Take a Walk on the Wide Side with Sony’s FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G Lens

Sony’s FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G Lens is a compact zoom designed for wide-angle enthusiasts looking for a feature-loaded, everyday carry with uncompromising optical quality. With a focal length ideal for street, landscape, and architectural photography, and on-lens controls, including a zoom rocker, that streamline video capture, this versatile lens is perfect for hybrid shooters who want an all-in-one lens to take on the road.

A constant f/4 maximum aperture performs well under a variety of lighting conditions and features a 7-bladed circular design to shape smooth, natural bokeh in out-of-focus areas. Among the most exciting aspects of the new lens is its updated Power Zoom (PZ) functionality, which enables smooth, responsive zooming. Powered by four XD Linear Motors, it provides fast, silent zooming capable of matching the speed and fluidity of a non-powered manual lens. Working in tandem with Clear Image Zoom, images can be enlarged up to 2 times, seamlessly bridging the transition from optical to digital zoom, extending the zoom range of this lens for closer framing.

The new G lens strikes a balance between optical design and portability to ensure sharp, distortion-free imagery while remaining easy to handhold or use on a gimbal. It is the lightest wide-angle f/4 zoom on the market to date (12.5 ounces) and measures 3.4 inches in length and 3.1 inches in width, continuing the emphasis on portability from Sony’s G series. Also, it has internal focusing and internal zooming, helping to maintain the compact overall length when in use.

Despite its small size, Sony did not skimp on optical design with this lens. Image quality is maintained thanks to the inclusion of Aspherical, Advanced Aspherical (AA), Extra-Low Dispersion (ED), and Super Extra-Low Dispersion elements that collectively temper a variety of aberrations and distortions. Focus breathing is also suppressed optically for consistent video capture. An AF/MF switch is incorporated into the side of the lens to quickly change between focusing modes. Linear response manual focusing permits responsive, natural-feeling adjustments. Autofocusing is quick and quiet, thanks to the dual XD Linear Motors and a minimum focusing distance of 11 to 9.4" (16mm and 35mm focal lengths) facilitates wide-angle close-ups.

A variety of on-lens controls are included for quick adjustments while shooting. A de-clickable aperture ring allows seamless adjustments to depth of field while an Iris Lock prevents accidentally nudging the lens in or out of Auto Aperture Mode. A focus hold button can be customized as desired to streamline operation further. Aperture, focus, and zoom are all adjustable on-lens via separate control rings. The lens accepts 72mm filters and a detachable lens hood is also included.

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