Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G
Announced March 22, 2022
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G is a compact, lightweight ultra-wide zoom that excels in both video and still photography through its internal power zoom mechanism and sharp optics. While the f/4 aperture and lack of optical stabilization may deter some, it remains a highly versatile tool for creators prioritizing portability and gimbal-friendly handling.
Weighted from 29 reviewer scores
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design
- Versatile internal power zoom functionality
- Sharp image quality across the frame
- Fast, quiet, and accurate autofocus
- Comprehensive external controls including aperture ring
Cons
- Requires software correction for heavy distortion and vignetting
- Lack of optical image stabilization
- Limited f/4 maximum aperture
- Sub-optimal bokeh rendering
- Zoom and focus rings lack hard stops
- Launch price $1,198 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 16-35mm f/4
- Mount & coverage Sony E Full-Frame
- Stabilization None
- Close focus 24 cm (0.23x)
- Filter thread 72mm
- Autofocus motor XD Linear Motors
- Weight & size 353g · 80.5 x 88.1 mm (3.17 x 3.47 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 29 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
Is this product missing a reputable review? Share a link to a review article or YouTube video for consideration.
- PetaPixel 8.5/10
The Sony PZ 16-35mm f/4 G is a great addition to the wide-angle zoom range of full-frame E-mount lenses.
-
So my final call on this lens is that it's pretty excellent.
-
The Sony PZ 16-35mm f4G is a compelling ultra-wide zoom, delivering sharp results across the frame and throughout the focal range.
-
Basically, the new one is better in pretty much every way optically, lighter, costs less, and has more features.
- OpticalLimits 7.5/10
[T]he Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G represents a significant update over the old Zeiss "predecessor" while keeping a relatively sane price level.
-
The Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G really is an excellent Sony lens choice for a wide range of people. At the top of the list are those looking to do both photo and video work while not breaking the bank.
-
Sony has overcome the usual irritation of clunky, imprecise zoom controls and delivered a lens that works just as well for shooting still images. I’ve been really impressed by its implementation of power zoom, and can imagine many more lenses being made this way in future.
-
The Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G Lens produces sharp image quality over an oft-required ultra-wide-angle to modestly-wide-angle focal length range with a moderately wide constant f/4 aperture facilitating compact size and light weight.
-
The Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G is a very consistently very good quality lens in almost everything it does. It has great contrast, very good sharpness throughout, an impressive close focusing distance, and plenty of useful controls for video makers.
-
Simply put, the Sony 16-35mm f/4 PZ is perfect for any photographer or videographer that finds themselves in the market for an ultra-wide zoom lens that is compact and lightweight.
-
Some lenses deliver so well that they hit the magic spot between high technical quality and aesthetic pictorial quality, the “certain something” that is hard to measure.
-
The FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G is much smaller, lighter and cheaper than the flagship Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM, while the older Sony Vario-Tessar T* FE 16-35 mm F4 ZA OSS is also bigger and heavier with fewer controls, whilst being similarly priced.
-
The Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G manages to deliver satisfying ergonomics for photography while supporting power zoom for video and vlogs, making it one of our favorite lenses in the system.
-
Most people will be turned off by the price and the maximum aperture of f/4, but you just cannot beat the amount of zoom control you have with this thing, especially if you're considering using a remote.
- Photo Review 9.0/10
The Sony FE 16-35mm f/4 G PZ is a great little lens for owners of Sony’s full frame cameras who are looking for a reasonably-priced, high-performance wide angle zoom. It’s not the fastest of its type; nor is it the widest of Sony’s full-frame zooms.
-
I would highly recommend this lens to landscape photographers and creators who work with plenty of light.
-
[...] Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G is another excellent lens from Sony. It offers unprecedented image quality to size and weight ratio.
-
This is super light, compact, and the size is super heavy.
-
Considering the costs, the practicalities, and the incredible image quality, I'd argue this is probably the best wide angle zoom lens for landscape photography you can get for Sony cameras.
-
Great lens, I love how lightweight it is.
-
Now, it's small, it's light, it's compact, it's fast autofocus, it has really good image quality besides that wide angle distortion, but that can be corrected in post when it comes to photography.
-
If you have thought about getting a 16-35mm lens, the 16-35mm f/4 Power Zoom should be high on the list of candidates. It's more feature-rich and cheaper than the 16-35mm f/4 CZ and is cheaper and smaller than the 16-35mm f/2.8 GM.
-
There is nothing else like it in the market right now to offer this much versatility in a package so small and light. This is perhaps the best all round travel lens for full frame at the moment.
-
[I] really love this lens.
-
If you are a hybrid shooter or video-first creator looking for an ultra-wide zoom with power zoom functionality, this is without question a good option.
-
[T]his lens is sharp, the autofocus is fast, it's compact and can be my everyday video lens and is also a great wide angle to throw on a gimbal, which is why I recommend it as the perfect wide angle everyday video lens [...]
-
This is an incredible way to dip your toes into the water; it's affordable, it's lightweight, it's incredibly sharp, and you get a cool power zoom function so you can kind of play with either stills or video.
-
[I]f you need eye-piercing sharpness from corner to corner, this new Sony is the winner.
-
[F]or performance, I think this lens is a winner, especially for a G series lens.
