Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS
Nikon NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4 S
What Buyers Say
Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS
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
Nikon NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4 S
The Nikon 24-120mm f/4 VRII is widely praised as a versatile, sharp, and well-built walk-around lens for full-frame Nikon cameras. Users love the constant f/4 aperture, effective VR, and the useful 24-120mm range, which makes it ideal for travel, events, and everyday photography. While some note it is a bit heavy and pricey, and a few report softness or quality control issues, the overwhelming majority consider it an excellent value and a worthy upgrade from kit lenses.
Pros
- Versatile 24-120mm zoom range
- Constant f/4 aperture throughout zoom
- Effective Vibration Reduction (VR)
- Sharp image quality across focal lengths
- Solid build and durable construction
Cons
- Heavier than some comparable lenses
- Relatively expensive (new)
- Some copies have softness issues
- Maximum aperture f/4 is slow for low light
- Zoom ring position can be awkward
Scores
Specifications
| Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS | Nikon NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4 S | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 18 mm | 24 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 135 mm | 120 mm |
| Elements | 16 | 16 |
| Groups | 12 | 13 |
| Aspherical Elements | 1 | 3★ |
| ED Elements | 2 | 2 |
| Coating | — | Nano Crystal Coat, Super Integrated Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/4 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Sony E | Nikon F |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.33 kg★ | 0.63 kg |
| Filter Thread | 55 mm | 77 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Linear motor★ | Silent Wave Motor |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | — | 4 stops★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 450 mm | 350 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 0.29x | 1:2.56★ |
Pros & Cons
Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS
- Strong af (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong versatility (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong social proof (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong aperture (83rd percentile)83rd %ile
Nikon NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4 S
- Strong versatility (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong stabilization (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong optical (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong social proof (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average bokeh (25th percentile)
Pricing
Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS
No current pricing available
Nikon NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4 S
Verdict
Scores 92 overall, wins 7 of 9 usage categories and 2 of 22 specs.
