Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS 50mm
Tamron Di III 16-30mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2
What Buyers Say
Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS 50mm
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
Tamron Di III 16-30mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2
The Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 G2 lens is highly praised for astrophotography and landscape work, with users noting excellent sharpness, fast autofocus, and solid build quality. The infinity lock and programmable function button are standout features, though some users mention a rendering change at 30mm and the need for firmware updates on Nikon Z cameras. Overall, it is seen as a great value alternative to native lenses, especially for its lightweight design and consistent f/2.8 aperture.
Pros
- Excellent sharpness
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Lightweight and compact design
- Solid build quality
- Infinity lock for astrophotography
Cons
- Rendering change at 30mm f/2.8
- Requires firmware update for Nikon Z cameras
- Limited documentation included
- Distortion at 16mm for people photos
Scores
Specifications
| Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS 50mm | Tamron Di III 16-30mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | wide-angle |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 16 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 50 mm | 30 mm |
| Elements | 9 | 16 |
| Groups | 8 | 12 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | 3 |
| ED Elements | 1 | 3★ |
| Coating | — | fluorine-coated front element |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/2.8 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/2.8 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Sony E | Nikon Z |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.11 kg★ | 0.44 kg |
| Filter Thread | 41 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 250 mm | 190 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 0.215x | 1:5.4★ |
Pros & Cons
Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS 50mm
- Strong build (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong stabilization (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong versatility (83rd percentile)83rd %ile
- Strong social proof (82nd percentile)82nd %ile
Tamron Di III 16-30mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2
- Strong optical (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong bokeh (89th percentile)89th %ile
- Strong aperture (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Strong macro (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Below average social proof (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average stabilization (35th percentile)
Pricing
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 6 of 9 usage categories and 4 of 22 specs.
