Sony has introduced the 16mm f/1.8 G, an ultra-wide full frame E-mount prime lens designed for both photographers and videographers. The lens offers a combination of compact size, high-resolution optics, fast autofocus, and a bright f/1.8 aperture, making it well-suited for landscape, architectural, and astrophotography applications.
Optical Design and Performance
The 16mm f/1.8 G features an advanced optical construction, including two Advanced Aspherical (AA) elements to maintain sharpness across all apertures. One Super ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass element and three ED elements help suppress chromatic aberrations, while Sony’s optimized lens coatings reduce flare and ghosting.
With its bright f/1.8 maximum aperture and 11-blade circular diaphragm, the lens produces smooth bokeh. The minimum focus distance is 0.5 ft (0.15 m) with autofocus and 0.43 ft (0.13 m) with manual focus, with a maximum magnification of 0.25x and 0.30x, respectively.
Compact and Lightweight Design
Measuring 3 x 3 in (73.8 x 75 mm) and weighing approximately 10.8 oz (304 g), the 16mm f/1.8 G is compact and portable, making it easy to carry for on-the-go shooting. The lightweight design makes it particularly suitable for gimbal use.
Autofocus and Video Features
The lens is equipped with two XD (Extreme Dynamic) linear motors that provide fast, accurate autofocus with minimal delay and vibration. The autofocus system is optimized for both still photography and video, with minimal focus breathing and support for Sony’s breathing compensation function in compatible Alpha cameras.
For video shooters, the lens pairs well with in-body Active Mode stabilization, providing steady footage even when shooting handheld. The 67 mm front filter thread allows easy integration with filters and accessories.
Build and Handling
The 16mm f/1.8 G includes several manual control features:
- Customizable focus hold button
- Focus mode switch
- Aperture ring with an iris lock switch
- Click ON/OFF switch for aperture control
The lens is designed for reliability in challenging conditions, featuring a dust- and moisture-resistant build and a fluorine-coated front element to repel dust, oil, and water.
Specifications
- Focal length: 16mm
- Maximum aperture: f/1.8
- Minimum aperture: f/22
- Lens construction: 13 elements in 10 groups
- Special elements: 2 AA elements, 1 Super ED element, 3 ED elements
- Aperture blades: 11, circular diaphragm
- Minimum focus distance: 0.5 ft (0.15 m) AF, 0.43 ft (0.13 m) MF
- Maximum magnification: 0.25x AF, 0.30x MF
- Autofocus system: XD linear motors
- Filter thread size: 67 mm
- Dimensions: 3 x 3 in (73.8 x 75 mm)
- Weight: 10.8 oz (304 g)
Pricing and Availability
The Sony 16mm f/1.8 G will be available in April 2025 at an estimated price of $799.99 and is available for preorder now. It will be sold through Sony’s official channels and authorized dealers.
There are a lot of 16mm lenses like several 16-35mm f/4's etc. I just have not figured why Sony has not looked back at a beginning APS-C lens E 10-18mm (15-27mm in 35mm) F4 OSS that works in full frame mode at 12-18mm (18mm if you remove the rear light shield). The key here is 12mm! Trey Ratcliff did a review some 11 years ago https://stuckincustoms.com/sony-10-18mm-lens-review/
Where showed the little lens at 12mm in full frame mode on the A7R. I started using it for Astro Milky Ways in 2015 at the 12mm setting some 4 years before the FE 12-24mm F4 G lens a big heavy lens needing external filter holder for filters. The little lens has threads up front for filters as well today you can get filters for the rear for those long exposures of milky water etc.. This little lens came out in January 2013 for the APS-C line of cameras.
I keep it in my every day carry bag for those time you just want a little more in the frame, with the 24-240mm that in APS-C mode in a camera crop getting a view equal to 36-360mm so 12mm to 360mm is a good range to have for those moments you see a frame of something at a moment.
Sony even has the 14mm f/1.8 for the astro shots, and I know the most common MM is 16mm for inside architecture and most use the 16-35mm lenses the most.
Oh well the little lens that can will be in my bag for the long haul.
The little lens is perfect for use on a Panorama rig for no extra mussel to tighten it down.
Venus Optics Laowa 10mm f/2.8 Zero-D FF Autofocus Lens (Sony E) is already out and is great the size of most todays lenses.
Images from before a 12-24mm came out! sharp stars in corners also!