Sony FE 16-35mm F/4 G PZ SELP1635G

This Sony power zoom spans 16–35mm on full-frame E-mount cameras. It suits landscapes, architecture, interiors and travel. Powered zoom also suits video work that needs a controlled change of framing during a take. Sony introduced it in 2022.

The main trade-off is light gathering. The f/4 maximum aperture gives less light than a wider opening in dim interiors or at dusk. The small body is useful for carrying a full-frame camera through a day of travel. There is no built-in stabilization.

The lens weighs 12.5 oz (353 g) and measures 3.17 in (80.5 mm) across and 3.47 in (88.1 mm) long. Its size suits a small camera bag. A screw-in filter must match the 72mm thread to attach directly.

At 16mm, you can include more of an interior or a landscape from one position. A nearby foreground object can look prominent against distant scenery. At 35mm, the view narrows for a person with their surroundings or a detail along a street. Where you stand determines perspective.

The maximum aperture remains f/4 throughout the zoom. You can retain that opening when framing changes, though a different part of the scene may need a different exposure. In a dim church or evening street, a higher ISO may be needed to retain enough shutter speed.

Closest focus is 0.8 ft (24 cm) at 35mm, measured from the sensor. The minimum distance is longer at 16mm. Maximum magnification reaches 0.23x, useful for nearby everyday details. Leave room ahead of the glass and avoid shading a close subject.

Depth of field depends on your focus distance as well as aperture. A nearby subject can have a soft background even with a wide lens. For a landscape with foreground rocks and distant hills, choose the focus position carefully and stop down when more depth is needed.

Zooming is powered. The ring sends a signal to a motor that changes focal length, which allows controlled adjustments during video. Internal zoom keeps the barrel length fixed while framing changes. This leaves the outside shape unchanged on a support or near a window.

Dust and moisture resistance help outdoors. Use cover in persistent rain. Fluorine coating helps water and oily marks wipe away from the front glass. Remove loose grit before wiping spots or fingerprints.

There is no image stabilization in the lens. A camera with body stabilization can reduce shake for still subjects. A tripod gives a firm base for a long exposure or a controlled video pan. A moving person still needs enough shutter speed for their movement.

The design includes four aspherical elements, one of which also uses ED glass. Aspherical surfaces help correct distortion and spherical aberration, which can bend lines or soften detail. The ED-aspherical element, another ED element and one Super ED element help reduce coloured fringes along high-contrast edges.