Carl-Zeiss Vario-Tessar T* FE 16-35mm F/4 ZA OSS Sony SEL1635Z

Specifications01

MountSONY FE

Focal length16-35mm

Max aperturef/4

TypeCinema · Wide · Zoom

Weight518 g

Filter size72 mm

Physical length98.5 mm

Min focus distance0.28 m

Max magnification0.1887

Aperture blades7

Optical elements12

Groups10

Lens hoodsupplied, petal-shaped, bayonet mount

Additional Info02

Category["Sony","Sony FE (Full Format)"]

Keywords["E-mount","Sony","Ultra-wide","Zoom"]

Review AuthorKlaus

Other FeaturesWeather Sealing, Optical Image Stabilizer

Review VerdictThe Carl-Zeiss Vario Tessar T* FE 16-35mm f/4 OSS ZA may not be able to convince completely but we actually like it quite a bit. It is capable of delivering sharp results at medium apertures. In fact, it's pretty much excellent around the 20mm mark especially considering the 36mp sensor of the test camera. The weakest spot is at 35mm where the corners could be better at f/4 and f/5.6 but beyond they are just fine actually. The field curvature is a bit on the high side at 16mm (at f/4 and f/5.6). Unsurprisingly there's quite a bit of vignetting at 16mm f/4. Stopping down helps, of course, although not as much as you might expect. Image distortions are typical for a lens in this class. The amount of lateral CAs is relatively good. Typical for most Sony-made lenses the build quality is impressive. The tightly assembled, weather-sealed metal body feels reassuring and it's simply a joy to use it out there. While AF speed isn't really an important value proposition on such a lens, it is decent although not outstanding. The optical image stabilizer is also a nice value-add. Thus all in all it is not a perfect lens but a desirable one.

Review Published2015-02-06T04:31:00+00:00

Optical Construction12 elements in 10 groups inc. 1xAA, 4x aspherical and 3xED elements

Summary02

Sony FE zoom lens by Carl Zeiss covering 16–35mm at f/4 with optical stabilization for wide-angle to standard use. Designed for E-mount full-frame (SEL1635Z) for travel, landscapes, and general wide shooting.

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Specifications from opticallimits

Where can this lens be adapted?

The Sony E mount has a flange distance of 18 mm. A plain adapter fits a camera whose flange distance is at least 1.46 mm shorter. How lens adapters work

Native lenses set the aperture, and often the focus, electronically. On a plain adapter they do not work. Use an electronic adapter made for this pair; for many pairs nobody makes one. Fully manual lenses are the exception.