Sixty-six E-mount lenses in, Sony is transforming extra of its widespread focal lengths and modernizing them with the newest requirements. The brand new Sony PZ 16-35mm f/4 G takes a basic and provides it new life.
Construct High quality and Design
Measuring in at about 3.5 inches (8.9 centimeters) lengthy by 3.2 inches (8.1 centimeters) in diameter, the brand new PZ 16-35mm f/4 G wide-angle zoom lens is kind of compact for its class contemplating that it doesn’t prolong in any respect because it zooms. With the lens hood hooked up, the size will increase to round 4.25 inches (10.8 centimeters). With a diameter near the identical as its size, it does have a type of fats look to it. Within the hand, I admire the dimensions for dealing with the main focus and zoom rings.
The lens weighs solely 12.5 ounces (353 grams), and based on Sony, this makes it the lightest f/4 wide-angle full-frame zoom obtainable. The housing is constructed from the identical feeling plastic materials that has been current on many G Grasp Sony lenses, nonetheless Sony has been introducing the development into G lenses currently too. The a7R IV digital camera I used to be pairing with it feels a little bit heavier than the lens, and the balancing level for the package is correct on the lens mount. Contemplating its light-weight construct and inside zoom that doesn’t throw the steadiness off, this might make an excellent wide-angle lens for capturing off of a motorized gimbal.
Nearest the mount is a bodily aperture ring that may both be manually set to a particular aperture or set to “A” in order that the f-stop is chosen in-camera. On the fitting facet of the lens is an Iris Lock to forestall leaping over to guide or computerized by chance. Moreover, the aperture might be simply de-clicked by throwing the Click on toggle off on the decrease proper facet.
On the left facet of the lens is a programmable lens button in addition to an AF-MF toggle change. Above these two is the Energy Zoom lever that has eight totally different velocity ranges relying on how far it’s moved. It’s fairly a small lever, and the time it takes to get from 16mm to 35mm is over quick so it’s laborious to discern and repeat anybody stage on command apart from the slowest and quickest zooms.
On the outer finish of the lens are the zoom and focus rings, with the zoom ring being the one nearer to the lens mount. This zoom ring is in contrast to something I’ve felt earlier than with a buttery glide, making it really feel extra like a spotlight ring than something. The linear-response focus ring itself has very mild pressure to it, perhaps once more lighter than some other focus ring I’ve used earlier than. There’s no pressure in any respect shifting it with a single lightly-placed finger.
In testing the lens, I discovered that you may autofocus and zoom on the identical time, nonetheless when the shutter is launched the zoom locks down. If it’s a steady burst, the zoom won’t advance any additional till the capturing is over. That is true whether or not utilizing the zoom lever or the zoom ring.
One factor it’s possible you’ll discover lacking within the building, particularly if it’s considered as a follow-up to the getting old Sony Vario-Tessar 16-35mm f/4 ZA OSS lens, is that there’s no Optical SteadyShot (picture stabilization). In fact, most Sony cameras obtainable now have in-camera stabilization to assist out with this, however we’re lacking the benefit acquired by doubling up lens and digital camera stabilization.
Picture High quality
Inside, the lens is constructed of 13 components in 12 teams together with two superior aspherical components, one aspherical factor, one ED aspherical factor, one tremendous ED factor, and one ED factor. In the event you’re retaining observe, this implies practically half of the weather are of some specialised nature to manage its rendering, aberrations, and distortion, and solely two of them are paired to a gaggle.
For probably the most half, they appear to be doing to trick as a result of I see minimal distortion at 35mm. There’s extra barrel distortion to be discovered at 16mm. There’s a little bit little bit of purple fringing in terms of backlit bushes and related excessive distinction line areas, however it doesn’t overpower the images. Distinction and shade each have sturdy replica, and flaring is properly localized. I see some ghosting a few of the time, however it’s within the type of very tiny dots that might clone out simply for those who didn’t need them.
Testing the lens’ middle sharpness at 16mm, I discovered huge open at f/4 to be fairly good. By f/6.3, it’s achieved its peak sharpness, after which at f/11 onwards, the picture begins deteriorating. Apertures between f/18 and f/22 I’d contemplate delicate. Wanting on the corners at 16mm, I noticed f/7.1 being the sharpest. General the corners fare significantly better at 16mm than they do on the 35mm finish.
Analyzing take a look at photographs for middle sharpness at 35mm, I assumed huge open at f/4 was delicate. There’s noticeable enchancment every third-stop down till f/7.1 the place it ranges off and is the sharpest till f/11. A delicate picture additionally happens at f/20 and f/22. On the corners for 35mm, f/4 was additionally delicate in fact. At f/5 the sharpness steps up and f/9 is probably going the sharpest, however at no level are the corners really sharp at 35mm.
Vignetting at 16mm is critical till round f/5.6 and f/6.3. At f/8 the vignetting is out on the far corners, after which it slowly crawls out of body by f/16. At 35mm, the vignetting is powerful till f/5.6. At f/7.1 it’s solely on the corners, and at f/8 it clears up.
Previous Zoom Vary, New Tips
The Sony PZ 16-35mm f/4 G lens presents stable optics inside a comparatively compact and positively light-weight package deal. As a bonus, it has some new methods with the multi-speed digital Energy Zoom that’s pushed by 4 XD linear motors. The zoom might be managed by the lever, the ring, and even by means of a Sony distant, making it extra versatile throughout totally different capturing conditions. Photographs are punchy and the lens is pleasantly sharp on the widest focal size. There’s some softness to be present in areas of 35mm which may be its greatest draw back I discovered.
Are There Alternate options?
The Sony Vario-Tessar 16-35mm f/4 ZA OSS could be the first lens to return to thoughts. At this level, it’s happening eight years previous and there have been so many developments in Sony’s lens building since 2014. On the time this was introduced, Sony didn’t have any cameras with in-body stabilization. From what I discovered in previous evaluations, the lens was discovered to compensate shake for about three added stops. Immediately, the Sony Alpha 7 IV can compensate 5.5 stops of shake with the sensor-shift stabilization alone. I feel this lens is tempting for those who worth stabilization above all else, however the brand new Sony PZ 16-35mm f/4 G looks like a more sensible choice in each different means.
One other different is the Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD for $900. Just like the PZ 16-35mm f/4 G, there’s no optical stabilization, however the worth is nice and there’s an added cease of most aperture. There’s a lack of 1mm on the huge finish and 7mm on the lengthy finish, however this may be the fitting alternative for individuals who have a extra restricted want for zoom vary.
Ought to You Purchase It?
Sure. The Sony PZ 16-35mm f/4 G is a superb addition to the wide-angle zoom vary of full-frame E-mount lenses.
