Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM 50mm
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
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM 50mm
The Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM lens is widely praised for its exceptional value, delivering sharp images and beautiful bokeh at a very low price. Users love its lightweight, compact design and fast f/1.8 aperture for low-light and portrait photography. Common criticisms include noisy and sometimes slow autofocus, a plastic build that feels cheap, and softness at the edges when wide open. Overall, it's considered a must-have budget prime lens for Canon shooters.
Pros
- Exceptional value for money
- Sharp image quality
- Beautiful bokeh
- Lightweight and compact
- Fast f/1.8 aperture for low light
Cons
- Noisy autofocus
- Slow autofocus at times
- Plastic build feels cheap
- Soft edges at f/1.8
- No image stabilization
Scores
Specifications
| Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS | Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM 50mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 50 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 50 mm | 50 mm |
| Elements | 9 | 6 |
| Groups | 8 | 5 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | 1 |
| ED Elements | 1★ | 0 |
| Coating | — | Super Spectra coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/1.8 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Sony E | Canon EF |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.11 kg★ | 0.16 kg |
| Filter Thread | 41 mm | 49 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | STM★ |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops | 7 stops★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 250 mm★ | 350 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.215x★ | 0.21x |
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 (83rd percentile)83rd %ile
- Strong aperture (83rd percentile)83rd %ile
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM 50mm
- Strong social proof (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong build (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong af (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Below average bokeh (14th percentile)14th %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
- Below average stabilization (34th percentile)
Pricing
Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS offers 1.6x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 90 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 7 of 22 specs.
