Sony DT 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM (SAL1855) vs Minolta AF 70-210mm f/4 (Beercan)
Side-by-side comparison from our catalogue data. Better values are highlighted only where a clear difference exists.
Verdict at a glance
- Sony DT 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM (SAL1855) is faster by 0.4 stops (f/3.5 vs f/4.0), letting in more light.
- Sony DT 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM (SAL1855) is lighter by 485g.
- Sony DT 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM (SAL1855) goes wider (18mm vs 70mm).
- Minolta AF 70-210mm f/4 (Beercan) reaches further (210mm vs 55mm).
- Sony DT 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM (SAL1855) is the newer design (2009 vs 1985).
| Spec | DT 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM (SAL1855) | AF 70-210mm f/4 (Beercan) |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Sony | Minolta |
| Mount | Sony A | Sony A |
| Type | Zoom | Telephoto Zoom |
| Focal length | 18-55mm (wider) | 70-210mm |
| Max aperture | f/3.5 (faster) | f/4.0 |
| Released | 2009 | 1985 |
| Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Format | aps-c | full-frame |
| Groups | 7 | 9 |
| Af motor | SAM | screw-drive |
| Elements | 8 | 12 |
| Weight g | 210 (lighter) | 695 |
| Filter mm | 55 | 55 |
| Length mm | 69.0 | 152.0 |
| Min focus m | 0.25 (closer focusing) | 1.1 |
| Max magnification | 0.34 | 0.25 |
Sony DT 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM (SAL1855)
The standard A-mount kit zoom for APS-C, offering a typical 18-55mm range in a very light package. It weighs about 210 g and uses a 55mm filter.
Pros
- Very light at about 210 g
- Close focus of 0.25 m
- SAM autofocus
- Compact kit zoom
Cons
- Slow aperture
- Plastic build
- Soft in corners wide open
Minolta AF 70-210mm f/4 (Beercan)
A constant f/4 telephoto zoom nicknamed the Beercan for its shape. It weighs about 695 g and takes 55mm filters.
Pros
- Constant f/4
- Sharp for its age
- Compact for a 70-210mm
- 55mm filters
Cons
- Screw-drive AF
- No stabilization
More comparisons for Sony DT 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM (SAL1855)
- Sony DT 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM (SAL1855) vs Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD
- Sony DT 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM (SAL1855) vs Tamron AF 28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) Macro
- Sony DT 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM (SAL1855) vs Minolta AF 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5
- Sony DT 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM (SAL1855) vs Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM