Sony FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS

The Sony FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS (SEL24240) is a full-frame, weather-sealed superzoom lens for Sony E-mount, covering a 10x zoom range from 24mm wide-angle to 240mm telephoto, with built-in optical image stabilisation, a 12-group/17-element construction, 72mm filter thread, 780g weight, and a 0.5m minimum focus distance — all in a 119mm body.

Key Specifications

• Focal length: 24–240mm (10x zoom range)
• Maximum aperture: f/3.5 (wide) – f/6.3 (tele)
• Minimum aperture: f/22
• Lens mount: Sony E (full-frame coverage)
• Optical stabilisation: Yes (OSS)
• Lens construction: 12 groups / 17 elements
• Minimum focus distance: 0.5m
• Maximum magnification: 0.27x
• Filter thread: 72mm
• Weight: 780g | Length: 119mm | Diameter: 81mm
• Weather sealing: Yes (dust and moisture resistant)
• Aperture blades: 7 | Lens hood included

What makes the Sony FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS special?

One lens, every situation — that's the pitch of the Sony FE 24-240mm, and it largely delivers. The 10x zoom range is genuinely rare on a full-frame native mount lens. You're going wide for architecture or landscapes at 24mm, then punching in at 240mm for wildlife or distant subjects, without ever swapping glass. That's the core appeal, and it's hard to argue with on a travel day or a long hike.

The 17-element optical design includes five aspherical elements and one ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass element. Those aspherical elements are the main weapon against distortion and spherical aberration across such a demanding zoom range. The ED element keeps chromatic aberration in check, especially at the telephoto end where lesser superzooms tend to fall apart. The result is sharpness that holds up well for most real-world use — portraits, street shots, travel scenes — even if it doesn't chase the absolute resolution of a prime lens.

Weather sealing is a genuine differentiator here. Dust and moisture resistance means you're not babying this lens on a rainy day or a dusty trail. Paired with a weather-sealed body from the Sony lineup — an Alpha 7 IV or Alpha 7R V, for example — you get a system that can handle unpredictable conditions without panic.

Compared to the Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS, the 24-240mm trades the constant f/4 aperture and G-series optical pedigree for an extra 135mm of reach. The 24-105mm is 6mm shorter and noticeably sharper wide-open, making it the pick for studio, event, or low-light work. But if telephoto reach matters — think safari, sports from a distance, or travel where you don't want to carry a second lens — the 24-240mm earns its place. The Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD is another used-market alternative worth considering: it's considerably lighter (around 540g vs 780g) and has a faster maximum aperture, though it loses 4mm on the wide end and 40mm on the telephoto end.

The 0.5m minimum focus distance and 0.27x magnification also make this lens surprisingly capable up close. It won't replace a dedicated macro lens, but for travel photographers who want to grab a flower or product shot without reaching for another lens, it does the job.

Who is the Sony FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS for?

This lens was designed for the one-lens traveller, and that's still its strongest use case. If you're boarding a plane, walking a city, or heading into the field and want to cover wide landscapes, candid street portraits, and distant subjects without swapping lenses, the 24-240mm is genuinely hard to beat in the mirrorless superzoom category.

It suits:

• Travel photographers who prioritise versatility and convenience over maximum optical performance
• Casual wildlife and sports shooters who want 240mm reach without carrying a dedicated telephoto
• Day hikers and outdoor photographers who appreciate the weather sealing and a single-lens kit
• Event photographers at venues where lens swaps aren't practical and varied focal lengths are needed fast
• Sony Alpha users building a minimal travel kit around a single body

It's less suited to photographers who regularly shoot in low light (the f/6.3 maximum at tele is limiting indoors), or those who need the absolute sharpness of a prime or G Master lens for commercial work. For those situations, something like the Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS or a dedicated telephoto makes more sense.

Buying a used Sony FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS

Buying this lens second-hand is a smart move — it's a mature, well-documented optic with a large enough user base that used copies are widely available and their quirks are well understood. Here's what to check before or when your copy arrives.

Zoom mechanism: The 24-240mm extends physically as you zoom. Check that the barrel extends and retracts smoothly without play or grinding. Some used copies develop slight looseness in the zoom ring — functional, but worth noting for peace of mind.

Optical elements: With 17 elements, there are more glass surfaces than a typical prime. Look for fungus, haze, or oil on aperture blades — standard checks for any pre-owned lens. Minor dust is normal and doesn't affect image quality. Front and rear elements should be clean and scratch-free.

Image stabilisation (OSS): Test the OSS at longer focal lengths. At 240mm, stabilisation is doing serious work. If you hear unusual rattling (beyond the normal light clunk when the lens is unpowered) or see erratic stabilisation behaviour, that's worth flagging.

Weather sealing: The sealing is a key feature — check the lens barrel for signs of heavy impact or damage around the mount, since hard knocks can compromise seals even if the glass looks fine.

Autofocus: Run a few AF cycles at various focal lengths and distances. The AF should be quiet and confident. Hesitation or hunting at the tele end can indicate wear on the focus motor.

Every used lens on Camera-tweedehands.nl is individually photographed and professionally inspected before listing. Each item comes with a minimum 12 months warranty — the exact term is shown on the variant listing — so you're covered if anything surfaces after purchase. With a used copy of the Sony FE 24-240mm, you get the full capability of a proven superzoom at a fraction of new retail cost.