Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS

Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS

Sony
90 Overall Score
vs
Pentax DA 21790 55mm

Pentax DA 21790 55mm

Pentax
41 Overall Score

What Buyers Say

Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS

85 out of 100 medium confidence 22 reviews

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
👍 Image quality 9
👍 Build quality 8
👍 Autofocus performance 5
👎 Weight and size 6
👍 Value for money 4
🤔 Refurbished condition 6

Pentax DA 21790 55mm

85 out of 100 low confidence 8 reviews

The Pentax DA* 55mm f/1.4 SDM lens receives overwhelmingly positive feedback for its sharpness, beautiful bokeh, and excellent performance in low light and portraits. Users praise its clarity and value, though some note it may have focusing issues on older Pentax DSLR bodies. Overall, it is considered a superb lens that delivers professional-quality results.

Pros
  • Razor sharp image quality
  • Beautiful smooth bokeh
  • Excellent low-light performance
  • Great for portraits and events
  • Weather-sealed for outdoor use
Cons
  • Potential focusing issues on older Pentax bodies
  • Slightly large size
  • Not as sharp as Carl Zeiss lenses
👍 Image quality 5
👍 Bokeh 2
👍 Low light performance 2
👍 Portrait photography 4
👍 Build quality 2
👍 Value for money 3

Scores

Travel
Sony
98
Pentax
39
Street
Sony
90
Pentax
41
Budget
Sony
86
Pentax
34
Video Cinema
Sony
84
Pentax
40
Wildlife Sports
Sony
84
Pentax
39
Portrait
Sony
83
Pentax
34
Landscape
Sony
82
Pentax
40
Professional
Sony
78
Pentax
46
Macro
Sony
66
Pentax
36

Specifications

Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSSPentax DA 21790 55mm
Optics
Typezoomprime
Focal Length Min16 mm55 mm
Focal Length Max50 mm55 mm
Elements99
Groups88
Aspherical Elements4★0
ED Elements11
Coating—Aero Bright coating, Super Protect (SP) coating
Aperture
Max Aperturef/3.5f/22
Min Aperture3.5-5.6f/1.4
Constant✗✓★
Diaphragm Blades79★
Build
MountSony EPentax K
FormatAPS-CAPS-C
Weather Sealed✓✓
Weight0.11 kg★0.38 kg
Filter Thread41 mm58 mm
AF & Stabilization
AF TypeAutofocusSDM
Stabilization✓★✗
Stabilization Stops4 stops★—
Focus
Min Focus Distance250 mm★450 mm
Max Magnification0.215x0.3x★

Pros & Cons

Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS

  • Strong build (98th percentile)98th %ile
  • Strong stabilization (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
  • Strong versatility (84th percentile)84th %ile
  • Strong aperture (83rd percentile)83rd %ile

Pentax DA 21790 55mm

  • Strong build (79th percentile)
  • Strong user sentiment (66th percentile)
  • Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
  • Below average bokeh (25th percentile)
  • Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
  • Below average stabilization (34th percentile)

Verdict

★ Winner: Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS

Scores 90 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 5 of 22 specs.

Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Better at:

MacroBudgetStreetTravelPortraitLandscapeProfessionalVideo CinemaWildlife Sports