Sony 18-55mm SAM "made in Japan" Kit Lens

[Streets]

I have been comparing this lens to two very fine Minolta primes, a 24mm F2.8 and a Minolta 50mm f3.5 Macro. Using a tripod and adjusting the zoom to the F.L.'s of the primes under various lighting conditions I have come to an interesting conclusion. Using a factor of 10 for each of the primes, I would have to rate the kit lens a 9.8 for sharpness and a 9.95 in the other usual categories. Extreme corner sharpness was the main difference between the Kit zoom and the two primes. I will be using the kit lens for every thing but Macro work from now on. I would like to hear from others on this matter to see of they have had similar results.

[Hawgwild]

Ron, I too have the 18-55 SAM II lens, and I am also somewhat in awe of its capabilities. Here are a couple of shots I made at Christmas in New Orleans. I used the kit lens for the whole trip.




and this one, I was happy with.

[TCav]

Dyxum User Reviews for the 18-55 SAM II give a score of 4.43 (out of 5) for sharpness and 4.14 overall, while the Minolta 24/2.8 and 50/3.5 Macro get 4.46 and 4.94 respectively for sharpness and 4.47 and 4.84 respectively overall.

Based on objective test results at SLRGear.com, PhotoZone.de, and DxOMark.com, the kit lens is quite sharp especially stopped down, and it doesn't have any glaring flaws in any other respect.

Personally, when I got my A58, I sold the kit lens ($25 from Adorama, btw) (without ever removing the packing material) and bought a Tamron 17-50/2.8 (original A016), which by any measure is a superb lens. I use the Tamron for about 60% of my shots with the A58, and a 'Beercan', also a fine lens, for the rest.

[Streets]

I also love the the 'in camera" HDR ability of the A57