Meeting the needs of today’s creators, Sony has developed their newest lens with outstanding performance and control. The Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G is a wide-angle power zoom with evolved image quality, high-performance AF (autofocus), and superior operability! Designed with Sony’s vast expertise, the FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G is the world’s lightest full-frame wide-angle power-zoom lens with a constant F4 aperture. Ideal for everything from video production and vlogging to street and landscape photography, this lens had to be tested out by our TCSTV team! Take a closer look at the outstanding specs of this new lens, then hear Dave’s thoughts in TCSTV’s Hands-On Review!
The FE PZ 16-35MM F4 G offers an extraordinary blend of breathtaking resolution and beautiful bokeh in a lightweight, compact lens. The optical path includes two AA (advanced aspherical) elements which ensures excellent close-up performance throughout the zoom range. As well, there is a conventional aspherical element for an accurate image across the frame and 16-35mm zoom range, one Super ED (extra-low dispersion), and one ED glass element control chromatic aberration. While one ED aspherical element controls both chromatic and spherical aberration.
The minimum focusing distance is 11 inches (0.28 meters) at 16mm and 9.5 inches (0.24 meters) at 35mm, with a maximum magnification of 0.23x. Additionally, an optimized coating effectively suppresses flare and ghosting for clear, well-defined images. A circular aperture and carefully designed control of spherical aberration work together to deliver smooth, deep full-frame bokeh that adds visual impact.
Utilizing two XD (Extreme Dynamic) Linear motors, the FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G autofocus is fast, smooth with a quiet operation, making it excellent for all kinds of creative projects. When paired with Sony’s flagship Alpha 1 body it is possible to maintain accurate focus while shooting stills continuously at up to 30fps (frames per second) and up to 120fps in movie mode.
Focus is especially critical when shooting slow motion 4K up to 120fps or 8K movies. The FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G works with Alpha cameras to reliably focus, and smoothly and silently track even fast-moving subjects. High-thrust XD Linear Motors, optimized optics, and responsive control add up to extraordinarily precise AF performance while keeping the lens compact with internal focus.
Focusing on the needs of creators, Sony specifically designed the FE PZ 16-35MM F4 G to feature the latest lens technology to reduce focus breathing as well as focus and axial shift when zooming to ensure the highest quality video is easily captured. For the first time in a Sony Alpha lens, the FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G uses four XD linear motors for the power zoom function in addition to the two XD linear motors used for focus. With this newly designed electronic power zoom system, the FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G provides advanced control with the response and immediacy of non-powered manual zoom.
It features both a zoom ring and a zoom lever with variable zoom speed that makes it easy to execute super-slow, fast or constant-speed change in focal length. Power zoom also minimizes camera shake or movement that can occur when operating a traditional zoom ring, and when used with compatible cameras, users can customize the zoom ring direction to suit shooting conditions. Zoom can also be controlled with the zoom lever on compatible cameras. Remote operation is also possible when using the Imaging Edge™ Mobile app.
Additionally, Linear Response MF ensures high repeatability as the focus ring responds directly and repeatably to subtle control when focusing manually. An aperture ring makes manual aperture/iris control fast, direct, and easy. The aperture ring includes a switch that can select aperture click stops that are ideal for photography or de-click operation for smooth iris control which is ideal for video.
As the world’s lightest F4 wide-angle power-zoom lens, the FE PZ 16-35MM F4 G weighs just 353 grams (12 ounces) and is just 80.5mm by 88.1mm (3.17 in. x 3.47 in.) in size with a filter diameter of 72mm. Using internal focus and internal zoom, the overall length of the lens remains constant during use for ideal balance and handling. Consistent balance makes this lens an ideal choice for gimbal-mounted movie shooting or uses with a matte box. The focus ring can be easily controlled while shooting movies, and the adjacent focus and zoom rings are different sizes so they can be easily operated by feel while viewing the monitor.
More convenient features on the FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G include the Iris Lock Switch that can be engaged to prevent the aperture ring from being accidentally moved between the auto and F4 – F22 settings and the customizable focus hold button for convenient control. The lens also has a dust and moisture-resistant design, as well as a fluorine front element coating to keep it clean and reliable for outdoor use.
To see how versatile the FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G really is, Dave went and tested it out in downtown Calgary! Check out TCSTV’s Sony FE 16-35mm PZ F4 Hands-On Lens Review below!
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Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f4 G
