Compact zooms are not as widespread as we’d like to assume. They’re more complicated than their prime siblings and require a bit more space for all the functionality.
Sony scoffed at this and just introduced the full-frame 16-35mm f/4 G powered zoom lens. A compact and powerful utility made for not only video but photography.
The slow aperture may leave you wanting more, but it compensates with a few rock-solid features to get the shot you need.
“How?” I hear you ask. Well, let’s find out together.
The Sony 16-35mm f/4 G PZ
The original 16-35mm f/4 Vario-Tessar came out almost eight years ago and was a robust zoom solution for users who didn’t want to venture into G Master territory. But the years have not been kind, and the new update is a welcome addition to the powered zoom line from Sony.
While the new 16-35mm f/4 can be used for both still and video, the updated functionality is definitely aimed at the latter. It is less expensive than its f/2.8 and cinema siblings, making it a budget-friendly solution.
Credit: Sony
Featuring 13 elements in 12 groups, the lens is made from engineering plastic and weighs about 0.78 lbs (353g). While it won’t stand up to heavy use as a metal version would, the weight you save will be a boon to creatives who want to keep their kits light. Just don’t drop it on the floor.
Sony has stated that the lens is dust- and moisture-resistant, which may mean that it is not 100% weather resistant.
Close focus for the lens is variable and sits at 28cm at the wide and 24cm at the longest focal length. The full-frame image circle however will vignette a little at the widest focal length in photo mode, but when shooting video in 16:9, the lens shows no vignetting.
Zoomer RockerCredit: DSLR Video Shooter
The new design also makes this lens very close to parfocal, although you’d be hard-pressed to find any faults.
There is a bit of focus breathing, but not much to write home about. However, with Sony’s Lens Breathing Compensation Mode, lens breathing is non-existent. Even though you’ll have to pay with a bit of a crop, it’s on par with cinema-grade primes worth tens of thousands more.
External LayoutCredit: Sony
Externally there are no focus or distance markings, with Sony opting for digital readouts on your camera of choice. In addition, there are three rings, one for focus, and the other two for zoom and aperture control. The iris ring can be de-clicked for a smooth transition between your stops, while two additional buttons can lock or switch focus modes.
A zoom rocker also sits near the zoom ring, offering a secondary zoom function.
I don’t know about you, but that’s a lot of zoom for such a tiny lens.
The Hero Feature
But the zooms just keep on coming. A powered zoom lens is all about the zoom, after all, and the new 16-35mm f/4 doesn’t disappoint.
Both focus and zoom are handled internally, making this new piece of glass a great solution for gimbal use. Especially so for the Ronin 4D, but that’s if it ends up on DJI’s approved lens list.
Internal FocusingCredit: Sony
Zooming this lens can be handled in several different ways. Firstly, creatives can utilize the zoom ring on the lens.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t have any hard stops, and all zoom functionality is handled by the internal motors.
This means you’ll need a camera capable of providing power to the lens. Any modern E-mount camera will be able to handle this but that does lock you into Sony’s ecosystem.
With Sony FX6Credit: CVP
Users can also utilize the zoom rocker located on the lens, or program a custom button on Sony’s Alpha cameras to achieve the same control. The Sony FX line also has a zoom rocker built into its side and top handles, which will also be able to control the lens.
What makes this such a cool feature is that you can control the speed of the lens as well as give you access to zoom and focus functions using Sony’s mobile app. This is a great solution for live events or solo shooting when you don’t have quick access to the camera.
Should You Buy It?
If you’re a shooter that lives in the Sony ecosystem, the 16-35mm f/4 is an interesting budget solution if your work depends on zoom. For the price, the new 16-35mm is an attractive zoom solution, albeit for a more dedicated workflow.
Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G Lens
- E-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
- Aperture Range: f/4 to f/22
- Power Zoom Mechanism; Internal Zoom
- Super ED, ED, and Aspherical Elements
- Dual XD Linear AF Motors
- Suppressed Focus Breathing
- Physical Aperture Ring; De-Click Switch
- Fluorine Coating, Weather-Sealed Design
- Rounded 7-Blade Diaphragm
Many narrative filmmakers will miss a wider aperture and the image aesthetic that provides. However, the zoom functionally the new lens provides more than compensates for the loss in stops. You're also getting Sony's incredible autofocus.
For a wide to mid-telephoto zoom lens, Sony’s new offering is nothing to scoff at.
