Quick answer
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
Verdict
A kit lens that does the basics. Good enough to start, and easy to replace when you want more.
About this lens
A 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 standard zoom lens, the Sony DT 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM (SAL1855) is designed for Sony A mount bodies. The range covers everything from wide scenes to portraits, so it works as a general-purpose lens.
Sony DT 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM (SAL1855) specifications
- Brand
- Sony
- Mount
- Sony A
- Focal length
- 18-55mm
- Maximum aperture
- f/3.5
- Lens type
- Zoom
- Format coverage
- aps-c
- Released
- 2009
- Optical construction
- 8 elements in 7 groups
- Aperture blades
- 7
- Autofocus motor
- SAM
- Minimum focus distance
- 0.25 m
- Maximum magnification
- 0.34x
- Filter thread
- 55 mm
- Weight
- 210 g
- Length
- 69 mm
Specification source: dyxum.com
What can you shoot with the Sony DT 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM (SAL1855)?
- Everyday snapshots
- Learning photography
- Light travel kits
Its moderate maximum aperture works best in good light or with a higher ISO.
Full-frame equivalent and field of view
Calculated from the focal length and crop factor. Not measured.
| Sensor | Crop | Equivalent | Horizontal FOV | Diagonal FOV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| APS-C | 1.5x | 27–83mm | 24.6–67.4° | 29.4–77.4° |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sony DT 18-55 SAM a good lens?
It is a competent entry-level zoom: light, versatile and sharp enough in good light. It will not match constant-aperture zooms in dim conditions.
Does the Sony DT 18-55mm SAM have image stabilization?
No. Stabilization on A-mount comes from the camera body, so check that your body offers SteadyShot.
What does DT mean in Sony lens names?
DT marks lenses designed for APS-C sensors. They are intended for crop bodies and are cropped when used on full-frame ones.
Alternatives for Sony A from other brands
All Sony A lensesSame mount, overlapping focal range, closest maximum aperture first.
More Sony lenses for Sony A
All Sony lenses
Other 18-55mm lenses
Browse by focal length: 18mm lenses, 55mm lenses