Sony 55-210mm Telephoto Lens Overview

[@slr7075]

This lens doesn't deserve the hate that it seems to get. Sure it's not the most fastest or the best optics but it's small size and OSS makes it extremely versatile and portable for it's given focal length. I'm looking at this lens now since acquiring my a6300 and it's definitely on my watch list thanks to your review! There are currently great deals for this lens and thank goodness that's it's not too expensive. It's definitely worth it for the great pictures you've shown.

[@jdc2126]

I can't believe that non of the reviews on youtube shows a zooming in sample of the lens. We need to see what it looks like from 55-210 zooming into a subject.

[@thalegacy6]

Check out thatonecameraguy he shows what you're looking for.

[@TheQuietfun]

I’ve been watching your reviews recently.. all have been fairly straightforward.. then I got this video!!!!! People watch certain reviewers because of the way they seem to be and present themselves and family on camera.. this intro confirmed why I have been coming back to yours! Thank you for making us laugh and keep us entertained!

[@Dany-G.]

that intro was amazing.

[@aakashkamble1309]

This is so cool. I simply love the intro. Kudos

[@karanore]

Not actors he says... could have fooled me. A lot more convincing than most scetches on yt. Loved it more please.

[@DetourDJ]

This is why I subscribe to your channel; good, sensible reviews with a fun twist and a look at some beautiful places. I bought my A6000 with the 16-50 and 55-210 kit lenses. I pretty much never touch the 16-50 anymore since I picked up the excellent Sigma 30/f1.4, and the 55-210 only comes out on nice days with lots of sun when I need maximum reach. It really falls short in lower light. My standard lens mounted on the camera most times is the 18-105. It doesn't have the longest reach, but the focal range is huge and the constant f4 helps when I'm shooting my typical shots of bands and audiences in club settings. Thanks for the fun video!

[@WilliamNevius]

Lol that intro tho 😹🤣😂 good job acting guys lol

[@photographers_guild]

Indeed

[@marcorodriguez2719]

As an amateur photographer I do own that lens and I love it, take some shots last weekend and they look amazing, thanks for all your reviews I took a lot of your advices.

[@Ant_Stark]

Had to make sure I wasn't on pornhub for a second

[@dsl4n]

💀

[@sebastianharrysson1842]

Ahhhhh it's 5:30 am in sweden and I'm watching a review, life is going grrrrrrrrrrrreat!

[@alexdaniells8762]

legit been there like a week ago

[@AirflowAviation]

Very solid lens, sharpness is surprising. OSS is nice and autofocus is pretty nice. Does the trick for what I want.

[@themareo2771]

I have the original silver colored 18 to 200 and It's one of my favorite telephoto lenses, you could use it in almost any situation and the pictures look great, I have considered getting the 55 to 210 because it is a lot cheaper but I probably wouldn't use it much having the 18-200 already, it would be cool to see a comparison between the two lenses to see which one produces better images, thanks for the reviews!

[@PetalumaHandyman]

I have watched almost all of you videos wanting to learn as much about the Sony cameras and the a6000 specifically. I also watch other professional photographers KZbin videos. I always assumed you were a photographer by profession and was shocked to hear you say in one of your other videos I saw today that you are not. You are amazing at your reviews and other content. Really great at explaining how it all works . I really appreciate all your work!

[@angelocanet2962]

The acting of your intro feels like i am watching porn lol

[@noahaharown]

Lol

[@solarized7124]

LMFAO

[@martianmandee]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@SlavaVeres]

Taking into consideration the specs and price parameters I was blown away with the sharpness of 4k video it produced on my a6300. And I'm talking about 200mm focal distance. Thanks for this entertaining review!

[@LDrumsOhio]

HAHA. This cracked me up. Thanks for the fun skit. I actually didn't fast forward and just decided to stay because you all made it funny. Your wife's hair is just like my wife and she constantly has to pull it down or make it work when I take photos of her :)!

[@iamax8307]

The way she freaked out hahah..She's so cute. You guys are awesome. Nice model too

[@Marine_0317]

WOW!!! That was by far the best Intro and Endtro i’ve ever seen from all the videos i’ve watched on KZbin. Great Job!

[@robertkerr3921]

I recently used the Tamron 18-200 (3.5-6.3) on my a6500 on a photo shoot in Slovenia. I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the landscape and people photos. This would be a good lens for a comparison with the Sony 55-210. As always enjoyed your videos.

[@olddavidwho7313]

Hey man, are you Slovenian?

[@shawnhowe]

What an amazing intro，suspect stole your heart. Sometimes we need these funny parts rather than the features of the product. You always present great efforts on your videos. Thanks.

[@simon_patterson]

"My wife and I are not actors"...it went without saying! Hilarious, though, I'm impressed you went through with it and entertained the rest of us! (Y)

[@chryseass.5143]

Wow, I was surprised to see this one reviewed, but your intro was indeed fun! I have the 55-210 ( came with my a6000 along with the 16-50) and I compared it to my 18-105mm F.4. I found that by utilizing Clear Image Zoom on the 18-105, I can more or less duplicate the reach of the 55-210. That makes the 18-105 an ideal all round lens for the a6xxx series that can effectively replace the two kit lenses altogether.

[@aidamustapha7445]

Chryseas S. Thanks for the tip

[@themareo2771]

Chryseas S. You can also try out the 18-200, I have the original silver colored one, it's probably heavier but it produces super beautiful pics

[@HH-qs9zf]

What the lowlight like?

[@BLITZCREEG]

i feaken luv that idea but i just got the 55-210 for my surf trip and amazon gives u 60 day return so im going to try it out as well as try your idea on surfing and see how they compare with a far away reef break in Nicaragua. I may just keep it because i already have the 18-105 new and this 18-105 like new from amazon for only $155. I also have the siga 16mm and honestly never take it off and i NEED to bust out the 18-105 wayyyyy more for that bokah at mid zoom and i recomenf the sigma 30mm was my favorite lens before i got the 16mm....man i want to film some stuff now im pumped up !! lol,,

[@ChrisParayno]

@@HH-qs9zf just use it outside and or good lighting

[@davidlewis5929]

If you are looking at one of the a6xxx series cameras the best way to get this lens is through one of the bundles. I can say that I was extremely pleased with the performance of this lens (with an a6000) on a safari trip I took. This is also the only Sony APS-C specific long range telephoto lens. Great job with the intro.

[@SalwanJBinni]

Thanks for the reviews...! Just one note please: it would be more helpful if you couple the samples with the relevant settings like f stops and aperture values so that to be able to judge the bokeh and other performance milestones of a given lens especially if the are not primes.

[@AleeCarretero]

I haven't even finished watching the video. But I HAD to drop a thumbs up for that intro haha

[@PaulHojda]

Surprisingly good sharpness and nice smooth bokeh from this lens. Extremely good value

[@chewcheen]

Dude. You and your wife are the best.

[@sharpenednoodles]

haven't watched your channel for a while, but this intro is gold

[@md.faruk-e-azam5632]

Both of you were the best actors. You guys should keep that up. Today I've subscribed your channel.

[@ac4pres310]

The beginning and end made my morning, great vid guys! 😂😂😂

[@guimi7336]

Such a cool intro

[@Rskillswitch]

Im here for the skit, please I'd start a petition for more🤣😭❤️❤️

[@lennymo9088]

I got one with an A6100 kit. Like it a lot, used it with a Sony 70-350 in Nat'l. parks and was surprised at the picture quality. My purchase was based on your videos.

[@lcmamancio]

My copy of this lens is very sharp corner to corner until 150mm the start lost in the corners. Very nice video!

[@peregrinolincoln]

Thank you for your review. I just purchased a Sony A6400 with this lens. I am just getting into vlogging. I am excited about getting started.

[@vandewaetere]

I'd like to see a comparison with the 18-200 OSS (the older silver OSS version, not the newer rebranded tamron LE version). I actually have both the 55-210 (was part of a kit together with the 16-50) and the 18-200. I prefer the 18-200 on trips because it means less switching between lenses. Love the channel! Keep up the good work!

[@andyuk610]

Just purchased the Sony 35mm based on your review. This lens is next on my list to purchase!

[@alsokennisan]

Your review is always so fun and informative. Keep up the good work!

[@DKCatarina]

Watt a cool intro - you two are just sooo cute :-D

[@laurencegr9978]

Very enjoyable intro. About this lens, this is also perfect for macro photography when paired with a macro extension tube.

[@zayismatGiri]

Finally today I've got sony a6100 and i just ordered this 55-210mm lens (second hand but good condition) 😃😁 Thanks man for your review...

[@つちや-さん]

Her performance is the best!

[@q4short]

just purchased the lens because I'm going to a sporting event... haven't touched it otherwise... easy decision with it being so affordable with OSS and autofocus. It's so sloww but we'll see how it will work when the time comes

[@aidamustapha7445]

q4short don't open the aperture wide, the vignetting is very bad

[@q4short]

I didn't notice any obvious vignetting but haven't looked at the pix up close on my computer

[@ladislavsvencik]

All shoot with this lens www.flickr.com/photos/152840941@N02/shares/4829ce

[@ladislavsvencik]

At the long end you have to stop it @7.1 as its very soft at 6.3

[@q4short]

Very nice photos! Thanks for sharing. I'll be watching indoor tennis so I don't think the lighting conditions will be very good, plus I'll be doing more video than pictures so sharpness isn't a top priority. But great to know for future "outside" photoshoots!

[@6gwilliams]

You guys make a cool team, loved it.

[@cruzinthru8285]

Probably my Favorite Video from you guys... Watched it dozens of times... :>)

[@GervaisKewley90]

😂🤣😂🤣This husband and wife intro just got me to subscribe lol love it

[@BrockLeonard]

If you had to choose which lens took the better long range shot; would you choose this one or the Sony 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 OSS, thanks!

[@hiselectmedia]

I just picked up this lens, the 18-55mm and a Sony NEX-5T in a package for $150. I'll be using the NEX5T for VLOGs. My son has secretly taken ownership of it, so I'll have to borrow it from him....LOL!!! Thanks for the review.

[@nachoramon5453]

Best lens review video ever period!

[@epion33]

Hey for not being actors that wasn't half bad! Good Sony quality;)

[@JosieJayD]

I brought this lens to a football game on the field and got some great photos and video.

[@SubhajitDeb]

can i use it on tripod? the camera body is not that much. I have a vanguard veo 264 ab tripod. Will this be wobbly on that tripod?

[@petermirabella5192]

Great lens, I use it with my Sony A6700 and I love it

[@nth1109]

Please review the upcoming sony 18-135mm. Sony said it is sharp corner to corner.

[@ActionJ4cks0n187]

and compare to the 105

[@Thedogofdoom1997]

I have one, it's very very sharp at f5-8 pretty much across the zoom range. In case you were still wondering lol

[@p0rt0b0y]

The skit made me lol. You two are naturals =) I think you have reviewed every e mount lens i have now. I was suprised at the results from this thing too. Only bought it to get some shots of my soccer team while i was out injured and some of the shots were very good.

[@CaptainHD-]

Awesome video! First video I watched of yours, I thought I was watching hoovies garage for a second 😂

[@benbryant1368]

I brought this lense a couple of months ago and have been using it for nightime car meets and it has been great. Its not the fastest lense so you need to lower the shutter speed a bit. But if you have a tripod that is no issue.

[@LooseEnds]

I like this lens. I’ve been thinking for the past couple weeks about asking my brother in law if I can buy it back! Nice video again.

[@darksideemt]

You guys are the best! She cracks me up so much.

[@sleepless51]

I'm considering this lens for Planespotting and Wildlife shots. There are some 2nd hand options that are quite affordable.

[@ric79demor54]

I enjoyed the new style of video. Too funny! You are my go to guy for everything photographic. Back in the 70's I used to have a Minolta SLR and all my lenses were manual focus....and I used Kodachrome film...developed my own. Other than my android camera I have not been into it as I once was. But things have changed....I just bought the new A6100 and I have 3 used lenses from ebay. Sony 55-210mm Zoom OSS; Sony 35mm SEL OSS and the 28 to 70mm Zoom OSS. Going to try these lenses out. I plan on shooting grandaughters Tennis....Fastpitch and gymnastic outings. Interested in the sporting events in it mostly for now. But the fixed 35mm is for those portraits and some videos. All new technology for me but I have the basic knowledge and I'm eager to get out and shoot. Thanks for your videos....your videos have helped me make some choices.

[@Zero]

Loving this new format for review videos ! keep them coming.

[@jatinkallur5453]

Love the video...i was waiting from months for the 55-210 lens review...finally was very happy tht its done...it would be great if u compare sony 55-210 and sigma 70-300 lens....ill be waiting for tht.

[@GilbertTV]

i just stumbled across this again...absolutley brilliant intro... you should do some more like this..

[@subzeroxvi]

That Into was awesome!!! Well done!!! 👍

[@yuanyuanintaiwan]

What a nice intro, we all had a different style when we started our channels :)

[@FluxStage]

I was just cruising around you channel looking for a review on this Lens yesterday! awesometown! thanks guys

[@FamilyGuyShorts-f2h]

The best camera review ever,(seriously)

[@N0rdman]

Thank you for the overview. Regarding comparing testing I think some people would like to know how much they loose, or possibly how little they loose, in comparing the Sony 70-200mm F/4 G lens or the 70-200mm F/2.8 GM lens, but if you are looking at the 55-210mm I don't think you are shopping around for a $1500 to $2600 lens, even if it would be fun if you can lay your hands on one of them. I think it would probably more benificial to compare to another possible choice; the Sony 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS as a walk-around-do-it-all option and the gains in comparision. The only other option that I can see in the same bracket would be the Tamron 18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III VC; the field is quite empty for Sony E mount which is a bit bewildering at the moment.

[@psyysp171]

Considering the price point, the lens is pretty good. It does have its flaws tho. I used this lens over a year now and mainly tried to shoot wildlife (e.g. animals in the amazonian rainforest) with it. The reach you get is pretty good, because you get up to 315mm when you calculate in the crop factor. Working at 315mm you better use a tripod for sharp images and you absolutly need one for videos. The autofocus of this lens works ok in good light conditions but starts to get very slow and inaccurate in lower light. Also, the contrast of the lens is pretty low (nothing you cant edit afterwards, but straight out of camera the picture often lacks a bit of a punch). Because of the slow speed of the lens it is really hard to use in darker environment such as forests. It is not impossible to use, but be aware that probably 90% of your shots don't end up very good. Thats why I wouldn't really recommend the lens for anyone looking for a wildlife lens. Also would not recommend for telephoto landscape, because the lens is not very sharp. It is quite nice for portraits (in light environments) tho! I would recommend the lens to anyone buying their first telephoto lens without knowing how much he/she will use it and to test if you are interested in telephoto portraits or wildlife photography. The price of the lens is amazing and while I sometimes find it frustrating to work with, it does make fun and you still get some good and nice photos. Start with this lens, but don't expect too much. You can still upgrade later.

[@sanoopmanalumpara]

I have this lense. And am going to buy 18-105. What's ur opinion.

[@MrKockabilly]

0:01 oh the shadow of the camera/tripod setup can be seen at the foreground. 0:01 to 01:05 the usual choppy clip of moving objects when you shoot 4K (can be seen also when panning). No solution for this (unless one thinks that shooting instead in 1080 can be called a solution).

[@thehistoryofdiscobythelove4728]

Mega LOL!... I liked your videos before but that beginning! Much respect from UK 👊

Question, can you use this with the new full frame Sony A7C? Or will shoot just for the APS-C format?

[@squirreldemon3506]

I got this with my camera, and for its price, it's not bad. If the subject is too far and you zoom all the way, the quality is terrible. It might be good for close ups and portraits, landscapes Ehh. Overall not bad. Not too sharp though

[@Strideo1]

Aniv Khawaunju Yeah, I got this lens with my camera for $75. It can be good under the right circumstances but it can be pretty fickle too. It's definitely worth it if you get a good deal on it.

[@ScoutBobrman862]

Great video! Is the Sony APS-C E-mount 18-105mm better than this lens or should I go for the 18-135 for even better sharpness?? Thanks!

[@ArthurR]

I am uploading that comparison right now.

[@qdogg290]

On the topic of zooms, have you ordered (or plan to) the new Sony 18-135? I would love to hear your impressions of the lens.

[@VideoUser3053]

Very nice idea for the top of the video - great work as always. 👍

[@mickato6518]

Hello, I am a complete newbie with photography and I am visiting a national park next month and wonder is this lens worth the money? I have a Panasonic Lumix G7 and use the basic kit lens which was included. What do you think?

[@lennymo9088]

Arthur ? Thinking of upgrading my Sony kit lens. The 16-50 mm and 55-210 mm. I got a Sony 70-350 mm recently and got to thinking about upgrading the 2 lens. Any suggestions?

[@ara796]

Hi. Is it suitable to be use in indoor concert? To record video of the performance.

[@lieutenantkhaos]

How many feet would you say this lens can zoom to?

[@r1kzg]

Intro was amazing! Wasn't aware of this lens/how cheap it is so will definitely look to buy one now - thanks!

[@YankiRides]

Intro skit is life. So good!

[@lehnrry79]

I love the little video...and she stole your heart part👍👍👍

[@richardpcrowe]

I have the 55-210 which I picked up for about $100 used on eBay. It is worth about a hundred bucks. I need a very small form factor tele lens for travel photography and have decided that this is not the one I want! I would love to see a relatively small and lightweight prime lens with a relatively wide aperture. An example of this would be the Canon 135mm f/2.8 IS lens which, without SF being dialed in is decently sharp. It is also pretty close to the form factor of the 55-210mm but, I have control of the background with the wider aperture.

[@Marlon2711]

The intro was great. The chromatic aberration is important in this lens and the af speed is to slow. This is not a lens for low light take that in mind.

[@MaxusMV]

A friend of mine has one coupled with a6000 and we've made a quick sharpness comparison with my Sony RX 10 IV taking photos with equivalent focal length (210mm is in fact 315mm equivalent). No wonder the difference was like night and day and not in favor of 55 - 210.

[@angelafebrero4084]

Which is better this one or 28-70mm? Please answer

[@Rich.ard72]

I'd like you to compare this to a Sony 24-240mm. I have a 24-240mm lense on a A6000 and used it for a wedding. I thought it was fantastic and I'd be interested on your opinion. Great video!

[@nathancorr7220]

Compare the Sony 70-200mm f4.

[@derJackistweg]

Nathan Corr 5 times the price - useless comparison. The 70200 is clearly better, if anyone can afford 1 grand more...

[@nathancorr7220]

I don’t agree. I think it would be interesting to show why one would want to purchase such an expensive piece of glass when there is a cheaper alternative. Obviously the 70-200 f4 or 2.8 is a faster and sharper lens but I would love to see his take on it.

[@rickymcc8624]

Agree with Nathan Corr. I too would love to see how it stacks up against 70-200 f4. I'm new to Sony and using a6500 for casual travel. My heart says I really need to go f4 but head says pay less, travel light and go 55-210 f6.3 even with 'iffy' edges. Hence my desire to better understand the 'real world' trade offs. I'm a long term Nikon user with 10+ Nikkor lenses incl N 70-200 f2.8 - a great lens I use for sport, portraits and a few landscapes. I can't carry all my kit at once, so try to pick body and lenses to fit assignment. Many times walking or hiking all day with non photography friends (aka unsympathetic travel companions) I ended up lugging my heavy 70-200mm f2.8 and D800 (or D500) all day (plus occasionally a heavy Gitzo pod) which never got used. Now I intend keeping Nikon kit for serious assignments or personal (hobby) projects. I'm hoping the tiny/light Sony 55-210 won't prove too much of a compromise for occasional 'casual' longer reach travel shots. I already bought Sony's 85 f1.8 for when I need fast or want good background blur. Don't know if I will ever go Sony full frame it seems Sony fe lenses don't save much weight, bulk or $ vs Nikon Pro (aka fast) lenses and N quality is more than good enough for today's standards - but "never say never".

[@HawreKoyi1]

It is not comparable due to the Price gap.

[@wairrior]

Damn, you guys make such a cute couple, i envy you!! This skit was a lot of fun to watch. bigger is better, zoom-wise obviously, lol

[@jordanquinnfilms]

Been watching your videos for years and I have never seen this one! Just picked this up for $100 and thought it would be fun to play with on my a6700 lol

[@katekatrinaro]

What is the best lens you suggest for Sony A6000 besides 16-50mm kit lens? For nice portraits with a great bokeh background and landscapes?

[@ArthurR]

Sony SEL35F18. Sigma 30mm F1.4. One of those.

[@douglasbushman]

I am buying the new Sony A6400 body and will get a Sigma 16mm f/1.4 lens based on your review and others I have seen , will the 55-210mm lens be a good low cost option for me for a telephone lens or do you have another idea? I am getting setup for the first time--Help--Thanks Doug--Great acting job !

[@kyle2k1c]

Could you do a Tamron 70-200mm f2.8 G2 or older model adapted to the sony a6500 and see which adapters if any let it use its similar native lens functions? I've been looking around to put a 70-200 to a sony a6500 and I'm trying to find what works the best without getting the super expensive sony lens. I'm trying to shoot indoor/gym sports and hoping I can accomplish this because every photographer I talk to just use full frame which I don't have and they use the 70-200 f2.8. I'm hoping even though I'm putting full frame on an aps-c that I can get away with around f4.2 because 1.5 multiplier.

[@Clurebooted1980]

why do you not use the eye cup on the view finder?

[@ericrueger4231]

I am thinking comparing it to the 18-104 f4 and when the new 18-135 apsc is released that also. All 3 side by side would be great.

[@AdebayoOkeowo]

Totally love the intro and the bloopers!