The Sony FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS (Amazon, B&H) is primarily a photography lens, though it will be used for video.
In this article let’s take a comprehensive look at the important features and specifications of the Sony FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS and see how good it will perform specifically for video, cinematography and filmmaking.
The aim of this article is to provide you with enough information and perspective so you can decide for yourself whether this lens is right for your film or video.
Important: This article is a comprehensive overview of the lens with available information; and an analysis based on our experience shooting for almost two decades. It is not a hands-on review. If and when we get hold of the lens we’ll be sure to publish a detailed review. If this is not your cup of tea you can stop reading.
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- TLDR;
- Features:
- Control:
- Basics:
- Alternatives to the Sony FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS
TLDR;
What you need to know for video work about the Sony FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS (Amazon, B&H):
- The Sony FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS is a kit lens. I cannot recommend it for serious filmmaking.
- The f/3.5-6.3 variable aperture can be problematic but will be average for low light work when paired with newer sensors.
- It’s small and lightweight.
- 7 circular blade aperture for smoother, better bokeh.
- The lens does have image stabilization with Optical Steady Shot. With cameras that have IBIS you can expect even better Image stabilization.
- Sony claims that their motors work together with Eye AF to provide precise and quick autofocus for video. This also supports contrast AF and Phase Detection AF.
- It exhibits breathing.
Can be great for the following types of filmmaking:
- Wildlife filmmaking
- Sports Filmmaking
- Wedding filmmaking
- Travel filmmaking
- Documentary filmmaking
- Corporate videos and low budget commercials
Features
Coverage
The Sony FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS (Amazon, B&H) is a full frame lens. It is designed to completely cover a sensor the size of 36mm x 24mm.
If you are considering this lens for an APS-C sensor or other cinema camera, check out this article:
Focal Length
The minimum focal length is 24mm. This is considered wide on a full frame 35mm sensor.
The maximum focal length is 240mm. This is considered super telephoto on a full frame 35mm sensor.
This versatility in focal range is very useful for telephoto work, interviews, close ups as well as long and wide shots.
Aperture
The variable maximum aperture is f/3.5 at 24mm and f/6.3 at 240mm and the variable minimum aperture is f/22 at 24mm and f/40 at 240mm.
While having f/3.5 is enough for low light, anything above f/5.6 could demand extra efforts in lighting.
The Sony FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS (Amazon, B&H) has 7 circular diaphragm blades. One expects a smooth bokeh, but it’s not always a given.
To know more about bokeh:
Resolution
From Sony’s official MTF charts:
At 24mm, the Sony FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS (Amazon, B&H) is sharp enough in the center and has a decent falloff towards the end.
Whereas, at 240mm, the Sony FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS is sharp enough in the center and has better than the performance at 24mm. It is not the sharpest lens in the market and frankly, it does not need to be.
With the variance in the Sagittal and Tangential lines, you can infer (somewhat) that the bokeh won’t be proportionally smooth as the best prime lenses on the planet.
If you are curious and want to read the MTF chart for yourself. Here’s a guide on how to read them easily.
Close Focus
The closest focusing distance of the 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS is at 0.5 meters or 1.64 feet at 24mm.
At 240mm, the closest focusing distance increases to 0.8 meters or 2.63ft.
This promotes versatility of the lens which can do close ups, macros and as well as telephoto shots.
Image Stabilization
The Sony FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS (Amazon, B&H) lens does have Optical Steady Shot image stabilization. Using it with a camera that has IBIS (like the Sony Alpha 1 or the a7S III) you get even better stabilization.
Control
Manual focus system
The Sony FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS has an infinite turn ring for its focus ring and can turn infinitely one way or the other. Sadly, it does not have the option to switch from focus by wire to fly by wire.
What is the meaning of focus by wire and fly by wire?
Focus by wire: Let’s say you turn the focus ring to change focus from point A to B. You’d expect the focus to shift accordingly. When you stop point B will be in focus. Now bring the focus point back to A and try again, but at a different speed. Slower or faster, doesn’t matter. Now, even if you precisely rotate to the exact same degree, the focus will not be on point B! The speed of rotation determines which point it is focused on. That’s just completely useless for follow focus work. If an actor or person moves at a different speed, evens lightly, you’ll never get the same focus. Avoid focus by wire lenses like the plague (for video work).
Fly by wire: The distance of focus shifted is directly proportional to the speed at which the ring is turned. This is how a manual focus ring is supposed to operate for video and cinematography.
This decision to exclude fly by wire or linear MF by Sony could lead to cinematographers and videographers thinking twice before choosing this lens for their next shoot.
Autofocus system
Sony’s Autofocus is, without a doubt, one of the most revered video autofocus systems in the world. However, Sony has made claims about the autofocus performance of this lens.
There is no switch on the side of the body to switch from autofocus to manual focus. You will have to go in the in-camera settings.
Zoom Ring
The zoom ring allows you to shift the focal range from 24mm to 240mm and anywhere in between. Unfortunately, it does not have a lens lock. The lens has a zoom extension of about 3-4 inches.
Basics
Filter Thread
The Sony FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS (Amazon, B&H) has a filter thread diameter of 72mm. This is a common filter diameter.
Build Quality
The majority of the lens exterior is plastic, though the lens doesn’t feel cheap.
The optical design consists of 17 elements in 12 groups, including ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass and aspherical lenses.
Size and Weight
The Sony FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS (Amazon, B&H) has a diameter of 80.5mm and a length of 118.5mm. It weighs around 780 grams. It is perfect for run and gun shoots.
Weather resistance
Sony claims that all their lenses are weather resistant. But again this only holds true if the camera body you will be using is also weather sealed. No camera is truly and officially weather sealed, so the best you can hope for is reliable weather resistance.
This is neither a G series lens nor a GM series lens and there is only so much you can expect from it.
What’s in the box
This is what you get in the box (other than the lens):
- Lens hood (ALC-SH136: petal shape, bayonet type)
- Lens front cap
- Lens rear cap
The hood might be useful for photography, but the shape and design makes it mostly vestigial for video work. Some people like to put it on to protect the front element in case of a fall. The hood takes the impact and shatters, but saves the lens. I’d keep it on unless you have good reason not to.
Alternatives to the Sony FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS Lens
The Sony FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS (Amazon, B&H) is a kit lens. I wouldn’t recommend it for serious cinematography or filmmaking work. There are no alternatives to this focal range, though if you really don’t have money you can still shoot some above-average video for clients and make a living.
I hope you found this overview of the Sony FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS (Amazon, B&H) useful. If we have missed out on something, please let us know in the comments below.
