Sony DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6

Versatile standard zoom for Sony A-mount APS-C

Sony DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6
60/100
LENS SCORE
Features 10
Performance 12
Durability 10
Price 18
Usability 10
Brand Sony
Model SAL1870

Key Features

FORMAT Designed for Sony Alpha APS-C sensor cameras
ZOOM RANGE 18-70mm focal length (approx 27-105mm equivalent)
APERTURE Variable f/3.5-5.6 maximum aperture
OPTICAL 11 elements in 9 groups with aspherical elements
AUTOFOCUS Driven by camera body motor (screw drive)
MIN FOCUS 38cm minimum focusing distance
FILTER 55mm front filter thread diameter
DIAPHRAGM 7-blade circular aperture for smooth bokeh
MOUNT Sony A-mount (Minolta AF compatible)
STABILIZATION Relies on Sony Alpha in-body stabilization
CONSTRUCTION Lightweight plastic barrel construction
WEATHER SEALING None
SIZE Compact design for travel and daily use

The Most Important Rings & Switches — Sony DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6

Ring / Switch / Control Status Note
Focus Ring ✓ Present
Zoom Ring ✓ Present
Aperture Ring ✗ Not Present
AF/MF Switch ✗ Not Present Controlled via camera body
Image Stabilisation Switch ✗ Not Present
Focus Limiter Switch ✗ Not Present
Function (L-Fn) Button ✗ Not Present
Zoom Lock Switch ✗ Not Present
Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) ✗ Not Present
Weather Sealing ✗ Not Present

How-to Use Sony DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6

Welcome to the How-to section of the lens. In this Light & Composition University website, each page for a lens has a how-to section and a section for learning. The rings, switches and controls of each lens are placed differently between brands and models. The how-to section helps you operate the lens; however, if you are interested in learning photography, you also need to know what each control changes and why you would change it. Click the “Learn” or scroll down.

Learn & Master Photography with Sony DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6

For over a decade, we have been teaching photography following a university standard. No one does it better than us. We have a selection of courses, diplomas, graduate and post-graduate programs, as well as some of our best-selling university press publications, to guide you in the best possible way for your lens. Enroll in the fundamentals and then move to the genres you want to master.

Technical Specification

Lens Type Standard Zoom
Focal Length 18-70mm
Max Aperture f/3.5-5.6
Min Aperture f/22-36
Elements/Groups 11/9
Diaphragm Blades 7
Min Focus Distance 0.38m
Max Magnification 0.25x
Filter Thread 55mm
Focus Motor None (Camera body driven)
Weight 235g
Dimensions 66 x 77 mm