Sony Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm F4 ZA OSS vs Sony E 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 OSS
Sony E-Mount
Both are stabilized standard zooms for Sony E APS-C and weigh about the same (308 g and 325 g), but set different priorities. The Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm f/4 ZA OSS (August 2013) carries the Zeiss name and holds f/4 across the range, but ends at 70 mm. It starts at 16 mm, a bit wider. The E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS (January 2018) has the larger range with a 7.5x zoom and starts at f/3.5, but closes to f/5.6 at 135 mm.
So it is constant aperture and wide angle against reach.
Which one suits whom?
- 16-70mm: You want constant f/4 and a bit more wide angle for reportage and city trips.
- 18-135mm: You want one lens that covers everything up to a light telephoto.
Key differences
- Focal length: 16-70 mm on the Sony Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm F4 ZA OSS, 18-135 mm on the Sony E 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 OSS.
- The Sony E 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 OSS is faster: f/3.5 instead of f/4, about 0.3 stops more light.
- The Sony Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm F4 ZA OSS is 17 g lighter (308 g vs 325 g).
- The Sony Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm F4 ZA OSS is 13 mm shorter.
- The Sony Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm F4 ZA OSS focuses closer: from 35 cm instead of 45 cm.
Specs side by side
The key specs of both lenses side by side.
| Lens | Sony Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm F4 ZA OSS | Sony E 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 OSS |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 16-70 mm | 18-135 mm |
| Max. aperture | f/4 | f/3.5-5.6 |
| Weight | 308 g | 325 g |
| Filter diameter | 55 mm | 55 mm |
| Min. focus distance | 35 cm | 45 cm |
| Length | 75 mm | 88 mm |
| Autofocus | yes | yes |
| Image stabilization | yes | yes |
Size comparison
- Sony Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm F4 ZA OSS: 75 × 67 mm
- Sony E 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 OSS: 88 × 67 mm
Side view to the same scale, length × diameter (without lens hood).