Request a product

Sony FE 16–35mm F2.8 GM II vs Sony FE 16mm F1.8 G

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

SonyFE 16–35mm F2.8 GM IISonyFE 16mm F1.8 G
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 2023April 2025
Optics
Lens typeZoomPrime
Focal length16–35 mm16 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/1.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical construction15 elements in 12 groups; Amateur Photographer gives 11 groups in its specification table, so the maker count is used15 elements in 12 groups
Special elementsFive aspherical elements including three XA; one Super ED and two ED elementsTwo AA advanced-aspherical elements, one Super ED and three ED elements
CoatingsNano AR Coating II; fluorine coating on front elementFluorine coating on front element
Diaphragm11 rounded blades11 rounded blades
Angle of view107°–63° full frame; 83°–44° APS-C107° full frame; 83° APS-C
Mount and compatibility
MountsSony ESony E
Image circleFull frameFull frame
Image circle detailFull-frame coverage; 24–52.5 mm equivalent field of view on APS-C. Photography Blog labels the APS-C angle range as full-frame; maker ranges are used.Full-frame coverage; 24 mm equivalent field of view on APS-C
Teleconverter supportNot compatible with SEL14TC or SEL20TCNot compatible with SEL14TC or SEL20TC
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.22 m0.13 m (manual focus)
Maximum magnification0.32×0.3× (manual focus)
Optical stabilisationNoNo
Autofocus detailFour XD linear motors; floating focus; Linear Response MFTwo XD linear motors
Focus distance detailMinimum focus 0.22 m at both ends of the zoomMinimum focus 0.15 m with autofocus or 0.13 m with manual focus
Magnification detail–Maximum magnification 0.25× with autofocus or 0.30× with manual focus
Stabilisation detailNo lens stabilisation; compatible bodies provide stabilisationNo lens stabilisation; compatible bodies provide stabilisation
Video featuresOptical design suppresses focus breathing, focus shift and axis shift during zoomOptical design reduces focus breathing; breathing compensation with compatible cameras changes the field of view slightly
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter82 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter87.8 mm73.8 mm
Length111.5 mm75 mm
Weight547 g304 g
ControlsAperture ring, click on/off switch, iris lock, AF/MF switch and two focus-hold buttonsAperture ring, click on/off switch, iris lock, AF/MF switch and customisable focus-hold button
Zoom designBarrel extends towards the 16 mm setting–
Weather resistanceDust- and moisture-resistant design; not guaranteed completely dust- or moisture-proofDust- and moisture-resistant design; not guaranteed completely dust- or moisture-proof
Weight detailApproximately 547 g lens; separately supplied hood, caps and case excludedApproximately 304 g lens; separate hood and caps excluded
Lens hoodALC-SH177 petal-shaped bayonet hoodALC-SH184 petal-shaped bayonet hood
In the boxALC-SH177 hood, ALC-F82S front cap, ALC-R1EM rear cap, soft case and case strapALC-SH184 hood, ALC-F67S front cap and ALC-R1EM rear cap; Sony Japan lists no case, despite Photography Blog describing a supplied soft case
Release detailSony UK announced on 29 August 2023 with September 2023 availability and an approximate £2,400 list price; first-sale precision remains the monthSony UK announced on 26 February 2025 with April 2025 availability and an approximate £850 list price; first-sale precision remains the month

More comparisons