This is a great deal on this lens, which ordinarily sells for >$1,000 new. I'm a little bummed out since I recently bought a used copy for $550, which I thought was a great deal!
It's an APS-C lens designed for the A6000 line cameras.
My theory of the price reduction is due to Tamron's recent announcement of their new 17-70mm F/2.8 with VC for APS-C, which will likely sell for ~$1,000.
I have been using this for over 5 years. Great performer for overall shooting. Stellar bokeh. The only cons is low-light shooting but you can't ask much for a F4 lens.
For 640 it is such a steal !
I also had this for 5 years, totally agree with what you said, also:
The actual focal range of this is about 24-105mm comparative to full-frame, Which covers 90% the type of photos a person would normally shoot.
I initially had this on my A6000, without IBIS I have ~60% image keep rate (when its in focus and not blurred).
When I upgraded to A6500, with IBIS, I can get ~80% image keep rate.
This lens cannot complete with any primes, but it is very versatile.
5 years ago, this lens blew me away what a compact mirrorless can do compared to a traditional DSLR; AF and EVF.
However, fast forward 5 years to the present-day, the image capturing experience of mobile phones has caught up big time. I don't think this lens stands out with wide-end and mid-range photos, compared to what modern smart phone can do. Dare I say night mode on a smartphone is putting the Sony system processing to shame.
TLDR: This lens has to be at this price to sell to new Sony adoptors. The 18-135 ($50 more) is worth considering if you wanted more reach.
Actually renowned as a fairly ordinary lens. Was one of the first general purpose f4 lenses for the original A7/R and much better ones now available ( and maybe cheaper-look at Tamron for instance)
Good for video on FF though, as less that is challenging, maybe ok on crop, but not for the A7 or A7R lines if you are into photos
So this is based on the same lens arrangement as the SEL2470Z but for APS-C?
what lens do people recommend for shooting reaction videos like pranks. Asking for a friend
Mm how would you play prank anyone and point a camera at them?
Use a spycam or gopro ..
I had this lens. It ended up staying on my camera most of the time. Very versatile in everything except of low light. The colours look great too!
Worth it as someone that has the 18-105 F4? I feel like the only benefits of this over that would be the smaller size in exchange for 35mm of range at the top end.
I've both and get rid of the 105 later. In addition to the size (as I tend to travel a lot), I am a bokeh madman - and IMHO it's better on the Zeiss ;).
I have the Sony 18-105 F4 as well and I was tempted a few years back. There are a lot of talks about this lens. The problem I read is that the quality control of this lens varies. Someone loves it to death and it is the best thing. Many said they have soft edges and useless for landscape. Many reviews I read, if you get a GOOD one, it may be very slightly better than the 18-105, but it is a bit of a gamble. I end up staying with the 18-105. I have my end on 16-55 F2.8 instead (I know it is 3 times more expensive)
Digi direct is selling this at a similar price. I will recommend go into the shop and TEST it out and make sure you get a GOOD one. If you end up buying it, I will sell the 18-105 rather than keeping both.
Yes, the mixed reviews are very difficult to reconcile.
18-105 is my most use len and also my only travel len.
I had the dilemma of choosing between those two lenses years ago.
1.The 16 mm wide end helps a tad more with indoor versatility
2. The Zeiss was noticeably more compact.
3. Although ultimately, I did not want the FOMO if I bought the cheaper 18-105.
NB: Now that I also own a 18-200mm (silver one). I find my self using that lens just as much as the Zeiss. Great range and image quality too, bar the slower AF and poorer low light.
If I were you, I would just save the cash and upgrade to the 18-135 lens, better than both the Zeiss and 18-105 in almost every aspect. That is if you do not intend to move on to Full-frame anytime soon.
The Tamron lens mentioned in the post is available to (pre?) order already at some places already (official launch isn't until January)
https://www.georges.com.au/tamron-17-70mm-f-2-8-di-iii-a-vc-…
Cheapest I've seen so far.
Good price for this lens.
Same price at the Sony store
https://store.sony.com.au/lenses-zeiss/SEL1670Z.html
And can get an extra 5% back if you enter via Cashrewards
https://www.cashrewards.com.au/sony
I'm just pretty bummed because I have a Sony A77M2 and of course, A-mount lenses…
Looks like a. E-mount version of a lens that was great on A-mount. A real gem for those on APS-C