Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM is a Fixed aperture Auto Focus (AF)
Ultra-Wideangle Zoom lens with 35mm FF max sensor coverage, and it is designed to be used with
A Mount cameras.Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM was replaced with Sony Vario-Sonnar T 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II. Follow the link to read our comparison of these lenses:
Compare Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T vs Sony Vario-Sonnar T 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II
What type of photography is the Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM lens good for?
The type of photography that you are planning to use the Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated its suitability to various photography scenarios:
Lenses in Sony Alpha Mount with Same Focal and Aperture Range
Reasons to Buy Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T Lens
Here we've included a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of the Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens in a list form to help you determine whether it offers the features you need.
Autofocus |
Distance Scale |
DoF(Depth of Field) Scale |
Hood supplied |
Full-time Manual Focusing |
Internal Focusing |
Fast Aperture at Wide end |
Fast Aperture at Tele end |
Constant f2.8 aperture throughout the range |
Covers Full-Frame Sensor |
9 Diaphragm Blades for Smooth Bokeh |
Extreme Wide-angle capability |
Minimum focus distance of 0.28m / 11.0 inch |
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We couldn't find any significant Cons for the Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T
Lens Mount
Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM is compatible with cameras that have a Sony Alpha lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Sony Alpha lenses are Sony A99 II, Sony A68 and Sony A77 II.
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Size, Weight and Filter Thread
Size and weight is a very important decision factor when searching for your next lens. Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM has a maximum diameter of 83mm and total length of 114mm. It weighs 900g / 31.7 oz.
Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM has a filter thread of 77mm. Below are links to the filters that we recommend you to consider for your Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM:
Focal Range
Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM has a focal range of 16-35mm and 2.2X zoom ratio. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides an 35mm (FF) equivalent of 24 - 52.5mm.
Optical Image Stabilization
Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM doesn't have an optical image stabilization system so the only option to stabilize the image taken with this lens is to mount on a camera body with IBIS (sensor based In-body image stabilization).
Alternatively, you can check the Tamron 15-30mm f2.8 VC USD in Sony Alpha mount that have similar focal range but features Optical Image Stabilization.
Lenses Similar to Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM With Optical Image Stabilization
Zoom Method
Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM features Rotary (internal) zoom method where the length of the lens doesn't change while you are zooming in or out. Even though this design has a size disadvantage in general compared to extending designs, it has the benefits of better sealing against dust and moisture, no zoom creep and no weight balance shift while zooming.
Maximum Magnification Ratio
Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM has a Max Magnification Ratio of 0.24x and has a minimum focusing distance of 0.28m.
Aperture
Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM is a fixed aperture lens with a constant max aperture of f2.8 from 16mm all the way to the 35mm .
Focal Length |
Max Aperture |
Min Aperture |
16mm
|
F2.8 |
F22 |
35mm
|
F2.8 |
F22 |
Optical Formula
Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM's optical formula consists of 17 elements in 13 groups . Following special elements are used in this design:
- 3 aspherical elements
- 2 ED glass elements
Lens Hood
Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM comes with a removable petal shaped lens hood which is handy to reduce lens flare and glare in your photos.
Body Colour
Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM is available in Black color.
Popular Comparisons of Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM
Here are the eight most popular comparisons of the Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM amongst Camera Decision readers.
Top Alternatives of Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM Lens
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