The Sony 55-210mm f/4.5-6.3 Telephoto Lens ($349.99 direct) represents the longest lens that is currently available for the Sony NEX camera system. Its 3.8x zoom range covers a field of view that is equivalent to 83-315mm in traditional 35mm photography, making it a good choice for shooting...

The AF performance is pretty good for a contrast detection system (albeit highly dependent on the base camera). AF operations are basically noiseless. Manual focusing works "by wire" so the focus ring is not directly coupled to the focus gears but to the AF motor.

nice package from sony

I'm sure if the price tag on this lens was $850 like their 70-300G Alpha lens it wouldn't surprise anyone. This is a finely machined metal and rubber lens that fits in your hand like a Italian leather glove. Extension and retraction of the lens is butter smooth.

Optical Performance; Build; Size

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Reasonable price, much smaller and ligher then 18-200. image quality is on par with some prime lens. Well built too, much better the some Sony A-mount DT lens.

Light; well built; good image quality

Can Sony at least put some marking for focus

Image quality is alright, but you won't find a better zoom for this price. I recommend this for a cheap, easy way to get some extra reach on your photos

The sony 55-210 is definitely for those looking for a zoom lens on a budget, especially since there's not much selection in the market in the first place. The image quality is average, but adequate. You pay for what you get. If you are looking for top notch IQ, you shouldn't be looking at this.

With the few uses of this lens so far, I have been happy with the build, image quality and range it adds to the 18-55mm kit lens without the high cost of the 18-200mm other option.

Very good value mild-to-long telephoto all-rounder although image can be a little soft at times. Focussing is noticably slower than the standard lens.

Easily Interchangeable; Lightweight

Slow Focus

To answer the first comment: You say you have the NEX-5 which should have come with the 18-55mm lens correct? If so then you should just go for this lens. 1) It is over $400 cheaper than the 18-200mm zoom lens and zooms further than that one by a bit.

Great price and great zoom

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