Canon RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM
Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS
What Buyers Say
Canon RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM
This RF 55-210mm lens is highly praised by beginners and hobbyists for its lightweight design and excellent image quality, especially in well-lit outdoor settings. Users love the smooth zoom and background blur that rivals much more expensive lenses. It is considered a great value for portrait and casual photography, though some note it is not perfect in low light.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Excellent image quality in good light
- Smooth zoom operation
- Great background blur for the price
- Perfect for beginners and casual use
Cons
- Not perfect in low light
- Not for fast-paced professional events
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
Scores
Specifications
| Canon RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM | Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 55 mm | 16 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 210 mm | 50 mm |
| Elements | 11 | 9 |
| Groups | 8 | 8 |
| Aspherical Elements | 1 | 4★ |
| ED Elements | 2★ | 1 |
| Coating | Super Spectra Coating | — |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/5 | f/3.5 |
| Min Aperture | 5-7.1 | 3.5-5.6 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Canon RF | Sony E |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.27 kg | 0.11 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 55 mm | 41 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | STM★ | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4.5 stops★ | 4 stops |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 730 mm | 250 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 0.28x★ | 0.215x |
Pros & Cons
Canon RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM
- Strong stabilization (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong social proof (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong versatility (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Below average macro (34th percentile)
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
Pricing
Canon RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM
No current pricing available
Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS
Verdict
Both products are closely matched - Canon RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM wins 4 specs while Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS wins 4.
