Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS
7Artisans 122.8ZBII 12mm
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
7Artisans 122.8ZBII 12mm
This manual 12mm f/2.8 lens receives mostly positive reviews for its solid metal build and good image quality at a low price point. While many users love it for product videos and astrophotography, some report sharpness issues, severe flare when pointed near light sources, and the lack of camera recognition on certain bodies. It's best considered a budget specialty lens rather than an everyday general-purpose optic.
Pros
- Solid all-metal build
- Good image quality for the price
- Great value for money
- Smooth focusing rings
- Excellent for astrophotography
Cons
- Not sharp in corners
- Horrible flare near light sources
- Camera may not recognize lens
- Manual focus only
- Short focusing range
Scores
Specifications
| Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS | 7Artisans 122.8ZBII 12mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | wide-angle |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 12 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 50 mm | 12 mm |
| Elements | 9 | 12 |
| Groups | 8 | 10 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | — |
| ED Elements | 1★ | — |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/16 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/2.8 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7★ | — |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Sony E | Nikon Z |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | — |
| Weight | 0.11 kg★ | 0.30 kg |
| Filter Thread | 41 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | manual focus only |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 250 mm | 150 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 0.215x★ | 0.15m |
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
7Artisans 122.8ZBII 12mm
- Strong stabilization (79th percentile)
- Strong build (74th percentile)
- Strong social proof (66th percentile)
- Below average af (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (22nd percentile)
- Below average bokeh (32nd percentile)
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
Pricing
Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS offers 1.8x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 90 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 7 of 21 specs.
