Sony DT 16-50mm f/2.8 SSM (SAL1650) vs Sony DT 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM (SAL1855)
Side-by-side comparison from our catalogue data. Better values are highlighted only where a clear difference exists.
Verdict at a glance
- Sony DT 16-50mm f/2.8 SSM (SAL1650) is faster by 0.6 stops (f/2.8 vs f/3.5), letting in more light.
- Sony DT 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM (SAL1855) is lighter by 367g.
- Sony DT 16-50mm f/2.8 SSM (SAL1650) goes wider (16mm vs 18mm).
- Sony DT 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM (SAL1855) reaches further (55mm vs 50mm).
- Sony DT 16-50mm f/2.8 SSM (SAL1650) is the newer design (2011 vs 2009).
| Spec | DT 16-50mm f/2.8 SSM (SAL1650) | DT 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM (SAL1855) |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Sony | Sony |
| Mount | Sony A | Sony A |
| Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Focal length | 16-50mm (wider) | 18-55mm |
| Max aperture | f/2.8 (faster) | f/3.5 |
| Released | 2011 | 2009 |
| Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Format | aps-c | aps-c |
| Groups | 13 | 7 |
| Af motor | SSM | SAM |
| Elements | 16 | 8 |
| Weight g | 577 | 210 (lighter) |
| Filter mm | 72 | 55 |
| Length mm | 88.0 | 69.0 |
| Min focus m | 0.3 | 0.25 (closer focusing) |
| Weather sealed | Yes | n/a |
| Max magnification | 0.2 | 0.34 |
Sony DT 16-50mm f/2.8 SSM (SAL1650)
The standard zoom for APS-C A-mount cameras, with a constant f/2.8 aperture, SSM motor and dust and moisture resistant build. It weighs about 577 g.
Pros
- Constant f/2.8 aperture
- SSM autofocus
- Dust and moisture resistant
- 72mm filter size
Cons
- APS-C only
- Heavier than typical kit zooms
- No stabilization in the lens
Sony DT 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM (SAL1855)
The standard A-mount kit zoom for APS-C, offering a typical 18-55mm range in a very light package. It weighs about 210 g and uses a 55mm filter.
Pros
- Very light at about 210 g
- Close focus of 0.25 m
- SAM autofocus
- Compact kit zoom
Cons
- Slow aperture
- Plastic build
- Soft in corners wide open
More comparisons for Sony DT 16-50mm f/2.8 SSM (SAL1650)
- Sony DT 16-50mm f/2.8 SSM (SAL1650) vs Tamron SP 15-30mm F/2.8 Di VC USD
- Sony DT 16-50mm f/2.8 SSM (SAL1650) vs Tamron SP AF 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical (IF)
- Sony DT 16-50mm f/2.8 SSM (SAL1650) vs Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM
- Sony DT 16-50mm f/2.8 SSM (SAL1650) vs Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM