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

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

Sony
90 Overall Score
vs
Nikon NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4 S

Nikon NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4 S

Nikon
74 Overall Score

What Buyers Say

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

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

Nikon NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4 S

82 out of 100 high confidence 54 reviews

The Nikon 24-120mm f/4 VRII is widely praised as a versatile, sharp, and well-built walk-around lens for full-frame Nikon cameras. Users love the constant f/4 aperture, effective VR, and the useful 24-120mm range, which makes it ideal for travel, events, and everyday photography. While some note it is a bit heavy and pricey, and a few report softness or quality control issues, the overwhelming majority consider it an excellent value and a worthy upgrade from kit lenses.

Pros
  • Versatile 24-120mm zoom range
  • Constant f/4 aperture throughout zoom
  • Effective Vibration Reduction (VR)
  • Sharp image quality across focal lengths
  • Solid build and durable construction
Cons
  • Heavier than some comparable lenses
  • Relatively expensive (new)
  • Some copies have softness issues
  • Maximum aperture f/4 is slow for low light
  • Zoom ring position can be awkward
👍 Image quality 28
👍 Zoom range versatility 25
👍 Build quality 18
👍 Vibration reduction 12
🤔 Weight 14
👍 Value for money 15

Scores

Travel
Sony
98
Nikon
85
Landscape
Sony
82
Nikon
92
Street
Sony
90
Nikon
57
Budget
Sony
86
Nikon
74
Video Cinema
Sony
84
Nikon
67
Wildlife Sports
Sony
84
Nikon
71
Portrait
Sony
83
Nikon
50
Professional
Sony
77
Nikon
71
Macro
Sony
66
Nikon
74

Specifications

Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS 50mmNikon NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4 S
Optics
Typezoomzoom
Focal Length Min16 mm24 mm
Focal Length Max50 mm120 mm
Elements916
Groups813
Aspherical Elements4★3
ED Elements12★
Coating—Nano Crystal Coat, Super Integrated Coating
Aperture
Max Aperturef/3.5f/22
Min Aperture3.5-5.6f/4
Constant✗✓★
Diaphragm Blades79★
Build
MountSony ENikon F
FormatAPS-Cfull-frame★
Weather Sealed✓✓
Weight0.11 kg★0.63 kg
Filter Thread41 mm77 mm
AF & Stabilization
AF TypeAutofocusSilent Wave Motor
Stabilization✓✓
Stabilization Stops4 stops4 stops
Focus
Min Focus Distance250 mm★350 mm
Max Magnification0.215x1:2.56★

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 (84th percentile)84th %ile
  • Strong aperture (83rd percentile)83rd %ile

Nikon NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4 S

  • Strong versatility (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
  • Strong stabilization (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
  • Strong optical (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
  • Strong social proof (91st percentile)91st %ile
  • Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
  • Below average bokeh (25th percentile)

Pricing

Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS 50mm is €598 cheaper (3.3x less).

Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS 50mm0.344score per dollar
vs
Nikon NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4 S0.086score per dollar

Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS 50mm offers 4.0x better value for money

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

Nikon NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4 S

Verdict

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

Scores 90 overall, wins 7 of 9 usage categories and 3 of 22 specs.

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

BudgetStreetTravelPortraitProfessionalVideo CinemaWildlife Sports

Nikon NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4 S Better at:

MacroLandscape

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