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

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

Sony
89 Overall Score
vs
Nikon NIKKOR AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G ED 35mm

Nikon NIKKOR AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G ED 35mm

Nikon
64 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

Nikon NIKKOR AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G ED 35mm

82 out of 100 high confidence 433 reviews

The Nikon 35mm f/1.8 lens is widely praised for its sharpness, fast autofocus, and excellent low-light performance, making it a favorite for street, portrait, and everyday photography. Many users highlight its lightweight build and value for money, though some note that it is not as sharp as the 50mm S lens and can suffer from vignetting and corner softness wide open. A few reviewers also mention quality control issues and a plastic feel, but overall it is considered a solid, versatile prime lens.

Pros
  • Sharp images edge-to-edge
  • Fast and accurate autofocus
  • Excellent low-light performance
  • Lightweight and compact design
  • Great value for the price
Cons
  • Vignetting and corner softness wide open
  • Not as sharp as 50mm S lens
  • Plastic build feels cheap
  • Quality control issues reported
  • Overpriced compared to alternatives
👍 Image quality 28
👍 Autofocus performance 15
👍 Low light performance 12
🤔 Build quality 10
👍 Value for money 14
👎 Vignetting and corner sharpness 6

Scores

Travel
Sony
94
Nikon
58
Budget
Sony
91
Nikon
63
Street
Sony
88
Nikon
56
Video Cinema
Sony
85
Nikon
65
Wildlife Sports
Sony
83
Nikon
59
Portrait
Sony
82
Nikon
51
Landscape
Sony
79
Nikon
58
Professional
Sony
76
Nikon
64
Macro
Sony
66
Nikon
56

Specifications

Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSSNikon NIKKOR AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G ED 35mm
Optics
Typezoomprime
Focal Length Min16 mm35 mm
Focal Length Max50 mm35 mm
Elements98
Groups88
Aspherical Elements4★1
ED Elements11
Coating—Super Integrated Coating (SIC)
Aperture
Max Aperturef/3.5f/16
Min Aperture3.5-5.6f/1.8
Constant✗✓★
Diaphragm Blades77
Build
MountSony ENikon F
FormatAPS-Cfull-frame★
Weather Sealed✓✓
Weight0.11 kg★0.31 kg
Filter Thread41 mm58 mm
AF & Stabilization
AF TypeAutofocusSilent Wave Motor
Stabilization✓✓
Stabilization Stops4 stops5 stops★
Focus
Min Focus Distance250 mm250 mm
Max Magnification0.215x0.24x★

Pros & Cons

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

  • Strong build (98th percentile)98th %ile
  • Strong stabilization (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
  • Strong versatility (83rd percentile)83rd %ile
  • Strong social proof (81st percentile)81st %ile

Nikon NIKKOR AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G ED 35mm

  • Strong stabilization (97th percentile)97th %ile
  • Strong social proof (86th percentile)86th %ile
  • Strong build (85th percentile)85th %ile
  • Below average bokeh (31st percentile)
  • Below average versatility (34th percentile)

Pricing

Both products are similarly priced.

Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS0.388score per dollar
vs
Nikon NIKKOR AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G ED 35mm0.319score per dollar

Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS offers 1.2x better value for money

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

Nikon NIKKOR AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G ED 35mm

Verdict

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

Scores 89 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 2 of 22 specs.

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

MacroBudgetStreetTravelPortraitLandscapeProfessionalVideo CinemaWildlife Sports

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