Sony DT 18 135mm F 3 5 5 6 SAM Review | 54 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£440
  • Avg. price in US: ~$500
  • Lens mount: Sony A
  • Maximum focal length: 135 mm
  • Maximum aperture (telephoto end): 5.6
  • Optical image stabilization: no
  • Maximum angle of view: 76 °

Sony DT 18 135mm F 3 5 5 6 SAM review. Compare 54 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among camera lenses and if it is worth buying.

6.8

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the camera lens's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best camera lenses on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

6.7

Technical Score

20.0%

7.3

User score

Good
6.7

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the camera lens's technical performance, covering eight key areas: sharpness, aperture flexibility, autofocus, stabilization, build quality, mount compatibility, close-focus performance, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

35.0%

7.9

Optics & Aperture

24.0%

6.3

Build & Handling

20.0%

5.8

Focus & Controls

10.0%

9.0

Lab Scores

8.0%

4.2

Stabilization

3.0%

1.0

Mount & Format

Good
7.3

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.

When it matters: When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.

Score components:

70.0%

8.4

User reviews

30.0%

4.7

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
(52)
amazon
4.0
(23)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
(61)

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

Very good
  • 7.0
    Low-light photography

    Score components:

    70.0%

    9.5

    Maximum aperture (telephoto end)

    30.0%

    1.0

    Optical image stabilization

  • 5.0
    Travel

    Score components:

    30.0%

    8.7

    Lens length

    25.0%

    7.7

    Lens diameter

    25.0%

    1.0

    Weather sealing (splashproof)

    20.0%

    1.0

    Optical image stabilization

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Best rankings

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Sony DT 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM is a versatile 7.5x superzoom lens designed for APS-C A-mount cameras, providing a 35mm equivalent focal range of 27–202.5mm. Its optical construction includes one extra-low dispersion (ED) glass element and two aspherical elements to suppress chromatic aberration and distortion, while a 7-blade circular aperture helps produce smooth bokeh. Key pros include a lightweight, travel-friendly design (approx. 398g), a minimum focusing distance of 0.45m for close-up shots, and a quiet Smooth Autofocus Motor (SAM) with a Direct Manual Focus override. However, notable cons include the lack of built-in optical image stabilization, occasional softness in the corners of the frame, and reduced autofocus speed in low-light conditions at the telephoto end.

Technical Specifications of Sony DT 18 135mm F 3 5 5 6 SAM

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the camera lens's technical performance, covering eight key areas: sharpness, aperture flexibility, autofocus, stabilization, build quality, mount compatibility, close-focus performance, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

35.0%

7.9

Optics & Aperture

24.0%

6.3

Build & Handling

20.0%

5.8

Focus & Controls

10.0%

9.0

Lab Scores

8.0%

4.2

Stabilization

3.0%

1.0

Mount & Format

6.7
Sony DT 18 135mm F 3 5 5 6 SAM has a technical score of 6.69 points, which is lower than 71.4% of camera lenses.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.

When it matters: When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.

Score components:

70.0%

8.4

User reviews

30.0%

4.7

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
(52)
amazon
4.0
(23)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
(61)

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

7.3
Sony DT 18 135mm F 3 5 5 6 SAM has a user score of 7.31 points, which is lower than 78.9% of camera lenses.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters: When you want to see which camera lenses attract the most buyer attention and review activity.
4.7
Sony DT 18 135mm F 3 5 5 6 SAM has a popularity of 4.7 points, which is lower than 60.8% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the camera lens's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.

Score components:

60.0%

6.8

Overall score

40.0%

8.2

Price

7.2
Sony DT 18 135mm F 3 5 5 6 SAM has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.2 points, which is lower than 56% of products in this category.
Lens type
What it is: The optical category that indicates whether the lens is a prime, zoom, macro, fisheye, or another design.
When it matters: When you are choosing between a prime, zoom, macro, or specialty lens for the kind of subjects you shoot.

Importance: LOW

zoom
Lens mount
What it is: The mechanical and electronic interface that determines which cameras the lens can be attached to.
When it matters: When camera compatibility and access to the right lens ecosystem are central to your buying decision.

Importance: LOW

Sony A
Sensor format coverage
What it is: The largest sensor size the lens is designed to cover without severe vignetting.
When it matters: When you need the lens to fully cover your camera sensor without heavy corner darkening.

Importance: LOW

APS-C
Filter thread size
What it is: The diameter of the front filter thread used for screw-in filters and compatible accessories.
When it matters: When you plan to use screw-in filters such as polarizers, ND filters, or protective glass.

Importance: LOW

62 mm
Teleconverter compatibility
What it is: Whether the lens can be used with compatible teleconverters to extend focal length.
When it matters: When you want to extend reach for wildlife or sports without changing to a different long lens.

Importance: HIGH

no
Sony DT 18 135mm F 3 5 5 6 SAM does not support teleconverters. 15.3% of camera lenses support teleconverters.
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Minimum focal length
What it is: The shortest focal length the lens can provide, which determines its widest framing.
When it matters: When wide framing matters for landscapes, interiors, architecture, or travel shots.

Importance: LOW

18 mm
Maximum focal length
What it is: The longest focal length the lens can reach, which determines its telephoto reach.
When it matters: When you need more reach for wildlife, sports, stage events, or distant details.

Importance: LOW

135 mm
Optical zoom
What it is: The ratio between the longest and shortest focal lengths available in the lens zoom range.
When it matters: When you want one lens to cover a broader range of compositions without swapping glass.

Importance: LOW

7.5x
Maximum angle of view
What it is: The widest scene the lens can capture at its shortest focal length.
When it matters: When you need to fit more of a room, skyline, or landscape into the frame.

Importance: LOW

76 °
Minimum angle of view
What it is: The narrowest scene the lens captures at its longest focal length.
When it matters: When you want tighter framing on faraway subjects without moving closer.

Importance: LOW

12 °
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Focus motor
What it is: The autofocus drive system responsible for moving lens elements into focus.
When it matters: When fast, quiet autofocus matters for video, wildlife, street shots, or moving subjects.

Importance: LOW

SAM
Minimum focus distance
What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.
When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.

Importance: MEDIUM

0.45 m
Sony DT 18 135mm F 3 5 5 6 SAM focuses as close as 0.45 m, which is farther than 63.6% of camera lenses and equal to 5.4% of camera lenses.
Maximum reproduction ratio
What it is: The highest magnification the lens can achieve when focusing at its closest distance.
When it matters: When close-up magnification matters for macro work, textures, or small product details.

Importance: MEDIUM

0.25x
Sony DT 18 135mm F 3 5 5 6 SAM reaches a reproduction ratio of 0.25x, which is higher than 70% of camera lenses and equal to 4.5% of camera lenses.
Full-time manual focus
What it is: The ability to adjust focus manually without leaving autofocus mode.
When it matters: When you want to fine-tune focus instantly without switching out of autofocus.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Sony DT 18 135mm F 3 5 5 6 SAM supports full-time manual focus. 68.3% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
Internal focusing
What it is: A focusing design in which internal elements move while the outer barrel length stays unchanged.
When it matters: When you use polarizers, gimbals, or close-up setups that benefit from a lens that does not extend while focusing.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Sony DT 18 135mm F 3 5 5 6 SAM supports internal focusing. 83.6% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
Barrel extends only during zooming.
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Optical image stabilization
What it is: A hardware system that shifts optical elements to counteract camera shake and reduce blur.
When it matters: When you want steadier handheld shots and less blur, especially in low light or at longer focal lengths.

Importance: HIGH

no
Sony DT 18 135mm F 3 5 5 6 SAM does not support optical image stabilization. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)
What it is: The rated stabilizer benefit, measured in stops, under CIPA testing standards.
When it matters: When you are comparing stabilized lenses and want to know how much handheld shutter-speed advantage they offer.

Importance: HIGH

?
Weight
What it is: The total mass of the lens, affecting portability and handling balance on the camera body.
When it matters: When you carry a lens all day for travel, hiking, or event coverage and want to keep your kit manageable.

Importance: HIGH

440 g
Sony DT 18 135mm F 3 5 5 6 SAM weighs 440 g, which is lighter than 62.3% of camera lenses.
Lens length
What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.
When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.

Importance: HIGH

86 mm
Sony DT 18 135mm F 3 5 5 6 SAM is 86 mm long, which is shorter than 58.3% of camera lenses and equal to the length of 0.5% of camera lenses.
Lens diameter
What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.
When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

76 mm
Sony DT 18 135mm F 3 5 5 6 SAM has a diameter of 76 mm, which is slimmer than 52.7% of camera lenses and equal to that of 1.1% of camera lenses.
Weather sealing (splashproof)
What it is: Protective sealing intended to resist splashes, dust, and light environmental exposure.
When it matters: When you often shoot outdoors in light rain, dust, or changing conditions.

Importance: HIGH

no
Sony DT 18 135mm F 3 5 5 6 SAM does not support weather sealing. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
Metal mount
What it is: A lens mount made of metal rather than plastic for greater durability at the camera connection point.
When it matters: When durability matters because you change lenses often or use heavier gear for work.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Sony DT 18 135mm F 3 5 5 6 SAM uses a metal lens mount. 93.1% of camera lenses use a metal lens mount.
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DxOMark overall score
What it is: The combined DxOMark lens rating based on lab-tested optical performance.
When it matters: When you want a quick lab-based summary of overall optical performance before comparing lenses in detail.

Importance: HIGH

?
DxOMark sharpness score
What it is: The DxOMark subscore that reflects how much detail the lens can resolve across the frame.
When it matters: When fine detail matters for landscapes, product work, or high-resolution cameras.

Importance: HIGH

?
DxOMark transmission
What it is: The measured light transmission of the lens, expressed as T-stop rather than nominal f-number.
When it matters: When real light loss matters for exposure consistency in studio, cinema, or mixed-lens shoots.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
DxOMark distortion
What it is: The DxOMark metric that measures how much the lens bends straight lines away from their true shape.
When it matters: When straight lines matter in architecture, interiors, copy work, or product photography.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
DxOMark vignetting
What it is: The DxOMark measurement of corner darkening relative to the center of the image.
When it matters: When even corner brightness matters for skies, studio backdrops, or clean product shots.

Importance: MEDIUM

0.900 EV
Sony DT 18 135mm F 3 5 5 6 SAM has DxOMark vignetting of 0.900 EV, which is lower than that of 69.8% of camera lenses and equal to that of 11.8% of camera lenses.
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Sony DT 18 135mm F 3 5 5 6 SAM vs the average camera lens

  • Has zoom lock switch
    Sony DT 18 135mm F 3 5 5 6 SAM has a zoom lock switch, the average camera lens does not. 8.6% of camera lenses include a zoom lock switch.
    Zoom lock switch present.
    What it is: A switch that locks the zoom position to prevent the lens from extending during transport.
    When it matters: When you carry the lens while walking or traveling and want to prevent zoom creep.

    Importance: LOW

    Sony DT 18 135mm F 3 5 5 6 SAM has a zoom lock switch, the average camera lens does not. 8.6% of camera lenses include a zoom lock switch.
  • 0.3 EV less vignetting
    Sony DT 18 135mm F 3 5 5 6 SAM has less vignetting than the average camera lens (0.9 EV vs 1.2 EV). The average lens has vignetting of 1.2 EV.
    What it is: The DxOMark measurement of corner darkening relative to the center of the image.
    When it matters: When even corner brightness matters for skies, studio backdrops, or clean product shots.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sony DT 18 135mm F 3 5 5 6 SAM has less vignetting than the average camera lens (0.9 EV vs 1.2 EV). The average lens has vignetting of 1.2 EV.0.900 EV vs 1.2 EV
  • 85.4 g lighter
    Sony DT 18 135mm F 3 5 5 6 SAM is lighter than the average camera lens (440 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.
    What it is: The total mass of the lens, affecting portability and handling balance on the camera body.
    When it matters: When you carry a lens all day for travel, hiking, or event coverage and want to keep your kit manageable.

    Importance: HIGH

    Sony DT 18 135mm F 3 5 5 6 SAM is lighter than the average camera lens (440 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.440 g vs 525.4 g
  • 6 mm shorter lens
    Sony DT 18 135mm F 3 5 5 6 SAM is shorter than the average camera lens (86 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
    What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.
    When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.

    Importance: HIGH

    Sony DT 18 135mm F 3 5 5 6 SAM is shorter than the average camera lens (86 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.86 mm vs 92 mm
  • Has zoom lock switch
    Sony DT 18 135mm F 3 5 5 6 SAM has a zoom lock switch, the average camera lens does not. 8.6% of camera lenses include a zoom lock switch.
  • 85.4 g lighter
    Sony DT 18 135mm F 3 5 5 6 SAM is lighter than the average camera lens (440 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.
  • 6 mm shorter lens
    Sony DT 18 135mm F 3 5 5 6 SAM is shorter than the average camera lens (86 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
  • 0.3 EV less vignetting
    Sony DT 18 135mm F 3 5 5 6 SAM has less vignetting than the average camera lens (0.9 EV vs 1.2 EV). The average lens has vignetting of 1.2 EV.
  • 2.8 higher f-number at telephoto end
    Sony DT 18 135mm F 3 5 5 6 SAM has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/5.6 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
  • 2 fewer aperture blades
    Sony DT 18 135mm F 3 5 5 6 SAM has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
  • 1 fewer low-dispersion elements
    Sony DT 18 135mm F 3 5 5 6 SAM has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
  • 0.15 m longer minimum focus distance
    Sony DT 18 135mm F 3 5 5 6 SAM has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.5 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
  • Not weather-sealed
    Sony DT 18 135mm F 3 5 5 6 SAM does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
  • Older release date
    Sony DT 18 135mm F 3 5 5 6 SAM was released earlier than the average camera lens.
  • Not weather-sealed
    Sony DT 18 135mm F 3 5 5 6 SAM does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
    What it is: Protective sealing intended to resist splashes, dust, and light environmental exposure.
    When it matters: When you often shoot outdoors in light rain, dust, or changing conditions.

    Importance: HIGH

    Sony DT 18 135mm F 3 5 5 6 SAM does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
  • 2.8 higher f-number at telephoto end
    Sony DT 18 135mm F 3 5 5 6 SAM has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/5.6 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
    What it is: The widest aperture available at the long end of the zoom range, affecting light intake and background blur.
    When it matters: When you shoot at the long end in low light or want stronger background blur for portraits and sports.

    Importance: HIGH

    Sony DT 18 135mm F 3 5 5 6 SAM has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/5.6 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.5.6 vs 2.8
  • 2 fewer aperture blades
    Sony DT 18 135mm F 3 5 5 6 SAM has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
    What it is: The number of diaphragm blades that shape the aperture opening and influence blur rendering.
    When it matters: When the look of out-of-focus highlights matters in portraits, close-ups, or cinematic video.

    Importance: HIGH

    Sony DT 18 135mm F 3 5 5 6 SAM has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.7 vs 9
  • Older release date
    Sony DT 18 135mm F 3 5 5 6 SAM was released earlier than the average camera lens.
    What it is: The date when the lens model was first officially introduced.
    When it matters: When you prefer a newer optical design with more modern autofocus, coatings, or stabilization features.

    Importance: LOW

    Sony DT 18 135mm F 3 5 5 6 SAM was released earlier than the average camera lens.2012 vs 2016
  • 0.15 m longer minimum focus distance
    Sony DT 18 135mm F 3 5 5 6 SAM has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.5 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
    What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.
    When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sony DT 18 135mm F 3 5 5 6 SAM has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.5 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.0.45 m vs 0.3 m
  • 1 fewer low-dispersion elements
    Sony DT 18 135mm F 3 5 5 6 SAM has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
    What it is: Optical elements designed to reduce color fringing by controlling how different wavelengths focus.
    When it matters: When you want cleaner edges and less color fringing in high-contrast scenes.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sony DT 18 135mm F 3 5 5 6 SAM has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.1 vs 2
  • 10.7% lower user score
    Sony DT 18 135mm F 3 5 5 6 SAM has a lower user score than the average camera lens (7.31 vs 8.091).
    What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.
    When it matters: When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
    Sony DT 18 135mm F 3 5 5 6 SAM has a lower user score than the average camera lens (7.31 vs 8.091).7.31 vs 8.09

Graphic comparison of Sony DT 18 135mm F 3 5 5 6 SAM and

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Third-party reviews

United States

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

What customers like about Sony DT 18 135mm F 3 5 5 6 SAM?

  • Versatile 7.5x zoom range (27-202.5mm equivalent) suitable for travel and everyday use
  • Fast and quiet Smooth Autofocus Motor (SAM) performance
  • Compact and lightweight design compared to other superzooms
  • Sharp center image quality throughout the zoom range
  • Direct Manual Focus (DMF) allows for quick focus overrides without changing menus
  • Minimal chromatic aberration thanks to ED and aspherical glass elements

What customers dislike about Sony DT 18 135mm F 3 5 5 6 SAM?

  • Noticeable barrel distortion at the wide (18mm) end
  • Lacks internal optical image stabilization (relies on camera body IBIS)
  • Poor edge and corner sharpness, especially at longer focal lengths
  • Not weather-sealed, making it less ideal for harsh environments
  • Relatively slow variable aperture (f/3.5-5.6) limits low-light performance
  • Can exhibit some mechanical vignetting when in-camera corrections are disabled

Expert reviews

P
photoreview.com.au
15/06/2012
Summary of the review
D
dyxum.com
07/03/2025
Summary of the review
D
digitalkamera.de
Juli 2012
Summary of the review
C
chip.de
20/02/2013
Summary of the review
H
helpx.adobe.com
abril de 2026
Summary of the review

Video reviews

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