Sony E-Mount Lens Guide Here >>

New Sony Nex-6 and Three New E-mount Lenses Announced! Full Breakdown

Sony Nex-6 Review

The New Sony Nex-6 is the first Nex style camera since the Nex-7 that I personally consider buying, simple for the inclusion of the EVF viewfinder! I already have the Nex-7 but as you may know I broke it, so I won’t be buying a new one of those. The Nex-6 is very tempting though, and the number of Pre-Orders at Amazon is off the hook!! Check it out over Here >> if your curious.

We also have three New E-Mount Lenses to go over!! The first being the New Sony 16-50mm pancake power zoom lens that is an optional kit lens for the Nex-6. The Second is the New 35mm f/1.8 OSS Lens, and the last but most interesting in my opinion, is the ultra wide angle Sony 10-18mm OSS Zoom lens!!
With these new lenses the Sony Nex Camera system is really becoming a force to be reckoned with in my opinion. Huge sensor and a strong lens line-up that continues to grow with quality product. I’m very confident that these lenses will perform really well based on the other E-Mount lenses I’ve already tested. I’ll review them all though, so stay tuned for that!!

The New Sony Nex-6

Starting with the Sony Nex-6 we have an all New 16mp sensor with some new PDAF sensors embedded inside of it which should make the auto focus performance faster and more accurate than the previous gen Nex cameras.

The innovative Fast Hybrid AF system* combines phase- and contrast-detect AF methods. It uses 99 phase-detection AF points arrayed on the image sensor to detect a subject’s distance and direction to quickly lock focus on it, and then utilizes contrast-detection AF to confirm extremely fine focus detail. In Speed Priority Continuous shooting mode, the camera automatically switches to phase detection tracking AF to track fast-moving action accurately in each frame at up to 10 frames per second.
We also have a very high quality viewfinder built into the camera which really is imperative for outdoor daylight shooting. This is what made the Nex-7 so incredible attractive in addition to the superior build quality of course.

The NEX-6 model features an XGA OLED Tru-Finder™ EVF for precision framing and focusing. This 2.36 million dot electronic viewfinder gives a bright, detail-packed, high contrast view of still images and video, with 100% frame coverage and a wide field of view to rival pro-grade optical viewfinders. On-screen grid lines and a digital level gauge can be displayed to assist with accurate framing.

Next we have the built in WiFi which was only a matter of time if you think about it.

Shared with the NEX-5R model, integrated Wi-Fi on the NEX-6 camera allows photos to be transferred wirelessly to a smartphone or tablet running Sony’s free PlayMemories Mobile™ app (free of charge), available on both Android™ and Apple iOS platforms. Additionally, content can be directly uploaded from the camera to Facebook® using a Wi-Fi connection and the new “Direct Upload” application, part of Sony’s new PlayMemories Camera Apps™ platform.

The PlayMemories Camera Apps platform is the world’s first application download service in an interchangeable lens camera that allows consumers to install new functions on demand, tailoring their cameras to fit personal shooting needs. The service can be accessed over Wi-Fi or when the camera is connected directly to a PC via USB.**

Sony Nex-6 Product Photos:

Check out the Sony Nex-6 which goes for ~$898 US @ BHPhotoVideo (Click Here), Amazon (Click Here), Adorama (Click Here)

Sony Nex-6
Sony Nex-6 – Body Only
Nex-6 - Back
Nex-6 – Back
Nex-6 - Top
Nex-6 – Top
Nex-6 - Bottom
Nex-6 – Bottom
Nex-6 - Ports Exposed
Nex-6 – Ports Exposed


Check out the Sony Nex-6 with the New 16-50mm power zoom lens which goes for ~$998 US @ BHPhotoVideo (Click Here), Amazon (Click Here), Adorama (Click Here)

Sony Nex-6 w/ 16-50mm power zoom kit lens
Sony Nex-6 w/ 16-50mm power zoom kit lens
Nex-6 w/ 16-5omm kit Lens
Nex-6 w/ 16-5omm kit Lens
Sony Nex-6 w/ 16-50mm power zoom lens
Sony Nex-6 w/ 16-50mm power zoom lens
Sony Nex-6 w/ 16-50mm power zoom kit lens
Sony Nex-6 w/ 16-50mm power zoom kit lens
Nex-6 w/ 16-5omm kit Lens from the bottom
Nex-6 w/ 16-5omm kit Lens from the bottom
Camera Type Sony E-mount interchangeable lens digital camera with built-in flash
Lens Compatibility Sony E-mount lenses
Imaging Sensor Imaging Sensor: Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor (23.5 X 15.6mm)
Anti Dust: Charge protection coating on Optical Filter and ultrasonic vibration mechanism
Pixel Gross: Approx. 16.7 megapixels
Effective Picture Resolution: Approx. 16.1 megapixels
Focal Length Conversion Factor: 1.5x
Color Filter System: RGB primary color filters
Optics/Lens Lens Mount Type: Sony E-mount lenses
Digital Zoom: Approx. 4x (still images and movie) Smart Zoom (M: approx. 1.4x, S:approx. 2x)
Smart Zoom Technology: M: approx. 1.4x, S:approx. 2x
Lens Compensation Peripheral Shading, Chromatic Aberration, Distortion
Viewfinder Eye point: Approx. 23mm from the eyepiece, 21mm from the eyepiece frame at 1m (diopter)
Brightness control: Auto, Manual (3 steps between -1 and +1)
Display: Display basic info; Levels; Histogram
Number of dots : 2,359,296 dots
Type: 1.3 cm (0.5 type) Electronic viewfinder
Diopter Adjustment: -4m-1 to +1.0m-1 (diopter)
Field of View: 100% coverage
Print Compatible Standards Exif Print, Print Image Matching III, DPOF setting
Flash Sync Speed Flash sync speed: 1/160 s
Metering System “Exmor” APS HD CMOS sensor
Continuous Shooting No. of frame recordable (approx.): Fine: 15 frames, Standard: 16 frames, RAW:11 frames, RAW&JPG: 10 framesSpeed (approx., max.) : Continuous mode: max. 3 fps; Speed Priority Continuous shooting: max. 10 fps
Auto Portrait Framing Still images: Yes
Drive Mode Single-shot, Continuous shooting, Speed Priority continuous shooting, Self-timer (10/2s delay selectable), Self-timer (10/2s delay 3/5 exposures selectable), Bracketing, Remote Cdr
Self-Timer 2s or 10s delay (single, continuous 3 or 5 frames)
Shutter Speeds Still images: 1/4000 to 30s (Bulb)
Movies: 1/4000 to 1/4 (1/3 steps) up to 1/60 in AUTO mode (up to 1/30 in Auto slow shutter)
Shutter Type Electronically-controlled, vertical-traverse, focal-plane type
Focus System Fast Hybrid AF (phase-detection AF/contrast-detection AF) with “Exmor” APS HD CMOS sensor
Focus Points 99 points (phase-detection AF), 25 points (contrast-detection AF)
AF Modes AF-S: Single-shot AF, AF-C: Continuous AF
Focus Area Multi Point (99 points(phase-detection AF), 25 points(contrast-AF)), Center-weighted, Flexible Spot
Focus Sensitivity 0 EV to +20 EV (at ISO100 conversion with F2.8 lens attached)
Manual Focus Assist Yes MF assist (4.8x, 9.6x)
Focus Features Predictive control, Focus lock, Eye-Start AF (with LA-EA2(Sold separately)
AF Illuminator Built-in, LED type (with a range of approx. 0.3-3.0m (with E PZ16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS attached)
Interface Multi Interface Shoe: Yes Accessory Shoe: Yes (with the adaptor ADP-MAA (Sold separately). Multi Interface Shoe
HD Output : HDMI (TypeC mini), BRAVIA Sync, Photo TV HD
PhotoTV HD : Yes
Media Type Memory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo, SD memory card, SDHC memory card, SDXC memory card
Color Space sRGB, AdobeRGB
Still Image Mode JPEG (Standard, Fine), RAW, RAW+JPEG
Still Image Size 16:9 L: 4912 x 2760 (14M)
M: 3568 x 2000 (7.1M)
S: 2448 x 1376 (3.4M)
Still Image Size 3:2 L: 4912 x 3264 (16M)
M: 3568 x 2368 (8.4M)
S: 2448 x 1624 (4M)
Panorama Still Image Size Horizontal Wide: 12,416 x 1,856 (23M)
Vertical: 5,536 x 2,160 (12M)
Horizontal Std: 8,192 x 1,856 (15M)
Vertical Std: 3,872 x 2,160 (8.4M)
Video Format AVCHD Ver. 2.0 (Progressive), AVCHD, MP4
Video Mode : AVCHD PS – 1920 x 1080/60p@28Mbps
FX – 1920 x 1080/60i@24Mbps
FH – 1920 x 1080/60i@17Mbps
FX – 1920 x 1080/24p@24Mbps
FH – 1920 x 1080/24p@17Mbps
MP4: HD – 1440 x 1080/ 30fps@12Mbps
VGA – 640 x 480/30fps@3Mbps
Audio Format Dolby Digital (AC-3) / MPEG-4 AAC-LC, 2ch
Microphone/Speaker Built-in stereo microphones / Built-in, monaural speaker (volume settings in 8 steps between 0 and 7)
Still Image File Format JPEG (DCF Ver. 2.0, Exif Ver.2.3, MPF Baseline compliant), RAW (Sony ARW 2.3 format)
Picture EffectS 11 types (15 variations): Posterization (Color, B/W), Pop Color, Retro Photo, Partial Color (R,G,B,Y), High Contrast Mono, Toy Camera, Soft High-key, Soft Focus, HDR Painting, Rich-tone Mono, Miniature
Auto Exposure Lock AE is locked when the shutter button is half pressed (ON/OFF is available in MENU)
Creative Style Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, B/W (Contrast (-3 to +3steps), Saturation (-3 to +3steps), Sharpness (-3 to +3steps)
Exposure Bracketing With 1/3, 2/3, 1, 2, 3EV increments, 3 frames
Exposure Compensation Still images: +/- 3.0EV (1/3EV steps), Movies: +/- 2.0EV (1/3EV steps)
Exposure Settings iAUTO, Superior Auto, Programmed AE (P), Aperture priority (A), Shutter-speed priority (S), Manual (M), Sweep Panorama, Scene Selection
ISO Still images: Auto (ISO 100-3200), Selectable (ISO 100-25600)Movies: Auto (ISO 100-3200), Selectable (ISO 100-6400)
Metering 1200-zone evaluative metering
Metering Modes Multi-segment, Center-weighted, Spot
Metering Sensitivity 0EV-20EV, (at ISO 100 equivalent with F2.8 lens)
Noise Reduction Long Exposure NR: (On/Off, available at shutter speeds longer than 1 second) High ISO NR: (High/Normal/Low)
Scene Modes Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports Action, Sunset, Night Portrait, Night View, Handheld Twilight, Anti Motion Blur
White Balance Mode Auto WB, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash, C.Tem (2500 to 9900K), C.Filter (G7 to M7,A7 to B7), Custom
AF Micro Adjustment Yes, with LA-EA2 (sold separately)
LCD Display LCD Type: 7.5cm (3.0-type) wide type TFT (921,600 dots)
Angle Adjustment: Up: Approx. 90 degrees, Down: Approx. 45 degrees
Brightness Control : Manual (5 steps between -2 and +2), Sunny Weather mode
Real-time image adjustment display : On/Off
Peaking : Yes (Level setting: High/Mid/Low/Off, Color: White/Red/Yellow)
Customization : Graphic display/Display all info/Big font size display/No display info/Levels/Histogram/Viewfinder
Advanced Features Face Detection: On/On (Regist. Faces)/Off, Face Selection (maximum 8 detectables)
Smile Shutter: selectable from 3 steps
Tracking Focus: object tracking
Advanced User Interface: Yes
Anti Motion Blur: 6-image layering
Auto High Dynamic Range: Auto Exposure Difference, Exposure difference Level (1.0-6.0 EV at 1.0 EV step, off)
Shooting Tips: Yes
Sweep Panorama: Horizontal (Wide/Standard), Vertical (Wide/Standard)
Convenience Features Still Image Playback Options: Single, 6/12-frame index view, Enlarged display mode, Panorama (Standard), Panorama (Wide): 34x), Auto Review, Image orientation, Slideshow, Panorama scrolling, Folder selection, Delete, Protect
Video Playback Options : Forward/Rewind
Flash Flash Compensation: +/- 2.0EV (1/3EV steps)
Flash Coverage: FOV coverage up to 16 mm (in the focal length)
Flash Modes: Autoflash, Fill-flash, Rear sync., Slow sync., Rear Sync., Flash Off, Wireless (with external flash sold seperately)
Flash Type: Built-in flash. Sony System Flash (Compatible with Multi Interface Shoe and Auto-lock accessory shoe with the adaptor (ADP-MAA (Sold separately)
Guide Number: 6 (in meters at ISO 100 equivalent)
Recycling Time: Approx. 4 sec
Other Features Help guide: Yes
Area Setting: Yes
Clock Function, Setting: Yes
Eye-Fi ready: Yes
Shop Front Mode: Yes
Wi-Fi PlayMemories Camera Apps: Yes
Send to Computer: Yes
View on Smartphone: Yes
View on TV: Yes
Operating System Compatibility Windows XP SP3, Windows Vista SP2, Windows 7 SP1, Mac OS X (v10.3-10.8)
Battery Battery Type : InfoLITHIUM NP-FW50 (7.2V)
Number of Still Images Approx. 270 images (Viewfinder), Approx. 360 images (LCD screen) (CIPA standard)
Power Consumption (in Operation) Still images:approx. 2.5W (w/ E PZ16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS lens attached)
Movies: approx.3.9W(w/ E 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 OSS lens attached)
Power Consumption (ViewFinder Operation) Still images: approx. 3.3W (with E PZ16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS lens attached)
Movies: approx.4.1W(with E 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 OSS lens attached)
Dimensions WxHxD 4.7 x 2.6 x 1.7″ (119.9 x 66.9 x 42.6mm)
Weight Approx. 10.1 oz (287g) excl battery & media
12.2 oz (345g) w/battery & media

The Sony NEX-6 is a fast-focusing, more compact competitor to starter DSLRs with familiar DSLR-type operation and a range of features designed to appeal to experienced photographers looking for a responsive compact digital camera system, as well as to beginners who want the image quality and flexibility of an interchangeable-lens camera with a 16MP APS sensor that is known to deliver outstanding image quality. The NEX-6 is the second Sony NEX series camera to feature WiFi – the first, the Sony NEX-5R will use the just-announced PlayMemories Camera Apps.
Sony NEX-6 Key Features

  • 16MP APS-C Sensor
  • 10fps burst rate
  • Full HD video
  • Hybrid contrast/phase detect
  • AF system with claimed DSLR speed XGA
  • OLED optical viewfinder
  • Wi-Fi and downloadable camera apps
  • Quick Navi controls said to offer DSLR-like operation
  • Multi-interface Smart Accessory Shoe for flash, GPS, more
  • 11 Picture Effects for stills and videos Photo Creativity mode

With the introduction of the Sony NEX-6, Sony has created a new high-end-enthusiast camera that is just a step below the prosumer-level Sony NEX-7 and should appeal to serious photographers who seek a compact camera capable of taking high-quality images while providing a DSLR-like experience. The Sony NEX-6 features a 16.1MP sensor-the same highly-rated sensor found on many of today’s highest-rated APS sensor DSLRs, but somewhat lower resolution than the Sony NEX-7-as well as an eye-level, 2 .4 million dot resolution OLED viewfinder.
A Closer Look at the Sony NEX-6’s features
Let’s take a closer look at the Sony NEX-6, based on information provided by Sony.
Responsiveness: Sony claims the Sony NEX-6’s Fast Hybrid AF, which combines Phase Detection and Contrast Detection Autofocus, will deliver faster autofocusing (although Sony does not claim a specific lag time), while the camera’s imaging engine is said to provide 10fps burst rate at full resolution.
Autofocus: In addition to natively fast autofocus, the Sony NEX-6 offers Intelligent Autofocus, where the camera pre-focuses as you compose the shot, further reducing lag time by eliminating the wait for focus acquisition. In addition, Tracking Focus continuously tracks a user-designated subject; Sony says it has improved this feature so it is now more effective at tracking people. If the subject turns away from the camera, face-detection tracking automatically switches to subject tracking and continues tracking.
Manual focus: Sony has a couple of helpful features for those who prefer to focus manually. Peaking AF highlights the edges that are in focus in the user’s choice of three colors (white, red, or yellow). This is especially helpful during macro or portrait photography where the focal plane can make or break your shot. Manual Focus Assist greatly magnifies the viewfinder image when you touch the focus ring. This feature only works with E-mount lenses.
Ergonomics: A Mode control dial and Quick Navi are said to assure quick and intuitive operation that Sony says is comparable to DSLR cameras. Control dial, Fn (function) button and touch screen (including touch shutter function) are available. The Sony NEX-6 features a newly developed Multi-Interface Shoe that dramatically expands compatibility via Handycam accessories for both still and video, all of which will be available from Adorama.
Flash: A modest built-in Guide Number 6 flash is located on the camera’s top plate. It can be used in a pinch for dimly lit settings, or as a fill flash when shooting in bright sunshine or to produce catch lights in portraits. While the flash’s power is low, that might be OK when shooting ISO 2500.
Video: The Sony NEX-6 captures full HD movies at 60p, 60i or 24p cinematic frame rates, all at full 1920×1080 resolution. Images are recorded in AVCHD or MP4 codecs.
Cool tech features
Sony is always on the bleeding edge of technology, and the Sony NEX-6 deploys several features designed to improve images or add special effects:
Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi connectivity lets users transfer photos directly to smartphones and tablets with the PlayMemories Mobile appPhotos can be easily transferred to smartphones and tablets, viewed on large screen TVs or saved to PC’s.
Auto HDR: The Sony NEX-6’s High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography captures mode more scene contrast than a single exposure can handle by combining the best highlight detail from one shot and the best shadow detail from another. The NEX-6’s Auto HDR handles severe backlighting and other high-contrast scenes by capturing three images in a split second and combining them in-camera.
6-Image Layering: The camera captures six images in a fraction of a second, then combines the data from the 6 different images (up to ISO 25,600) to create a single image. This method is used to control blur in Anti-Motion Blur mode or to get cleaner, sharper nighttime pictures in Hand-held Twilight mode.
Sweep Panorama: This mode lets you capture expansive landscapes automatically. Press the shutter, sweep the vertically or horizontally. The camera does the rest, continuously shooting images and stitching them together for up to 23MP images at up to 202 degrees, the equivalent of a 16mm focal length.
Exposure modes: In addition to Program, Aperture, Shutter and Manual modes,and a Photo Creativity Interface, which translates the above into more beginner-friendly terms (Background Defocus, Brightness, Color, Vividness and most Picture Effects.) the NEX-6 offers six creative modes: Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset and B&W as well as the ability to fine-tune contrast, saturation, and sharpness to your personal taste. 11 Picture Effect modes are: Posterization (Color, B/W), Pop Color, Retro Photo, Partial Color (Red, Green, Blue, Yellow), Soft High-key, High Contrast Monochrome, Toy Camera (Normal, Cool, Warm, Green, Magenta), Soft Focus, HDR Painting, Rich-tone Monochrome, and Miniature.
Summary and recommendation
The Sony NEX-6 seeks the sweet spot between serious (and, for many, unaffordable) compact camera and a camera that will deliver high-end responsiveness and quality at an enthusiast price. While we can’t wait to get our hands on this new model, the first impressions are that it will meet the goals set by Sony and that it merits serious consideration.

Sony 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS (Pancake) Zoom Lens – SELP1650

http://static.bhphoto.com/images/images200x200/892390.jpg

Measuring just 1.17″ (29.9mm) when fully retracted, this SEL-P1650 retractable zoom lens is super compact and easy to carry so you can quickly whip out your camera and spontaneously grab shots as they occur. It’s perfect for traveling and other scenarios that require a lightweight, compact camera and lens combo. It covers a 16mm to 50mm range (35mm equivalent = 24-75mm) for flexible shooting, and is equipped with one ED (extra-low dispersion) and four aspherical elements, resulting in a high-performance lens that is surprisingly compact.
Key Features:

  • Compact and lightweight design for excellent portability thanks to retract-ability down to a mere 29.9 mm
  • POWER ZOOM for smooth zooming with superb operability and quietness
  • ED glass and Aspherical lens elements for excellent performance with reduced aberrations
  • Built-in image stabilization
Lens Type E-mount 16-50mm F3.5-5.6
Lens Mount Sony E-mount
Lens Construction 8 groups, 9 elements (4 aspheric surfaces)
Focal length (35mm equivalent) 24mm-75mm
Angle of view 83° – 32°
Aperture blade 7 blades (Circular aperture)
Aperture (Max.) F3.5-F5.6
Aperture (Min.) F22-F36
Maximum Magnification 0.215x
Minimum Focusing Distance 9.8″ (0.25m)
Filter Diameter 40.5mm
Image Stabilization Optical SteadyShot
Mount Material Metal
Exterior Finish Black
Dimensions (Max. Diameter x Length) 2.54″ x 1.17″ (64.7 x 29.9mm)
Weight 4.1 oz (116g)

Compact and lightweight design
Despite a 3x magnification ratio covering 16 mm to 50 mm (24-75mm 35mm eq.), the SEL-P1650 is thin and lightweight thanks to a retracting mechanism that reduces the lens to just 1.17″ (29.9 mm). It truly enhances the portability of E-mount cameras, giving users the means to capture spontaneous moments when on trips with a light and compact camera/lens combination.
ED glass and Aspherical lens elements
The SELP-1650 is equipped with one ED and four Aspherical elements, resulting in a high-performance lens that is surprisingly compact. The elements correct for curvature of field on the wide-angle side and spherical and chromatic aberration on the telephoto side for beautiful, accurate, high-contrast reproduction across the entire image.
POWER ZOOM for smooth zooming
The SEL-P1650 is the first lens with an electrically driven zoom me chanism. As soon as the camera is powered on, the lens extends and is instantly ready for shooting. A dual-function control ring is used for both zooming and manual focus.
Built-in Optical SteadyShot image stabilization
The built-in Optical SteadyShot image stabilization system provides a 4-stop (approx.) shutter speed advantage, making it significantly easier to achieve crisp, blur-free images and video.

Price: ~$348
Compare Prices @ BHPhoto (Click Here) Amazon (Click Here) Adorama (Click Here)
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Sony 35mm f/1.8 OSS Prime Lens – SEL35F18

 Sony 35mm f/1.8 OSS Alpha E-mount Prime Lens


Sony announced this ultra fast 35mm prime a few weeks ago, but it’s not available to sometime in November. Pre-order links below for now and basic specs. More to come once the info is available, but OSS and f/1.8 will make this lens akiller low light shooter!!
High performance and a compact design make the SEL-35F18 an ideal “second lens” that is easy to carry around when capturing the action. It’s ideal for a wide variety of photos, including snapshots while strolling, night shots (thanks to the bright maximum aperture) and portraits with superb background/foreground blur.
Product Highlights:

  • Aperture Range: f/1.8-22
  • 52.5mm Equivalency
  • Sony E-mount Lens for NEX Cameras
  • Compact Design
  • Optical Steady Shot Image Stabilization
  • High Speed, Quiet Linear Focusing Motor
  • Direct Manual Focus
  • Circular Aperture
  • 49mm Filter Thread
Lens Mount Type Sony E-mount
Aperture (Max.) f/1.8
Aperture (Min.) f/22
Focal Length (35mm equivalent) 52.5 mm
Filter Diameter 49mm
Lens Construction 6 Groups / 8 Elements
Minimum Focus Distance 11.88″ (0.3 m)
Angle of View 44° (APS-C)
Aperture Blade 7 blades (Circular aperture)
Image Stabilization Optical SteadyShot
Diameter x Length 2.4 x 1.8″ (62.2 x 45mm)
Weight 5.5 oz (155g)
  • A versatile, multi-purpose lens: with a focal length of 52.5mm (35mm equivalency) and F1.8 aperture, it’s good for snapshots, portraits, night shots and more
  • Compact and easy to carry: lightweight and only around 45mm long, it’s an idealsecond lens for when you’re out and about
  • Crisper, cleaner results: new optical design reduces spherical aberration and improves contrast even out on the periphery for crisp, sharp image detail
  • Built-in image stabilization: Optical SteadyShot image stabilisation and a large F1.8 aperture enhance handheld shooting in fading light or dimly lit interiors
  • Smooth, silent operation: both the motor controlling focus and the one that controls aperture are quiet, smooth and unobtrusive, ideal for shooting video
  • Fine tune your focus: if AF (Auto Focus) can’t lock on or focuses on the wrong subject, step in and take total control with DMF (Direct Manual Focus)
  • Smooth things out with ED glass: Extra-Low Dispersion glass and two aspherical lens elements minimise distortion and improve image quality
  • Discover beauty in the blur: the circular aperture, a hallmark of E-mount lenses, lets you capture beautiful foreground and background blur effects
  • Built to last and a joy to use: with a tactile aluminium alloy finish, the lens combines outstanding quality with easy operability

Price: ~$448
Compare Prices @ BHPhoto (Click Here) Amazon (Click Here) Adorama (Click Here)
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Sony 10-18mm f/4 OSS Alpha E-mount Wide-Angle Zoom Lens – SEL1018

 Sony 10-18mm f/4 OSS Alpha E-mount Wide-Angle Zoom Lens

The SEL-1018 super wide-angle zoom lens is perfect for taking photos of sweeping landscapes and producing striking images with emphasized perspective. If you’re seeking a wider minimum focal length than offered by standard wide-angle zoom lenses, the SEL-1018 is the ideal choice for you. Featuring a minimum focal length of only 10mm (15mm in 35mm camera equivalency), the SEL-1018 wide-angle zoom lens delivers highly-detailed, super wide-angle photos. With a constant maximum aperture of f/4 through the entire focal length range, you’ll be able to use the widest aperture at every focal length. Even in low light, you can take advantage of the bright aperture to utilize fast shutter speeds without needing to increase ISO sensitivity.
Product Highlights

  • Super Wide-Angle Zoom Lens
  • Sony E-mount Lens for NEX Cameras
  • 15-27mm Equivalency in 35mm Format
  • Aperture Range: f/4.0-22
  • f/4.0 Aperture Throughout Zoom Range
  • Optical SteadyShot Image Stabilization
  • Internal Focusing System
  • Three Aspherical Elements
  • Super Extra-low Dispersion Glass
Lens Type E-mount 10-18mm F4.0 OSS
Lens Mount Sony E-mount
Lens Construction 8 groups, 10 elements
Focal length (35mm equivalent) 15mm-27mm
Angle of view 109° – 76°
Aperture blade 7 blades (Circular aperture)
Aperture (Max.) F4.0
Aperture (Min.) F22
Maximum Magnification 0.1x
Minimum Focusing Distance 9.8″ (0.25m)
Filter Diameter 62mm
Image Stabilization Optical SteadyShot
Dimensions (Max. Diameter x Length) 2 7/8″ x 2 1/2″ (70 x 63.5mm)
Weight 8oz (225g)

10-18 mm super wide-angle zoom lens
The SEL-1018 offers a constant maximum aperture of F4 through the entire focal length range, enabling use of the widest aperture at every focal length. Even in low-light environments, such as outdoors at sunset, users will be able to take advantage of the bright aperture and use fast shutter speeds without unnecessarily raising ISO sensitivity.
Superb image capturing capability
Three Aspherical lens elements correct for spherical aberration and distortion, making it possible to shoot high-contrast, high-quality images with markedly less bleeding even at the maximum aperture. In addition, the optical system employs Super Extra-low Dispersion glass, realizing highly detailed images with reduced color aberration even at the 10 mm focal length.
Minimum focal length of 10 mm (15 mm in 35 mm eq.)
Thanks to a minimum focal length of only 10 mm (15 mm in 35 mm-camera equivalency), the SEL-1018 delivers finely detailed, super wide-angle photos, ideal for shooting majestic landscapes that can only be captured with super wide-angle lenses, as well as for producing striking photos with emphasized perspective.
Built-in Optical SteadyShot image stabilization
The built-in Optical SteadyShot image stabilization system provides a 4-stop (approx.) shutter speed advantage, making it significantly easier to achieve crisp, blur-free images and video.
Internal Focusing System
Lens elements at the rear of the optical system move, allowing rapid auto-focus response.
Circular Aperture
In low-light shots or nightscapes, out-of-focus light sources have a pleasing circular defocused effect.

Price: ~$848
Compare Prices @ BHPhoto (Click Here) Amazon (Click Here) Adorama (Click Here)

Closing remarks

Well, the Nex-6 looks bad a$$ and I want one!! I also want the SLT-A99, so I guess the Nex-6 will have to wait unless I get some surprise cash from somewhere 😉 I’m honestly not sure why anybody would buy the Nex-5r though to be honest, unless you specifically need that 180 degree flip screen. The Nex-6 can only go about 90 degrees due to the eyepiece.  That is fine by me, as the Nex-6 viewfinder totally out weighs the Nex-5r flip screen in my opinion. And the Nex-6 is only ~$200 more!! Totally worth it, and the build quality also looks much better than the Nex-F3’s smooth plastic skin. I put together a bunch of pre-order links below for all the new Sony gear for your convenience 😉
Update: Since hearing about the limited lens support on the A99, I’m now leaning heavily towards the Nex-6 to replace my broken Nex-7. It’s a better overall ivestment for me at this point in time. Stay tuned for more info and updates by checking out the Forum Over Here >>
Jay

Sony Pre-Orders

Sony Nex-6 and Nex-5r Pre-orders now available!!

Sony RX1 Pre-orders Now Available!!

Sony SLT-A99 Pre-orders Now Available!!

    1. Hi Colby,
      No the Nex-6 does not have a touch screen according to everything I’ve read 😉 I personally don’t care for the touch screen, but many people do so it’s hard to say what you would think of it. I like actual buttons more than the screen, because it’s hard to see the screen sometimes in daylight etc. Buttons are always visible and you can navigate very easily with the buttons given. It is a nice feature on a dice like the iPhone or a smart phone, but for a camera? I really think it depends on the user, and there background etc..
      Jay

  1. Thanks for the reply, Jay. Keep up your great work on the website. I thoroughly enjoy coming here to read reviews and look at your awesome photography work!

  2. Hi Jay,
    Really exciting releases from Sony there! Wanted to know a few things-
    1) Does the Nex-6 have “proper” bracketing or is it the same as 5n, 7 etc. Wonder why Sony never tries to give proper bracketing even on the SLTs.
    2) Have you tried Sony Playmemories apps? They are not available in my part of the world 🙁 Could you try the “Bracket Pro” & other apps and give your feedback on them?
    3) Any idea about using external flash with the Nex-6?

    1. And they even say remote shutter release using an Android/iPhone. Guess the camera can be controlled over WiFi, would be great if all the nice features, Time Lapse, Cinematic, HDR etc can be done over WiFi! Looking forward for your views on this.

      1. That would be awesome if you had complete remote control of the camera!! I’m really not sure though the extent of the remote control abilities over wiFi. In theory it can be anything, but I highly doubt Sony will do that. I can’t wait to try it out!!
        Best,
        Jay

    2. Hello Raghav,
      Thanks for the comments and good questions!
      1) It has better Baracketing, but not 5 or 9 frames, only 3.
      Per the specs:”Exposure Bracketing With 1/3, 2/3, 1, 2, 3EV increments; 3 frames”
      2) I have not tried them yet no, but I will and test the cool apps when I get the camera. I strongly considering buying the Nex-6 😉
      3) External flash should work which is one of the reasons I’m considering buying it 🙂 It looks like I’ll be able to slide the flash trigger right in the the hot shoe? If so, I will be able to fire my studio lights!! Oh yeah, then I can use my Canon lenses etc… The camera has the option to turn off the LCD Auto Mode, so that is really all you need for the off camera flash to work. Pretty much the same as the Nex-7, but with a new hot shoe that looks a lot like my Canon’s shoe. I’ll find out more about it pretty soon, don’t worry!!
      Hope that helps,
      Jay

        1. Hey Chris,
          Thanks for the comments and great to see ya over here!! I’m sorry to say there is not many options for bracketing on the Sony cameras in general beyond the .5 and .7. The Nex-6 will actually have some decent bracketing for the first time, as will the new A99. Sony really needs to release an Firmware Update for the Nex-5n, Nex-7, and Nex-f3 to add the expanded brackets in my opinion. It’s a no brainier software option that costs them noting except happy more loyal users. Not giving firmware updates for basic features like this will piss people off for obvious reasons. It looks like the company is forcing you to upgrade when there is no need whatsoever when they do stuff like that. But, a ton of companies do this stuff, so if you want the latest and greatest, the Sony Nex-6 is available for pre-order 😉
          From the manual it looks to me the feature is designed more from tuff excposure situations to ensure you get the shot. It really doesn’t seem to be for HDR like AutoHDR is with the wide EV options.
          Nex-7 Bracketing Function
          Your best off simple using exposure comp and or manual mode for still subjects. Stuff like clouds that move, but move somewhat slowly?? Try AutoHDR!! Seriously, I know it’s jpeg mode, but it does a good job with the right EV setting. You can select up to 6 EV’s for really dynamic scenes, and a little additional photo enhancing in Lightroom or Photoshop, and you got something pretty good!!
          Later,
          Jay

          1. Thanks for the reply Jay. The biggest reason I want more options for brackets is so that I can learn the technique of blending those myself in software like Photomatix. I could mess with the exposure compensation and manually get several exposures but that doesn’t really work so well for the subjects I typically want to shoot bracketed.
            Here’s to hoping a firmware update is coming from Sony. I bought the NEX 7 for the additional hardware controls and I don’t believe the NEX 6 has them.

          2. Hey Chris,
            I’m sorry to say, but the nex-6 does appear to have these such controls you want. From the Nex-6 Specs:

            Exposure Bracketing With 1/3, 2/3, 1, 2, 3EV increments, 3 frames

            Hopefully a firmware update will give this software feature to the Nex-7 as well. It’s a high end camera that deserves some software upgrade love for several years in my opinion.
            The techniques for blending images in Photomatix 4 are easy to learn, but require lots of practice. I wish I could offer a better solution, but moving subjects tend to suck for HDR, so practicing on some super high dynamic range scenes is the way to go in my opinion. Check out a dimly lit church, or a high contrast indoor/ outdoor shot using a window. You can then use manual mode or exposure comp to get the exposures’ needed to learn the blending technique.
            I have a ton of video tutorials available on all this stuff if your interested, and it’s all free of course on my youtube channel, and the new SAL forum that I am pumping full of content as fast as I can!! Please sign up and help me out if you have a few minutes to spare Chris 😉 Would love to see some more of your work!
            Jay

  3. I preordered the Nex 5r with the 16-50mm zoom as the kit lens and an external EVF. This combo was a better value than the Nex 6 (for me) because I prefer the touch screen option and the external EVF has a 90 degree tilt, while the Nex 6 EVF is fixed in place.
    Any idea if the fisheye or conversion adapters will work with the new 16-50mm or the 10-18mm lenses?

    1. Hey Joe,
      That is a great question, and I no is the answer as far as I can tell 😉 Different front end on the new lenses. If I hear different I’ll let you know!!
      Jay

      1. Thanks & thanks for keeping up with checking your comments. You run a great site and it’s nice to know you’re there for us.

        1. I really appreciate that Joe, and it’s people like you that make this website work enjoyable for me 🙂 You guys rule!!
          Thanks again,
          Jay

  4. Hi Jay, Cant wait for your review about the Nex-6 and comparison with the Nex-7. Im checking your site everyday 🙂 Have a good day and keep up the good work. Is there a way i can get email notifications of your new reviews on this site?

    1. Hi Ace,
      Thanks for the comments and excitement!! I do have a subscribe button on the top right of the website. That should notify you of new articles and stuff. I also recommend checking out the forum as it has tons of information being added everyday!! Here is the link to the Whats New Feed on the Forum (Click Here)
      Jay

  5. Hi Jay,
    I have the old Nex5 camera and just the kit lens 18-55mm and the 16mm pancake lens with the ultrawide converter.
    I think I will trade up to the Nex6 with the 16-50mm lens.Would that lens make the 18-55mm redundant in your opinion?
    Do you think the 16mm will still be a good lens to keep on hand with the Nex6 especially with the converter ?
    Thanks for your opinions and well done on the reviews .Can’t wait for the nex6 one.
    By the way what happened to your Nex7 🙂

    1. Hi Tom,
      I would consider selling the 18-55mm and possible the 16mm prime with converter if you don’t use it anymore. Time will tell 😉 That will help fund other goodies.
      I should be ordering my Nex-6 any day now 🙂 Can’t wait!!
      Nex-7 smashed when I slipped on ice and knocked over my tri-pod. The Nex-7 was mounted to a quick re-lease plate and had the Tamron 18-200mm lens mounted. Needless to say the quick re-lease plate stayed on the tripod with a chunk of the camera chassis and the camera/ lens were on the ground all beat up. I really thought the Nex-7 would be fixable, but Sony said no way.
      Thanks again for the comments and questions Tom!!
      Jay

  6. I have the NEX-6 with the SEL35F18 attached to it and seems like I cannot use the Phase Detection AF Area it is disable. Isn’t this lens compatible with this functionality?

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