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Sony FE 16-25mm F2.8 G · Photo source

Sony FE 16-25mm F2.8 G
Photo 1 of 8

Sony FE 16-25mm F2.8 G · Photo source

Sony

FE 16-25mm F2.8 G

Released May 2024

A compact full-frame E-mount wide-angle zoom with a constant F2.8 aperture, linear-motor autofocus and an aperture ring.

Mount
Sony E
Focal length
16–25 mm
Max aperture
f/2.8
Stabilisation
No
Weight
409 g

What reviewers say

Both praise sharp images, fast quiet autofocus and portable handling, while questioning its short zoom range and price against third-party alternatives. Both note reliance on distortion correction. Photography Blog places more emphasis on raw vignetting and distortion, while Amateur Photographer considers corrected results excellent. Amateur Photographer also finds the very short close-up working distance awkward.

From amateurphotographer.com, photographyblog.com, photographyblog.com and photographyblog.com

Optics

Lens type
Zoom
Focal length
16–25 mm
Maximum aperture
f/2.8
Minimum aperture
f/22
Optical construction
16 elements in 13 groups
Special elements
Three ED glass elements and four aspherical elements, including one ED aspherical element
Coatings
Fluorine coating on the front element
Diaphragm
11 rounded blades
Angle of view
107–82° full frame; 83–59° APS-C

Mount and compatibility

Mounts
Sony E
Image circle
Full frame
Image circle detail
Full-frame coverage; 24–37.5 mm equivalent field of view on APS-C
Teleconverter support
Not compatible with SEL14TC or SEL20TC

Focus and stabilisation

Autofocus
Yes
Minimum focus distance
0.17 m (manual focus)
Maximum magnification
0.23× (manual focus)
Optical stabilisation
No
Autofocus detail
Two linear motors; supports Alpha 9 III AF/AE tracking up to 120 fps under Sony test conditions; actual speed depends on shooting conditions and focus mode
Focus distance detail
Autofocus minimum 0.18 m at 16 mm and 0.24 m at 25 mm; manual focus minimum 0.17 m at 16 mm and 0.22 m at 25 mm; Linear Response MF
Magnification detail
Maximum magnification 0.20× with autofocus or 0.23× with manual focus
Stabilisation detail
No lens stabilisation; compatible bodies provide stabilisation
Video features
Reduced focus breathing and breathing compensation on compatible bodies; compensation may alter angle of view and image quality. Supports compatible-body Active Mode stabilisation, with a narrower angle of view; 4K120p/FHD240p tracking depends on the camera

Design

Dust and moisture resistant
Yes
Filter diameter
67 mm
Maximum diameter
74.8 mm
Length
91.4 mm
Weight
409 g
Controls
Aperture ring with click on/off, AF/MF switch and one customisable focus-hold button
Zoom design
Short extending zoom barrel; Sony qualifies its small extension and centre-of-gravity shift for gimbal use
Weather resistance
Dust- and moisture-resistant design; not guaranteed completely dust- or moisture-proof
Weight detail
Approximately 409 g lens; separate hood and caps excluded
Lens hood
ALC-SH178 petal bayonet hood
In the box
ALC-SH178 hood, ALC-F67S front cap and ALC-R1EM rear cap; no case
Release detail
Sony North America specified purchase availability on 10 May 2024, distinct from 17 April pre-sale; Sony Japan specified 17 May. UK press confirms approximate £1250 but supplies no sale date. Photography Blog gives April and misidentifies the product code in two paragraphs; exact maker sale evidence and SEL1625G specifications take priority

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Constant F2.8 maximum aperture
  • 409 g lens weight
  • Aperture ring with switchable clicks

Cons

  • 16–25 mm zoom range
  • No optical stabilisation

Closest rivals

Model
MountFocal lengthMax apertureStabilisationWeightReleased
Sony E16–35 mmf/2.8No547 gSept 2023
Sony E12–24 mmf/2.8No847 gJul 2020
Sony E16–35 mmf/4No353 gApr 2022

Sources

  1. sony.jp/ichigan/products/SEL1625G/spec.html
  2. sony.jp/ichigan/products/SEL1625G/feature_1.html
  3. sony.co.uk/presscentre/sony-releases-large-aperture-wide-angle-zoom-g-lens-fe-1…
  4. sony.mediaroom.com/2024-04-16-Sony-Electronics-Announces-a-Compact-Wide-Angle-F…
  5. sony.jp/CorporateCruise/Press/202404/24-0416B
  6. amateurphotographer.com/review/sony-fe-16-25mm-f2-8-g-review
  7. photographyblog.com/reviews/sony_fe_16_25mm_f2_8_g_review

Photo: sony.jp

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