Touted by Sony as the world’s lightest f/4 wide zoom lens (at time of launch), the G Series 16-35mm f/4 PZ G is a compact, full-frame, constant-aperture wide-angle power zoom lens, suitable for both video and stills applications.
The lens features 13 lens elements in 12 groups, including two AA (advanced aspherical) elements, one Super ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) element and one ED element which all work together to supress distortion and aberrations.
There are three independent control rings offering manual adjustments for zoom, linear response manual focus and aperture control respectively.
The aperture ring also features an aperture click switch that turns click stops on/off when smoother aperture adjustments are required.
The zoom is powered by four XD (Extreme Dynamic) linear motors, a first for a Sony Alpha lens, providing smooth and (most importantly for video), near silent zooming.
Sony 16-35mm f/4.0 G Power Zoom E-Mount Lens Pricing and Availability at Vistek
If you prefer a less automated approach, the power zoom can also be controlled via the zoom ring, offering the response and feel of a manual zoom.
The power zoom boasts up to eight zoom rate speeds that can be accessed and set from the lens itself using the zoom lever, or by a custom key set-up on a compatible camera.
Zoom speeds can also be controlled handsfree, via Bluetooth connection when using a compatible remote control or smart device with Sony’s Imaging Edge Mobile app installed.
Autofocus is powered by two XD Liner Motors, providing quiet and accurate focusing even when shooting high frame rate stills or video.
To further that, Sony claims that “with a compatible camera, it is possible to maintain accurate focus while shooting stills continuously at up to 30 frames per second and movies up to 120fps.” with smooth subject tracking even while zooming.
In addition to the three control rings, there is a MF/AF switch allowing you to quickly switch focus modes and a customizable focus hold button which allows you to lock focus when recomposing or be customized for something else.
Finally, the Sony 16-35mm f/4 PZ G is both dust and moisture resistant with sealed seams, silicone rubber gaskets around the switches and buttons and a fluorine coating on the front glass to help protect from the elements.
Sony 16-35mm f/4 PZ G Key Specs
- Focal Length – 16-35mm
- Lens Groups / Elements – 12-13
- Angle of View (35mm) – 107°–63°
- Angle of View (APS-C) – 83 °-44 °
- Maximum Aperture – f/4
- Minimum Aperture – f/22
- Seven Aperture Blades
- Circular Aperture
- Minimum Focus Distance – 0.92–0.79 ft (0.28–0.24 m)
- Maximum Magnification Ratio – (X) 0.23
- Filter Diameter 72mm
Sony 16-35mm f/4 PZ G Physical Specs
- Dimensions (D X L) 80.5 x 88.1 mm (3.25 x 3.5″)
- Weight 353 g (12.5 oz.)