Sony Sony G Sony - E PZ 18-105mm f/4.0 G OSS Power Zoom Lens Review
The Sony 18-105mm f/4 is built for video, with smooth power zoom and great stabilization. But for photography, its mediocre image quality makes it hard to recommend.
Overview
This lens is a weird one. It's a power zoom lens designed for video shooters who need a smooth, constant aperture zoom range, but it makes some serious compromises to get there. The one thing you need to know is this: if you're not shooting video, there's almost no reason to buy it. For still photography, there are way better options at this price.
Performance
The stabilization is the star here, landing in the 91st percentile and making handheld video surprisingly stable. But the optical performance is a letdown, sitting in the 32nd percentile. You get clean, usable footage, but don't expect the sharp, punchy images you might get from a prime lens. The autofocus is just okay, ranking near the middle of the pack.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent image stabilization for smooth handheld video. 97th
- Constant f/4 aperture across the zoom range is great for video exposure. 93th
- Power zoom mechanism is smooth and perfect for video pulls. 92th
- Solid, well-built feeling for the price. 87th
Cons
- Optical quality is mediocre for still photos. 27th
- The f/4 aperture is slow, limiting you in low light. 30th
- Autofocus is just average and can hunt in dim scenes.
- It's heavy and bulky for what is ultimately a slow lens.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Type | Zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 18 |
| Focal Length Max | 105 |
| Elements | 16 |
| Groups | 12 |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | f/4 |
| Min Aperture | f/22 |
| Constant | Yes |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 |
Build
| Mount | Sony E-Mount |
| Weather Sealed | No |
| Weight | 0.4 kg / 0.9 lbs |
| Filter Thread | 72 |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | Yes |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 450 |
| Max Magnification | 0.11x |
Value & Pricing
At $560, it's a tough sell. You're paying a premium for the power zoom and constant aperture, features that are only valuable if you're a dedicated video shooter. For photo work, this price gets you much sharper lenses.
vs Competition
For Sony shooters, the Viltrox 35mm f/1.7 is half the price and will give you vastly better image quality and low-light performance for photos, but you lose the zoom. The Panasonic Lumix 14-140mm is a more direct competitor for hybrid shooters, offering a much wider zoom range, but its variable aperture is worse for video. If video is your main goal, this Sony lens has a purpose. If you take more photos, look elsewhere.
| Spec | Sony Sony G Sony - E PZ 18-105mm f/4.0 G OSS Power Zoom Lens | Meike Meike 55mm F1.4 Standard Aperture APS-C Frame AF | Sony Sony G Master Sony FE 35mm F1.4 GM Full-Frame Large-Aperture | Canon Canon L Canon - RF35mm F1.4 L VCM Wide-Angle Lens for EOS | Viltrox VILTROX 35mm F1.7 f/1.7 Air AF Lens for Fuji X | Nikon Nikon S-Line Nikon - NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II Wide-angle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 18-105mm | 55mm | 35mm | 35mm | 35mm | 24-70mm |
| Max Aperture | f/4 | f/1.4 | f/1.4 | f/1.4 | f/1.7 | f/2.8 |
| Mount | Sony E-Mount | Nikon Z | Sony E-Mount, Sony E-Mount (Full-Frame) | Canon RF | Fujifilm X | Nikon Z |
| Stabilization | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | false | false | true | true | false | true |
| Weight (g) | 427 | 281 | 522 | 544 | 400 | 676 |
| AF Type | Autofocus | STM | Autofocus | Autofocus | STM | Autofocus |
| Lens Type | Zoom | - | Wide-Angle | Wide-Angle | - | Wide-Angle Zoom |
Verdict
Only buy this if you're a videographer who specifically needs a smooth, powered zoom with a constant aperture on a Sony camera. For everyone else—especially photographers—skip it. There are sharper, faster, and more versatile lenses available for the same money or less.