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Sony DT 16-50mm f/2.8 SSM (SAL1650) vs Sony DT 35mm f/1.8 SAM (SAL35F18)

Side-by-side comparison from our catalogue data. Better values are highlighted only where a clear difference exists.

Sony DT 16-50mm f/2.8 SSM (SAL1650)

Sony

DT 16-50mm f/2.8 SSM (SAL1650)

Sony DT 35mm f/1.8 SAM (SAL35F18)

Sony

DT 35mm f/1.8 SAM (SAL35F18)

Verdict at a glance

  • Sony DT 35mm f/1.8 SAM (SAL35F18) is faster by 1.3 stops (f/1.8 vs f/2.8), letting in more light.
  • Sony DT 35mm f/1.8 SAM (SAL35F18) is lighter by 407g.
  • Sony DT 16-50mm f/2.8 SSM (SAL1650) goes wider (16mm vs 35mm).
  • Sony DT 16-50mm f/2.8 SSM (SAL1650) reaches further (50mm vs 35mm).
  • Sony DT 16-50mm f/2.8 SSM (SAL1650) is the newer design (2011 vs 2010).
Specification comparison
Spec DT 16-50mm f/2.8 SSM (SAL1650) DT 35mm f/1.8 SAM (SAL35F18)
Brand Sony Sony
Mount Sony A Sony A
Type Zoom Prime
Focal length 16-50mm (wider) 35mm
Max aperture f/2.8 f/1.8 (faster)
Released 2011 2010
Blades 7 7
Format aps-c aps-c
Groups 13 5
Af motor SSM SAM
Elements 16 6
Weight g 577 170 (lighter)
Filter mm 72 55
Length mm 88.0 52.0
Min focus m 0.3 0.23 (closer focusing)
Weather sealed Yes n/a
Max magnification 0.2 0.25

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 35mm f/1.8 SAM (SAL35F18)

A fast APS-C normal prime for A-mount with an f/1.8 aperture. At about 170 g with a 55mm filter size, it is a very small lens.

Pros

  • Fast f/1.8 aperture
  • Light at about 170 g
  • Close focus of 0.23 m
  • SAM autofocus

Cons

  • APS-C only
  • Plastic build
  • 7-bladed aperture gives less rounded highlights when stopped down

More comparisons for Sony DT 16-50mm f/2.8 SSM (SAL1650)

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