Sony SEL18135
Sirui 23AS12E-B
What Buyers Say
Sony SEL18135
The Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS lens is widely praised as an excellent all-in-one travel and walkaround lens for APS-C E-mount cameras. Users consistently highlight its sharpness, compact size, light weight, and versatile 27-200mm equivalent zoom range. While many note it is not ideal for low light and some report significant vignetting at the wide end, the overall sentiment is very positive, with most considering it a great value kit lens upgrade.
Pros
- Sharp image quality
- Compact and lightweight
- Versatile 27-200mm equivalent zoom range
- Effective optical image stabilization
- Fast and accurate autofocus
Cons
- Significant vignetting at 18mm wide end
- Not ideal for low light photography
- Variable aperture limits brightness at telephoto
- Some copies may have quality control issues
- Slight autofocus lag compared to premium lenses
Sirui 23AS12E-B
The Sirui Sniper series lenses are widely praised for their outstanding value for money, delivering solid build quality and impressive image results at a budget-friendly price. Users highlight the fast f/1.2 aperture for excellent low-light performance and beautiful bokeh, as well as reliable autofocus for both photo and video work. However, some reviewers note that sharpness is not optimal wide open and that chromatic aberration can be noticeable. A few users reported autofocus inconsistencies in demanding situations, and one review mentioned a non-functional lens mount. Overall, this lens series is highly recommended for APS-C shooters seeking a cinematic look without the high cost, though minor optical and operational compromises exist.
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Bright f/1.2 aperture
- Good build quality
- Reliable autofocus
- Beautiful bokeh
Cons
- Soft wide open at f/1.2
- Noticeable chromatic aberration
- Autofocus inconsistencies in demanding situations
- Heavy weight for some models
- Non-functional lens mount reported
Scores
Specifications
| Sony SEL18135 | Sirui 23AS12E-B | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 18 mm | 23 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 135 mm | 23 mm |
| Elements | 16 | 12 |
| Groups | 12 | 11 |
| Aspherical Elements | 1★ | — |
| ED Elements | 2★ | — |
| Coating | — | high refractive elements |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/16 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/1.2 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 11★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Sony E | Fujifilm X |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | ✗ | — |
| Weight | 0.33 kg★ | 0.38 kg |
| Filter Thread | 55 mm | 58 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Linear motor★ | STM |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 450 mm | 300 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 0.29x★ | — |
Pros & Cons
Sony SEL18135
- Strong af (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong versatility (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong social proof (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong stabilization (81st percentile)81st %ile
Sirui 23AS12E-B
- Strong social proof (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong af (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong macro (71st percentile)
- Strong build (65th percentile)
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
Verdict
Scores 90 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 6 of 21 specs.