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Sony Zeiss Vario-Tessar T* FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS

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Zeiss Vario-Tessar T* FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS

  • 16-35mm
  • f/4.0
  • Wide Zoom
  • Stabilized
  • 518 g
  • Min focus 0.28 m
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Quick answer

A stabilized f/4 ultra-wide zoom for full-frame E-mount, weighing about 518 g. It takes 72mm filters and focuses as close as 0.28 m.

Pros

  • Optical SteadyShot
  • Constant f/4
  • Screw-in filters (72mm)
  • Zeiss optics

Cons

  • Slower than f/2.8
  • Image quality below newer wide zooms

Verdict

A well-liked wide zoom, now superseded but still strong.

About this lens

A 16-35mm f/4 full-frame wide-angle zoom lens, the Sony Zeiss Vario-Tessar T* FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS is designed for Sony E mount bodies, with optical stabilization. It covers wide angles for landscapes, interiors and architecture.

Sony Zeiss Vario-Tessar T* FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS specifications

Brand
Sony
Mount
Sony E
Focal length
16-35mm
Maximum aperture
f/4.0
Lens type
Wide Zoom
Format coverage
full-frame
Released
2014
Image stabilization
Yes
Minimum focus distance
0.28 m
Maximum magnification
0.19x
Filter thread
72 mm
Weight
518 g
Length
98.5 mm
Diameter
78 mm

Specification source: en.wikipedia.org

What can you shoot with the Sony Zeiss Vario-Tessar T* FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS?

  • Landscapes
  • Architecture
  • Travel

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
Full frame 1.0x 16–35mm 54.4–96.7° 63.4–107°
APS-C 1.5x 24–53mm 37.8–73.7° 44.8–84.1°

Try the field-of-view calculator

Frequently asked questions

Does the Zeiss FE 16-35mm 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 FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS use?

72mm screw-in filters, which is unusual for an ultra-wide zoom.

How close can the FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS focus?

Minimum focus is 0.28 m, about 0.19x 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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All Sony lenses

Other 16-35mm lenses

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Cameras that fit the Sony E mount

All Sony E cameras (33)