Sony Vario-Tessar T* FE 16-35mm f/4 ZA OSS Lens

The Vario-Tessar T* FE 16-35mm f/4 ZA OSS Lens from Sony presents a compact and weather-resistant solution that effectively meets the wide-angle requirements of full-frame E-mount photographers. This versatile wide zoom lens features a constant f/4 maximum aperture, rendering it an excellent choice for capturing street scenes, landscapes, cityscapes, and various subjects that demand an expansive field of view along with the adaptability of a zoom lens.

ZEISS Optical Design

Drawing from the ZEISS Tessar optical design, this lens incorporates a configuration of 12 elements arranged in ten groups, which facilitates a more compact lens size while minimizing flaring, distortion, and chromatic aberrations. The constant f/4 maximum aperture provides uniform performance across the entire zoom range, allowing for enhanced control over focus positioning, particularly beneficial for achieving shallow depth of field effects. Additionally, the rounded seven-blade diaphragm enhances the aesthetic quality of bokeh when utilizing selective focus methods.

Each lens surface is treated with ZEISS T* anti-reflective coatings to diminish reflections, thereby enhancing image clarity, contrast, and color accuracy. The lens design includes three extra-low dispersion glass elements, which effectively minimize chromatic aberrations and color fringing, resulting in superior clarity and color neutrality. Additionally, the design incorporates five aspherical elements, one of which is a large-diameter Advanced Aspherical (AA) element, aimed at reducing astigmatism, field curvature, coma, and various other monochromatic aberrations.

Image Stabilization, AF, and Handling

Optical SteadyShot image stabilization significantly reduces the visibility of camera shake, resulting in sharper images when capturing handheld shots at slower shutter speeds. This stabilization technology can also be integrated with certain cameras' sensor-shift image stabilization systems to enhance the management of camera blur. A linear autofocus motor, along with an internal focus mechanism, ensures rapid and precise autofocus capabilities, allowing for accurate and quiet focusing during video recording. The dust- and moisture-resistant construction facilitates operation in adverse weather conditions, while the rubberized control rings improve handling in colder environments.