SONY SEL24240 FE 24-240mm F3.5-6.3 OSS

[Zoom] Wide-zoom | Standard-zoom | Tele-zoom | High-zoom  
[Fixed-focal] Wide angle | Standard | Telephoto | Macro

This is a long-waited high zoom lens for the 35mm full frame E-mount. While conventional high zoom lenses start from 28mm, this one covers from 24mm and the magnification is as large as 10X. It weighs about 780 grams and it's 118.5mm long (wide-end). And, it has 17 elements in 12 groups. Yes, it's a hefty lens, but still compact considering the versatility. The short 0.5-0.8m minimum focus distance is also a plus. It's sharp wide open and clear for a high zoom. The bokeh can be a bit noisy depending on the situation. But, because you can get close or pull back without changing lens, you can be more active and focused in shooting.

( Photography : Z II / Text : KIMURAX )

I tried the 240mm tele-end first. Even though I shot through the window glass, it realistically reproduced the spring colors of the shirts as well as their wrinkles. And, when I zoomed in, I found the dust and irregular wiping on the window frame and the glass itself. I believe the reality of images is composed by such depiction of details.

I shot around the minimum focus distance in the evening. The color reproduction of the deep red gas tank is wonderful and the subtle color tone of the reflected sky is realistic. And, this shot tells you the depth of field at the tele-end.

The wide-end. Even though it has vignetting, it's very sharp and clear. And, the vignetting brings a dramatic effect to the image. If you don't want it, just stop down to around F8. By the way, can you see the worker climbing the iron pole on the right side? For an acrophobic person like me, it's just freezing. But, at least, this image demonstrates the high resolving power of this lens.

The 3D quality is great. Driven by a liner motor, the AF is quick and quiet even though it's a high zoom. The SteadyShot is very reliable as well.

---

This distant view looks nice and this is wide open. When I zoomed in I could see the red rusting of the buildings.

It's sharp throughout the zoom range, but it becomes even sharper by stopping down. The sharp lines of the iron frames are something I didn't expect from a high zoom lens.

• 
• 

Showing how zooming changes composition. The left image is 240mm tele-end and the right image is the 24mm wide-end. And, the previous image was shot at 90mm. Even though the shooting positions weren't exactly the same, you can still grasp the difference of composition brought by the 10X magnification. And, of course, it's nothing but convenient!*Click to enlarge.

It perfectly captured the fluffy hair and the beak like driftwood. It already mentioned that the bokeh can get a bit noisy, but how about this one? If you are careful about the background and the distance when using the tele-end, you can make soften the bokeh.

---

I kept shooting at the tele-end because it was simply fun... Despite the high contrast, it reproduced the great balance between highlight and shadow.

---

Greed is good. High zoom is good.

It has a strong presence on the light and compact Alpha 7 body. Of course, it's big because the filter diameter is 72mm! Yet, it's about the same size as other high zoom lenses in the same category. And, it takes great images throughout the zoom range. It has a MF ring, but lack of the AF/MF switch. So, it may be a little hard to switch between AF and MF instantly. But, I guess this is a lens of mobility, so users want to autofocus rather than taking time focusing manually. The versatility of this lens is enormous thanks to the wide zoom range, the excellent image quality, and the dust-proof weather-resistant construction.

( 20.03.2015 )