Review on Sony SAL18135 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens" - Enhanced SEO: Sony SAL18135 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens by Michelle Cooper

Much more useful than the stock 18-55mm lens. I have to disagree with some of the other reviewers on where this lens is the least sharp. From my images I have found that a small area around 22mm loses edge definition the worst. I find that at 135mm, where some other reviews say it's worst, I have no problems even using the Clear Image Zoom (digital 2x Enhanced). The lens cap isn't as easy to hold as on the 18-55mm and every time you grab it you run the risk of dropping the cap. I'm not sure why the design should have been any different other than that the two lenses are made in different factories in different countries. I can look for a universal one that is easier to deal with. What I like about the kit lens (besides the increased zoom range) is the much larger and longer lens hood (the kit lens hood is too small to be useful). , as well as the fact that the front of the lens does not rotate when focusing, which makes it easier to use circular polarizers and graduated ND filters. This lens is a much better match for the SLT Alpha: it's a shame M kits aren't available in North America for the SLT-a58 (the kit that includes the 18-135mm) or even "body only" instead of even Spending $100 on the 18-55mm (Kit K) which I will never use. I know the more advanced Alpha series can be bought with an 18-135mm lens, but I've tried to keep my costs down. After reading 3 extensive reviews/tests of this lens online from the UK, Germany and Australia it was worth buying as it wasn't available to try in local stores. Still, I'm COMPLETELY happy with the SLT-a58/18-135mm combo. Now I'm trying to create more photo opportunities just to use this equipment as much as possible (and I didn't think so for a long time). I've been using my Canon A-1 with a 35-105mm f/3.5 lens and Kodachrome probably since the 1980s!