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Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G vs Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM

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Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G

Wideangle Zoom | Sony E

Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G
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Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM

Wideangle Zoom | Sony E

Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM
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Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G vs Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G and Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM, two Wideangle Zoom lenses by Sony. Both lenses have the same focal range of 16-35mm but different max apertures: Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G has a max aperture of F4-22 while the Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM has a max aperture of F2.8.

We will start with briefly looking and the main specs of these two lenses and in the section, we will start analyzing in more detail and list the pros and cons of each lenses.

Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G Key Specs

  • 16-35mm Focal Range
  • F4-22 Max Aperture
  • Weather Sealed
  • Filter Thread: 72mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Sony E Mount
  • Weight: 353g.
  • Diameter: 81mm
  • Length: 88mm
  • Min Focus Distance:0.28m
  • Max Magnification:0.23x

Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM Key Specs

  • 16-35mm Focal Range
  • F2.8 Max Aperture
  • Weather Sealed
  • Filter Thread: 82mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Sony E Mount
  • Weight: 680g.
  • Diameter: 89mm
  • Length: 122mm
  • Min Focus Distance:0.28m
  • Max Magnification:0.19x

What type of photography are the Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G and Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM lenses good for?

The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G and the Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM for their suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM
Bird/WildlifePoorPoor
SportsPoorPoor
PortraitFairFair
TravelGoodGood
StreetGoodGood
WeddingFairFair
Walk AroundGoodGood
VloggingVery GoodVery Good
LandscapeVery GoodVery Good
MacroFairPoor

Size and Weight Comparison

Size of a lens is an important deciding factor when comparing two lenses.Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM is the longer of the two lenses at 122mm. The Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G with a length of 88mm is 34mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM also has a larger diameter of 89mm compared to Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G's 81mm diameter.

Below you can find the scaled side by side image of Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G and Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM to get a better idea of how their size compare in real life.

Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G vs Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM Lens Size Comparison
Comparison image of Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G and Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM Size and Weight

Weight of a lens is as important as its external dimensions, especially if you are planning to hand hold your camera and lens combination for longer periods. Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G weighs 353g, which means it is 327g (48%) lighter than the Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM which has a weight of 680g.


Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the 'Wideangle Zoom Lenses in Sony E Mount for size comparison purposes.

Wideangle Zoom Lenses in Sony E Mount for Size Comparison
Model Length Diameter Weight Street Price
Sony Vario-Tessar T FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS Lens Sony FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS
99mm
78mm 518g Amazon B&H Photo
Sony E 10-18mm F4 OSS Lens Sony E 10-18mm F4 OSS
64mm
70mm 225g Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron 11-20mm F2.8 Di III-A RXD Lens Tamron 11-20mm F2.8 Di III-A
86mm
73mm 335g Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 14-24mm F2.8 DG DN Art Lens Sigma 14-24mm F2.8 DG DN Art
131mm
85mm 795g Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron 17-28mm F2.8 Di III RXD Lens Tamron 17-28mm F2.8 Di III
mm
mm 420g Amazon B&H Photo
Sony 12-24mm F2.8 GM Lens Sony 12-24mm F2.8 GM
137mm
98mm 847g Amazon B&H Photo
Sony FE 12-24mm F4 G Lens Sony FE 12-24mm F4 G
117mm
87mm 565g Amazon B&H Photo
Venus Laowa 10-18mm F4.5-5.6 FE Zoom Lens Venus 10-18mm F4.5-5.6 FE Zoom
91mm
61mm 496g Amazon B&H Photo

Lens Mounts

Both Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G and Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM has the same Sony E lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Sony E lenses are Sony A7R V, Sony FX30 and Sony A7 IV.

Focal Range

Reasons to choose Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G over Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM

Internal Zoom Yes vs No Length of the lens doesn't change during zooming
Aperture Ring Yes vs No able to adjust the aperture on the lens
Weight 353g vs 680g 327g lighter
Diameter 81mm vs 89mm 8mm smaller in diameter
Length 88mm vs 122mm 34mm shorter
Filter Thread 72mm vs 82mm Smaller filters are cheaper and easier to find
Max Magnification 0.23x vs 0.19x higher magnification better for close-up shots

Reasons to choose Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM over Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G

Max Aperture - Wide 2.8 vs 4 Wider aperture at wide end
Max Aperture - Tele 2.8 vs 4 Wider aperture at tele end
Diaphgragm Blades 11 vs 7 Potentially more rounded and smooth bokeh

Common Strengths of Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G and Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM
Internal Focusing Yes vs Yes Length of the lens doesn't change during focusing
Weather Sealing Yes vs Yes safer to use under rain and dust
Common Weaknesses of Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G and Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM
Image Stabilization No vs No Reliant on in-body Image Stabilization
Distance Scale No vs No No Distance Scale assist



**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G vs Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications
General
Brand Sony Sony
Lens Type Zoom Zoom
Price CHECK PRICE CHECK PRICE
Lens Type Wideangle Zoom Wideangle Zoom
Lens Mount Sony E Sony E
Max Format 35mm FF 35mm FF
Focal Range 16-35mm 16-35mm
Image Stabilization No No
Colour Black Black
Zoom Method Rotary (internal) Rotary (extending)
Power Zoom Yes No
Zoom Lock - No
Zoom Ratio 2.2X 2.2X
Aperture
Max Aperture F4-22 F2.8
Min Aperture F4 F22
Aperture Ring Yes No
Diaphragm Blades 7 11
Optics
Optical Elements 13 16
Optical Groups 12 13
Focusing
Min Focus Distance 0.28m 0.28m
Max Magnification 0.23X 0.19X
Autofocus Yes Yes
AF Motor Type Linear Motor Piezoelectric
Full Time Manual Yes
Focus Method Internal Internal
Distance Scale No No
DoF Scale No No
Distance Scale No No
Focus Distance Limiter Unknown Unknown
Physical Specs
Weight 353g 680g
Diameter 81mm 89mm
Length 88mm 122mm
Materials Unknown Magnesium alloy
Weather Sealing Yes Yes
Filter Thread 72mm 82mm
Filter Notes - -
Hood Supplied Yes Yes
Hood Code Unknown ALC-SH149
Tripod Collar No No
Optional Accessories - -
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