Sony 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM II Lens
The Sony 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM II is a 18–55mm f/3.5 lens designed for Sony A mount cameras. Used copies start from $33 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Sony 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM II Lens
Own One Like This?
Make room for more gear in minutes!
Sell your Sony 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM II on GearFocus
Used Sony 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM II Listings on GearFocus
Lens Overview — Sony 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM II
Key Features — Sony 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM II
18-55mm Zoom Range: Covers wide-angle through short telephoto framing, making it a flexible choice for everyday subjects including landscapes, portraits, and travel.
Sony A-Mount Compatibility: Designed for Sony A-mount DSLR cameras, fitting bodies such as the Sony Alpha SLT and DSLR lineup.
APS-C Format Coverage: Optimized for APS-C sensors, delivering an equivalent focal range of approximately 27-82.5mm in full-frame terms.
f/3.5 Maximum Aperture: Offers reasonable light-gathering at the wide end for a kit-style zoom, suitable for well-lit indoor and outdoor shooting.
SAM Autofocus Motor: Built-in Smooth Autofocus Motor (SAM) enables quiet, responsive autofocus directly within the lens barrel.
Auto and Manual Focus: Supports both autofocus and manual focus modes, giving shooters the flexibility to switch based on the shooting situation.
Lens Specifications — Sony 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM II
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Portrait, Landscape, Travel, Beginner-Friendly |
| Lens Type | Zoom |
| Format | APS-C |
| Zoom/Prime | Zoom |
| Focal Length | 18–55mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/3.5 |
| Camera System | DSLR |
| Lens Mount | Sony A |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Focus Type | Auto, Manual |
| Image Stabilization | None |
| Filter Thread | 55mm |
Description — Sony 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM II
The Sony 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM II is a Zoom lens designed for Sony A-mount DSLR cameras with an APS-C sensor format. It covers a 18-55mm focal length range with a maximum aperture of f/3.5 at the wide end, making it a practical option for everyday shooting across a range of subjects and environments. The lens offers both autofocus and manual focus support, accommodating different shooting styles and preferences.
Weighing just 222g, it is one of the lighter options available for the Sony A-mount system, keeping your overall camera kit manageable whether you're out for the day or traveling. A 55mm filter thread allows straightforward use of polarizers, ND filters, and other common accessories. It is worth noting that this lens has no image stabilization, so photographers should be mindful of shutter speed when shooting in challenging light conditions.
Pros — Sony 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM II
- ✓Covers a versatile 18-55mm focal length range on APS-C, suitable for a wide variety of shooting scenarios
- ✓Lightweight at just 222g, making it easy to carry for extended periods
- ✓Supports both autofocus and manual focus for flexible operation
Cons — Sony 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM II
- ✗No image stabilization, which can be a disadvantage in low-light or handheld situations
- ✗Variable maximum aperture of f/3.5-5.6 means less light at longer focal lengths
- ✗Designed exclusively for APS-C format, limiting use on full-frame A-mount bodies
Reviews — Sony 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM II
Videos — Sony 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM II
Which Sony Kit Lens is Best? SELP1650 vs SEL1855 — Arthur R