To have a comparison, I shot on a tripod is a series of photos with the 18-55mm Zoom discussed here, simple conditions, sunlight, ISO 100, Aperture 5.6, 55mm. Under the same settings after photos with the old, manual lens Porst 1.4 / 55mm, which to the undervalued gems on the market in terms of field behavior, processing and usability (Bokeh etc. times disregarded) may apply. Although the Porst not represent the upper class of manual lenses of this focal length, it indicates the Nex crisp focus into the angle and edge regions. The Sony-Zoom, however, is not even in the center sharp but slightly washed out; at the edges and corners but sinks in the performance-resolution blur. This comparison shows that the sensor of the Nex 5N (but also the Nex 3 and 5) can bring significantly better performance, albeit a corresponding lens is used.
The build quality of the zoom I find fine. It looks from the outside with value and can be soft and comfortable with the slightly fluted rings operate. It is not "droning" even after much use, but rather seem to be made stable. But the inside is hidden a lot of plastic. You can see that already when the zoom moves from its classy-looking, metallic shell. Even the weight is surprisingly light for such a lens, which not only the zoom mechanism, but also the optical SteadyShot has integrated into itself. According to Sony, the weight is 194g. The Porst brings almost twice the scales, although only fixed focal length and without stabilizer.
You would need a Stablisator? With an initial aperture of 3.5-5.6 under low light conditions certainly recommended. Even for those users with unsteady hands. But a lens as the Porst with 1.4 aperture makes even without stabilizer under low light still the much better images. And here it is the other weakness of Sony lens compared to the old bolide seen - in 1600-3200 ISO in dim light (not as in the known, well-lit test photo series), the picture in sogginess dissolves. Not so with the Porst where at such ISO values Although the details of suffering, but the picture is still much cleaner.
Sure, this compared to fixed focal length zoom is unfair. However, it should only show that the sensor of the NEX much better Fotoqualiät would achieve. Sony's only previous prime lens, the 16mm lens is still worse than the zoom and even more serious shows edge blurring. The second available Zoom 18-200mm is better, but at a Nex a massive artillery and priced not without. So one can hope that Sony will repair the announced lenses. This 18-55mm zoom is in any case more of a lean Shard, which is the Nex does not do justice. However, if you the negatives of my criticism softens - which, based on the direct comparison with what would be possible - makes this lens exceptionally good work. One can thus make good photographs and these photos are high as well, when the rough edges do not exactly look at or if there is no need or desire for maximum sharpness.
