Sony hasn’t been shy about packing mirrorless cameras with the best imaging and autofocus technology at entry-level, but hasn’t given the same care to its APS–C lenses. The E 16-55mm G2.8 G (1,399.99) is a first set of G-series lens for its APS-C camera. The compact zoom features a robust, all-weather design and an aperture of f/2.8. It's been tested in the laboratory and in field, and we are happy with it. This is a great pick for Editors Choice because it offers Sony APSC users a professional-grade standard zoom option.
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G Series
Sony's G series isn't its absolute top of the line—that honor goes to the full-frame G Master (GM) family—but it still carries a hallmark of superior build and optical quality. The E 16-55mm f/2.8 G certainly measures up—it's housed in a sturdy, polycarbonate barrel, includes internal seals to keep dust and moisture out, and offers fluorine protection to better keep the front element free of detritus.
Although it is not small, at 3.9x2.9inches (HD), and just 1.1 pound, this lens won't be too heavy for your camera. It is a similar lens to Fujifilm's XF16-55mm F2.8 which measures 4.2x3.2inches and weighs in at 1.4 lbs. While both lenses can be zoomed out, Sony's version is slightly smaller and lighter.
E16-55mm can support 67mm front filters. Front and rear caps are also included. The zoom and focus rings of the lens are made in rubber with ridges. They're both easy to locate by touch and simple to turn. You can find the zoom ring at 16, 25, 35, 45 and 55mm locations.
Between the control rings is a function button. This button is used to lock the focus. However, you have the option of customizing its function. You can also use the AF/MF button to quickly switch between autofocus and manual.
Sony included a linear motor for focus in its 16-55mm. This is the same technology that it used to develop its ultra-premium FE400mm F2.8 GM OSS (11,999.99). It produces a quiet, precise, and quick autofocus.
Optic stabilization has been omitted. Fujifilm's XF 16 to 55mm does not include optical stabilization. Sony offers two compatible cameras that have in-body stabilizer, the a6500 or a6600.
They are, not surprisingly, the best APS-C camera in the company's catalogue and most likely to go with the 16-55mm. The feature is not available to owners of an A6400. You can expect handheld video to be blurred from hand shaking.
It has a decent macro ability. It can focus as close to 13 inches (33.3cm) at 55mm.
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Outstanding Optics
I used the Imatest and 24MP a6600 software to test the 16-55mm. Even wide open, its resolution is amazing. It averages 3,125 lines at 16mm f/2.8 and has an outstanding resolution right up to the edge of the frame (2.714) As you reduce the aperture to f/8, your average will increase. It peaks at around 3,300 lines. The expected decrease in light intensity is seen at f/11 (2971 lines), f/16 (2572 lines), and the minimal f/22 (1 725 lines) aperture.
The zoom range is stable in terms of resolution. The lens was also tested at 35mm, 55mm, and 100mm. These raw numbers were close to those of the 16mm at similar apertures, so it is not necessary to repeat them. The 16-55mm can capture incredible detail even wide open across its zoom range.
Optics can be imperfect. Sony's designers opted to allow the lens to show some distortion—a strong barrel effect at 16mm and a pincushion effect at 55mm. Many photographers won't see this. It's automatically removed for JPG images. Raw images processed with Lightroom automatically apply a profile correction. Although you cannot turn off the in-camera distortion, however, Raw profiles can be disabled if necessary.
At f/2.8, there is a slight vignette. If you disable in-camera correct or use Raw software which doesn't include lens profile correction,
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Premium Zoom for the APS-C
Sony offers a wide range of high-quality lenses to fit its full-frame mirrorless systems, however, it doesn't offer premium weather-sealed lenses that are compatible with the smaller APS–C format sensors. You would have to choose a full-frame, high-end zoom option for your a6500 like the FE16-35mm F2.8 GM.
The E 16-55mm F2.8 G and the equally compact, sturdy, E 70-350mm OSS, introduced simultaneously, alleviate this need. Both lenses perform exceptionally well.
I hope they won't be the only premium APSC lenses available for the Sony system. While we are happy to report that many older E lenses work well with modern cameras, such as the Zeiss E 24-55mm F2.8, the optics don't perform as well as those of the E-16-55mm F2.8. Sony should offer new versions that are comparable in build quality and provide weather protection.
The E 16-55mm is now Editors' Choice. The E 16-55mm is compact and offers outstanding optical performance. If you need more zoom power or a smaller budget, the E 18-135mmF3.5-5.6 OS is an option.