Sony 16mm f/2.8 E-Mount Lens (SEL16F28) – Hands On Review Using the Nex-C3

Full Specs

Optics/Lens

• Aperture (Max.) : f/2.8
• Aperture (Min.) : f/22
• Filter Diameter : 49mm
• Lens Groups-Elements : 5 groups, 5 elements (1 aspheric surfaces)
• Minimum Focus Distance : 9.4″ (0.24m)
• Aspheric Elements : 1 aspheric surface
• Non-rotating Focusing Ring : No rotation
• AF for Movie Capture : Yes
• Angle of View : 83°
• Aperture Blade : 7 blades (Circular aperture)
• Dimensions (Max. Diameter x Length) : 2-7/16 x 7/8″ (62×22.5mm)
• Direct Manual Focus : Yes
• Exterior Finish : Metal
• Focal Length (35mm equivalent) : 24mm
• Focus Ring in AF Mode : No rotation
• Internal Motor : Yes (Stepping motor)
• Lens Weight : 2.5 oz (70g)
• Low Noise During Movie Capture : Excellent
• Maximum Magnification : 0.073x (APS-C)
• Mount Material : Metal

Features

Light weight, heavy duty

Ultra compact and elegant, the SAL16F28 compliments your camera with a refined feel. The lens barrel is contracted from high-quality aluminum alloy which provides maximum durability in combination with the metal lens mount. Weighing in at only 2.5 oz (70g) it measures 62mm in diameter and 22.5mm thick.

Circular Aperture

The SAL16F28 features seven aperture blades that form a near circle. This result in a pleasing defocused circular effect on the background of your image when the aperture is set wide open. The same type of internal stepping motor used for the focus drive is used for aperture actuation as well, that result in a smooth, low-noise aperture operation ideally suited to movie shooting.

Smooth Manual Focusing

An easy-grip focus ring on the lens barrel gives you a solid “hands-on” feel in manual focusing. Additionally, Direct Manual Focus (DMF) allows you to focus manually after AF lock-on without the need for any switching. This can be extremely useful in situations where AF can’t lock onto the subject accurately, or when AF locks onto a point that does not match your intention. Electronic manual focus technology was originally developed for professional Sony camcorders to ensure smooth, precise focus control.

Made for movies

The SAL16F28 performs equally as well when shooting video. Thanks to an internal stepping motor and rear-focusing design It has optimized video performance for smooth, quiet operation essential for high-quality movie capture.

Accessories for creative shooting

The VCL-ECU1 Ultra-wide converter and VCL-ECF1 Fisheye conversion lenses can simply be attached to the front of the SAL16F28 to provide ultra wide or fisheye fields of view. Both conversion lenses were developed concurrently with and specifically for the SAL16F28 and integrate elegantly as well. The Ultra-wide and Fisheye conversion lenses offer single-focal-length image quality with superior portability.