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Sony DT 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM (SAL18135) vs Sony Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70mm f/2.8 ZA SSM II (SAL2470Z2)

Side-by-side comparison from our catalogue data. Better values are highlighted only where a clear difference exists.

Verdict at a glance

  • Sony Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70mm f/2.8 ZA SSM II (SAL2470Z2) is faster by 0.6 stops (f/2.8 vs f/3.5), letting in more light.
  • Sony DT 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM (SAL18135) is lighter by 577g.
  • Sony DT 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM (SAL18135) goes wider (18mm vs 24mm).
  • Sony DT 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM (SAL18135) reaches further (135mm vs 70mm).
  • Sony Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70mm f/2.8 ZA SSM II (SAL2470Z2) is the newer design (2015 vs 2012).
Specification comparison
Spec DT 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM (SAL18135) Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70mm f/2.8 ZA SSM II (SAL2470Z2)
Brand Sony Sony
Mount Sony A Sony A
Type Superzoom Zoom
Focal length 18-135mm (wider) 24-70mm
Max aperture f/3.5 f/2.8 (faster)
Released 2012 2015
Blades 7 9
Format aps-c full-frame
Groups 11 13
Af motor SAM SSM
Elements 14 17
Weight g 398 (lighter) 975
Filter mm 62 77
Min focus m 0.45 0.34 (closer focusing)
Max magnification 0.25 0.25
Length mm n/a 111.0
Weather sealed n/a Yes

Sony DT 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM (SAL18135)

A walk-around APS-C zoom for A-mount with 7.5x range. It weighs about 398 g and has a SAM motor and 62mm filter thread.

Pros

  • Wide 18-135mm range
  • SAM autofocus
  • Reasonable weight at about 398 g
  • Close focus of 0.45 m

Cons

  • Slow aperture at the long end
  • Not weather sealed
  • APS-C only

Sony Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70mm f/2.8 ZA SSM II (SAL2470Z2)

A 24-70mm f/2.8 standard zoom for A-mount from Sony and Zeiss, updated in 2015 with a dust and moisture resistant build. It weighs about 975 g and uses 77mm filters.

Pros

  • Constant f/2.8 aperture
  • SSM autofocus
  • Dust and moisture resistant build
  • Close focus of 0.34 m

Cons

  • Heavy at about 975 g
  • No stabilization in the lens

More comparisons for Sony DT 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM (SAL18135)

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