Is the Sony 16-50mm KIT LENS Good Enough? Lens Review with Samples

Ғылым және технология

IS IT TIME TO UPGRADE YOUR KIT LENS?
Mentioned Videos -
Sony 18-105mm F4 Review - • Sony 18-105 F4 Lens Re...
The Sony 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS (selp1650) is the standard lens packaged in with mirrorless cameras such as the sony a5100 a6000 a6100 a6300 a6400 a6500 a6600 but is it good enough for PHOTOGRAPHY and VIDEO? In this video we'll talk through the specs look at example videos and photography and discuss possible alternatives.
Buy the Kit Lens on Amazon (Affiliate links*)
geni.us/Akitlens
Sony 18-105 F4 Lens
geni.us/AP18105mm
SIgma 56mm F1.4 Lens
geni.us/AP56mm
My Instagram - / arron.prescott​
Sony a5100 subreddit - / ​​
My Twitter- / arronprescott​​
----------------------------------------------------------
Timestamps -
00:00​​ - Start
00:22 - Specifications
01:04​​ - Portrait and Low Light Performance
03:06​​ - Landscape, and vlog Performance
03:57​​ - Price & Photo and Video Overview
05:39 - Alternatives
07:11 Conclusion
My Gear (paid links*)-
Cameras I use -
Sony a5100 - geni.us/APa5100
Sony​ a6000 - geni.us/APa6000
Sony ZV-E10 - geni.us/APZVE10
My Lenses -
Sony 55-210mm Telephoto Lens - geni.us/904G
Sigma 16mm f1.4 - geni.us/AP16mm
Sony 18-105mm f4 - geni.us/AP18105mm
Other stuff I use -
My Tripod - geni.us/APTripod
My Microphone - geni.us/APSM7B
Wireless Shooting Grip - geni.us/J3nA
#1650mm #KitLens #Review​
* DISCLAIMER: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. There is no additional cost to you.

Пікірлер: 107

  • @ArronPrescott
    @ArronPrescott3 жыл бұрын

    Are you still using the 16-50mm kit lens, or have you upgraded?

  • @michaelkmusicofficial

    @michaelkmusicofficial

    3 жыл бұрын

    I immediately upgraded to the sigma 16mm f 1.4

  • @timothykang5729

    @timothykang5729

    3 жыл бұрын

    just ordered a Tamron 17-70 2.8 lens for my a6400. this will be my 2nd lens after the kit lens.

  • @ItsSouljah87

    @ItsSouljah87

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@michaelkmusicofficial i guess for live streaming purpose?

  • @michaelkmusicofficial

    @michaelkmusicofficial

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@ItsSouljah87 ya it looks great !

  • @teresamarie3718

    @teresamarie3718

    3 жыл бұрын

    Still using it, it came with the a6000 which I bought second hand as a beginner it's been good enough for starters and learning and have been able to get some pretty nice images (in my humble opinion) especially with careful editing. Follow on lenses so far are a Sigma prime 50mm and Sony 55 - 210mm zoom which are both noticeably better. The time has come to upgrade now. Stumbled across this video in the research phase. Confirms what I have been thinking 👍

  • @DanCBearded
    @DanCBearded2 жыл бұрын

    Fantastic breakdown, thank you!

  • @pilahpilih_1
    @pilahpilih_13 жыл бұрын

    I have only this lens at the moment. Been thinking to upgrade, but still waiting for the budget. I think this lens is quite of a performer compared to it's size. Overall I'm pretty pleased with its capabilities

  • @AnshumanAnandMantrVani

    @AnshumanAnandMantrVani

    Жыл бұрын

    Will this kit lens work well for close room shoots, like usual talking head videos? Will it give a decent (not extraordinary) blurry effect in that case? Thanks for advising🙏

  • @aslinsurance
    @aslinsurance3 жыл бұрын

    I just got a sony a5100 last month... and subscribed your channel! Bravo!

  • @pfoster616
    @pfoster6163 жыл бұрын

    Good job Aaron. I am wanting that 18-105 and probably haven't given the kit lens enough credit.

  • @kaushaltiwari9773
    @kaushaltiwari97732 жыл бұрын

    My kit lens was left in the original packaging for months before I considered using it just for fun. It blew me away by its OSS. I can hand hold this thing at 1/3 shutter speed at 16mm, which helps keep the ISO low. It is a great option for still subjects in low light. Slow shutter speed blurry shots are also possible. The OSS should not be underestimated. At night it performs better than my Sigma 30mm f2.8 because of its OSS and great AF.

  • @chancetalkscameras

    @chancetalkscameras

    6 ай бұрын

    It's great! It was the first lens that got me into video since it was the only way I could film handheld on my unstabilized a6k.

  • @ItsSouljah87
    @ItsSouljah873 жыл бұрын

    I would appreciate a comparison between this kit lens and the old SEL-1855. There are too less out there on YT. I got both here right now and i am not sure which one i should stick with as my Go-To-Lens for like holiday fotography, or some VLOGs. For Live Stream i use the Sigma 16mm F1.4 or a Walimex Pro 8mm Fisheye.

  • @robertyutube
    @robertyutube11 ай бұрын

    Thank you. This video was very useful!

  • @p4ul.f708
    @p4ul.f7083 жыл бұрын

    Good video ! But dont you think that the sigma 56mm 1.4 is a better choice than the sigma 50mm 1.4 Art, while being way cheaper too ?

  • @vishnuchandran2126
    @vishnuchandran2126 Жыл бұрын

    Hey bro nice video it was. Btw suggest me a lens which I can upgrade from ma kit lens. Am not a professional. Wats ur opinion?

  • @julyflowers1292
    @julyflowers12923 ай бұрын

    Ok, I just bought my starter camera and felt that I needed to get a better lense to practice but I think I’ll hold off and practice practice practice with this one! Thank you!

  • @patrickcanullas6384
    @patrickcanullas63843 жыл бұрын

    every review and news update,,, hurray mr. arron! 🙌 🙌 🙌 . ialways watchin' ur reviews. from 🇵🇭 🙂👍

  • @ArronPrescott

    @ArronPrescott

    3 жыл бұрын

    Much appreciated!

  • @ElectricDaruma
    @ElectricDaruma8 ай бұрын

    Thanks for the advice on this, I realize I dont need a different lens yet as I dont use this lens to its limits yet.

  • @cristianbortos7757
    @cristianbortos77572 жыл бұрын

    I have a Sigma 56 mm f 1.4, but I still use the kit lens when I want to take landscape photography, it is an ok lens!

  • @blacktoaster2052
    @blacktoaster20523 жыл бұрын

    Arron sir I appreciate your efforts and hard work in every video... God bless you. Ur Subscriber

  • @ArronPrescott

    @ArronPrescott

    3 жыл бұрын

    It's my pleasure!

  • @WagnerJ
    @WagnerJ7 ай бұрын

    What can i use that can hybrid up short videos for instagram and youtube and also for interior real estate photography?

  • @RockWILK
    @RockWILK2 жыл бұрын

    I just wanted a decent all around zoom lens to keep with me all the time, and I found this one, in "brand new condition" from MPB for $62!! And so I jumped on it. Great for vlogging, although I use my Samyang 12mm a lot for that, or my Sigma 16mm, but if I'm walking around, the stabilization in the 16-50 keeps my Samyang and Sigma both at home for those videos, and also... since I'm a prime user for all of my professional work, I didn't want to spend any real money just to have a zoom, and so this made sense. Having said that, you can do great work with this lens, for sure, and I'm glad I have it for those days I'm just out and about, for no particular reason, but always wanting to have my camera with me, ready to capture something.

  • @alexgoriatchenkov
    @alexgoriatchenkov6 ай бұрын

    Yes agree with you. Thank you for nice talking. For beginners and not beginners (who is considering "Professional"? Blogger or rich people?) it is great everyday lens, light, and makes really great sharp photos IF know some basic photography rules.

  • @tushardani
    @tushardani3 жыл бұрын

    Can you suggest a good cheaper lense to upgrade .

  • @jack002tuber
    @jack002tuber3 жыл бұрын

    I'm a Pentax guy and we have one of these as well, the 18-55. So you compare a 55mm f 1.4 to this lens, they are not that alike. Nothing can replace a 1.4 55mm. As for this kit lens, do we know if there are similar zooms in this range available that are better? I've not heard of any.

  • @raquelqueiroga7796
    @raquelqueiroga7796 Жыл бұрын

    Hi! What should you advise photography with more light , because I loved this photos with light and for products invitations ? The 16-50 sony I don't like :( . I Have a sony A6000 . Thank you 😊

  • @clisaa6974
    @clisaa697411 ай бұрын

    ^What's a sharper lens one size up from this one that takes good photos for travel and family pics.

  • @saurabhavhad8122
    @saurabhavhad81222 жыл бұрын

    Sir Pls can you suggest which camera I want to buy for my dance videos Sony a6400 Or Sony Zv- E10 which one should I buy...? Pls suggest..

  • @rideoreels7932
    @rideoreels79329 ай бұрын

    Can we use this lens in fullframe camera ?

  • @TheHorrorGeek
    @TheHorrorGeek2 жыл бұрын

    Super video! I'm looking at upgrading to an A6400 (I've shot everything on an iPhone on my channel) and I know a lot of people are like "get the Sigma 16mm lens for the blurry background effect" but it's like half the price of the camera (which is fine I guess if you get the look you want), but I was curious of the kit lens was a disaster or serviceable if you didn't get the Sigma right away...and now I know. :-) Also, I'm a total camera noob, so I appreciate that you broke all of this down in a way a completely inexperienced user could understand. Great work.

  • @maqui1814

    @maqui1814

    2 жыл бұрын

    You can also get a cheap 25mm/50mm f/1.8 like f7artisans or Meike for that blurry background.

  • @AgentFitz
    @AgentFitz2 жыл бұрын

    When I brought the A5100 as a portable camera to carry all the time with instead of lugging around the A7iii I decided to swear off buying APS-C glass so I was glad to get the kit lens in the deal. I also use full frame glass on the tiny 5100 for my needs and it works well. I actually picked up a renewed Rokinnon 24mm f2.8 FF lens for $139 and it gives me a nice image when I need more light. When I am in the city hanging out or in the woods during the day I always use the kit lens.

  • @jollypong77
    @jollypong773 жыл бұрын

    This might be a silly question but how do I use step up rings with this kit lens... I don’t see any threads.

  • @miklosnemeth8566
    @miklosnemeth85663 жыл бұрын

    A5100 together with this 1650 is brilliant for the performance and price. An excellent upgrade from smartohone photography and videography.

  • @georgerichardson6757
    @georgerichardson67579 ай бұрын

    The kit lens sharpness is amazing.

  • @drewcorrales
    @drewcorrales2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the info! I've been Sony curious for a while, but am also on a budget. Additionally, I'm looking for a lighter weight option to take hiking and the a6600 w/ the 16-55mm seems worth considering.

  • @ArronPrescott

    @ArronPrescott

    2 жыл бұрын

    Sony APS-C cameras are a great lightweight option. As you can get the kit lens packaged in with most sony alpha cameras, it makes it a decent low budget option.

  • @frank26080115

    @frank26080115

    2 жыл бұрын

    I hike with a a6600 and the 70-350mm, weight is not a problem, I do use a peak design capture plate to keep myself comfortable while carrying it

  • @thangnt2945
    @thangnt2945 Жыл бұрын

    updated from this lens to the SEL 35mm 1.8 for indoor and portrait photography. The quality is totally different. I do miss being able to zoom in and out though. Might get another zoom lens in the future.

  • @scotttobias556
    @scotttobias5564 ай бұрын

    I thinking about buying one for my FX30. The FX30 is very much a video-first camera and I'm very much a video-first user. I'm looking forward to using its power zoom, a feature that probably wouldn't interest me too much for photography. You can get these used for as little as $80 from the big online camera shops. You make a lot of good points in your review. But in my case, I already own some faster primes and probably use them in low-light situations. This lens should be good for Gimbal work, where lightness is a big plus.

  • @GreenHoleSun
    @GreenHoleSun Жыл бұрын

    Have you considered the Tamron 17-70 2.8? Many people consider it the perfect all-rounder lens for Sony mirrorless.

  • @Albertoabrian
    @Albertoabrian6 ай бұрын

    I just purchased a6700. And I will use 16-50mm cause it will very very fantastic for landscape photography

  • @yuxi2424
    @yuxi242410 ай бұрын

    is this lens workable on a7m4? Thank you

  • @VedantaGuruji
    @VedantaGuruji Жыл бұрын

    I was so confused to buy Sony zv e10 with or without. People were saying if u can avoid it its better to save money and buy other fixed focused lens instead. But this video cleared the confusion. Since this is my 1 St camera and I m beginner. So I will go with the kit lens Thank you

  • @mikesrandomchannel

    @mikesrandomchannel

    3 ай бұрын

    Exactly my thoughts on this, just done the same thing!

  • @meanwhileinespoo1265
    @meanwhileinespoo12653 жыл бұрын

    I found a helios 44m-4 for 40 euros and an adapter for the a5100 for 20 euros. All manual..F2 is amazing. Bokeh and clarity and lets in a lot of light....

  • @blutey
    @blutey3 жыл бұрын

    @ 03:36: "It also has autofocus built-in". Did you mean stabilisation?

  • @chancetalkscameras
    @chancetalkscameras6 ай бұрын

    Definitely depends on what you'd consider "good enough". I wouldn't use it for professional work, obviously, but it's awesome for a casual walk-around lens. Also, it's STABILIZED which is huge for people like myself who started on the a6k.

  • @armanspecial5664
    @armanspecial566411 ай бұрын

    Sir 16 50 is good its autofocus is good buy it for wedding sir please tell me

  • @nerdexproject
    @nerdexproject3 жыл бұрын

    I would even argue it's very capable for portraits! Get a bit closer to the subject and zoom in and the backdrop will be wonderfully defocused. The only reason I consider a new lens is bc I enjoy wildlife photography a lot. Great video mate!

  • @badischouater6474

    @badischouater6474

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yes th’is true i cant get where ever i do a pucture not defocused , is there any solution ??? Please

  • @MarkOakleyComics
    @MarkOakleyComics3 жыл бұрын

    The Sony kit lens is such a great little trooper; you can go out on a camera walk with friends and get some really satisfying, fun shots. After all these years, it's still a winner... Go Japanese engineering! My favorite lens, however, is a 25 year-old Canon FD mount 28mm f2.8 for talking-head studio shooting. -Gotta love those old lenses given new life on modern cameras! Cheers!

  • @ArronPrescott

    @ArronPrescott

    3 жыл бұрын

    The kit lens still surprises me to this day, a great all-round lens!

  • @chancetalkscameras

    @chancetalkscameras

    6 ай бұрын

    FD lineup is awesome. I've had a 50mm F1.8 for a long while and I love it.

  • @iemwill9429
    @iemwill9429 Жыл бұрын

    i like your blade runner poster on your wall, where did you get it from? let me know

  • @ArronPrescott

    @ArronPrescott

    Жыл бұрын

    Good taste! I got it from www.richardgoodallgallery.com/ around 5 years ago, so they might not still stock it.

  • @richardpcrowe
    @richardpcrowe2 жыл бұрын

    Two plus factors (really, three if you consider the low-low price) are the form factor and the OSS. I will be using this with the A6600 on a light weight gimbal for video - usually shooting around f/5.6 to f/8. If I become adept at using the gimbal. I may switch to the Sigma 18-50mm f/2,8...

  • @TexpatOTG
    @TexpatOTG3 жыл бұрын

    I have 3 of these kit lenses. 1 of them is really great ... big difference from other two. It gets a lot of use. I have started buying some other lenses, but will always keep a body with the kit on it. My next new lens will be a 17-70 Tamron. Cheers

  • @ArronPrescott

    @ArronPrescott

    3 жыл бұрын

    The Tamron 17-70 is getting a lot of love at the moment, definitely a lens I'm looking forward to giving a go!

  • @TexpatOTG

    @TexpatOTG

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@ArronPrescott Hard to find here in Saigon, we are always at the bottom of the supply chain.

  • @tigerlu8518
    @tigerlu85182 жыл бұрын

    I am thinking of taking the kit lens for mountain climbing, as it is very compact. Do you think it is good for that? Thanks.

  • @ArronPrescott

    @ArronPrescott

    2 жыл бұрын

    If you want a really lightweight option with zoom capability then the kit lens is a good choice. It's also inexpensive so not the end of the world if it gets a bit beaten up!

  • @durraniafiqah1493
    @durraniafiqah14938 ай бұрын

    who knows either lens sony e mount pz 16-50mm or Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens is good for sony nex 5r ? please let me know your opinion 🥹

  • @kennethsimmons3574
    @kennethsimmons35742 жыл бұрын

    I’m new to this camera stuff. So I have one question do you have to change lenses after a while?

  • @ArronPrescott

    @ArronPrescott

    2 жыл бұрын

    Only change when you feel like the lens you have isn't working for you any more. The kit lens is a good all rounder and I used it for around 2 years before upgrading.

  • @kennethsimmons3574

    @kennethsimmons3574

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@ArronPrescott thanks

  • @thecubingshelf9331
    @thecubingshelf93312 жыл бұрын

    I got the a6000 with the kit lens recently, why does this lens distort the corners so much? It almost looks like fisheye footage, is there any way to fix it?

  • @exhaust4246

    @exhaust4246

    3 ай бұрын

    Damn, sounds like a nightmare... did you fix it?😊

  • @ANCARS9800
    @ANCARS98002 жыл бұрын

    Can this lens do 4k 60fps on the sony a7c? I am new to DSLR cameras

  • @khanguyenminh952

    @khanguyenminh952

    2 жыл бұрын

    Sony A7C has 4k 30fps max. Lens isn't affect the camera body resolution/fps. And this is crop lens (for sony a6000/6300/6600) , not for full frames (A7ii-iii, A7C, A7R, A7S) .

  • @greyspaniard
    @greyspaniard3 жыл бұрын

    I picked up the 18-105/f4 last year but the new Tamron 17-70/f2.8 is temping me to try and sell it and cover the difference.

  • @ArronPrescott

    @ArronPrescott

    3 жыл бұрын

    Totally agree, the Tamron 17-70 looks like a game changer, hoping to try one soon!

  • @Kee.Sace3.0
    @Kee.Sace3.0 Жыл бұрын

    Honest opinion.. I think it’s an ok lens to start with. But after messing around with it for about a week. I don’t think the quality is where I’d like it to be, especially after I export the video to my phone. Thinking of the sigma 18-50mm with an ND filter to compliment. Would this be a good upgrade?

  • @tusharpuri835

    @tusharpuri835

    8 ай бұрын

    Yes it is you got sharp shot with 18-50 sigma

  • @tusharpuri835

    @tusharpuri835

    8 ай бұрын

    If you already buyed which one you buyed

  • @adrianleano6685
    @adrianleano66853 жыл бұрын

    Still using it only for 16mm 3.5

  • @thecubingshelf9331
    @thecubingshelf93313 жыл бұрын

    Can you zoom in while filming on the a5100?

  • @ArronPrescott

    @ArronPrescott

    3 жыл бұрын

    Yes, if you're using the 16-50mm kit lens, or another other zoom lens then you can zoom when recording video.

  • @thecubingshelf9331

    @thecubingshelf9331

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@ArronPrescott thanks!

  • @ProPowerMax
    @ProPowerMax2 жыл бұрын

    I got a brand new Alpha 6000 with the Kit Lens for 400€, and i think for that money there is nothing out there which can compete with that setup.

  • @ChargedPulsar
    @ChargedPulsar2 жыл бұрын

    Kit lens is perfect, it's free, it's small, it's an average lens which does it's job. It actually allows you to see the baseline so that you can get a different lens for a specific result, if you want to. That's what it's all about dslr's. The freedom of choice. In a hurry? Grab the kit lens and don't look back. Going to a wedding? PIck a specific lens instead. Got lots of space in bag? Throw everything in and make your lens choice at the spot.

  • @realmoonknight

    @realmoonknight

    7 ай бұрын

    it is not free if its not included in the body only price

  • @capone_rd_809
    @capone_rd_809 Жыл бұрын

    Just bought the a6100 it came with this kit lens, I do not like it at all cant go down to f1.8

  • @larswara2124
    @larswara21245 ай бұрын

    Sad to say, it`s not a good lens. Crappy sharpness in the corners, and my lens just stopped working (motorized zoom, AND focus...) after a couple of years.. Bought then a second hand 18-55 3,5-5,6, wich is...ok..just.. soft corners too. Just switched to A6700 with the Sigma 18-50 C f/2,8. A whole new ballgame! Tack sharp, corner to corner, superfast AF!

  • @fritz9880
    @fritz9880 Жыл бұрын

    Aaron - you make good points. Here’s another thought. I own a full frame Sony camera and I bought the 16-50mm lens. When I bought the camera, I originally bundled it with the Sony 18-105mm. However, even though I found that lens performed well, it was, quite frankly, chunky - heavy and obtrusive. For me, Sony 16-50mm makes for a better all-around lens. Besides for portability that you mentioned, its small size makes for a discrete street camera. Unlike the Sony 18-105mm, it doesn’t alert people that they are being photographed. In good light, images are sharp, contrast and colors are excellent, and I get good detail in shadows. Many of my night photos are also sharp! If you stopped down to f/16 at night, starbursts are magnificent! Some people slammed the 16-50mm as being an inferior lens while others praise it. I know for a fact the lens quality varies, especially on less expensive lens. Perhaps that accounts for the different experiences that photographers have.

  • @clisaa6974

    @clisaa6974

    11 ай бұрын

    that makes me happy to hear. I will be getting the a6100 and i don't want a huge lens cause i want it for travel and a family camera. For me i love crisp sharp photos of faces like most people.But, i'm new to mirrorless cameras so splurging on expensive lenses when I'm not comfortable with the camera yet is what worries me.

  • @fritz9880

    @fritz9880

    11 ай бұрын

    @@clisaa6974 Clarissa - this is an old problem that most photographers face. Not being fully committed to the hobby, you're afraid that spending a lot of money on equipment may be a waste if you find that photography is not your thing. On the other hand, buying cheaper lens will protect you from "wasting" too much money if photography doesn't pan out, but cheaper lenses may give your poor results and make think that you're not a good photographer. I suggest that you buy one very good prime lens and stick with only that lens until you feel ready to commit to photography. A 35mm lens may be a good choice. Good luck!

  • @clisaa6974

    @clisaa6974

    11 ай бұрын

    @@fritz9880 thank u!

  • @tomc314
    @tomc314 Жыл бұрын

    Vifa XT 30 ))

  • @tre_tha_beast6848
    @tre_tha_beast68482 ай бұрын

    Who ever needs to see this… Go out and take some photos… Going up the street??? Take some photos Going to the grocery store??? TAKE YOUR CAMERA

  • @aryanpareek8742
    @aryanpareek874210 ай бұрын

    This lens is horrific, terrible in low light and makes a heinous buzzing noise when zooming during video, thereby rendering the audio useless

  • @ChargedPulsar
    @ChargedPulsar2 жыл бұрын

    Bokeh is just an excuse for photographers, unable to find or find a suitable background. And false advertisement made a lot of people into thinking that Bokeh is preferable to an actual fitting background. I have met a lot of people disliking Bokeh pictures, because they were, well. Blurry.

  • @PaperCorpse

    @PaperCorpse

    8 ай бұрын

    This has to be a joke 💀💀💀💀💀💀

  • @soupslicer136

    @soupslicer136

    8 ай бұрын

    sure sweetie, i'm eager to see your night time photos with F/22

  • @joakimolsson1024

    @joakimolsson1024

    6 ай бұрын

    ​@@soupslicer136the lens is not f22 and there are things called "flash" and "lamp", so f22 no problem 😁

  • @sidha22

    @sidha22

    4 ай бұрын

    Haha I totally agree with you. Bokeh is for pro to brag about lenses. Or for those who can't use background to compliment the face . It's like a Short cut to get away from lack imagination by using more money . I made a bokeh at a lake and my wife asked me why come all the way here if I was going to blurr everything. Why not click a pic in a kids park lol , no1 is going to know. I always shoot when I'm at beautiful places Ike buildings, lakes , mountains etc. So I always have shrp focus on face and my pics background is only 20% blurred u can see everything at Back but it also doesn't distract u from the face. If I want big blobs of bokeh I will shoot it in my backyard saying I'm in forest or something, lol

  • @osomax
    @osomax2 жыл бұрын

    Its an HORRIBLE Lens !!!

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