The 24er Zeiss is so far my favorite lens, but I wish more frequently a little more angle, especially in video clips.
Therefore, I have struck once there after the appearance of Touit 12mm. Although a pretty good lens, I did not keep it because of AF was incompatible with my requirements, particularly with regard to volume (clearly audible in video) - to read in my review.
Now, as an alternative came for me, since I'm not a fan of adapters and vintage lenses, only the new Sony SEL 10-18 in question.
Have taken it directly in exchange for the Touit at my dealer.
As a fan of Klaus von PZ I checked first of all, if I have a copy with Centering defect. Unfortunately, the first copy was very clear right-wing. Whether it was still within the tolerance I do not know, my dealer has replaced without hesitation, and will send it to Sony. The second copy appeared unremarkable, and so I started my test gear.
Big smile, people. Honest. The lens is preparing a lot of joy. The AF is fast, very quiet and precise. The picture quality is very high level, and the distortions in behavior as well as chromatic aberration is limited. With switched correction options in the camera jpegs from the camera to good use. I develop Raws in DxO, and for the combination NEX7 / 10-18 there is already an automatic correction which conceded very good results. (Due to comparability I took some shots without corrections in the body)
In video footage I have to focus on it not bothersome, almost inaudibly.
Technically it is the Touit on par. At full aperture the vignetting is clearly stronger than the Touit, but the chroma are much lower. Personally, I find colors of Zeiss lenses reproduced, lively, but that's subjective, and Sony is by no means "dull". Distortions in behavior as stated in the context and are easy to correct. Above and below the edges are not quite sharp at open aperture - dim helps wonders here. The "sweet spot" is 14mm - not surprisingly.
Here are my keyword-rating:
++ Feel and build quality
++ Colors and contrasts
++ AF very fast and very quiet
++ Filter capable (62mm)
Image stabilized ++ Effectively
+ Sharpness
+ Moderate distortion (in-body correction possible)
+ Relatively little CAs
+ Value for money
I can state "well done, Sony" only. In the sum of the properties you may not believe it, but it actually provides more for less money in direct comparison with the Touit. By design (distortion at the low end, high vignetting) of course also has weaknesses (which super wide angle is not?), But which are easily correctable.
For me a clear recommendation to all friends of the wide-angle and strange perspectives. Thumbs up and 5 stars.
