The Sony DT 16-50mm F2.8 SSM is a fine standard angle zoom with a fixed f/2.8 aperture throughout its range, but it's a little pricey.

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  Sharp throughout zoom range. Fixed f/2.8 aperture. 3.1x zoom range.

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  Lots of distortion at 16mm. Edges could be sharper. Pricey.

In summary, this is a very good lens in its own right and an excellent choice as a versatile kit lens. The depressed MTF curves simply indicate that advances in Sony’s sensor technology are now out-pacing lens performance at the top end.

This high-speed, standard-range, Alpha-mount utility zoom scales up to the full-frame equivalent of a 24–75mm on Sony APS-C bodies. When it was introduced with Sony’s remarkable Alpha 77 in mid-2011, Sony insiders referred to the 16–50mm f/2.8 ($700, street) as the camera’s “non-kit kit lens,” and,...

This is to replace my kit lens for my A57. I can not belive the difference its mades. Images come out sharp and clean. I also have a Tamron 18-270 which i just love but decided to go with Sony Brand on this one and I am very pleased .

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  Durable, Fast / accurate auto-focus, Strong Construction

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  Heavy

This was the kit lens that came with my Alpha 77. The lens is equivalent to the super expensive $1998.00 Sony/Zeiss 24-70/2.8 but at a very reasonable price. The 16-50 is a APS-C/Crop sensor lens and it's the full frame equivalent of a 24-75/2.8.

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

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  Heavy

Sharp! Crisp! Beautiful! Would recommend lens filter for protection. Do not get the tiffen one. At night it makes all the lights in the background glance off the glass with a light house effect

simply put...this lens was the reason that i went with the A77 (came coupled with camera body)...and i wasn't disappointed...fantastic sharp results and lightning quick focus...takes a little bit getting used to the weight, but you can't go wrong at all...worth every cent..

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  SSM, constant aperture

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  none

I like this lens a lot, it never comes off of my alpha 100, it is a way better lens than camera. It needs to be on at least an a700. It is fast accurate and well built. I got a real good deal on it, I did not pay retail. But for anyone looking for a new lens don't pass this one up.

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  Fast, color, build, DOF control.

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  Sometimes it searches more than I would like in low light, requires some post processing as far as some sharpening.

For APS-C shooters, this is perhaps THE BEST general-purpose lens ON ANY SYSTEM.

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  Constant (fast) f2.8. Outstanding optical and build quality.

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  Not for Sony full-frame.

I don't see from the slrgear tests that this lens is better than the Tamron 17-50 non VC

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  Adapted to Alpha 77

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  Not really superior to Tamron 17-50