Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS
Zeiss Biogon T ZM 1486-394-L 35mm
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
Zeiss Biogon T ZM 1486-394-L 35mm
This Zeiss 35mm lens is highly praised for its sharpness and build quality, often compared favorably to Leica alternatives at a much lower price. Users appreciate its compact size and smooth operation, though the focusing tab is noted as slightly less intuitive than Leica's. It serves well as a versatile everyday lens, with one reviewer using it daily for all but portraits.
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness
- Great value for money
- Compact and lightweight
- Solid build quality
- Smooth focusing and aperture
Cons
- Focusing tab less intuitive than Leica
- Not ideal for portraits
Scores
Specifications
| Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS | Zeiss Biogon T ZM 1486-394-L 35mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | wide-angle |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 35 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 50 mm | 35 mm |
| Elements | 9 | 9 |
| Groups | 8 | 6 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | — |
| ED Elements | 1★ | — |
| Coating | — | T-Antireflexbeschichtung |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/2.8 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/2.8 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 10★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Sony E | Leica M |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.11 kg★ | 0.20 kg |
| Filter Thread | 41 mm | 43 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | manual focus only |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 250 mm★ | 700 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.215x★ | 0.0534722222 |
Pros & Cons
Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS
- Strong build (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong stabilization (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong versatility (83rd percentile)83rd %ile
- Strong social proof (81st percentile)81st %ile
Zeiss Biogon T ZM 1486-394-L 35mm
- Strong build (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong bokeh (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong aperture (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Below average af (13th percentile)13th %ile
- Below average macro (29th percentile)
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 7 of 22 specs.