Sony FE 16-25mm F2.8 G

Sony launched this wide zoom in 2024 for full-frame E-mount cameras. The 16–25mm span suits interiors, architecture, landscapes and night-sky scenes. It fits photographers who work wide most of the time, whether in tight rooms or open country. Video work also uses this range for handheld wide coverage.

The constant f/2.8 maximum aperture stays available at every focal length. The main trade-off is reach, since 25mm gives the tightest view. Check whether that covers your subjects before packing. A standard or telephoto lens may be useful when distant details must occupy more of the frame.

The lens weighs 14.4 oz (409 g) and measures 2.94 in (74.8 mm) across and 3.6 in (91.4 mm) long. That compact body suits a walking kit. Screw-in filters attach directly to the 67mm thread. Choose a matching polariser or neutral-density filter and allow room for it when packing the lens.

The 16mm end gives a broad view for rooms, buildings and landscapes. How much fits depends on position and the scene. Zooming towards 25mm narrows the view without changing lenses. Moving the camera changes perspective, so check how foreground objects relate to the background after a change in position.

That bright F2.8 opening helps in dim interiors, at dusk and for night-sky scenes at 16mm. The aperture stays constant while zooming, but depth of field still shifts with focal length and distance.

In manual focus at 16mm, closest focus is 0.6 ft (17 cm) and maximum magnification is 0.23x. These values do not describe autofocus or every zoom setting. A nearby rock, flower or doorway can become a foreground detail within a wider scene. Leave room ahead of the lens for light.

At close distances, depth of field can be shallow even with a wide view. Stop down when both foreground and background need to be clear, and check focus at each distance. Adjust exposure for the reduced light, using support when the shutter speed becomes too slow.

There is no image stabilisation in the lens. A camera with body stabilisation can help with shake. A tripod supports a fixed composition during a long exposure. Moving people and plants can still blur, so choose an exposure time that suits the scene.

Dust and moisture sealing suits landscape and architecture work outdoors, where wind and grit are part of the job.

A fluorine coating on the front element helps dust and water wipe away more easily. Blow grit off first, since the coating does not make wiping grit safe. There is no zoom lock to hold the chosen focal length.

Four aspherical elements help correct distortion and spherical aberration. Distortion can make straight building edges appear curved. Three ED glass elements help reduce chromatic aberration, the coloured fringes along high-contrast edges. The aspherical group includes an ED aspherical element. Internal focusing keeps the external length unchanged while focus adjusts.