Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM Review

Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master Handling and Features

In broad outline, we have here a rectilinear zoom of constant f/2.8 aperture that covers from an ultra-wide 16mm to a “wide standard” of 35mm. This enables photography from sweeping vistas, wide interiors and a variety of landscape and architectural subjects, through to the classic 35mm street photographer's lens. It weighs in at a fairly hefty 680g and has quite a chunky appearance, but it does match the A7R II body very well and handles smoothly and efficiently. The quality of construction is excellent, all controls being silky smooth in operation. The lens is dust and moisture resistant.

Starting at the front, our tour of the lens finds a bayonet fit petal lens hood that clicks securely into place. There is a locking catch to prevent it accidentally working loose. There is an 82mm filter thread. Immediately behind this we have the manual focusing ring, electronic in operation and totally smooth, with just the right amount of resistance. Between this and the zoom ring is a focus hold button.

The zoom ring does extend the length of the lens as we zoom. It affords a good grip and there are clearly marked zoom position settings. The only other control is the AF/MF switch, the aperture being controlled from the camera body.

Optical construction is 16 elements in 13 groups. This formulation includes 1 XA (Extreme Aspherical), 2 Aspherical and 3 ED (Extra Low Dispersion) elements. The lens utilises Nano AR coating to assist in reducing ghosting and flare. With bokeh in mind, the quality of the out of focus areas in an image, there are 11 diaphragm blades giving a circular aperture. Focusing is down to 0.28m (0.92 feet), giving a maximum magnification of 0.19x.

In use, the lens is incredibly useful, the range being extremely versatile. The extra 2mm on the wide end, compared to a zoom ending at 18mm, is quite significant and proves invaluable when, for example, shooting cramped interiors. All in all, a pleasure to use.

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