SEL24105G FE 24-105 mm F4 G OSS E-Mount Lens

the FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS Lens from Sony is a wide-angle to short-telephoto zoom designed to be an ideal one-lens solution for everyday shooting. The flexible focal length range pairs with a bright constant maximum aperture, impressive optics, and intuitive handling to make it a suitable option for walk-around shooting, street subjects, travel, and event photography.

G Lens Series

• Four aspherical elements are featured in the optical design, including two Advanced Aspherical elements, and noticeably reduce spherical aberrations and distortion throughout the zoom range for improved sharpness and clarity.
• Three extra-low dispersion elements are also used to minimize color fringing and chromatic aberrations for greater color accuracy.
• A Nano AR Coating has been applied to reduce surface reflections, flare, and ghosting for increased contrast and color rendering in strong lighting conditions.
• Constant f/4 maximum aperture offers consistent performance throughout the zoom range and also lends greater control over focus position for shallow depth of field techniques.
• Rounded nine-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing bokeh quality when employing selective focus techniques.
• Portable design weighs around 1.5 lb, making this a versatile choice for everyday shooting.

Image Stabilization, AF, and Handling

• Optical SteadyShot image stabilization helps to minimize the appearance of camera shake for sharper imagery when shooting handheld with slower shutter speeds.
• This stabilization system can also be combined with select camera's sensor-shift type image stabilization for more effective control of camera blur.
• Dust- and moisture-sealed design better permits working in inclement conditions and rubberized control rings benefit handling in colder temperatures.
• The front lens element features a fluorine coating to protect against smudges and dust from adhering to the glass surface.
• Direct Drive Super Sonic wave AF motor and internal focus mechanism provide quick, quiet, and precise autofocus performance and also contribute to more natural, intuitive manual focus control.
• Minimum focusing distance of 1.25' results in a maximum magnification of 0.31x, making this lens a suitable choice for close-up subjects.
• A focus hold button and AF/MF switch are present on the lens barrel for intuitive tactile control and rapid access to select settings.

The 24-105mm is the smallest zoom of its type currently available. It measures 4.5 by 3.3 inches (HD) at its shortest position, weighs 1.5 pounds, and supports 77mm front filters. Canon's latest EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM is a bit larger (4.7 by 3.3 inches) and heavier at 1.8 pounds. And while the two lenses may not be world's apart in size, Sony's mirrorless cameras are typically smaller and lighter than a full-frame SLR, making the benefit more palpable.

The important part is how well the lens balances on the body. I've used the FE 24-105mm with the a7R III and the a7 III, and both combinations handle very well. Like Sony's entire full-frame camera line, the lens is protected from dust and splashes, so you can comfortably use it in inclement conditions. A lens hood is included.

The lens sports a polycarbonate barrel, with textured rubber covering both the zoom and manual focus rings. Zoom positions are marked at 24, 35, 50, 70, and 105mm, and the lens extends as you move to longer focal lengths. Physical controls include toggles to switch focus modes and enable or disable the stabilization system, and there's also a button that pauses the autofocus system by default; its function can be reassigned via the camera body.

Manual focus is an electronic affair, but the focus motor is speedy and responsive. You don't get the tactile feedback of a mechanical focus system, but for still imaging the manual focus experience is absolutely fine. And while it wouldn't be my first choice for manual focus video, the focus ring does allow for smooth adjustments. The flip side to a less than perfect manual focus experience is autofocus that is very fast, even when racking from close-up to infinity.

Minimum focus is 15 inches (0.38-meter), which gives the lens a solid 1:3.2 magnification power at 105mm. Some lens makers would consider that good enough to call the zoom a macro (although Sony doesn't). It adds a bit of versatility, especially since the zoom's coverage range is perfect for times when you don't want to pack additional lenses in your bag.