Travenar 28-70mm f/3.5-4.5 MC Auto (II)

Underrated lens Used as a kit lens the 28-70 f/3.5-5.6 FE from Sony is a bargain lens. Nice focal range for full frame or APS-C sized sensor cameras. DxOMark rates this lens on par with lenses more than double the price. Sharp in the center with minimum chromatic abberation and distortion. It's not as spectacular as a low light prime but it is a perfect inexpensive all around lens which will spend a lot of time on your camera if you are traveling, at a family affair or just going out for some street photography.

Very disappointing lens due to veiling glare or haze This lens is sharp but that being said the images are *very* often degraded by a high amount of haze or glare. The haze requires a lot of post processing to reduce to a tolerable level. I have not yet been able to pin the problem down to whether there is an urgent need for a lens hood (not supplied with the lens and not cheap as a Sony product + 3rd party products that will fit are the wrong shape to adequately shade a 28-70mm lens), or that this lens is somehow faulty, or that it is a general quality of this model lens.

Sony's Best Value for Full Frame-Under Rated I don't know what the fuss online about this lens being no good is all about. It has been compared to the similar Zeiss on Dpreview and if you can find that review, take the test and then tell me it's no good then I'll say you don't know what you are talking about. Sharp images throughout range. Camera corrects for any distortion that's caused and each end of the lens and although it is all plastic, it does have a good metal mount. Now, when you add the fact that this can be purchase for a third of the cost of the Zeiss,, there is no comparison, for me anyway. Good travel zoom! You must know what lens you want for what type of photos you are going to take. Are you going to print them, then buy a good prime lens.. Going on a trip, this will do just fine for all, or most I should say, of your needs. Read full review