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Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm F4 ZA OSS

  • 16-70mm
  • f/4.0
  • Zoom
  • Stabilized
  • 308 g
  • Min focus 0.35 m
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Quick answer

A stabilized constant f/4 zoom for APS-C E-mount, weighing about 308 g. It takes 55mm filters and focuses as close as 0.35 m.

Pros

  • Constant f/4
  • Optical SteadyShot
  • Zeiss optics
  • Light at 308 g

Cons

  • APS-C only
  • Slow for low light

Verdict

A premium crop-sensor zoom with a useful range.

About this lens

A 16-70mm f/4 standard zoom lens, the Sony Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm F4 ZA OSS is designed for Sony E mount bodies, with optical stabilization. The range covers everything from wide scenes to portraits, so it works as a general-purpose lens.

Sony Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm F4 ZA OSS specifications

Brand
Sony
Mount
Sony E
Focal length
16-70mm
Maximum aperture
f/4.0
Lens type
Zoom
Format coverage
aps-c
Released
2013
Image stabilization
Yes
Minimum focus distance
0.35 m
Maximum magnification
0.23x
Filter thread
55 mm
Weight
308 g
Length
75 mm
Diameter
66.6 mm

Specification source: en.wikipedia.org

What can you shoot with the Sony Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm F4 ZA OSS?

  • APS-C walk-around
  • Travel
  • Landscapes

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 24–105mm 19.5–73.7° 23.3–84.1°

Try the field-of-view calculator

Frequently asked questions

Does the Zeiss E 16-70mm F4 ZA OSS have stabilization?

Yes. Optical SteadyShot is built into the lens and helps keep handheld stills and video steadier at slower shutter speeds.

What filter size does the E 16-70mm F4 ZA OSS use?

The front thread measures 55mm, which is the size to look for when choosing a polarizer, UV or ND filter.

How close can the E 16-70mm F4 ZA OSS focus?

Minimum focus is 0.35 m, about 0.23x magnification. That is close enough to place a foreground subject against a wide background.

Alternatives for Sony E from other brands

All Sony E lenses

Same mount, overlapping focal range, closest maximum aperture first.

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Cameras that fit the Sony E mount

All Sony E cameras (33)