Sony is today launching the partner of the 24-50mm f/2.8 launched last February: the FE 16-25mm F2.8 G. This ultra wide-angle zoom is, as its name suggests, an optic in the range G, lower than the G Master range. But according to those responsible for optics at Sony, the image and manufacturing qualities are close.
This optic has two objectives in the range of 75 Japanese optics: to lower the entry ticket for f/2.8 zooms, which still exceed 2000 euros. And provide the compactness necessary for the development of its Alpha 7C range (A7C, A7C2, A7CR), whose more robust format limits comfort with the more imposing optics designed for the classic A7 and A9.
Not G Master, but almost
Less prestigious than the G Master designation, the G mention on optics does not mean discount optics either. While it is obvious that the GM specifications must be even heavier, great care has been taken in the design of this zoom.
This is demonstrated by its weatherproof design (protection against dust and humidity), the aperture ring, the click activation/deactivation ring (audible when changing aperture) for video, the coated front lens with fluorine or even its 120 fps certification (4K120 in video and 120 fps in photo) to meet the latest specifications of Sony boxes – we are thinking here of the A9 Mark III.
In addition, to improve the quality of background blurs, the diaphragm is, as for the FE 16-35 mm f/2.8 GM II, made up of 11 blades (compared to 7 blades for the 16-35 mm f/4.0 ). It may not be G Master, but it’s not bad!
Neat optics and electronics
In terms of lens design, Sony has developed a new complex optical formula of 16 elements in 13 groups. And has not skimped on quality, with three aspherical lenses (limits chromatic aberrations), three ED lenses (very low dispersion) and one aspherical ED lens.
The minimum focusing distance at the widest angle seems excellent with only 17 cm in manual focus – 18 mm with autofocus. If the magnification coefficient of x0.23 is not macro (x0.23 in MF, x0.2 in AF), this already offers good potential for highlighted foregrounds.
In terms of electronics, Sony has managed to integrate no less than two linear motors. Motors that are not only fast for focusing, but also very quiet, which is necessary for video. However, the A7Cx are very popular with vloggers, so this silence was an important prerequisite for the design of this zoom.
Compact and lightweight
An important argument of this lens is obviously its weight: with 409g on the scale, this 24x36mm zoom is the lightest of the f/2.8 equivalents. A feat made possible by the lowest zoom power, limited to 25 mm when the rest of the competition generally pushes to 35 mm. This weight is also interesting for videographers who will equip themselves with the 24-50 mm f/2.8 G. Since the 409g of the 16-25 mm is very close to the 440g of the 24-50 mm, video operators – steadycam, drone, etc. . – will not have to recalibrate the weight. Which can save a lot of time.
Not only 20% lighter than the FE 16-35 mm f/2.8 GM II (547g), the new FE 16-25 mm f/2.8 G is also almost half the price with €1,400 including tax compared to €2,699 for his big brother. If this sum remains substantial for certain budgets, the fact remains that for owners of full-frame cameras, this makes the f/2.8 ultra-wide-angle much more accessible. What makes this compact zoom a future hit?
The FE 16-25mm F2.8 G will be available during the month of May at €1,400 including tax.