The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Leica 16-35mm F3.5-4.5 ASPH and the Sony FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Leica 16-35mm F3.5-4.5 ASPH is the longer of the two lenses at 238mm. The Sony FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS with a length of 99mm, is 139mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Leica 16-35mm F3.5-4.5 ASPH also has a larger diameter of 88mm compared to the Sony FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS's 78mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Sony FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS weighs 518g, 47% (472g) lighter than the Leica 16-35mm F3.5-4.5 ASPH's weight of 990g.
Lens Mounts
The Leica 16-35mm F3.5-4.5 ASPH has the Leica L lens mount whereas the Sony FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS has the Sony E lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Leica SL3, Panasonic S5 II and Panasonic S5 II X for the Leica L Mount and Sony A9 III, Sony A7C Mark II and Sony A7CR for the Sony E Mount.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
16-35mm but while Leica 16-35mm F3.5-4.5 ASPH has the fastest aperture of
F3.5-4.5, the Sony FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS's widest aperture value is
F4.0.