Scored using Camera lenses Methodology v1.0
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Products in this category are evaluated mathematically under Frontumo Camera lenses Methodology v1.0 using verified laboratory benchmarks, technical specifications, and authentic consumer ratings with 0% commercial bias.
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Sony E 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 OSS Review | 54 Data compared

Avg. price:~£290Lens mount:Sony EMaximum focal length:55 mmMaximum aperture (telephoto end):5.6Optical image stabilization:yesMaximum angle of view:76 °

Sony E 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 OSS Review: Compare 54 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Camera lenses category and whether it is worth buying.

6.3

Overall score

Score
6.3/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

80%

5.7

Technical score

20%

8.5

User score

â–¼Worse than 72% of camera-lenses
5.7

Technical score

Technical score
5.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Camera lenses category across these key areas: Mount & Format, Optics & Aperture, Focus & Controls, Stabilization, Build & Handling, Lab Scores.
When it matters
When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

35%

4.1

Optics & Aperture

24%

6.6

Build & Handling

20%

6.0

Focus & Controls

10%

?

Lab Scores

8%

8.2

Stabilization

3%

1.0

Mount & Format

â–¼Worse than 74% of camera-lenses
8.5

User score

User score
8.5/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

8.8

User ratings

30%

7.7

Number of reviews

Based on 461 buyer reviews from online shops.
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
â–²Better than 54% of camera-lenses
  • sony-e-18-55mm-f3-5-5-6-oss
  • sony-e-18-55mm-f3-5-5-6-oss
  • sony-e-18-55mm-f3-5-5-6-oss
  • sony-e-18-55mm-f3-5-5-6-oss
sony-e-18-55mm-f3-5-5-6-oss
sony-e-18-55mm-f3-5-5-6-oss
sony-e-18-55mm-f3-5-5-6-oss
sony-e-18-55mm-f3-5-5-6-oss

Best prices

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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of camera lens Sony E 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 OSS

Technical score
Technical score
5.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Camera lenses category across these key areas: Mount & Format, Optics & Aperture, Focus & Controls, Stabilization, Build & Handling, Lab Scores.
When it matters
When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

35%

4.1

Optics & Aperture

24%

6.6

Build & Handling

20%

6.0

Focus & Controls

10%

?

Lab Scores

8%

8.2

Stabilization

3%

1.0

Mount & Format

5.7
User score
User score
8.5/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

8.8

User ratings

30%

7.7

Number of reviews

Based on 461 buyer reviews from online shops.
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
8.5
Popularity
Popularity
7.7/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Popularity:
Sony E 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 OSS has a popularity score of 7.7 points, which is higher than 55.4% of camera lenses.
7.7
Value for money
Value for money
7.1/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

60%

6.3

Overall score

40%

9.0

Price

7.1
Lens type
zoom
Lens mount
Sony E
Sensor format coverage
APS-C
Filter thread size
49 mm
Teleconverter compatibility
no
Teleconverter compatibility
no
This camera lens does not support teleconverters. 15.3% of camera lenses support teleconverters.
Show more
Minimum focal length
18 mm
Maximum focal length
55 mm
Optical zoom
3xx
Maximum angle of view
76 °
Minimum angle of view
29 °
Show more
Focus motor
STM
Minimum focus distance
0.25 m
Minimum focus distance
0.25 m
This camera lens focuses as close as 0.25 m, which is closer than 65.6% of camera lenses and equal to 8.1% of camera lenses.
Maximum reproduction ratio
0.3xx
Maximum reproduction ratio
0.3x
This camera lens reaches a reproduction ratio of 0.3x, which is higher than 81.6% of camera lenses and equal to 1.8% of camera lenses.
Full-time manual focus
yes
Full-time manual focus
yes
This camera lens supports full-time manual focus. 68.3% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
Override via DMF mode.
Internal focusing
yes
Internal focusing
yes
This camera lens supports internal focusing. 83.6% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
Barrel extends only during zooming.
Show more
Optical image stabilization
yes
Optical image stabilization
yes
This camera lens supports optical image stabilization. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)
4 stops
Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)
4 stops
This camera lens offers 4 stops of stabilization, which is stronger than 21.3% of camera lenses and equal to 44.5% of camera lenses.
Weight
214 g
Weight
214 g
This camera lens weighs 214 g, which is lighter than 84.9% of camera lenses and equal to the weight of 0.3% of camera lenses.
Lens length
60 mm
Lens length
60 mm
This camera lens is 60 mm long, which is shorter than 81.4% of camera lenses and equal to the length of 0.2% of camera lenses.
Lens diameter
62 mm
Lens diameter
62 mm
This camera lens has a diameter of 62 mm, which is slimmer than 90.2% of camera lenses and equal to that of 0.8% of camera lenses.
Weather sealing (splashproof)
no
Weather sealing (splashproof)
no
This camera lens does not support weather sealing. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
Metal mount
yes
Metal mount
yes
This camera lens uses a metal lens mount. 93.6% of camera lenses use a metal lens mount.
Show more
DxOMark overall score
?
DxOMark sharpness score
?
DxOMark transmission
?
DxOMark distortion
?
DxOMark vignetting
?
Show more

Sony E 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 OSS vs the average camera lens

246810TotalMount & FormatOptics & ApertureFocus & ControlsStabilizationBuild & HandlingLab Scores
  • Has optical image stabilization
    Optical image stabilization
    yes
    This camera lens has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
  • 296 g lighter
    Weight
    214 g
    This camera lens is lighter than the average camera lens (214 g vs 510 g). The average lens weighs 510 g.
    214 g vs 510 g
  • 2 more aspherical elements
    Aspherical elements
    4
    This camera lens has more aspherical elements than the average camera lens (4 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
    4 vs 2
  • 15 mm narrower lens barrel
    Lens diameter
    62 mm
    This camera lens is slimmer than the average camera lens (62 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
    62 mm vs 77 mm
  • 32.25 mm shorter lens
    Lens length
    60 mm
    This camera lens is shorter than the average camera lens (60 mm vs 92.25 mm). The average lens has a length of 92.25 mm.
    60 mm vs 92.25 mm
  • 0.11 x higher maximum reproduction ratio
    Maximum reproduction ratio
    0.3 x
    This camera lens has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.3 x vs 0.2 x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192 x.
    0.3 x vs 0.192 x
  • 0.05 m shorter minimum focus distance
    Minimum focus distance
    0.25 m
    This camera lens has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.3 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
    0.25 m vs 0.3 m
  • 2 more aspherical elements
    Aspherical elements
    4
    This camera lens has more aspherical elements than the average camera lens (4 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
    4 vs 2
  • 0.11 x higher maximum reproduction ratio
    Maximum reproduction ratio
    0.3 x
    This camera lens has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.3 x vs 0.2 x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192 x.
    0.3 x vs 0.192 x
  • 0.05 m shorter minimum focus distance
    Minimum focus distance
    0.25 m
    This camera lens has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.3 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
    0.25 m vs 0.3 m
  • Has optical image stabilization
    Optical image stabilization
    yes
    This camera lens has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
  • 296 g lighter
    Weight
    214 g
    This camera lens is lighter than the average camera lens (214 g vs 510 g). The average lens weighs 510 g.
    214 g vs 510 g
  • 15 mm narrower lens barrel
    Lens diameter
    62 mm
    This camera lens is slimmer than the average camera lens (62 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
    62 mm vs 77 mm
  • 32.25 mm shorter lens
    Lens length
    60 mm
    This camera lens is shorter than the average camera lens (60 mm vs 92.25 mm). The average lens has a length of 92.25 mm.
    60 mm vs 92.25 mm
  • 2.8 higher f-number at telephoto end
    Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
    5.6
    This camera lens 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
  • Not weather-sealed
    Weather sealing (splashproof)
    no
    This camera lens does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
  • 2 fewer aperture blades
    Aperture blades
    7
    This camera lens has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
    7 vs 9
  • 2 fewer low-dispersion elements
    Low-dispersion elements
    0
    This camera lens has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
    0 vs 2
  • Older release date
    Release date
    2010
    This camera lens was released earlier than the average camera lens.
    2010 vs 2016
  • 2.8 higher f-number at telephoto end
    Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
    5.6
    This camera lens 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
    Aperture blades
    7
    This camera lens has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
    7 vs 9
  • 2 fewer low-dispersion elements
    Low-dispersion elements
    0
    This camera lens has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
    0 vs 2
  • Not weather-sealed
    Weather sealing (splashproof)
    no
    This camera lens does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
  • Older release date
    Release date
    2010
    This camera lens was released earlier than the average camera lens.
    2010 vs 2016

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

E
ephotozine.com
13/02/2014
Summary of the review
S
sonyalphalab.com
12/10/2011
Summary of the review
K
kenrockwell.com
No precise date (Updated ~2013)
Summary of the review
I
imaging-resource.com
15/01/2011
Summary of the review
L
lenstip.com
15/03/2011
Summary of the review
P
photozone.de
01/06/2010
Summary of the review
R
radojuva.com
11/10/2019
Summary of the review
D
dpreview.com
11/05/2010
Summary of the review
P
photozone.de
01/07/2012
Summary of the review
D
digitalkamera.de
02/09/2011
Summary of the review
R
radojuva.com
11/10/2019
Summary of the review
R
radojuva.com
11/10/2019
Summary of the review
F
fotografiastore.it
Unknown
Summary of the review
R
radojuva.com
11/10/2019
Summary of the review
T
tweakers.net
16/05/2012
Summary of the review
S
starthiking.nl
11/10/2019
Summary of the review
T
tweakers.net
06/01/2011
Summary of the review
F
fotografie.nl
08/07/2010
Summary of the review

Third-party reviews

Based on 461 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: July 2026 · How we calculate this

What we like about Sony E 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 OSS

  • Solid build quality featuring an aluminum alloy finish and metal rings
  • Effective Optical SteadyShot (OSS) image stabilization (up to 4 stops)
  • Compact and lightweight design ideal for travel and everyday use
  • Quiet and smooth autofocus motor, making it suitable for video vlogging
  • High center sharpness, especially when stopped down to f/5.6 or f/8
  • Includes a dedicated lens hood and accepts common 49mm filters
  • Good close-up performance with a 0.3x maximum magnification ratio

What we don't like about Sony E 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 OSS

  • Noticeable barrel distortion at 18mm and pincushion distortion at 35mm
  • Weak edge and corner sharpness, particularly at the wide end
  • Visible vignetting (darkened corners) when shooting wide open
  • Variable narrow aperture (f/3.5-5.6) limits low-light performance
  • Lack of weather sealing makes it susceptible to dust and moisture
  • Larger overall size compared to the newer 16-50mm 'pancake' kit lens
  • Chromatic aberration (purple fringing) can occur in high-contrast scenes

Verdict

The Sony E 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 OSS is a versatile standard zoom lens designed for APS-C mirrorless cameras, offering a 35mm equivalent focal range of 27-82.5mm and a compact optical design consisting of 11 elements in 9 groups. Key characteristics include built-in Optical SteadyShot (OSS) image stabilisation providing up to four stops of compensation, a quiet internal stepping motor for smooth autofocus, and a premium aluminium alloy exterior. Its main pros are the reliable handheld performance in low light, its lightweight 194g build, and a circular 7-blade aperture that produces pleasing bokeh. However, some cons include noticeable barrel distortion at the wide end, softness at the frame edges when shooting wide open, and susceptibility to flare in bright lighting conditions.

Compare Sony E 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 OSS with other products in the Camera lenses category

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