The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sony FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS and the Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM 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. Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM is the longer of the two lenses at 114mm. The Sony FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS with a length of 99mm, is 15mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM also has a larger diameter of 83mm 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, which means it is 382g (42%) lighter than the Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM which has a weight of 900g.
Filter Threads
The Sony FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS has a filter size of 72mm whereas the Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM has a 77mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 72mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sony FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS:
And these are the 77mm filters that we recommend for the Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM:
Lens Mounts
The Sony FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS has the Sony E lens mount whereas the Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM has the Sony Alpha lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Sony FX5, Sony A7R VI and Sony A7 V for the Sony E Mount and Sony A99 II, Sony A68 and Sony A77 II for the Sony Alpha Mount.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
16-35mm but while Sony FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS has the fastest aperture of
F4.0, the Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM's widest aperture value is
F2.8.
