Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS
Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D 9mm
What Buyers Say
Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS
The Sony DT 16-50mm F2.8 SSM lens is a notable upgrade from the kit 18-55mm, offering a constant fast aperture, silent autofocus, and superior image quality. Users praise its sharpness, bokeh, and build, though they note it is heavier and bulkier. A few refurbished units had minor scratches or early malfunction, but overall the lens is highly recommended for Sony Alpha APS-C cameras.
Pros
- Constant F2.8 aperture
- Fast and silent autofocus
- Excellent image sharpness and contrast
- Pleasing bokeh
- Solid build quality
Cons
- Heavy and bulky
- Some units have early malfunctions
- Not compatible with full-frame cameras
- Moderate flare issue
- Limited zoom range to 50mm
Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D 9mm
The Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D lens is widely praised for its compact size, sharp image quality, and minimal distortion, making it a favorite for landscape, architecture, and real estate photography. Users appreciate its wide field of view and solid build, though some note vignetting at wide apertures and a few report sample variation or infinity focus issues. Overall, it offers excellent value for an ultra-wide manual lens, especially for APS-C cameras.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Sharp image quality
- Minimal distortion (Zero-D)
- Wide field of view
- Solid build quality
Cons
- Vignetting at wide apertures
- Infinity focus inconsistency
- Sample variation (sharpness)
- Manual focus only
- High price for some
Scores
Specifications
| Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS | Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D 9mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 9 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 50 mm | 9 mm |
| Elements | 9 | 15 |
| Groups | 8 | 10 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | 2 |
| ED Elements | 1 | 3★ |
| Coating | — | Frog Eye Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/2.8 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/2.8 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Sony E | Nikon Z |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.11 kg★ | 0.21 kg |
| Filter Thread | 41 mm | 49 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | manual focus only |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 250 mm | 120 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 0.215x | 1:7.7★ |
Pros & Cons
Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS
- Strong build (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong stabilization (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong versatility (83rd percentile)83rd %ile
- Strong social proof (81st percentile)81st %ile
Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D 9mm
- Strong macro (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong build (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong optical (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Strong aperture (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Below average af (14th percentile)14th %ile
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 7 of 9 usage categories and 4 of 22 specs.