Samsung S 16-50mm f/2-2.8 ED OIS Lens Review

Samsung S 16-50mm f/2-2.8 ED OIS Handling and Features

This is an interesting lens, in that Samsung have opted to go for an f/2-2.8 variable aperture, rather than the usual constant f/2.8 through the zoom range. As a result of the fast maximum aperture, the lens is quite bulky and large, having a diameter of 81mm, although it isn't overly heavy, weighing 622g. As a result, this lens will probably not make the best combination with some of Samsung's more compact NX bodies. When combined with the Samsung NX30 body used for testing, the pairing feels quite lens-heavy, even though the NX30 has a substantial finger grip. This lens also includes an iFunction button, to allow quick access to a selection of camera or lens adjustments.

Autofocus is very quick and virtually silent, locking onto static subjects almost instantly. The manual focusing ring has a smooth action and is well damped, which makes applying fine focus adjustments relatively straightforward. Strangely, full time manual focus doesn't appear to be possible, with autofocus having to be disengaged via the switch on the lens to be able to apply manual adjustments. Closest focus is 30cm, which is fairly typical for a lens of this focal range.


A 72mm filter thread is supplied, which does not rotate during focusing. This makes the lens ideal for use with graduated or polarising filters. High quality plastics have been used for much of the lens' construction and the lens mount is metal, which helps to convey an overall impression of good build quality.

With care, sharp images can be taken hand-held at 50mm with a shutter speed of 1/10sec around half the time, which is around four stops slower than the usual rule of thumb would allow.

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