Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS
Tamron Di III 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD
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
Tamron Di III 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD
The Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 is widely praised as a versatile, all-in-one zoom lens that delivers exceptional sharpness and fast autofocus across its entire range. Many users, including professional event and wedding photographers, have replaced multiple primes or zooms with this single lens, citing its f/2-2.8 aperture and 35-150mm reach as ideal for portraits, sports, and travel. The main drawbacks are its significant weight and size, with some noting it can be tiring for handheld use, and a few isolated complaints about packaging or slow focus for moving subjects. Overall, it is considered a game-changer for those who value convenience and image quality.
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness across zoom range
- Fast and reliable autofocus
- Versatile 35-150mm focal length
- Bright f/2-2.8 aperture
- Excellent build quality
Cons
- Heavy and bulky
- No tripod collar included
- Slow focus for moving subjects
- Some vignetting at longer focal lengths
- Packaging issues on delivery
Scores
Specifications
| Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS | Tamron Di III 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 35 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 50 mm | 150 mm |
| Elements | 9 | 21 |
| Groups | 8 | 15 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | 3 |
| ED Elements | 1 | 4★ |
| Coating | — | BBAR-G2 Coating, Fluorine Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/2 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | 2-2.8 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.11 kg★ | 1.17 kg |
| Filter Thread | 41 mm | 82 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | VXD |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 250 mm★ | 330 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.215x | 1:5.55★ |
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
Tamron Di III 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD
- Strong optical (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong bokeh (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong aperture (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong versatility (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Below average build (24th percentile)
Pricing
Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS offers 8.3x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 7 of 9 usage categories and 5 of 22 specs.
