Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

SELP18105G: This lens is a good value for the features and cost. For $600, the lens has f-4 max aperture, standard OSS optical stabilization, 6x zoom (27-157mm 35mm equivalent), internal focusing (lens length remains constant for easier handling), power zoom (smoother focusing for videos and can be controlled by the free PlayMemories app), and good weight of 15.1oz (< 1 lb). Yes, there is mild chromatic aberration and distortion, but both of these can be compensated. The chromatic aberration is not always noticeable (depends on the scenery), and is virtually gone by reducing the aperture to f-5.0. The distortion only shows up in RAW images, and any decent photo editing software can correct it with one click. SEL18200: This lens costs $250 more, but has 2x more zoom than the SELP18105G, but 1.3 higher f-stop at max zoom (smaller aperture, > 2x less light). Its about the same size as the SELP18105G, but weighs 18.5oz (3.4oz more). This lens does not have internal focusing or power zoom, but does have a relatively better stabilization that Sony dubbed Active OSS. SEL18200le: This lens has the same featues as the SEL18200 lens, but costs $100 less because it only has the regular OSS, not the Active OSS. Due to that fact, it weighs in at 16.3oz and is 1cm shorter and 1cm smaller diameter than the SELP18105G. The issue with this lens is that critics noted it's basically a rebranded Tamron 18-200mm lens, so you are paying a premium just for the Sony name. SELP18200: This lens is like combining the SELP18105 and SEL18200 lenses because it has the internal focusing and power zoom (indicated by the "P" in the model #), while providing 200mm zoom and Active OSS. See the above descriptions for benefits of these features. However, you are paying $1100 for this lens. SEL55210: If you have the kit lens (SEL1650 or SEL1855) and are on a budget, then this lens is the best option for you since it's only $300. However, you will have to swap lenses whenever you cross the 50mm zoom boundary, which may cause dust to settle on your image sensor. Also, it does not have internal focusing or power zoom, but does have regular OSS. SEL1670Z: This lens is Sony's premium lens with Carl Zeiss (indicated by the "Z" in the model #) AR-coated optics and f-4 max aperture, but costs $1000. But it has relatively weak zoom (24-105mm 35mm equivalent), and some reviews noted focusing issues. It has internal focusing and regular OSS, but no power zoom. For $1000, the lens should not have focusing problems, and the zoom needs to be stronger (at least 6x). Comparing Sony's E-mount APS-C lenses, this lens (SELP18105G) is the best value for the price. I tested this lens on my Sony NEX-6 camera.