The TRUTH about the Sony 18-105 f4 Lens

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This was my main lens for videography for the last few years. I have learned a lot from it, but it just might be time to move on. Something that I should have emphasized on in the video is that the build quality is probably one of the best, but also expected as it is a G lens. I've seen people use this lens even for the cinema camera line, so my apsc folks, what do you think?!?!

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Have you used this lens before? Im curious to know what you think about it!

shotbykien

I have used the Sony 18-105 lens a lot over the past four years. I originally purchased it for indoor choir performances with good stage lights. Subsequently, I purchased the Tamron 17-70 because some other sorts of performances really needed the 2.8 speed, and more recently, I bought the Sigma 18-50, and in my experience, these three lenses serve very different purposes. (Keep in mind I also have the Sigma 30 and 56, Sony 24 1.8 ZA and other lenses, and I've sold many lenses.) The 18-50 2.8 is on my camera most of the time. The 2.8 is about enough for indoor shots of miscellaneous at home. The Tamron 17-70 2.8 is a perfect event lens for just about everything including most indoor stage work. I use the Sony 18-105 for 4k video of outdoor sports. The f4 is barely enough when you have people running and need high shutter speeds, but those other two zooms just don't have the needed reach. With this kind of sports video, I need relatively wide view sometimes like at least 35/52, and more reach to say 135 would be helpful. I've considered the 18-135, but frankly, the power zoom of the 18-105 is very helpful for smooth zooms like when a player is running fast toward you or passed you, and for night games, the f4 is barely adequate. I read that Sigma has submitted a patent for a 50-140 1.8, and while 50 is a little tight, I would probably have to buy that for sports, especially if I'm standing in bleachers, farther from the players than from the side lines.

markfleming

I got this lens $400 USA Dollars in 2019 when I bought my a6500 and still use it today. Works for me.. I also got a Sony remote to control the zoom and record button.

rothellecooke

Same here. I loved that lens, but I sold it because I find myself using primes 99% of the time, and combined with the f/4, it was too limiting, ALTHOUGH, the ISO in my a6400 is pretty amazing, I have to say. Also, I keep the kit lens around, the 16-50, because at 16mm it's f3.5, which is BETTER than the 18-105, and it stays at f/4 through to 23mm, which is equivalent to 35mm, and so, yeah... it made sense to sell the 18-105, but sometimes I regret it, because it was SO STABLE. The Sony 35mm f1.8 stays on my camera most of the time, along with the Samyang 12mm f2, manual lens. I can do pretty much everything with those two lenses. I have a few vintage lenses as well, 28mm and 50mm, both manual, and it was bye, bye 18-105. ;) Great video, looking forward to more...

RockWILK

I have had it for 3-4 years now as my only lens for my a6000. It has served me good for travel and it has great flexibility.
Recently bought the 70-350 so i will be looking into replacing it with something up to 50-60mm when i got the budget.

jmkhenka

I'm mainly doing photography but have interest in experimenting with videography. I knew this lens was mainly purposed for video, but I've watched positive reviews and got a nice offer from a friend, so I bought it for 440 USD.
After using the Sigma 56mm and 30mm primes for photography, the sharpness on my first zoom lens 18-105mm was quite a disappointment (not sure if it's faulty, I doubt). Of course, comparing the primes with zooms at this range is like comparing 'lemons and oranges', but yeah. However, this level of sharpness is totally OK and suitable for video/filmography.
I agree with everything you've mentioned. I'd add that it's not a great lens for photography, although I've seen some good photos taken with it.

sleepless

Just bought this beast lens for my a6500 a couple of weeks ago. Tried it yesterday, awesome!

scphotography

Agree with your comments. Loved this lens for a long long time but feel like there is better out there now. Thanks!

AdamRomanoExplores

This is a video lens, so what power zoom video lens going up to 105 is even comparable? Most lenses that are compared here and in the comments are photo lenses.

michaelpetersenfilm

i am buying a used one for 275$ to replace the kit lens in my ZV-E10 thanks for the breakdown. do you think its still worth it for that price?

Johnny_smathers

This lens helped me a lot when filming my wedding, put it on a gimbal and made some really nice shots (better than expected). But at the party in the night I really needed to switch to my 35mm Sony and 16mm Sigma. You need to re-balance your gimbal when you put a Tamron 17-70 on it and zoom in and out during a session on a gimbal right? That's my biggest point of selling this 18-105 for the Sigma 18-50 or Tamron 17-70..

justinlosekoot

I found one used and locally for $280 and currently saving up for it. Still gonna consider it cuz I heard that it has a much better stabilization cuz of the weight than the kit lens I got ^^

ElasticoOFCL

I use this lens on my FS7 all the time, it works great with the zoom rocker on the handle. For lower light situations I use the Tamron 17-70mm f2.8 or my Sigma 35mm f1.4. It‘s a great lens to have in your kit, especially for the price.

I mainly shoot motorsports and ship races.

herogrootenhuis

The Sony 18-105mm lens is excellent for green screen. The aperture doesn't matter, you will always have studio lights.

infinitesimulationstv

This combined with a good 50mm prime lense would fix the light issue. Use this for outdoor situations and a good f1.5 prime lense for night shots. No matter what its best to mix a good amount of lenses for the situation.

omegafire

Thinking of buying this lens for full frame camera(A7III) for second shooter ar the weddings.

lazdafilms

Size, price, and weight for this much zoom range makes this a keeper lens for me.

artistjoh

Loved this video Kien, and your editing touch is flawless, looking forward for some more vids :)

SachaBourlon

Great video! I'm considering buying this since the Tamron 17-70mm f2.8 is around twice the price for this lens. The 18-135mm kit lens is also on my watchlist since it's similar price and performance wise but I'm not a fan of its variable aperture.

Help me decide if you don't mind. This, the 18-135mm, or should I just save up and buy the Tamron 17-70 instead?

TheMonsieurSalty

Im about to start cinematography should I buy it as my first purchase, any sugguestions?

rohitjagtap