Photo: SkywalkerPL (CC BY 3.0)
Quick answer
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
Verdict
The best standard zoom for APS-C A-mount. It brings f/2.8 and a durable build to a crop body.
About this lens
This 16-50mm f/2.8 fast standard zoom lens from Sony fits Sony A mount cameras. The range covers everything from wide scenes to portraits, so it works as a general-purpose lens.
Sony DT 16-50mm f/2.8 SSM (SAL1650) specifications
- Brand
- Sony
- Mount
- Sony A
- Focal length
- 16-50mm
- Maximum aperture
- f/2.8
- Lens type
- Zoom
- Format coverage
- aps-c
- Released
- 2011
- Optical construction
- 16 elements in 13 groups
- Aperture blades
- 7
- Autofocus motor
- SSM
- Weather sealing
- Yes
- Minimum focus distance
- 0.3 m
- Maximum magnification
- 0.2x
- Filter thread
- 72 mm
- Weight
- 577 g
- Length
- 88 mm
Specification source: dyxum.com
What can you shoot with the Sony DT 16-50mm f/2.8 SSM (SAL1650)?
- Weddings and events on APS-C
- General professional work
- Low-light travel photography
Its bright maximum aperture handles indoor and evening light reasonably well.
Full-frame equivalent and field of view
Calculated from the focal length and crop factor. Not measured.
| Sensor | Crop | Equivalent | Horizontal FOV | Diagonal FOV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| APS-C | 1.5x | 24–75mm | 27–73.7° | 32.2–84.1° |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Sony DT 16-50mm f/2.8 SSM have stabilization?
No. It relies on SteadyShot in the camera body, as on the A77 and A65-series bodies.
Is the DT 16-50mm f/2.8 SSM weather sealed?
Sony describes it as dust and moisture resistant. That suits light rain and dust but it is not a fully waterproof lens.
What type of autofocus motor does the DT 16-50mm f/2.8 use?
It has an SSM motor in the lens, so autofocus is quiet and the focus ring can override it at any time.
Alternatives for Sony A from other brands
All Sony A lensesSame mount, overlapping focal range, closest maximum aperture first.
More Sony lenses for Sony A
All Sony lenses
Other 16-50mm lenses
Browse by focal length: 16mm lenses, 50mm lenses