Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS 50mm
Nikon NIKKOR AF-P 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR
What Buyers Say
Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS 50mm
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
Nikon NIKKOR AF-P 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR
The Nikon AF-P 18-55mm lens receives mixed feedback. Many users praise its sharpness, silent autofocus in video mode, and lightweight design, but compatibility issues with older Nikon cameras like the D5000 and D3300 (without firmware update) are a recurring complaint. Some users report defective units where autofocus fails entirely, while others find it a significant upgrade over older AF-S lenses for video work.
Pros
- Sharp image quality
- Silent autofocus in video mode
- Lightweight and compact design
- Fast autofocus speed
- Good value for money
Cons
- Compatibility issues with older cameras
- Autofocus failure on some units
- Zoom noise picked up by internal mic
- No VR or manual focus button on lens
- Requires firmware update for some cameras
Scores
Specifications
| Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS 50mm | Nikon NIKKOR AF-P 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 18 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 50 mm | 55 mm |
| Elements | 9 | — |
| Groups | 8 | — |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | 2 |
| ED Elements | 1★ | — |
| Coating | — | Super Integrated Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/3.5 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | 3.5-5.6 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Sony E | Nikon F |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.11 kg★ | 0.20 kg |
| Filter Thread | 41 mm | 52 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | Pulse motor (stepping motor)★ |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops | 4 stops |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 250 mm | 83 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 0.215x★ | — |
Pros & Cons
Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS 50mm
- Strong build (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong stabilization (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong versatility (83rd percentile)83rd %ile
- Strong aperture (83rd percentile)83rd %ile
Nikon NIKKOR AF-P 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR
- Strong stabilization (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong macro (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong af (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong build (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (17th percentile)17th %ile
Pricing
Nikon NIKKOR AF-P 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR offers 2.0x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 90 overall, wins 5 of 9 usage categories and 5 of 22 specs.
