
Sony E Autofocus
Sony FE 16mm F1.8 G
- Focal length
- 16 mm
- Aperture
- f/1.8
- Weight
- 304 g
- Filter diameter
- 67 mm
- Min. focus distance
- 15 cm
- Length
- 75 mm
Overview
The Sony FE 16mm F1.8 G is a compact ultra wide prime for Sony E-mount full frame cameras. Sony announced it in February 2025 and calls it the widest prime in its G lens lineup. It targets landscape, architecture, astrophotography and vlogging, where a bright 16 mm lens that stays small is useful.
Optical design
The lens has 15 elements in 12 groups. According to Sony, two AA (advanced aspherical) elements, one Super ED and three ED elements address resolution and chromatic aberration, and an optimized coating limits flare and ghosting. The 11 blade diaphragm is circular, and the aperture runs from F1.8 to F22. Close focus is 15 cm with autofocus and 13 cm with manual focus, with magnifications of 0.25x and 0.30x. Unlike many ultra wide lenses, it has a non-bulbous front element and a standard 67 mm filter thread.
Autofocus and handling
Two XD linear motors drive autofocus, with a control algorithm Sony says reduces delay and vibration. Sony also highlights minimal focus breathing and support for breathing compensation on compatible bodies. Controls include a focus ring, a customizable focus hold button, a focus mode switch, an aperture ring with a click on/off switch and an iris lock switch. The lens has no stabilizer.
Build and size
It weighs 304 g, measures 73.8 mm in diameter and 75 mm in length. The design is dust and moisture resistant according to Sony (not guaranteed fully sealed), and the front element has a fluorine coating. The small size suits gimbals.
Where it fits
It sits between the Sony FE 14mm F1.8 GM and the Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G in focal length. Zoom alternatives include the Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II, and third party primes include the Sigma 14mm F1.4 DG DN and Sigma 20mm F1.4 DG DN Art.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very light at 304 g and compact
- F1.8 with 67 mm filter thread
- Two XD linear motors, low focus breathing
- Aperture ring with iris lock
Cons
- No built-in stabilization
- Fixed 16 mm focal length without zoom flexibility
Verdict
The FE 16mm F1.8 G is built for users who want a small, fast and filter-friendly ultra wide. The data show a clear emphasis on video and travel use, and it can replace a wide zoom for people who prefer a bright prime.
Technical Specifications
- min focal length
- 16 mm
- max focal length
- 16 mm
- max f (min zoom)
- f/1.8
- max f (max zoom)
- f/1.8
- min. aperture
- f/22
- Elements
- 15
- Groups
- 12
- Weight
- 304 g (0.67 lb)
- Filter diameter
- 67 mm
- min focus distance
- 15 cm (5.91 in)
- Length
- 75 mm (2.95 in)
- Diameter
- 73.8 mm (2.91 in)
Which cameras does the Sony FE 16mm F1.8 G fit?
The Sony FE 16mm F1.8 G is a full-frame lens for Sony E-Mount cameras. On full-frame bodies it uses the whole sensor; on APS-C Sony E-Mount cameras its field of view equals 24 mm in full-frame terms.
Sony E-Mount cameras
- Full frame:
- Sony A7R VI, Sony A7 V, Sony FX2, Sony A1 II, Sony A9 III, Sony A7C II, Sony A7CR, Sony ZV-E1, Sony A7R V, Sony A7 IV, Sony A1, Sony FX3, Sony A7S III, Sony A7C, Sony FX6, Sony A7R IV, Sony A9 II, Sony FX9, Sony A7 III, Sony A7R III, Sony A9, Sony A7R II, Sony A7S II, Sony A7 II, Sony A7S, Sony A7, Sony A7R
- APS-C:
- Sony ZV-E10 II, Sony A6700, Sony FX30, Sony ZV-E10, Sony A6600, Sony A6100, Sony A6400, Sony A6500, Sony A6300, Sony A6000, Sony A5100, Sony A5000, Sony A3000, Sony NEX-5T, Sony NEX-3N, Sony NEX-6, Sony NEX-5R, Sony NEX-F3
Sony FE 16mm F1.8 G compared
Key specs side by side with the most similar Sony E-Mount lenses.
| Lens | Sony FE 16mm F1.8 G | Viltrox AF 16mm F1.8 | Sigma 15mm F1.4 DG DN Art | Sigma 14mm F1.8 DG HSM Art |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 16 mm | 16 mm | 15 mm | 14 mm |
| Max. aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.8 | f/1.4 | f/1.8 |
| Weight | 304 g | 550 g | 1,360 g | 1,170 g |
| Filter diameter | 67 mm | 77 mm | – | – |
| Min. focus distance | 15 cm | 27 cm | 39 cm | 27 cm |
| Length | 75 mm | 103 mm | 158 mm | 126 mm |
| Autofocus | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Image stabilization | no | no | no | no |
Sony FE 16mm F1.8 G: FAQ
Does the Sony FE 16mm F1.8 G have autofocus?
Yes, the Sony FE 16mm F1.8 G has autofocus.
Does the Sony FE 16mm F1.8 G have image stabilization?
No, the Sony FE 16mm F1.8 G has no stabilization of its own. On cameras with in-body image stabilization (IBIS) the image is still stabilized.
How much does the Sony FE 16mm F1.8 G weigh?
The Sony FE 16mm F1.8 G weighs 304 g. It is 75 mm long with a diameter of 73.8 mm.
What filter size does the Sony FE 16mm F1.8 G use?
The Sony FE 16mm F1.8 G takes 67 mm screw-in filters.
How close can the Sony FE 16mm F1.8 G focus?
The minimum focus distance of the Sony FE 16mm F1.8 G is 15 cm, measured from the sensor plane.
Is the Sony FE 16mm F1.8 G a full-frame lens?
Yes, the Sony FE 16mm F1.8 G covers full frame. On APS-C cameras its field of view equals 24 mm in full-frame terms.
Similar lenses
Viltrox AF 16mm F1.8
16mm · f/1.8
Sigma 15mm F1.4 DG DN Art
15mm · f/1.4
Sigma 14mm F1.8 DG HSM Art
14mm · f/1.8
Sony FE 14mm F1.8 GM
14mm · f/1.8
Venus Laowa 15mm F2 Zero-D
15mm · f/2
Sigma 14mm F1.4 DG DN
14mm · f/1.4
Sigma 16mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary
16mm · f/1.4
Sony FE 20mm F1.8G
20mm · f/1.8
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