Sony Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm F4 ZA OSS vs Sony E PZ 18-105mm F4 G OSS
Sony E-Mount
Both Sony E zooms for APS-C have constant f/4 and image stabilization. The Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm f/4 ZA OSS (August 2013) is a Zeiss lens, weighs only 308 g and starts at 16 mm. The E PZ 18-105mm f/4 G OSS (also August 2013) belongs to the G line, has a motorized zoom whose length does not change while zooming, and reaches 105 mm. According to Sony it weighs 427 g and is 35 mm longer.
Both launched on the same day but serve different purposes: one compact and wide, the other for video and more reach.
Which one suits whom?
- 16-70mm: You mostly shoot stills and want wide angle from 16 mm in a light lens.
- PZ 18-105mm: You shoot video and want a power zoom with constant aperture and more reach.
Key differences
- Focal length: 16-70 mm on the Sony Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm F4 ZA OSS, 18-105 mm on the Sony E PZ 18-105mm F4 G OSS.
- The Sony Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm F4 ZA OSS is 119 g lighter (308 g vs 427 g).
- The Sony Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm F4 ZA OSS is 35 mm shorter.
- The Sony Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm F4 ZA OSS focuses closer: from 35 cm instead of 45 cm.
- Filter thread: 55 mm on the Sony Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm F4 ZA OSS, 72 mm on the Sony E PZ 18-105mm F4 G OSS.
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 PZ 18-105mm F4 G OSS |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 16-70 mm | 18-105 mm |
| Max. aperture | f/4 | f/4 |
| Weight | 308 g | 427 g |
| Filter diameter | 55 mm | 72 mm |
| Min. focus distance | 35 cm | 45 cm |
| Length | 75 mm | 110 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 PZ 18-105mm F4 G OSS: 110 × 78 mm
Side view to the same scale, length × diameter (without lens hood).