Sony FE 16-25mm F2.8 G

Sony E

Review

The Sony FE 16-25mm F2.8 G lens is an impressive addition to the Sony E mount lineup, designed to meet the demands of both professional photographers and avid enthusiasts. This ultra-wide zoom lens stands out for its versatility, making it an excellent choice for landscape, architecture, and even event photography.

One of the defining features of the FE 16-25mm F2.8 G is its constant f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range. This characteristic not only enables amazing low-light performance but also provides easy control over depth of field, making it ideal for isolating subjects against beautifully blurred backgrounds. The lens also employs advanced optical elements, including aspherical and Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass to effectively minimize chromatic aberration and enhance overall image quality, resulting in sharp, contrasty images even at the edges.

The build quality of this lens is another highlight. It feels sturdy and well-constructed, with dust and moisture resistance, allowing for shooting in various conditions without worrying about the elements. The lens also features a linear autofocus motor that delivers quick and precise focusing, making it a great option for capturing fast-moving subjects.

However, like any piece of equipment, the FE 16-25mm F2.8 G has its downsides. The weight of the lens is somewhat on the heavier side, which might be a consideration for photographers who prefer a lightweight setup. Additionally, while it does well in most scenarios, some users may find the distortion at the wide end to be slightly more pronounced compared to other lenses in its class. Post-processing can help mitigate this, but it's something to be aware of.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Constant f/2.8 aperture for excellent low-light performance and depth of field control.
• Sharpness and clarity across the zoom range, reducing chromatic aberration.
• Sturdy build quality with dust and moisture resistance.
• Fast and precise autofocus system.

Cons

• Heavier than some comparable ultra-wide lenses, which may affect portability.
• Noticeable distortion at the 16mm end, requiring correction in post-processing.

Verdict

In summary, the Sony FE 16-25mm F2.8 G lens excels in terms of optical quality and performance. Its fast aperture and robust construction make it a fantastic tool for a variety of photographic applications, while its autofocus capabilities make it user-friendly. Although it has some weight and minor distortion issues, these are outweighed by the overall image quality and versatility it offers. If you're in the market for a high-performance ultra-wide zoom lens for your Sony E mount camera, this lens should definitely be on your radar.