The 16-105mm looks like a great all-rounder and works well across often-used aperture settings, but its performance at the longer focal lengths leaves something to be desired, which rather defeats the point of having an extended zoom range!

• +

  Good short-end resolution from f/5.6

• -

  Poor resolution at longer focal lengths after f/11

This lens is certainly capable of producing more than satisfactory results if used within its limitations, it just may pay to be fully aware of its shortcomings so you are not disappointed.

• +

  Useful zoom range, Good build quality, Good centre resolution at the shorter end of the zoom range

• -

  Resolution towards edges of the frame from 50mm onwards, Barrel distortion at 16mm, Prone to flare

A few years ago a couple of Sony’s engineers from their Japan camera division came and spent the day at our test lab to see how we test cameras and lenses. It was at a time when Sony’s DSLR market was still in its infancy, having only the Alpha 100 and 900 in its DSLR lineup and a few refurbished...

A very fine all around lens. Crisp sharp images with excellent color. I use it for Landscape, close up in Air Craft Museums, and just plane and simple everyday photography. It's 16-105 MM range covers most any type of photography and is very consistent. I would recommend this lens to anyone.

• +

  Consistent Output, Durable, Easily Interchangeable, Fast / accurate auto-focus, Lightweight, Nice Bokeh, Rugged, Strong Construction

Aside from this lens not reaching the lowest of low F-stops, this lens does it ALL. From architecture wide angle photography and landscapes to portraits of people and objects with high detail to the sports shot from across the field. you can capture everything.

• +

  Wide angle focal length, and great zoom capacity.

• -

  i wish the f-stop was slightly lower maybe F2.8

I purchased the lens with the a580 because it was reviewed as one of Sony's better lenses, and because I liked the 35mm equivalent of 24mm at the widest angle. The lens has had a lot of use for about a year, and so far no problems.

• +

  Consistent Output, Easily Interchangeable, Fast / accurate auto-focus, Nice zoom range

• -

  NONE

I don't think this lens will achieve greatness in the pantheon of lenses, but on the other hand for $650 you get a decent lens that performs will under a lot of different conditions. Attach it to your camera and walk around all day, it will take good shots and not break your back with its weight.