Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS
Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S 100mm
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 Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S 100mm
The Nikon Z 100-400mm lens is highly praised for its sharpness, compact design, and excellent vibration reduction, making it a favorite for wildlife and travel photography. Users appreciate its versatility and compatibility with teleconverters, though a few note minor weaknesses like softness at 400mm and a design flaw where the reversed lens cap blocks zooming. Overall, it's considered a modern classic that delivers impressive image quality.
Pros
- Sharp image quality
- Compact and lightweight design
- Excellent vibration reduction
- Versatile for wildlife and travel
- Compatible with teleconverters
Cons
- Softness at 400mm
- Lens cap blocks zoom when reversed
- Minor weakness at long end
Scores
Specifications
| Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS | Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S 100mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 18 mm | 100 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 135 mm | 400 mm |
| Elements | 16 | 25 |
| Groups | 12 | 20 |
| Aspherical Elements | 1★ | — |
| ED Elements | 2 | 8★ |
| Coating | — | ARNEO and Nano Crystal Coatings |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/40 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | 4.5-5.6 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Sony E | Nikon Z |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.33 kg★ | 1.44 kg |
| Filter Thread | 55 mm | 77 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Linear motor★ | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | — | 5 stops★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 450 mm★ | 750 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.29x | 1:2.63★ |
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 (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong stabilization (81st percentile)81st %ile
Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S 100mm
- Strong optical (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong stabilization (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong social proof (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong versatility (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Below average aperture (2nd percentile)2nd %ile
- Below average bokeh (4th percentile)4th %ile
- Below average build (18th percentile)18th %ile
Pricing
Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS offers 4.2x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 91 overall, wins 8 of 9 usage categories and 4 of 22 specs.
