Camera Labs

I have just aquired a Sony Nex-5 with the SEL 1628 lens but really want a 18-55mm. I haven't read many good reviews about the SEL 1855 lens other than to buy an adaptor and use other brands, does anyone have any views on this?

The "out-of-camera" photos may not be as sharp as a higher end lens, but that can be easily fixed with your basic post processing, so I wouldn't concern myself with that too much. If you want more reach, than go for the 18-200.

Getting an adapter so you can use the full range of Alpha glass is nice, but expensive and you won't have "lens stability" that you have with the E-mount.
Lots of stuff in the pipe ...
http://www.cameralabs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=29345

I personally think it started with a few bad lenses here or there that might not have been great, and then just became a popular thing to say that the lens is no good. I have never agreed with people who say that, based on my own experience with the lens, and many others who shared their experiences with it that seemed to show it was a fine lens.

It's not going to compete with high end glass, but I don't think it's any worse than any other brand of 18-55mm kit type lens - mine's plenty sharp, usable wide open, clean and detailed from 18mm to 55mm, no CA issues, good distortion control, nice contrast, smooth bokeh, vibrant color. It's everything I'd want in a kit lens, and I wouldn't have any problems recommending it.

_________________
Justin Miller
Sony DSLR-A580 / Sony 18-250mm / Minolta 50mm F1.7 / Sigma 30mm F1.4 / Tamron 10-24mm / Tamron 200-500mm / Tamron 90mm F2.8 macro / Minolta 300mm F4 APO
Sony NEX5N / 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 / 55-210mm F4-6.3 / Pentax K adapter / Konica K/AR adapter / bunches o' Konica & Pentax lenses!

Galleries:
http://www.pbase.com/zackiedawg

Don't let it limit your creative side...I've used my NEX-5 on assignment (while covering Flying Legends in the UK) and it handled the job perfectly. It was even easier to use than a DSLR (the articulated screen for instance is handy when the soil is damp)...

_________________
Sony α77V/VG-C77AM/α350/18-70/70-400 G SSM/NEX-5/18-55 OSS/Lowepro Pro Trekker 600 AW/CompuTrekker AW/Nova 140 AW/Street & Field gear/Toploader Pro 75 AW. And a huge wishlist...

My photos on Flickr...

My non-expert experience is that the 18-55mm lens is just as sharp as the 16mm. The Nex kitlenses are also noticably sharper than the Olympus M4/3 kitlens.