Definitely the high-end of the compact class at the zoom E-mount - point.

My favorite "Always top" with - for a realistic (not super) zoom level - roundly almost perfect, crisp optical properties. I use it to my faithful Nex 6. The lens is very comfortable to hold and easy to handle liquid form. The sun visor is without complaints and feels due to the much criticized "soft" material choice for me absolutely thoughtful and protective. The focal length range gives me a very visually compelling combination of excellent sharp WW up to the conservative medium telephoto. I like the bokeh for portraits very. All in all, this means an enormous increase in the SEL1670Z in itself surprisingly good SEL1855 I own also.

The Zeiss costs four times as much as the 1855er, but is significantly more contrast, sharp crack and due to its T-Coatings offers * a much dearer to me personally, natural color balance. I photograph landscapes, architecture and portraits, also with a SEL20f28, mostly by auto iris or P mode. Is developed with Aperture. I am very happy with this choice.

Both zoom ring and manual focus (as needed) to run so sick that it's a pleasure to deal with it.

Oh, who loudly complained about the serial number is only affixed yes - this misconception you read everywhere, people! - The look quiet time on his identification certificate from Zeiss / SONY and compare the serial number there reprinted with the number on the edge of the light input. As with all Zeiss lenses this is of course also marked here!

CONCLUSION: Very quality lens with me personally very pleasant processing and absolutely convincing optical properties, which are now only really shows me what's possible with my Nex-6. Zeiss precisely.

Comments? Ask? Always a pleasure! :-)

UPDATE 08/24/15

My experience with the SEL1670Z are so positive that I have my (excellent) SEL1855 Kitzoom now sold because I've only once to compare and then no longer used to date. The comparison showed that the 1670, the 1855 by inches and in all areas, particularly regarding color rendering and real sharpness. Here I can not follow some reviewers: My 1670Z is from the center to the corners so beautiful sharp as I would like that.