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Sony has just launched a brand new lens, and while the 16-35 mm focal length range may not sound very new, the built-in zoom rocker certainly is. The Sony FE PZ 16-35 mm f/4 G zoom lens features an electronic zoom rocker on the side that allows for easy zoom operation while filming.
We’ve seen these “mini” zoom rockers before, for example on the Sony FE PZ 28-135 mm f/4 G (review here). This allows you to change the focal length smoothly, which is hardly possible with most still lenses used for filming.
Another cool feature of this new zoom lens is its compact form factor and its weight, or rather the lack of it. It weighs only 353 grams!
The new lens offers a focal length range of 16 – 35 mm (24 – 52.5 mm APC-C equivalent) and sports a constant(!) aperture of f/4 with a minimum aperture of f/22. Its field of view ranges from 107ﾟ- 63ﾟ and its lens design features 13 elements in 12 groups, including one ED, one Super ED and four aspherical elements (two of which are labelled AA – advanced aspherical). The (circular) aperture consists of 7 blades.
The minimum focusing distance is 28 cm at 16 mm and 24 cm at 35 mm. The maximum magnification factor is 0.23x.
Standard 72 mm filters can be attached via the front filter thread. The lens itself measures 80.5 × 88.1 mm (3.25 × 3.5″) and weighs 353 g, which is incredibly light for a zoom lens with these specs!
XD (eXtreme Dynamic) linear motors are responsible for the movement of the elements when zooming. The AF mechanism of the new Sony FE PZ 16-35 f/4 G zoom lens is also equipped with such motors, in total there are six of them in this lens.
The iris can be unlocked via a dedicated switch on the lens, as can AF/MF operation. The zoom rocker is integrated into the lens body, and while it shouldn’t be confused with a proper ENG zoom rocker, it certainly serves its purpose.
Using this lens as a daily driver for quick turnaround news coverage or documentaries is certainly feasible with this lens, as it is quite versatile while maintaining a compact size and light weight. Consistent balance makes this lens an interesting choice for gimbal-related work.
It won’t be the first choice for low-light shooting, of course, but it seems to be a very good all-rounder in terms of features in a compact lens body – the overall barrel length remains constant while focusing and zooming.
Link: Sony
What do you think? Would this Sony FE PZ 16-35 f/4 G zoom lens be worth a closer look, or do you prefer other lens choices? Share your experiences in the comments below!
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Olaf von Voss is a freelance cameraman who is in business for well over a decade. He is living in Berlin, Germany but has traveled the world as well while shooting mostly documentaries.