blades 7
Optics
Optical Elements 8
Optical Groups 7

FOCUSING
Min Focus Distance 0.25m
Max Magnification 0.34X
Autofocus Yes
AF Motor Type Micromotor
Focus Method Extending front
Distance Scale No
DoF Scale No
PHYSICAL SPECS
Weight 210g
Diameter 70mm
Length 69mm
Weather Sealing Unknown
Filter Thread 55mm
Filter Notes -
Hood Supplied No
Hood Code ALC-SH108
Tripod Collar No
Report a Correction
Frequently Asked Questions about Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM
is the Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM a Weather-sealed lens?
What is the Minimum Focusing Distance of Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM
is the Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM an Autofocus (AF) lens?
What is the Filter Thread Size of Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM
Does Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM have Image Stabilization?
Does Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM have Aperture Ring?
What is the Maximum Magnification Ratio of Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM


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