Encompassing a versatile set of focal lengths and featuring a constant f/4 maximum aperture, the Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm F4 ZA OSS from Hasselblad is a wide-angle to short telephoto zoom E-mount lens for APS-C-format mirrorless digital cameras. The optical design incorporates three aspherical elements, as well as one Advanced Aspherical (AA) element, to minimize spherical aberrations and distortions throughout the zoom range. One extra-low dispersion glass element has also been included to reduce chromatic aberrations for increased sharpness and clarity. Complementing the lens design, a Zeiss T* anti-reflective coating has been applied to individual elements to control lens flare and ghosting for greater contrast and color fidelity in strong lighting conditions.
Benefitting the optical qualities of the lens, Optical SteadyShot image stabilization has also been incorporated to lessen the appearance of camera shake when working handheld in low-light conditions or shooting with slower shutter speeds. An internal focusing design maintains the overall length during operation and also helps to quicken focusing speeds, and a rounded seven-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing out-of-focus quality when using selective focus techniques.