The Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G lens is a compelling option for content creators and photographers seeking a versatile, lightweight, and high-performance wide-angle zoom for their E-mount cameras.

Its power zoom PZ function is a standout feature, offering smooth, controlled zooming ideal for video work, while its optical quality remains sharp and consistent across the zoom range.

When you’re looking for gear that truly enhances your creative output, comparing top-tier options is key.

Here’s how the Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G stacks up against some other excellent choices in the market:

Feature/Product	Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G	Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM	Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD	Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary	Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G	DJI Osmo Pocket 3	Godox VL150 LED Video Light
Lens Type	Wide-angle Power Zoom	Wide-angle Zoom	Wide-angle Zoom	Wide-angle Zoom	Wide-angle Prime	Compact Vlogging Camera	Professional LED Video Light
Aperture	f/4 constant	f/2.8 constant	f/2.8 constant	f/2.8 constant	f/1.8	Integrated not applicable	Adjustable not applicable
Weight	Approx. 353g 12.5 oz	Approx. 680g 24 oz	Approx. 420g 14.8 oz	Approx. 450g 15.9 oz	Approx. 373g 13.2 oz	Approx. 179g 6.3 oz	Approx. 2.2 kg 4.85 lbs
Key Feature	Power Zoom, compact, minimal focus breathing	Top-tier optics, fast aperture, pro-grade performance	Excellent value, compact, fast autofocus	Compact, lightweight for f/2.8, good optical quality	Excellent low-light, sharp, compact	3-axis stabilization, subject tracking, 4K/120fps	High output, color accuracy, Bowens mount
Ideal For	Creators needing versatility and smooth zoom for video	Professionals requiring ultimate light gathering and sharpness	Enthusiasts/pros wanting f/2.8 without the GM price tag	Those prioritizing compact f/2.8 performance	Vloggers, astrophotographers, low-light shooters	Solo creators, travelers, social media content creators	Filmmakers, photographers, studios

Table of Contents

Power Zoom and Ergonomics: A Creator’s Dream

The Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G truly shines with its innovative power zoom PZ functionality. This isn’t just a gimmick.

It’s a fundamental shift in how wide-angle lenses can be used, particularly for video.

Traditional mechanical zooms can introduce jarring movements or require external zoom motors for smooth transitions.

The PZ system, however, offers precise, consistent, and remarkably quiet zooming directly from the lens barrel, a dedicated zoom lever, or even remotely via compatible cameras and accessories.

Smoothness and Control for Video Production

Think about a cinematic push-in or pull-out shot. Gigabyte Z790 Aero G Review

With a mechanical zoom, achieving buttery-smooth, consistent speed can be a real challenge, often requiring multiple takes or extensive post-production stabilization.

The power zoom on the 16-35mm f/4 G makes this achievable with ease, even for solo operators.

Variable Zoom Speeds: The lens allows for a range of zoom speeds, from a slow, deliberate crawl to a rapid snap zoom. This adaptability is crucial for different storytelling needs.
Reduced Camera Shake: Because you’re not physically twisting a zoom ring, the potential for camera shake during a zoom is significantly reduced, especially on a gimbal or tripod.
Remote Operation: For professional setups, the ability to control zoom remotely opens up new creative avenues, allowing for more dynamic shots without needing a dedicated focus puller or grip. This integrates seamlessly with Sony’s camera ecosystem, including the FX3, FX30, and A7S III.

Compact and Lightweight Design for On-the-Go Shooting

One of the immediate takeaways when picking up this lens is its astonishingly light weight and compact form factor.

At approximately 353g 12.5 oz, it’s significantly lighter than its f/2.8 GM counterpart 680g. This difference might seem minor on paper, but it profoundly impacts usability, especially for long shooting days or when pairing with smaller camera bodies and gimbals.

Balances Well with Smaller Bodies: On cameras like the Sony Alpha a6700 Mirrorless Camera or even the Sony Alpha a7C II Mirrorless Camera, the 16-35mm f/4 G feels perfectly balanced, reducing front-heaviness and improving handling.
Gimbal Friendly: For filmmakers, the reduced weight and internal zoom mechanism the lens doesn’t extend when zooming are game-changers. This means less rebalancing on gimbals like the DJI RS 3 Mini or Zhiyun Weebill 3S and better overall stability during movement.
Travel and Vlogging: For travel photographers and vloggers, every gram counts. This lens makes it much easier to carry a full-frame setup without feeling burdened, making it ideal for street photography, documenting trips, or solo vlogging where portability is king.

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Optical Performance: Sharpness, Flare, and Aberrations

While the power zoom and compact design are key selling points, none of that matters if the optical performance isn’t up to scratch.

Fortunately, the Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G holds its own remarkably well, delivering excellent sharpness, well-controlled aberrations, and good resistance to flare.

Edge-to-Edge Sharpness Across the Zoom Range

A common challenge with wide-angle zooms is maintaining sharpness from the center to the edges, especially at wider apertures. The 16-35mm f/4 G performs admirably here.

Center Sharpness: At f/4, the center sharpness is impressive throughout the 16-35mm range, rendering fine details with clarity. Stopping down to f/5.6 or f/8 further enhances this, though the improvements are marginal due to the strong initial performance.

Control of Chromatic Aberrations and Distortion

Sony has clearly put effort into correcting optical imperfections in this lens, which is crucial for a wide-angle zoom.

Chromatic Aberrations CA: Both lateral and longitudinal CAs are well-controlled. In most real-world scenarios, you’ll find very little color fringing around high-contrast edges. Even when present, it’s typically minor and easily correctable in post-processing.
Distortion: At 16mm, some barrel distortion is noticeable, which is expected for a wide-angle lens. However, it’s not overly aggressive and is well-managed by in-camera corrections or lens profiles in editing software like Adobe Lightroom or Capture One. As you zoom towards 35mm, distortion becomes negligible. For architectural photographers, while some correction might be needed at the widest end, it’s far from problematic.

Managing Flare and Ghosting

The 16-35mm f/4 G handles bright light sources gracefully. The Dark Pictures Switchback Vr Review

Flare Resistance: Thanks to Sony’s advanced lens coatings, direct sunlight or strong artificial lights typically result in minimal veiling flare or distracting ghosting. When flare does occur, it’s usually well-contained and can even add a pleasing artistic element rather than detracting from the image.

Focus Breathing, Bokeh, and Minimum Focus Distance

Beyond the core optical performance, several other factors contribute to a lens’s overall utility.

The 16-35mm f/4 G addresses key concerns for video creators, offers surprisingly pleasing bokeh for its aperture, and provides a useful minimum focus distance.

Minimal Focus Breathing for Video Applications

Focus breathing, where the angle of view subtly changes as you rack focus, is a significant issue for videographers, as it can be very distracting in footage.

Sony has specifically engineered the 16-35mm f/4 G to suppress this effect.

Designed for Video: This lens is part of Sony’s “G” series, which often prioritizes video features. The minimal focus breathing is a testament to this design philosophy. When performing focus pulls, the background elements remain consistent in size, leading to much more professional-looking footage.
Comparison to Other Lenses: Compared to many still-centric lenses that exhibit noticeable focus breathing, the 16-35mm f/4 G’s performance is exemplary, making it a dream for filmmakers who frequently use focus transitions.

Bokeh Quality for an f/4 Wide-Angle

An f/4 wide-angle zoom isn’t typically chosen for its creamy bokeh. Birdkiss Smart Bird Feeder With Solar Panel Review

However, when you do manage to achieve background blur, the quality matters.

Smooth Rendition: Despite the f/4 aperture, the 16-35mm G can produce surprisingly pleasing background blur when shooting close to your subject, especially at 35mm. The 7-blade circular aperture helps render out-of-focus highlights as pleasingly rounded rather than polygonal.
Subject Separation: While it won’t give you the extreme subject separation of an f/1.8 prime or an f/2.8 zoom, it can still isolate subjects effectively against a blurred background in certain scenarios, like vlogging where the subject is close to the lens.
Practical Application: For product shots or close-up nature details where you want some subject pop without completely obliterating the background, this lens performs well.

Close-Up Performance and Minimum Focus Distance

The ability to get close to your subject adds versatility, allowing for different perspectives and creative framing.

Minimum Focus Distance: The lens boasts an impressive minimum focus distance of just 0.28m 0.92 ft at 16mm and 0.24m 0.79 ft at 35mm. This allows for dynamic wide-angle close-ups.
Magnification: At 35mm, the maximum magnification ratio is 0.23x, which is respectable for a wide-angle zoom and allows for some decent detail capture in close-up shots. While it’s not a macro lens, this capability opens up possibilities for details within a broader context.

Autofocus Performance: Speed, Silence, and Reliability

The Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G utilizes two advanced linear motors, ensuring swift, silent, and highly reliable autofocus.

Fast and Accurate for Stills and Video

Whether you’re tracking a moving subject or capturing a fleeting moment, the autofocus system in this lens is designed to keep up.

Still Photography: In bright conditions, the lens snaps into focus almost instantaneously. Even in moderately low light, it maintains its speed and accuracy, reliably acquiring focus on subjects. For street photography or event coverage, this responsiveness is invaluable.
Video Recording: For video, the linear motors provide smooth and seamless focus transitions, crucial for professional-looking footage. Paired with Sony’s renowned Eye AF and Real-time Tracking, the lens effortlessly maintains sharp focus on human or animal subjects as they move within the frame, even during zooms. This is a huge advantage for solo content creators who need reliable AF without constant manual intervention.

Quiet Operation for Sensitive Environments

The silence of the autofocus motors is a major benefit, especially for videographers. Canary Mail Review

No Motor Noise: Unlike some lenses that can produce audible clicks or whirs during focusing, the linear motors operate virtually silently. This is critical for recording interviews, vlogs, or documentary footage where extraneous noise can ruin audio tracks. You won’t hear the lens hunting for focus in your recordings.
Stealthy Photography: For photographers working in quiet environments like wildlife hides, museums, or during ceremonies, the silent operation allows for discreet shooting without drawing attention.

Reliable Tracking Performance

The robust autofocus system ensures consistent tracking, even with complex subjects.

Subject Tracking: When paired with compatible Sony Alpha cameras, the lens effectively utilizes the camera’s advanced AI-based subject recognition and tracking capabilities. It can hold focus on fast-moving subjects, whether it’s a runner, a bird in flight, or a child playing, allowing you to concentrate on composition rather than worrying about missed focus.
Zoom During AF: Importantly, the autofocus remains stable and responsive even while zooming, making it ideal for dynamic video sequences where you might be pulling back or pushing in while tracking a subject.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing: Durability for the Elements

A professional lens needs to be able to withstand the rigors of real-world use.

The Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G incorporates a robust build and effective weather sealing, offering peace of mind when shooting in less-than-ideal conditions.

Durable Construction Materials

The lens is built to Sony’s high G-series standards, which means a blend of high-quality plastics and metal components where it matters most.

Premium Feel: Despite its light weight, the lens doesn’t feel cheap or flimsy. The materials used provide a solid, premium feel in hand. The exterior finish is durable and resistant to scratches and scuffs from normal use.
Internal Zoom: A key aspect of its durability is the internal zoom mechanism. Unlike external zooming lenses, the physical length of the lens doesn’t change when zooming. This reduces the number of moving external parts that could be susceptible to dust ingress or physical impact, contributing to its longevity.

Comprehensive Dust and Moisture Resistance

Weather sealing is a non-negotiable feature for many professional photographers and videographers, allowing them to work confidently in challenging environments. Gigabyte X670 Aorus Elite Ax Review

Sealed Design: The 16-35mm f/4 G features a dust and moisture-resistant design, with seals at critical points like the lens mount, focus ring, and zoom ring. This helps prevent dust, splashes, and light rain from entering the lens barrel, protecting the delicate internal optics and electronics.
Front Element Coating: The front element is treated with a fluorine coating. This repels water, oil, and other contaminants, making it easier to wipe clean fingerprints, smudges, or raindrops. This is a significant advantage in the field, as it helps maintain image clarity and reduces cleaning time.
Considerations: While it offers good weather sealing, it’s always advisable to use common sense in extreme conditions. It’s resistant, not waterproof. Pair it with a weather-sealed camera body for optimal protection.

User Experience and Controls: Intuitive and Accessible

Sony’s G lenses often excel in providing a user-friendly experience with well-thought-out controls.

The FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G is no exception, offering intuitive features that enhance both photographic and videographic workflows.

Dedicated Controls and Programmable Functionality

The lens features several physical controls that allow for quick adjustments without into camera menus.

Power Zoom Lever: The most prominent addition is the dedicated power zoom lever. This tactile lever allows for smooth, variable-speed zooming, making it incredibly intuitive for video. Its placement is ergonomic, easily accessible with your thumb.
Zoom Ring and Focus Ring: In addition to the power zoom lever, there’s a traditional mechanical zoom ring, giving photographers the tactile feel they prefer. The focus ring is well-damped and responsive for manual focus, which is crucial for precise adjustments, especially in video.
Focus Hold Button: A customisable focus hold button is conveniently located on the lens barrel. By default, it locks focus, but it can be programmed via the camera menu to perform various other functions, such as Eye AF activation, aperture preview, or even switching between focus modes. This adds significant flexibility to your workflow.
AF/MF Switch: A physical switch for quickly toggling between autofocus and manual focus modes is present, allowing for rapid changes depending on the shooting situation. This is much faster than going through camera menus.

Internal Zoom and Consistent Balance

The internal zoom mechanism isn’t just about durability.

It significantly impacts the user experience, especially when using gimbals or shooting handheld. Gigabyte Aorus 10000 Gen5 Ssd Review

Consistent Center of Gravity: Because the lens does not extend or retract as you zoom, its center of gravity remains consistent. This is a massive advantage for gimbal users, as it means less rebalancing is required when changing focal lengths, saving valuable time and reducing setup frustration. For handheld video, it also contributes to more stable footage as there’s no shifting weight.
Compact Form: The non-extending design contributes to its overall compact form, making it less cumbersome to handle and store. It feels more like a fixed-length prime lens in terms of its physical footprint.

Comparative Analysis: Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G vs. Alternatives

Understanding where the Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G fits into the broader market requires a look at its competitors.

While it offers unique advantages, other lenses might be better suited for specific needs or budgets.

Versus Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM

The most obvious comparison is with its older, faster sibling, the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM.

Aperture: The GM’s f/2.8 aperture is its primary advantage, offering a full stop more light gathering capability. This translates to better low-light performance, shallower depth of field, and faster shutter speeds in challenging conditions. For astrophotography or low-light event photography, the GM is superior.
Size and Weight: The f/4 G is significantly smaller and lighter 353g vs. 680g, making it much more appealing for travel, vlogging, and gimbal use.
Power Zoom: The f/4 G has the power zoom, which the GM lacks. This is a huge differentiator for video creators prioritizing smooth, controlled zooms.
Price: The f/4 G is considerably more affordable than the GM, offering excellent value for its performance.
Verdict: If low-light performance and maximum background separation are your absolute priorities and budget/weight aren’t an issue, the GM wins. If portability, power zoom for video, and a more accessible price point are key, the f/4 G is the clear winner.

Versus Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD and Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary

These third-party f/2.8 zooms offer compelling alternatives, particularly for those on a budget or prioritizing the f/2.8 aperture. Nzxt Player One Review

Aperture: Both the Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD and Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary offer a faster f/2.8 aperture at a more affordable price than the Sony GM. This gives them an edge in low light and for shallower depth of field.
Focal Range: The Tamron’s 17-28mm range is slightly less versatile than 16-35mm, losing a bit at both ends. The Sigma’s 16-28mm offers the wider 16mm but still falls short of 35mm. The Sony’s 16-35mm provides a more useful range for many photographers and videographers.
Size and Weight: The Tamron 420g and Sigma 450g are still lightweight, but the Sony 16-35mm f/4 G is even lighter 353g. Both third-party options are also internal zooms, similar to the Sony f/4 G.
Power Zoom: Neither the Tamron nor the Sigma offer power zoom functionality, relying on traditional mechanical zoom rings. This is a significant consideration for video-centric users.
Verdict: If an f/2.8 aperture is critical and budget is a concern, the Tamron or Sigma are excellent choices. They offer great optical quality for their price. However, if the 35mm focal length and the power zoom feature are important, the Sony 16-35mm f/4 G remains unique.

Versus Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G Prime Lens

Sometimes, a prime lens offers a different set of advantages.

The Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G is a popular choice for wide-angle prime shooters.

Aperture: The 20mm f/1.8 G offers a significantly faster aperture f/1.8 vs. f/4, excelling in low light and providing much greater subject separation and bokeh. For astrophotography, it’s often the preferred choice.
Versatility: The 16-35mm f/4 G is a zoom, offering multiple focal lengths in one lens, which is inherently more versatile for diverse shooting scenarios. The 20mm f/1.8 is fixed.
Size and Weight: The 20mm f/1.8 G 373g is very similar in weight to the 16-35mm f/4 G 353g and is also very compact.
Focus Breathing: The 20mm f/1.8 G also boasts very minimal focus breathing, making it an excellent prime choice for video.
Verdict: If you predominantly shoot in low light, prioritize maximum subject separation, or specialize in astrophotography, and can work within a fixed focal length, the 20mm f/1.8 G is outstanding. If versatility across a wide-angle range, power zoom, and a compact zoom form factor are higher priorities, the 16-35mm f/4 G is the better choice.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

While the Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G is an excellent lens, no product is perfect for everyone.

Understanding its limitations is key to making an informed decision.

Fixed f/4 Aperture in Low Light

The f/4 constant aperture, while contributing to the lens’s compact size and reasonable price, can be a limiting factor in certain shooting conditions. Leica Summilux M 35Mm F14 Asph 2022 Review

Indoor/Low-Light Scenarios: In dimly lit interiors, at night, or in other low-light situations, an f/4 aperture requires either higher ISO settings introducing more noise or slower shutter speeds risking motion blur compared to an f/2.8 or faster lens. For professional event photographers or astrophotographers, this could be a significant drawback.
Bokeh Limitations: While it can produce decent background blur for an f/4 wide-angle, it won’t achieve the shallow depth of field or creamy bokeh that faster lenses like the Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 GM or a fast prime like the Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM can. If extreme subject isolation is a priority, this lens might not be the best fit.

Power Zoom Learning Curve for some

While the power zoom is a major advantage for video, some photographers might find it takes a bit of getting used to.

Traditionalists: Photographers accustomed to the tactile feedback and immediate response of a mechanical zoom ring might initially feel less precise with the electronic power zoom. While it does have a traditional zoom ring, the power zoom lever is a departure from conventional lens operation.
Nuance for Stills: For still photography, the power zoom is less critical, and most photographers will likely use the mechanical zoom ring. However, if you’re primarily a still photographer, the added cost and complexity of the power zoom feature might not offer significant benefits to your workflow.

Price Point Relative to Budget Options

While more affordable than the 16-35mm f/2.8 GM, the 16-35mm f/4 G still represents a premium lens investment compared to some third-party f/2.8 options.

Value Proposition: For its unique blend of features power zoom, internal zoom, compactness, and strong optical performance, the price is justified. However, if budget is your absolute top constraint and you just need an f/2.8 wide-angle zoom without the power zoom, options like the Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 or Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 offer compelling value.
Consider Your Needs: It’s crucial to assess if the power zoom, extreme compactness, and excellent video features justify the premium over these more budget-friendly alternatives. For a hybrid shooter, particularly one focused on video, the answer is often a resounding yes.

Lack of Focus Breathing Compensation for some older cameras

While the lens itself is designed with minimal focus breathing, the advanced focus breathing compensation feature available in some newer Sony cameras like the FX3, FX30, and A7S III is camera-dependent.

Camera Body Compatibility: If you’re using an older Sony E-mount camera that doesn’t support the in-camera focus breathing compensation function, you won’t benefit from that extra layer of correction, though the lens’s inherent design still makes breathing very minimal. This isn’t a flaw of the lens but a limitation of the camera body pairing.

Ideal Use Cases: Who is this lens for?

The Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but it excels in specific scenarios, making it an ideal choice for a particular type of content creator. Canon Eos R50 Review

The Hybrid Shooter and Solo Filmmaker

This is arguably the primary target audience for this lens.

Its blend of features makes it incredibly potent for creators who seamlessly transition between stills and video.

Seamless Video Workflows: The power zoom, minimal focus breathing, quiet autofocus, and internal zoom make it a dream for video. Whether you’re shooting on a gimbal, tripod, or handheld, the ability to execute smooth, controlled zooms without external motors or jarring movements is a massive advantage.
Run-and-Gun Capabilities: For documentary filmmakers, wedding videographers, or journalists who need to be agile and responsive, the lightweight and compact nature of the lens, combined with its robust video features, allows for quick setup and adaptable shooting in dynamic environments.
Vlogging: For vloggers, especially those using full-frame cameras, the 16mm wide end is perfect for arm’s-length shots, and the power zoom allows for dynamic push-ins or pull-outs while talking to the camera. The silent operation ensures clear audio.

The Traveler and Landscape Photographer

Portability and versatility are key for these disciplines, and the 16-35mm f/4 G delivers on both fronts.

Lightweight Travel Setup: When every gram in your bag counts, the 353g weight of this lens is a significant advantage. You can carry a full-frame camera with a versatile wide-angle zoom without feeling bogged down, leaving more energy for exploration.

Architectural and Real Estate Photographers with caveats

The wide focal range and controlled distortion make it suitable, but some might prefer faster or tilt-shift options for extreme work.

Interior Spaces: The 16mm wide end is excellent for capturing expansive interior spaces in real estate, offering a broad view that helps clients visualize rooms.
Controlled Distortion: While some barrel distortion is present at 16mm, it’s manageable with lens profiles in post-processing. For most architectural and real estate needs, the distortion is acceptable.
Lighting Considerations: The f/4 aperture means you’ll need adequate lighting or higher ISOs in dim interior spaces, which might necessitate supplementary lighting like the Godox VL150 LED Video Light or Aputure Amaran 100x S.

Content Creators Focusing on Events and Documentary

Its ability to capture both stills and video effectively in a variety of settings makes it a valuable tool.

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Coverage: From wide establishing shots to medium close-ups, the 16-35mm range is versatile for covering events and documentary narratives.
Discreet Operation: The compact size and silent operation allow for less intrusive shooting in sensitive environments.
Reliable AF: The fast and reliable autofocus ensures you don’t miss critical moments, whether shooting stills or video.

Conclusion: A Game-Changer for Hybrid Creators

The Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G is more than just another wide-angle zoom.

It’s a strategically designed tool for the modern content creator.

While its f/4 aperture might not satisfy those chasing ultimate low-light performance or extreme bokeh, its strengths in compactness, silent operation, and smooth power zoom for video are unparalleled in its category.

For anyone looking to streamline their workflow, reduce their kit’s weight, and achieve professional-grade video results without compromising on still image quality, this lens represents a compelling and often superior choice over heavier, more traditional alternatives. Msi Vigor Gk20 Review

It’s a testament to thoughtful engineering, providing powerful capabilities in a delightfully compact package.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G a good lens for vlogging?

Yes, the Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G is an excellent lens for vlogging.

Its 16mm wide-angle is ideal for arm’s-length shots, the power zoom offers smooth transitions, and its lightweight, compact design makes it easy to handle.

Does the Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G have a constant aperture?

Yes, the Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G has a constant maximum aperture of f/4 across its entire zoom range 16mm to 35mm.

Is the Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G weather-sealed?

Yes, the Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G features a dust and moisture-resistant design, offering good weather sealing for shooting in various environmental conditions. Corsair Xeneon 27Qhd240 Oled Review

What does “PZ” stand for in the lens name?

“PZ” stands for “Power Zoom,” indicating that the lens features an electronically controlled zoom mechanism for smooth and precise zooming, particularly beneficial for video recording.

Is the Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G good for astrophotography?

While the 16-35mm f/4 G can be used for astrophotography, its f/4 aperture is slower than ideal.

Lenses with f/2.8 or faster apertures, like the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM or Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G, are generally preferred for capturing more light and detail in dark night skies.

How does the Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G compare to the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM?

The Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G is lighter and more compact, features power zoom, and is more affordable, making it excellent for video and travel. Roku Indoor Smart Plug Se Review

The Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM offers a faster f/2.8 aperture for better low-light performance and shallower depth of field, but it’s heavier, larger, and more expensive.

Does the lens have minimal focus breathing?

Yes, the Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G is engineered to suppress focus breathing significantly, making it an excellent choice for video applications where changes in angle of view during focus pulls are undesirable.

What is the weight of the Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G?

The Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G weighs approximately 353g 12.5 oz, making it one of the lightest full-frame wide-angle zooms available.

Can I use the power zoom feature remotely?

Yes, the power zoom feature can be controlled remotely via compatible Sony camera bodies e.g., FX3, FX30, A7S III or accessories, offering enhanced versatility for video productions.

Is the Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G sharp?

Yes, the Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G delivers excellent sharpness across the frame, especially from the center to the edges, performing remarkably well for a compact f/4 zoom. Arcade1Up Mortal Kombat Deluxe Arcade Machine Review

What is the filter thread size of the Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G?

The filter thread size for the Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G is 72mm.

Does the lens extend when zooming?

No, the Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G features an internal zoom mechanism, meaning the physical length of the lens does not change when zooming, which helps maintain balance on gimbals and reduces the risk of dust ingress.

Is this lens suitable for landscape photography?

Does the Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G have an AF/MF switch?

Yes, the lens includes a dedicated AF/MF switch on its barrel for quick and easy toggling between autofocus and manual focus modes.

What type of autofocus motors does it use?

The Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G utilizes two advanced linear motors for fast, precise, and virtually silent autofocus performance.

Is the bokeh pleasing for an f/4 lens?

For an f/4 wide-angle lens, the bokeh is surprisingly pleasing, especially when shooting close to your subject at 35mm.

The 7-blade circular aperture helps render smooth, rounded out-of-focus areas.

What is the minimum focusing distance of this lens?

The minimum focusing distance is 0.28m 0.92 ft at 16mm and 0.24m 0.79 ft at 35mm, allowing for close-up wide-angle shots.

Does it have a focus hold button?

Yes, the Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G has a customizable focus hold button on the lens barrel that can be assigned to various functions via the camera menu.

Is the Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G a good choice for real estate photography?

Yes, its wide 16mm end and controlled distortion make it a good option for real estate interiors.

However, for very dim spaces, you might need additional lighting due to the f/4 aperture.

Can I use this lens on an APS-C camera?

Yes, you can use the Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G on an APS-C camera, but it will have a crop factor applied e.g., approximately 1.5x on Sony APS-C bodies, resulting in an effective focal length of around 24-52.5mm.

Does the power zoom feature require specific camera models?

While the power zoom works on all E-mount cameras, some advanced features like in-camera focus breathing compensation or seamless zoom speed control via the camera menu might be specific to newer Sony camera models e.g., FX3, FX30, A7S III.

How does the power zoom feel compared to a traditional zoom ring?

The power zoom offers a smooth, motorized zoom that can be controlled with a lever or ring, providing a different tactile experience than a traditional mechanical zoom ring.

It’s highly beneficial for video, but photographers still have the option to use the mechanical zoom ring for direct control.

Is there a lens hood included with the lens?

Yes, a petal-shaped lens hood ALC-SH167 is typically included with the Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G lens.

How does it handle chromatic aberrations?

The lens is well-corrected for chromatic aberrations, with very little color fringing visible in most real-world shooting scenarios, and any minor aberrations are easily correctable in post-processing.

Is the lens suitable for street photography?

Yes, its compact size, light weight, and versatile wide-angle range make it quite suitable for street photography, allowing for discreet and agile shooting.

What types of elements are used in its optical design?

The optical design includes various specialized elements, such as aspherical elements including an ED Aspherical and Super ED Aspherical, ED Extra-low Dispersion glass, and Super ED glass, to effectively control aberrations and maintain high resolution.

Does it have image stabilization?

No, the Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G does not have optical image stabilization OSS. It relies on the in-body image stabilization IBIS present in most modern Sony Alpha cameras.

What is its maximum magnification ratio?

The maximum magnification ratio for the Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G is 0.23x at 35mm.

Is the Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G good for indoor sports?

While it’s a versatile wide-angle, its f/4 aperture might be limiting for indoor sports, especially in dimly lit venues where faster shutter speeds are required.

An f/2.8 zoom or prime lens would generally be more suitable.

Can I use this lens for portraits?

While it’s a wide-angle lens and not ideal for traditional headshot portraits due to distortion, it can be excellent for environmental portraits where you want to show the subject within their surroundings, especially at 35mm.

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