A few high quality reviews are out for the New Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G Lens and it’s clearly proving to be the best zoom lens option for the APS-C crop factors camera like the A6600, A6500, A6400, A6100, etc… Basically this lens is a smaller sibling to the killer pro grade full frame FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Lens which I reviewed here >>
It has a constant f/2.8 aperture which is really what sets it apart from other high quality lenses like the E 16-70mm f/4 OSS ZA Lens which I reviewed here >>, and the E 18-105mm f/4 OSS G Powerzoom Lens which I reviewed Here >>. Both those lenses have a slower constant f/4 aperture.
Those two lenses were my most recommend for folks just wanting one high quality all arounder for the Sony APS-C mirrorless cameras, but now we have faster even higher quality option. Although expensive at $1398 US, it’s clearly extremely sharp and very well made with lots of Pro oriented features like Nano AR coatings, dust and moisture resistant design, and the XD Linear Focus Motor which is crazy fast for sports and quiet for video applications.
So far the only downside to the new E 16-55mm F/2.8 G Len that I am seeing is the lack of optical stabilization and the heavier weight that comes with the larger constant f/2.8 aperture glass. Otherwise, this lens has a great range for most photography needs and with the fast f/2.8 aperture it’s better for lower light situations and separating your subjects from the background. The extra weight is really not much either in the real world when compared to a full frame equivalent set-up.
This is pro oriented APS-C zoom lens option that should really make a lot of folks demanding the best very happy!
Please scroll down for the reviews, but I wanted to include the Sony lens promo video, lens photos, and key features first… I will add more quality reviews to this article as the come out and I will also review this lens myself as soon as possible!
For all the currently available lenses, be sure to check out my Sony E-Mount Sony E-Mount Lens Guides where I have all the key features and links to reviews and more.
Sony E 16-55mm F/2.8 G Lens from $1389 US @ BHPhoto | Amazon
Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G lens – Promo Video from Sony
Please Click on Images to see higher resolution versions!
Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G Lens – Key Features:
- E-Mount Lens/APS-C Format
- 24-82.5mm (35mm Equivalent)
- Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/22
- XD Linear Motor
- Nano AR Coating
- Four Aspherical Elements
- 17 Elements in 12 Groups
- Max Aperture = f/2.8
- dust- and moisture-sealed design
- fluorine coating
- Minimum Focus Distance = 1.08′ / 33 cm
- Diaphragm Blades = 9, Rounded
- Filter Thread = 67mm (Front)
- Weight = 1.09 lb / 494 g
- Price = $1389 US @ BHPhoto | Amazon
Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G Lens Reviews
My Review – Youtube Version
Full written review with high resolution sample photos coming soon…
This review by Arthur R is excellent and I highly recommend checking it out!
In this first review Gordon Laing who is one of my favorite reviewers, covers everything you need to know in his signature style. This lens is very sharp across the range as you will see!
This next review courtesy of Jason Vong is great, because he compares it against several other lens options and the full frame Sony A7III blackjack siteleri w/ FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Lens combo and Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Lens combo package. Full frame vs APS-C….
This next video courtesy of Manny Ortiz is more of a photoshoot showing off the Sony A6600 and E 16-55mm f/2.8 G Lens, but the sample photos really show you what this lens can do so I included it in this article and encourage you to check it out as well.
Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G Lens Accessories
- Sony ALC-F67S 67mm Front Lens Cap
- Sony ALC-SH161 Lens Hood
- Sony ALC-R1EM Rear lens Cap
- 67mm UV Lens Filters
- 67mm ND Filters
- 67mm Variable ND Filters
- 67mm Polarizing Filters
- Lens Pouch
Closing Remarks
As you can see from these reviews, the new Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G Lens is pretty darn fantastic overall. I really wish it had optical stabilization built in, but Sony’s more pro oriented APS-C cameras like the Sony A6500 and A6600 have the sensor stabilization built in, which is why Sony opted to leave it out I would imagine. Also, to keep the cost down and profits up, let’s not kid ourselves here 🙂
That is about it for this lens review article, but please let me know what you think of this new pro grade aps-c zoom lens and if you see any other quality reviews that you think should be added to this article don’t hesitate to let me know. Have a great day! Jay
Sony E 16-55mm F/2.8 G Lens from $1389 US @ BHPhoto | Amazon
