Sony 55–210mm F/4.5–6.3 OSS E-mount Discussions | Drop

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Aug 3, 2017

Wondering if a cheap lens with middling specs can take beautiful photos?
I assure you that it can, and all images in this (https://m.imgur.com/a/tenAt) album were taken with this lens, if you're looking for some references. Sony's software performs extremely well, and the OSS can really help you get those sharp pictures you're looking for -- none of these photos were taken on a tripod. This isn't a professional quality lens, but with a little luck and a good eye it will deliver some beautiful photos. I personally shoot mostly with a piece of Zeiss glass these days, but if you're looking for the cheapest way to shoot some wildlife, this is the lens for you, and I think you'll be pleased with your purchase; It offers:
+ Smooth and fast autofocus + Excellent OSS (Stabilization) + Decent zoom range + Solid build quality + Few visual artifacts + Works seamlessly with camera + Overperforms price range
- Beginner lens - Low f-stop range - Weak low light performance (Sony's iso is admirable, but you just need those wide apertures for truly great low light photos)
Wondering if you should buy this lens from Massdrop?
Maybe, but I'd strongly advise you google around a bit first: this lens is sold by most online retailers, and I occasionally see it at better prices -- particularly if you're not afraid to buy used.

A community member

Sep 10, 2017

ArchEnderThanks so much for adding that album. It actually convinced me *not* to buy this lens. Most pictures are soft as if the lens was blurred with vaseline. No where do I see a "cripsy" sharpness. A lot seems just not 100% in focus (like the monkey face). Yeah, definitely a big pass !

MrBean

121

Sep 17, 2017

Couldn't agree more. Not a single one was really tack sharp. Yet none of them looked out of focus. They were just hazy looking. Clearly the lens's fault and not the photographer.

krazer

Oct 17, 2017

I think there is a E- mount Tamron zoom lens that is way better than this lens. It is however a bit expensive.

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Infectedbush

Oct 17, 2017

This lens has application in that its focal length at this price range is pretty unbeatable for e-mount. Its certainly not the best zoom out there, and its true, its sometimes CAN be a bit hazy when your subject isn't close (especially when you are cropping), but overall, if you have a cropped sensor Sony camera, this is great for someone who wants to dip their toes into tele lenses. I'd also encourage you not to use one persons album as the death sentence for the lens, look up other reviewers, if you are really interested.

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etmccaus

Oct 21, 2017

ArchEnderSeems like it likes to focus more on objects behind the subject, as the elephant and monkey shots indicate...

A community member

Oct 21, 2017

InfectedbushYup, I did that and in fact those photos just confirmed what most reviews talk about: not sharp at all, not enough detail, mis- focuses a lot. So yeah, still a big pass!

CoffeeWitch

Sep 5, 2018

I have this lens and it is pretty sharp. Definitely better than my pancake lens *shrug*

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A community member

Sep 5, 2018

CoffeeWitchI have used this lens (loaned from a friend) and man, it was more horrible than I thought. After testing it I got myself a 1.4 30mm Sigma and it is not a zoom but I'm way more happier with it...

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CoffeeWitch

Sep 5, 2018

That's so weird, it's crisp on my camera... I mean there definitely are better lenses but this lens has not disappointed me. Maybe you're setting a specific standard or comparing it to the clarity of a better lens? Idk..compared to my pancake (which sucked) it is a step up.

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A community member

Sep 5, 2018

CoffeeWitchWhen you refer to you pancake, do you mean the 16-50 that usually comes with the A6xxx model? Because I can definitely tell you I have gotten way better pictures with it, than the 55-210 that I loaned. Focusing with that lens (I have a A6000 btw), was such bad each time. It constantly picked the wrong part to focus on (no matter the setting I tried). And it never seemed 'crisp'. I actually got interested in the 55-210 after seeing this positive video from Technologymafia (he has great reviews), but it was big let down.

https://youtu.be/U4BXdyE5HPE Quality wise my Sigma is the best lens I currently have. It outperforms even expensive Sony lenses. Now I want the 16mm 1.6 from Sony.

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CoffeeWitch

Sep 5, 2018

yeah! The 16-50 kit lens. I have the a6000 as well and that lens died on me after like 2-3 years. I bought the 55-210 and it was so much better in quality. I do admit when you use the zoom it does reduce the quality, which does suck. But overall for ME the pictures were definitely higher quality with this lens. Not sure why we have different experiences with it, kind of sucks..
I bought the manual lens from 7artisans the 25mm F1.8 lens... for $80 and the clarity is AMAZING....but no zoom which I'm fine with. I was trying to replace my kit lens with something less expensive until I buy another lens (which will probably be macro) and this lens is superb, and cheap.
How much was your sigma?

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A community member

Sep 7, 2018

CoffeeWitchI paid € 349 for it. Worth every penny. And I now really want the 16mm 1.4 as well! And the kit lens might not be the best, but the convenience of it, is great!

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