Sony Vario-Sonnar T* DT 16-80mm f/3.5-4.5 ZA lens vs Sony DT 50mm F1.8 SAM
Side-by-side comparison from our catalogue data. Better values are highlighted only where a clear difference exists.
Verdict at a glance
- Sony DT 50mm F1.8 SAM is faster by 1.9 stops (f/1.8 vs f/3.5), letting in more light.
- Sony DT 50mm F1.8 SAM is lighter by 270g.
- Sony Vario-Sonnar T* DT 16-80mm f/3.5-4.5 ZA lens goes wider (16mm vs 50mm).
- Sony Vario-Sonnar T* DT 16-80mm f/3.5-4.5 ZA lens reaches further (80mm vs 50mm).
- Sony DT 50mm F1.8 SAM is the newer design (2009 vs 2007).
| Spec | Vario-Sonnar T* DT 16-80mm f/3.5-4.5 ZA lens | DT 50mm F1.8 SAM |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Sony | Sony |
| Mount | Sony A | Sony A |
| Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Focal length | 16-80mm (wider) | 50mm |
| Max aperture | f/3.5 | f/1.8 (faster) |
| Released | 2007 | 2009 |
| Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Format | aps-c | aps-c |
| Groups | 10 | 5 |
| Af motor | screw-drive | SAM |
| Elements | 14 | 6 |
| Weight g | 440 | 170 (lighter) |
| Filter mm | 62 | 49 |
| Length mm | 83.0 | 45.0 |
| Min focus m | 0.35 | 0.34 |
| Max magnification | 0.25 | 0.2 |
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 50mm F1.8 SAM
A short telephoto prime for APS-C A-mount with a bright f/1.8 aperture. It weighs about 170 g and has a 49mm filter thread.
Pros
- Fast f/1.8 aperture
- Small and light
- Close focus of 0.34 m
- Quiet SAM autofocus
Cons
- Plastic mount and body
- APS-C only
- Tight for indoor use on crop bodies
More comparisons for Sony Vario-Sonnar T* DT 16-80mm f/3.5-4.5 ZA lens
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