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-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR

Nikon NIKKOR AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR

Nikon
87 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-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR

72 out of 100 medium confidence 13 reviews

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
👎 Compatibility 4
🤔 Autofocus performance 6
👍 Image quality 4
🤔 Noise level 4
👍 Build quality 3
👍 Value for money 3

Scores

Travel
Sony
94
Nikon
81
Budget
Sony
91
Nikon
92
Street
Sony
88
Nikon
89
Macro
Sony
66
Nikon
86
Video Cinema
Sony
85
Nikon
77
Wildlife Sports
Sony
83
Nikon
70
Portrait
Sony
82
Nikon
81
Landscape
Sony
79
Nikon
66
Professional
Sony
76
Nikon
68

Specifications

Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSSNikon NIKKOR AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR
Optics
Typezoomzoom
Focal Length Min16 mm18 mm
Focal Length Max50 mm55 mm
Elements9—
Groups8—
Aspherical Elements4★2
ED Elements1★—
Coating—Super Integrated Coating
Aperture
Max Aperturef/3.5f/3.5
Min Aperture3.5-5.63.5-5.6
Constant✗✗
Diaphragm Blades77
Build
MountSony ENikon F
FormatAPS-CAPS-C
Weather Sealed✓★✗
Weight0.11 kg★0.20 kg
Filter Thread41 mm52 mm
AF & Stabilization
AF TypeAutofocuspulse stepping motor★
Stabilization✓✓
Stabilization Stops4 stops4 stops
Focus
Min Focus Distance250 mm83 mm★
Max Magnification0.215x★—

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-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR

  • Strong macro (94th percentile)94th %ile
  • Strong stabilization (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
  • Strong af (86th percentile)86th %ile
  • Strong build (85th percentile)85th %ile
  • Below average user sentiment (16th percentile)16th %ile

Pricing

Nikon NIKKOR AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR is €30 cheaper (1.2x less).

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

Nikon NIKKOR AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR

Verdict

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

Scores 89 overall, wins 5 of 9 usage categories and 5 of 22 specs.

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

TravelLandscapeProfessionalVideo CinemaWildlife Sports

Nikon NIKKOR AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Better at:

Macro

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