Photo: Rafał S. (CC BY 2.0)
Vario-Sonnar T* DT 16-80mm f/3.5-4.5 ZA lens
- 16-80mm
- f/3.5
- Zoom
- 440 g
- Min focus 0.35 m
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Quick answer
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
Verdict
A well-regarded A-mount crop zoom. Choose it for image quality over speed.
About this lens
A 16-80mm f/3.5-4.5 standard zoom lens, the Sony Vario-Sonnar T* DT 16-80mm f/3.5-4.5 ZA lens is designed for Sony A mount bodies. The range covers everything from wide scenes to portraits, so it works as a general-purpose lens.
Sony Vario-Sonnar T* DT 16-80mm f/3.5-4.5 ZA lens specifications
- Brand
- Sony
- Mount
- Sony A
- Focal length
- 16-80mm
- Maximum aperture
- f/3.5
- Lens type
- Zoom
- Format coverage
- aps-c
- Released
- 2007
- Optical construction
- 14 elements in 10 groups
- Aperture blades
- 7
- Autofocus motor
- screw-drive
- Minimum focus distance
- 0.35 m
- Maximum magnification
- 0.25x
- Filter thread
- 62 mm
- Weight
- 440 g
- Length
- 83 mm
Specification source: dyxum.com
What can you shoot with the Sony Vario-Sonnar T* DT 16-80mm f/3.5-4.5 ZA lens?
- Premium crop-sensor walk-around
- Landscape and travel
- Everyday photography
Its moderate maximum aperture works best in good light or with a higher ISO.
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 | 24–120mm | 17.1–73.7° | 20.4–84.1° |
Frequently asked questions
What focus motor does the Zeiss DT 16-80mm use?
It uses the screw-drive motor in the camera body rather than a motor in the lens.
Does the Vario-Sonnar DT 16-80mm have stabilization?
No. Stabilization comes from the camera body, so shake reduction depends on which body you use and a faster shutter speed helps without it.
Is the DT 16-80mm ZA a full-frame lens?
No. It is designed for APS-C and frames like about 24-120mm on full frame.
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
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