Full Frame E-mount. As a part of the FE line of lenses, the FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 is designed to cover the full-frame sensors of Sony a7-series cameras. Since it’s an E-mount lens, it’s also fully compatible with APS-C NEX cameras. For an updated version of this lens with faster autofocus, check out the Sony FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II.

Normal-Range Zoom. When used on a full-frame camera, this lens covers the wide to normal/short telephoto focal range, making it a great all-purpose lens. With an APS-C sensor camera, you’ll have a focal length equivalent to 43-105mm, meaning that you could use the FE 28-70mm as a portrait lens. The variable f/3.5-5.6 aperture isn’t quite fast enough for low-light shooting, but the image stabilization system allows you to shoot at lower shutter speeds which can help compensate for dark environments.

Optical Design. With a seven-blade diaphragm, this lens produces pleasing bokeh and the overall lens design reduces field curvature, coma, and other aberrations for accurate, natural-looking results. It has an internal focusing mechanism with a linear motor for quiet and quick handling but note that this lens does not internally zoom, so the barrel will physically extend a bit upon zooming. Despite this, the Sony FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II travels well and is a great “walking around” lens.