Sony Vario-Sonnar T* DT 16-80mm f/3.5-4.5 ZA lens vs Sony DT 16-50mm f/2.8 SSM (SAL1650)
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 Vario-Sonnar T* DT 16-80mm f/3.5-4.5 ZA lens is lighter by 137g.
- Sony Vario-Sonnar T* DT 16-80mm f/3.5-4.5 ZA lens reaches further (80mm vs 50mm).
- Sony DT 16-50mm f/2.8 SSM (SAL1650) is the newer design (2011 vs 2007).
| Spec | Vario-Sonnar T* DT 16-80mm f/3.5-4.5 ZA lens | DT 16-50mm f/2.8 SSM (SAL1650) |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Sony | Sony |
| Mount | Sony A | Sony A |
| Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Focal length | 16-80mm | 16-50mm |
| Max aperture | f/3.5 | f/2.8 (faster) |
| Released | 2007 | 2011 |
| Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Format | aps-c | aps-c |
| Groups | 10 | 13 |
| Af motor | screw-drive | SSM |
| Elements | 14 | 16 |
| Weight g | 440 (lighter) | 577 |
| Filter mm | 62 | 72 |
| Length mm | 83.0 | 88.0 |
| Min focus m | 0.35 | 0.3 (closer focusing) |
| Max magnification | 0.25 | 0.2 |
| Weather sealed | n/a | Yes |
Sony Vario-Sonnar T* DT 16-80mm f/3.5-4.5 ZA lens
The Zeiss 16-80mm standard zoom for APS-C A-mount cameras, with screw-drive autofocus. It weighs about 440 g and takes 62mm filters.
Pros
- Zeiss optics
- Useful 16-80mm range
- Close focus of 0.35 m
- Modest weight at about 440 g
Cons
- Screw-drive AF is slow
- f/3.5-4.5 is not fast
- Not weather sealed
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
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