Sony is going all in on their new line of compact gear with this amazing and affordable compact zoom.
Similar to the recent Sony 24-50mm f/2.8 G lens, this new Sony 16-25mm f/2.8 G lens is aimed at the photographer who wants a small and compact setup. Coming in at 409 grams and just 3.6 inches tall, this lens is even smaller and lighter than its zooming counterpart.
This lens also offers features like an aperture ring, de-click switch, AF/MF switch, and a customizable button. There is little to no focus breathing for all you videographers, and the autofocus is silent and fast. For autofocus, though, the lens uses the older dual linear response motors over the newer XD linear motors. I was told this is because the elements in the lens are not heavy enough to justify the more powerful motors. And I'd imagine this decision also helps keep the price lower. But even with the older motors, this lens still supports all the latest and greatest offerings such as the 120 fps tracking on the Sony a9 III. This lens also has great close focus ability with a minimum focus of 0.18 m at 16mm and 0.24 m at 25mm.
The lens also has everything else you'd expect from a Sony G lens, such as moisture and dust resistance, a fluorine coating to repel water, oil, and other contaminants from the lens, and the same 67mm thread found on other similar lenses. In my time with the lens, I found it to perform just as well as the 24-50mm G. It was fast, light, and feature-rich. It's also now the cheapest way to get into a 16mm f/2.8 range. Where in the past you'd have to pony up for the 16-35mm f/2.8 GM or settle for something like the 16-35mm f/4. So if you've been wanting a lens that was fast and had the 16mm focal length, this might be your most affordable option now!
What I Liked
- Small, compact, and lightweight
- All the bells and whistles you'd expect
- Great close focus ability
- Most affordable entry into the Sony 16mm f.2.8 range
What I Didn't Like
- The lens extends when zooming, though it's not a lot, and it's expected
I feel like the Sony 16-25mm f/2.8 G lens makes a perfect addition to the compact lens lineup that Sony has been working on. While the idea of this lens is to be paired with cameras like the Sony a7 CR, it would still make a perfect addition to any bag that's on the hunt for an affordable wide angle option.
