CameraReview
Sony FE 16-25mm F2.8 G
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Sony · 16-25 mm · f/2.8 · Sony E mount

Sony FE 16-25mm F2.8 G

From $1,298 — 1 offer
KEY FACTS
BrandSony
Announcement dateApr 2024
Released2024
Production started2024
Production statusIn Production
What We Like
+Exceptional compact size and lightweight design (409g) for a constant f/2.8 ultra-wide zoom lens
+Excellent image quality with sharp center performance and consistent resolution throughout zoom range
+Smooth, professional bokeh with 11-blade circular diaphragm enabling creative depth of field control
+Fast dual linear motors deliver precise autofocus performance suitable for 120fps stills and 4K 120fps video
+Roughly half the price of comparable Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II while maintaining f/2.8 constant aperture
Worth Knowing
Limited focal length range (16-25mm) compared to traditional 16-35mm lenses removes useful semi-wide angles
No optical image stabilization; relies entirely on camera body IBIS which limits compatibility with older models
Significant barrel and pincushion distortion at 16mm requiring RAW processing or in-camera correction
Inverted zoom mechanism extends barrel when zooming out to 16mm, which some users find unintuitive

General

Brand
Sony
Announcement date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
Apr 2024
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2024
Production started
2024
Production status
Current status of lens manufacturing (e.g., in production, discontinued).
In Production
Read our notes on general
The Sony FE 16-25mm F2.8 G is a compact, lightweight and fast wide-angle zoom lens for Sony Alpha full-frame E-mount mirrorless cameras. The lens delivers consistently high performance throughout its zoom range, with sharp image center and pretty good outer image field. It's 40% more light-weight than the GM lens, trading a bit of range for higher speed. This compact f/2.8 ultra-wide is ideal for photographers seeking excellent optical performance without the weight and cost of heavier alternatives, though the abbreviated 16-25mm focal range means it works best when paired with a complementary standard zoom lens.

Optics

Minimum Aperture
f/22
Zoom Ratio
1.6x
Optical Formula
16 elements in 13 groups
Special Elements
3 ED glass elements, 4 aspherical elements (including 1 ED aspherical)
Min focal length
16 mm
Max focal length
25 mm
Focal range
Shortest to longest focal length of the lens (zoom range start - end )
16-25 mm
Zoom lens
Zoom allows you to vary the focal length, change between long shots and close-ups
Yes
Max aperture wide
2.8
Max aperture zoom
2.8
Blades
Number of diaphragm blades in aperture
11020

Autofocus

Type
Autofocus with AF/MF switch
Autofocus Motors
2 linear motors
Minimum Focus Distance (AF)
0.18m (16mm) / 0.24m (25mm)
Minimum Focus Distance (MF)
0.17m (16mm) / 0.22m (25mm)
Maximum Magnification (AF)
0.20x
Maximum Magnification (MF)
0.23x

Diaphragm

Diaphragm Type
Circular

Build

Material
Engineering plastics with metal mount

Controls

Aperture Ring
De-clickable with Click On/Off switch
Zoom Ring
Rotating aperture ring with 5 focal length markings (16, 18, 20, 22, 25mm)
Custom Button
Programmable focus hold button

Video

Breathing Compensation
Supported on compatible bodies
Focus Breathing
Minimized for cinematic results

Accessories

Lens Hood
Petal-shaped ALC-SH178 (pops out 90 degrees)

Physical

Lens mount
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
Sony E
Lens weight
409 g
Lens length
How long the lens is from front to back.
91.4 mm
Lens diameter
Width of the lens at its widest point
74.8 mm
Front filter size
Diameter of attachable filters.
67 mm

Features

Weather sealing
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
Yes