Sony SEL 55-210mm Zoom Lens for $149!

[Lou_Meluso]

<p>I came across <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sony-SEL55210-55-210mm-Zoom-Lens-Black-Refurbished/321900475735?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D34492%26meid%3D372a028cea2743b697a09191d9c8c0c6%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D252252654584&rt=nc">this deal </a>by Buydig on eBoy. Sony factory refurbished SEL 55-210 mm f/4.5-6.3 Aspherical OSS Zoom lens, Black, with one year warranty, for $149 with free shipping. For Sony APS-C, E-mount cameras - NEX, A6000. <strong>Pretty good deal</strong>. Reg-$349. I picked one up for my wife's NEX 6 to accompany her kit zoom.</p>

<p>From the ad:<br /> Get a wide focal range of up to 315mm (35mm equivalent) ideal for sports or nature shots. Internal focusing makes smooth, responsive AF possible with minimum noise that's perfect for video capture. Enjoy Optical SteadyShot image stabilization while achieving crisp, stable images and video in low-light or when zooming in on distant subjects. Two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements help suppress chromatic aberration and color bleeding at all focal lengths providing excellent image quality throughout the zoom range.<br /> <strong>Wide Zoom Range -</strong> The SEL55210 provides a wide focal range of up to 315mm (35mm equivalent) ideal for sports or nature shooting.<br /> <strong>ED glass elements -</strong> Two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements helps suppress chromatic aberration and color bleeding at all focal lengths providing excellent image quality throughout the zoom range.<br /> <strong>Optical SteadyShotTM Image stabilization -</strong> Optical SteadyShotTM image stabilization makes it easier to achieve crisp, stable images and video in low-light or when zooming in on distant subjects.<br /> <strong>Quiet Internal Focusing -</strong> Internal focusing makes smooth, responsive AF possible with minimum noise. Perfect for video capture.<br /> <strong>Product Specifications:</strong><br /> <strong>Optics/Lens</strong><br /> Aperture (Max.) : f/4.5 - 6.3<br />Aperture (Min.) : f/22 - 32<br />Filter Diameter : 49mm<br />Lens Groups-Elements : 9 groups, 13 elements (2 aspheric surfaces)<br />Minimum Focus Distance : 3.2ft (1m)<br />Aspheric Elements : 2 aspheric surfaces<br />AF for Movie Capture : Yes<br />Aperture Blade : 7 blades (Circular aperture)<br />Dimensions (Max. Diameter x Length) : 2-1/2 x 2-1/4" (63.8 x108mm)<br />Exterior Finish : Metal<br />Focal Length (35mm equivalent) : 82.5mm-315mm<br />Internal Motor : Yes (Stepping motor)<br />Lens Weight : 12.1 oz (345g)<br />Mount Material : Metal<br /> <strong>Service and Warranty Information</strong><br /> Limited Warranty Term : 1 Year Parts & Labor</p>

[aplumpton]

<p>Louis, that seems like a very good Q/P ratio. Munger and DXO seem to differ on whether it is best at long focal or short, but each seems to think it is an above average lens in its price range (Munger may be more positive of the two) so your wife will probably be happy with it. I am testing a full frame Sony E mount zoom and so far am happy with its performance, even though edge softness at some focal lengths is noted. For what it is worth here are those two reviews if you haven't already seen them:<br>

<br /> http://kurtmunger.com/sony_nex_55_210mm_f_4_5_6_3id318.html</p>

<p>http://www.dxomark.com/Reviews/Sony-E-55-210mm-F4.5-6.3-OSS-lens-review-Balanced-performer</p>

[Lou_Meluso]

<p>Thanks for the links, Arthur. It seems most user reports, such as Amazon, are overwhelmingly positive. For casual use, as my wife will give it, I'm pretty sure it will serve well on her NEX 6 for years to come. When her's arrives, I'm sure I will give it a spin at some point, too, on my A6000 just to see how well it does and maybe even compare it to my FE 70-200 f/4 in a limited way. Still, for under $150, it seems like a decent deal to add a bit of reach and focal length variaty to a compact E-mount system.</p>

[Lou_Meluso]

<p>Note: I just saw the deal has ended.</p>

[sebastianmoran]

<p>It's still on, as of Wed noon, for $190.</p>