Sony FE 16-25mm f/2.8 G Lens Officially Announced
Sony has unveiled its latest addition to its lens lineup, the FE 16-25mm F2.8 G, joining forces with the recently released FE 24-50mm F2.8 lens. This ultra-wide full-frame lens is tailored for versatility and portability, catering to photographers capturing architecture, interiors, landscapes, and street scenes. Sporting a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture, it promises reliability even in low-light conditions.
Sony FE 16-25mm f/2.8 G Lens: $1,198 at B&H, Adorama.
Designed as a companion to the FE 24-50mm f/2.8 G, the FE 16-25mm maintains a sleek, compact form factor, measuring 74.8mm in diameter and 91.4mm in length, a mere 0.9mm shorter than its sibling. Weighing in at 409g, it offers a lightweight alternative compared to the 24-50mm’s 440g. What distinguishes this lens is its positioning between the FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II and the FE 12-24 f/2.8 GM, providing a middle ground for users who don’t require the extremes offered by these counterparts.
Despite being part of the G-series rather than the GM, known for its exceptional quality, the FE 16-25mm maintains the coveted f/2.8 aperture, setting it apart from other G lenses typically featuring an f/4 design. Its focal length range offers a balance for those seeking a wide-angle lens without the extremes of the 12-24mm or the 35mm of the 16-35mm zooms, prioritizing compactness and weight reduction.
In terms of performance, the lens shares similarities with the 24-50mm, boasting exceptional sharpness and clarity thanks to its aspherical and extra-low dispersion glass elements. An 11-blade diaphragm ensures smooth, rounded bokeh, while its close focusing capabilities enable a maximum magnification of 0.2x. Equipped with a pair of linear motors for autofocus and an internal focusing system, it caters to the demands of high-speed shooting and video recording.
Constructed to withstand dust and moisture, the lens features a front fluorine coating for easy maintenance. Its physical attributes include a dedicated focus ring, tactile focus hold button, and a manual aperture ring that can be de-clicked for seamless adjustments. Sharing the 67mm filter ring diameter and lens hood model with its counterpart, the 16-25mm ensures consistency across accessories.
While it may not boast groundbreaking features, the FE 16-25mm F2.8 G fills a niche for photographers seeking ultra-wide coverage without compromising on speed and portability. Scheduled for release on May 10th with a suggested retail price of approximately $1199, it presents itself as a reliable companion for various photographic endeavors, from vlogging setups to landscape and travel photography.