Review on Enhanced Sony SAL18250 Alpha DT 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 High Magnification Zoom Lens by Steven Barbon

I bought my A57 with a kit lens and while this lens exceeded my expectations I knew I needed something more versatile. Photos from the SAL18250 are very good (I consider myself an intermediate amateur although I would buy a Zeiss lens if I had $$. Of course if I had $$ I wouldn't use the APS-C model but I digress .) In general it does exactly what I want it to do and combines the flexibility I had with my DSC-HX1 with the image quality of an APS-C sensor. I needed something faster than 3.5 so I bought a 50mm 1.8 DT lens to use with this lens. Pros: Color and sharpness are the same as the kit lens, no regrets. Range is all I need. (Combined with the A57's excellent digital zoom capabilities, I was able to get some great moon shots last month.) The wide-angle perspective distortion is noticeably better than the standard lens, although it's still present. (In addition, the A57 quickly and intelligently makes adjustments to the photo to correct residual vignetting and distortion.) Zooming and focusing is smooth (the inner focus ring doesn't affect the front element). The lens lock switch is on the body, although I've never had to use it. Cons: The lens seems well made but adds a lot of weight to the camera. Shooting with one hand is more difficult. The screw-drive autofocus isn't as fast as the 18-55's built-in motor, although it's a bit quieter. However, slight distortion and slight color fringes (chromatic aberration) on a light background. $650 is a little expensive compared to competing and similar models, although I bought mine at a deep discount from independent retailer Revain.