I tested my copy (bought used) and it appears to be adequate at all focal lengths for sharpness, etc on my A7C for casual shots.
Here's a shot into the sun for reference.
Sorry wo warm up this old thread. But: It was crucial for my decision on this lens. I just heard some days before about this little "piece of air", researched a bit, and wasn't so impressed with most of the photos people loaded on flickr. At least it didn't fit with all the praises I have found across in reviews or forums. Then I found that forum and saw the test series. And this photos on the opposite were unbelieveable sharp, even in the edges. I`m sorry to say that, but as I never was on that forum before, I really thought this photos were faked and Fred Miranda made a joke about that all. But why should he?? So I bought a used Sony 28-60 to check it myself, because even it was much more unsharp then this photos here, I think I would have loved that lens for its size. And woooh: It`s image quality IS amazing!! The photos are that sharp, the rendering is really nice! I just have it 1 hour and love that little ting. If that is the future of lenses, I`m very curious about so many re designs of todays bulky lenses. I just was in my early days as pupil into this heavy lenses, soon I saw its disadvantages for every day use. And now that! I`m happy. Thanks for this report here, it has an important impact on my future photographing!
I got the 28-60mm on the used market for 200 CAD (around 150 USD) 1 year ago. Very impressive little lens: sharp, instant AF and weathersealed. It is a lot of plastic, but I love plastic when it is this light. Now, if Sony could bring a similar 60-200mm for a good travel setup... Meanwhile, I add the Viltrox 14mm and the Tamron 70-300mm RXD to my bag for a small setup that can tackle almost anything except low-light. For this, I can add a small Sony 35mm f/1.8.
If I had a bit of time, I could do a comparison between 2 copies of the 28-60mm (my GF got one too), the 24-105 and the 2070G. I have no complaint about any of these zooms; they are quite sharp for most applications, and I would not hesitate to swap one or the other depending on the shooting situation. My favourite of the bunch is the 2070G for its very useful range and very sharp optics.
I know that Sony has climbed into bed with computational optics, but I bit my tongue and ordered the 28-60mm. Fred's writeup is convincing and I really wanted a standard zoom that was low weight. The used prices on eBay have entered the silly-money zone (mine cost $165).
I wish they would make a series of these lenses: the collapsible design and portability is amazing.
I'd love to see one with a little longer reach. If they made a 35-75 it would give 50-112 in APS-C mode. That would cover the vast majority of my work.
Below is a photo made at 60mm on an A7R2 during a walk through a botanical garden: the kit is small enough to fit in a coat pocket.
Just received my copy, and it passes my corner checks. This is an ideal kit zoom for size and weight. It performs way beyond its modest element count. I only wish Sony spent a few bucks more to smooth out the zoom helical which is certainly plastic (fine) but sticky. The old kit Nikon 18-55 DX, of which I own three generations, was also collapsible and plastic yet had a zoom action that glided perfectly.
I've owned 4 copies of this lens. I bought it again with an A7C last August. Will I sell it again?
Not this time!
I can and do leave the primes at home and take this lens. It's the only kit lens I've had where- at least the center- is prime level excellent. You don't have to stop it down at 60mm and it's 5.6, not 6.3 on a crop...then needs to be stopped down.
Yea, I use it for landscapes. What of it... .
The AF is super reliable and my second best AF hit rate next to my 50mm 2.5 (I currently have 28mm f2, tamron 24 and 35mm 2.8, Sigma 45mm 2.8, 50mm 2.5 G and 90mm 2.8 Sigma). I kind of regret selling the Sony 85mm 1.8 because I got better AF than this Sigma 90mm 2.8 but that's another story.
Will probably add back the 40mm 2.5....or try out the 35mm 1.8 Sony (I've had the Sigma 35mm f2 but I'm on a Sony kick right now and the AF is just so sublime).
With all that, I consider the 28-60mm essential. Absolutely love the lens...well, except the zoom mechanism..it's too stiff. IQ wise though it's fantastic.
P.S. Previous bought/sold was mostly due using funds to acquire other lenses and not taking it seriously. I've learned my lesson....
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