Sony Alpha SAL18250 Alpha DT 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 High Magnification
The 14x zoom range covers 18-250mm, offering wide-angle to long telephoto reach in a 440g body that stays compact thanks to internal focusing. Its 16 elements in 13 groups, including one ED glass element, deliver sharp long shots, while the circular aperture creates pleasing bokeh. Best for portrait and street photographers who want a single, lightweight lens for varied shooting without changing optics.
Sin precio actual de tiendas
Resumen
The 30-Second Version
A 14x zoom that's best-in-class for versatility and dirt cheap used. Just don't expect sharp macro shots or stabilized long telephoto.
Pros & Cons
Ventajas
- Insane 14x zoom range, 27-375mm equivalent 99th
- Compact and lightweight for the reach 83rd
- Circular aperture gives pleasing bokeh 82nd
- Internal focusing, lens length doesn't change 70th
Desventajas
- No stabilization, and it's a slow lens at the long end
- Macro performance is nearly dead last
- Build quality is mediocre
- Autofocus is just average
Opinión de los propietarios
The Word on the Street
Las pruebas
Performance
The versatility score sits in the 99th percentile, which is the absolute best right now for this type of lens. That's the whole story. The aperture range of f/3.5-6.3 is well above average for a superzoom, and the bokeh is a standout too, thanks to the circular aperture. But the optical quality is just solid, middle of the pack. The macro performance is a real letdown, one of the worst we've seen at 12th percentile. So you get the range, but don't expect to shoot tiny details up close.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Type | Zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 18 |
| Focal Length Max | 250 |
| Elements | 16 |
| Groups | 13 |
| ED Elements | 1 |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-6.3 |
| Constant | No |
Build
| Mount | Sony A |
| Format | APS-C |
| Weight | 0.4 kg / 1.0 lbs |
vs Competition
The Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM is the more sensible choice if you're on Canon, with stabilization and better build, but it tops out at 135mm. The Tamron 28-300mm f/4-7.1 is the modern full-frame equivalent with VC, but it's slower at the long end and costs way more. The Sony SAL18250 wins on pure reach per dollar. If you need stabilization, skip this and look at the Tamron. If you want the most zoom for the least money on A-mount, this is it.
| Spec | Sony Alpha SAL18250 Alpha DT 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 High Magnification | Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 VXD | Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 | Sigma Art 17-40mm f/1.8 DC | Nikon NIKKOR 20059 | Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 18-250mm | 28-300mm | 12-35mm | 17-40mm | 18-55mm | 28-70mm |
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/4 | f/2.8 | f/1.8 | f/3.5 | f/2.8 |
| Mount | Sony A | Sony E | Micro Four Thirds | Fujifilm X | Nikon F | Canon RF |
| Stabilization | false | true | true | false | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | false | true | true | true | false | true |
| Weight (g) | 440 | 590 | 306 | 535 | 205 | 495 |
| AF Type | - | VXD linear motor | Autofocus | HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) | pulse stepping motor | STM |
| Lens Type | zoom | zoom | zoom | zoom | zoom | zoom |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Producto | AF | Bokeh | Build | Macro | Optical | Aperture | Versatility | Valoración social | Stabilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony Alpha SAL18250 Alpha DT 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 High Magnification | 53.8 | 81.5 | 40 | 12.1 | 69.8 | 82.9 | 98.7 | 68.9 | 34.3 |
| Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 VXD Compare | 97.7 | 83.7 | 62.8 | 83.3 | 96.2 | 71 | 97.9 | 50.1 | 79.3 |
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 Compare | 53.8 | 86.7 | 83.7 | 48.9 | 86 | 88.4 | 80.4 | 86.1 | 96.4 |
| Sigma Art 17-40mm f/1.8 DC Compare | 53.8 | 97 | 67.1 | 72.4 | 96.6 | 95.4 | 75.7 | 94.1 | 34.3 |
| Nikon NIKKOR 20059 Compare | 84.6 | 81.5 | 83.5 | 95.4 | 54.5 | 82.9 | 82.8 | 81 | 92.3 |
| Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM Compare | 84.6 | 86.7 | 70.3 | 41.6 | 83.7 | 88.4 | 76.9 | 52.8 | 98.4 |
Precio
Value & Pricing
At $145 used, this is a no-brainer if you have an A-mount body and want a single travel lens. You're getting a 14x zoom for less than the price of a decent prime. The value is strong, especially for budget shooters. Just know you're buying convenience, not optical perfection.
Leer más
Overview
The Sony SAL18250 is the lens you buy when you want one lens to do everything on an A-mount body, and you're okay trading some sharpness for the convenience. It's a 14x zoom that goes from 18mm to 250mm, which on APS-C gives you a 27-375mm equivalent range. That's a massive spread in a compact, lightweight package. The one thing to know? It's a jack of all trades, master of none, but the versatility is genuinely best-in-class.
Common Questions
Q: Does this lens have image stabilization?
No. You'll need to rely on your camera body's stabilization if it has any, or keep your shutter speed up. At 250mm, that means 1/375s or faster on APS-C.
Q: Will this work on a full-frame Sony camera?
It's a DT lens, which means APS-C coverage only. On a full-frame A-mount body, you'll get heavy vignetting or the camera will crop automatically. It's designed for crop sensors.
Q: Is this good for wildlife or sports?
The 375mm equivalent reach is great for getting close, but the f/6.3 max aperture at the long end and lack of stabilization make it tough in anything but bright light. For daytime outdoor sports or perched birds, it works. For dawn or dusk wildlife, you'll struggle.
Who Should Skip This
If you need stabilization for handheld video or low-light telephoto shots, this isn't it. Go get the Tamron 28-300mm VC instead. And if macro is your thing, this lens is nearly useless for close-up work, grab a dedicated macro prime.
Verdict
Buy it if you have an A-mount camera and want one lens for travel, family events, and casual sports. The lack of stabilization means you'll need good light or steady hands at 250mm, but the range is unbeatable for the price. It's not a lens for pixel-peepers or macro fans, but as a do-everything walkaround, it's a solid pick.
