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Sony Vario-Sonnar T* 16-35mm f/2.8 ZA SSM II Lens

BH #SO1635282 • MFR #SAL1635Z2
6 reviews
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Sony Vario-Sonnar T* 16-35mm f/2.8 ZA SSM II Lens
Key Features
  • A-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
  • Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/22
  • One Super ED and One ED Element
  • Three Aspherical Elements
Capture dynamic landscapes and wide perspectives with the full-frame A-mount Vario-Sonnar T* 16-35mm f/2.8 ZA SSM II Lens from Sony. Featuring a constant f/2.8 aperture, shooters will enjoy a consistent exposure throughout the zoom range as well as the ability to create images with a shallow depth of field. The lens also enjoys improved performance with an optical design that features one Super ED, one ED, and three aspherical elements as well as Zeiss' T* anti-reflective coating, which all help to minimize aberrations and improve sharpness and contrast.
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Sony Vario-Sonnar T* 16-35mm f/2.8 ZA SSM II Overview

Capture dynamic landscapes and wide perspectives with the full-frame A-mount Vario-Sonnar T* 16-35mm f/2.8 ZA SSM II Lens from Sony. Featuring a constant f/2.8 aperture, shooters will enjoy a consistent exposure throughout the zoom range as well as the ability to create images with a shallow depth of field. The lens also enjoys improved performance with an optical design that features one Super ED, one ED, and three aspherical elements as well as Zeiss' T* anti-reflective coating, which all help to minimize aberrations and improve sharpness and contrast.

Operation is made easy with a fast and quiet Super Sonic wave Motor (SSM) for autofocus and the inclusion of both a focus hold button and focus mode switch. It also benefits from an internal focus design and offers photographers a minimum focus distance of 11" for getting close to their subjects. Additionally, it has a nine-blade circular diaphragm for smooth bokeh as well as a dust- and moisture-resistant construction.

Based on the Zeiss Sonnar optical concept, this lens uses a design with 17 elements in 13 groups that helps create a relatively compact wide-angle zoom with improved contrast, a resistance to flare, and with minimal distortion and chromatic aberrations.
A wide-angle zoom designed for full-frame A-mount cameras, the 16-35mm can also be used on APS-C camera systems where it will provide a 24-52.5mm equivalent focal length.
A constant f/2.8 maximum aperture offers consistent performance throughout the zoom range and also lends greater control over focus position for shallow depth of field techniques.
Zeiss T* anti-reflective coatings have been applied to each lens surface to help minimize reflections in order to provide greater image clarity, contrast, and color fidelity.
One super extra-low dispersion element and one extra-low dispersion glass element are featured in the lens design to help reduce chromatic aberrations and color fringing for improved clarity and color neutrality.
Three aspherical elements are incorporated in the lens design to reduce astigmatism, field curvature, coma, and other monochromatic aberrations.
An SSM autofocus system and internal focus mechanism provides quick, quiet, and precise autofocus performance and also contributes to more natural, intuitive manual focus control.
A focus hold button and focus mode switch are present on the lens barrel for intuitive tactile control and rapid access to select settings.
Dust- and moisture-sealed design better permits working in inclement conditions.
Rounded nine-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing bokeh quality when employing selective focus techniques.

Sony Vario-Sonnar T* 16-35mm f/2.8 ZA SSM II Specs

Focal Length
16 to 35mm
Maximum Aperture
f/2.8
Minimum Aperture
f/22
Lens Mount
Sony A
Lens Format Coverage
Full-Frame
Angle of View
107° to 63°
Minimum Focus Distance
11.02" / 28 cm
Maximum Magnification
0.24x
Optical Design
17 Elements in 13 Groups
Diaphragm Blades
9, Rounded
Focus Type
Autofocus
Image Stabilization
No
Filter Size
77 mm (Front)
Dimensions (ø x L)
3.27 x 4.49" / 83 x 114 mm
Length at Maximum Extension
4.47" / 113.6 mm
Weight
1.92 lb / 872 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
3.55 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
11.9 x 5.4 x 5.3"

Sony Vario-Sonnar T* 16-35mm f/2.8 ZA SSM II Reviews

Fantastic lens

By Susan
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-11-16

I have wanted this lens for almost 3 years and finally decided to purchase it - and so very glad I did! I have a Sony a7R and use a LAEA4 adapter. This lens is absolutely fantastic. Fast, crisp and incredible speed at low light. I took some test sunset photographs and could easily shoot F22 with decreasing light conditions. B&H shipping was excellent, great customer service and communication. My only regret is I wish I had purchased it sooner!

Finally Upgraded

By Manny T
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2017-04-02

I have used lower end Sony lenses and moving to the SSM II series was a huge leap. So much quieter when focusing. I have photographed events where I think I have distracted people with my older lenses. I haven't noticed any short comings of this lens so far.

I will buy this lense again

By Anonymous
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2016-06-01

great performance

Beautiful crisp images from this fast wide angle

By Doug
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2015-12-12

I use this lens for epic landscapes, group portraits and specialty photos. Need to capture an entire family shot in a small spot? This lens handles it no sweat, although I use it for all types of portraits because of its quality. It's relatively fast for a wide angle (f2.8) with stunning clarity and color. Also great for anyone who wants to record video - super quiet and smooth operation and usually the only lens I used for HD recording. You're going to get some distortion at 16mm, but its what you would expect for these very wide angle lenses. If you want no distortion a little bit of zoom takes care of it. For my landscape shots I usually don't mind the barrel distortion and happily use it at 16mm. The lens is heavy but feels high quality with robust construction. 16-35 range is so handy that I end up leaving this on my a99 most of the time.

Better Than Expected

By Bernard
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2019-02-13

I purchased a used version of this lens graded 10 from B&H Photo. It was basically a brand new lens. Flawless. Third time I have purchased used glass from B&H with the same level of quality and exceptional honestly about the condition. As for the lens, the focus is so quiet I had to double check that it was actually functioning by selecting various objects at different distances. Its nearly silent. Photo quality is stunning in very low light conditions. A little distortion at 16mm but easily corrected later. Images are laser sharp. Need to photograph large groups or an entire family at gatherings? This lens gets it done without the need for any flash with average room lighting. It is perfect for landscapes and any situation where a wide field of view is desirable. At 2.8 you are pretty much guaranteed to capture consistently excellent images with this finely built and weather resistant lens.

Awesome

By Sunghan
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2017-05-12

It's bright and secure accurate!

See any errors on this page? Let us know

question

I shoot real estate usually 100. f/11. 0.5 How fixed f/2.8 is going to improve my shots? Thanks
Asked by: Anonymous
The answer would depend on which lens you currently own and how it compares to the Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 ZA SSM II Vario-Sonnar T* Lens, not on the settings you use (as you would most likely use the same settings on the new lens). Without knowing which lens you own, the best I can state is, typically, a zoom lens with a constant aperture are typically sharper and have better optical performance compared to zoom lenses with floating maximum apertures. To see if there are any other improvements or features the above lens may provide over your current lens, I would have to recommend e-mailing our Professional Photo Department at [email protected] with your question and the brand/model of the lens you currently own, and we may be able to assist you further with your inquiry.
Answered by: Manzell L.
Date published: 2018-08-26

Will this lens work with the Sony A7SIII eye and ...

Will this lens work with the Sony A7SIII eye and tracking focus features?
Asked by: Steven
I contacted Sony concerning your inquiry. According to the manufacturer, if you will be using the Sony Vario-Sonnar T* 16-35mm f/2.8 ZA SSM II Lens along with the Sony LA-EA5 A-Mount to E-Mount Adapter, B&H # SOLAEA5, on the Sony a7S III Mirrorless Camera, there are no restrictions that says Eye AF and Tracking capabilities will not be functioning. However this is a limitation on the part of the lens, so it will not perform the said functions.
Answered by: Manzell
Date published: 2022-04-06

question

Can this lens be used on a Nikon D800 body? perhaps with an adapter?
Asked by: Karen J.
This lens cannot be used on a Nikon D800.
Answered by: Heather S.
Date published: 2018-08-26

question

In the Overview, it is stated that Once focus has been set, pressing the Focus Hold Button on the lens barrel keeps the lens locked to the selected focusing distance. Does this mean that the lens is not inherently parfocal unless you hold that button? The gold standard for cine zooms is to be able to zoom in, focus, zoom out and hold focus. I assume from the description that this lens is not parfocal unless you use that hold focus button. I wonder why it is necessary to have such a button when it is so much easier to focus at max tele, especially for a lens this wide.
Asked by: Arthur
This button is more intended for stills photography to limit the focus area should a shooter want to lock their focus area to a given range, in order to avoid focus tracking.
Answered by: Heather S.
Date published: 2020-10-29

question

Can I use the Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 ZA SSM II Vario-Sonnar T* Lens on the new Sony mirrorless a7r ii, if I use a Sony A mount to E mount adapter?
Asked by: Patricia
Yes, you can use this lens on the A7R II with the use of the A to E mount adapter.
Answered by: Heather S.
Date published: 2018-08-26

question

Does this lens require an adapter to be used with the a6000?
Asked by: Robert B.
Yes. As the Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 ZA SSM II Vario-Sonnar T* Lens uses the Sony A-mount/Minolta MAXXUM lens mount, and the Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera uses the Sony E-mount, you would need the Sony A-Mount to E-Mount Lens Adapter (Black), B&H # SOLAEA3, to connect the lens to your camera.
Answered by: Manzell L.
Date published: 2018-08-26

question

I purchased recently the previous model the SSM. Any reason to sell this lens and buy the new SSMII model?Willy Lindwer, Jerusalem
Asked by: Wolf
According to Sony, the new 16-35mm f/2.8 should improve upon the image quality, ghosting, and autofocus performance. The build has also been improved (moisture and dust resistant design). That being said, if you are happy with the performance of your current lens, I dont know that you need to upgrade. You might wait for some real world examples from the lens to come out, and then decide if it is worth the upgrade for you.
Answered by: Christina S.
Date published: 2018-08-26

question

Why did attaching this lens to my Sony Alpha a99ii cause the camera body to lock up on me?
Asked by: Alfonza
That is unusual however we would need more information before we could determine the cause. I would recommend contacting us at [email protected] and let us know the full circumstances of the issue you are experiencing.
Answered by: Andrea O.
Date published: 2018-08-26
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