Sony 16-35mm G PZ Review

Chris and Jordan head out to the mountains to test Sony's latest ultra wide zoom. Despite the power zoom, there's a lot here for photographers as well as videographers!
0:00 - Intro
0:31 - Sample images
1:30 - Build quality and design
2:45 - Power zoom performance
3:50 - Close up performance
4:24 - Flare and sunstars
4:59 - Autofocus
5:49 - Video performance
7:49 - Bokeh
8:45 - Sharpness
9:46 - Who is it for?
Music provided by BeatSuite.com
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Rental equipment provided by The Camera Store
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[@serena-yu]

Almost no breathing, 6 XD motors, it's a video monster. Although I am not a videographer, it still feels great to see another high quality lens emerging.

[@jasoncancel489]

Thank you for this. This was the 3 video I had seen on this lens and I think this one broke it down the best.

[@SourPlanet]

As an A7c user, this lens is super exciting. The form factor is a perfect match and the external controls really help with the custom button blight on that body. I'll accept PZ in exchange for internal zoom and lens size/weight. Now I have to reconsider if I want to stick with 24-x kit setup or 16-35+telephoto setup 🧐🧐

[@alhOOO2O]

Great video as always guys! Whenever I see your sample photos Chris, I always think I’d love to see a video where you pick your preferred gear and go out to shoot whatever your favourite type of photos are, rather than just trying to get a good range for us to look at! I think it would be really interesting to see a bit more about Chris ‘the artist’ alongside the excellent reviews. Same for Jordan as well, except it might be harder to do in short video form?

[@niccollsvideo]

Thats a great idea which I would love to do. It's been so long since I've thought about that though. I'll keep it in mind.

[@MaxR.]

@@niccollsvideo But perhaps wait until you finally have the one day of summer in Calgary😂

[@chu0nthat]

Great review as always!

[@JessDemant]

Sony has done it again, really cool to see a company pushing the boundaries!

[@samuel.gabura]

As a 28-135mm F4 PZ user (videoshooter) I'm really excited for this 16-35mm lens. I was looking for a wide angle lens for some time and this will be great! Plus if I decide to buy a crop body for a B-cam I will have a lens for it. This and the 90mm macro F2.8 will be definitely my next lens buys.

[@natural.integrators]

thank you for this!!

[@nex3movie]

I'm very happy with the picture, the weight, the autofocus speed and the smoothness of the zooming. The appearance is cheaper than the price, but that can't be helped because of the weight. One thing that makes it difficult to use is that the focal length is not displayed on the lens.

[@ryandylanfunfamilytrips4220]

Thank you both for another great review of this lens. I just returned my Tamron 17-28 and picked up this one instead. Maybe it was just my copy, Tamron wasn't sharp as expected. My old 24-105 G F4 is much sharper. Thanks again!!!

[@wtfnahmean]

i've been using tamron 17-28 ever since it came out. FINALLY a light and compact wide zoom lens from sony and i'm switching. I'll miss f2.8 on the tamron but the 16-35 reach is so much more useful

[@Raptorman0909]

This looks to be THE killer stabilizer lens for video, particularly when used on something like the Weebill 2 Pro with the knob that can be setup to operate the zoom.

[@alma175w]

Such a great set of video features, and that Sony addresses focus breathing is really important. And the functionality of the focus motors and zoom motors is really a step forward. It definitely seems to have a flatter rendition than the Zeiss, which has really nice color, the Zeiss never disappointed in my time with it. Even though the aim is the video audience, it seems this could be a good foundation for a landscape kit when coupled with some fast primes.

[@alma175w]

@Prashanth Panicker I definitely enjoyed the Zeiss for the two years I had it, but decided to go with F/2.8.

[@thevalleywalker]

Great b roll in the intro Jordan.

[@brianmckeever5280]

Not sure trainers were appropriate footwear for the outdoor shoot, but looks like you made it! Good job as usual.

[@guyjordan8201]

Features for days!

[@luisneumannp2748]

4:44 thats actually a really nice cinematic looking shot of chris. Well done Jordan! (and Gh6...)

[@markymarkreviews]

A real full house spec apart from 1 thing. Inbuilt stabilisation. That addition would have made it the perfect vlogger lens. Sony’s in-camera SSS I find quite poor/average. And their recent ZV-E10 vlogger camera had no in body stabilisation at all. Maybe that will be upgraded next?

[@erikandersenphoto631]

Interesting lens. Sony posted videos using the servo zoom to create a Hitchcock effect. Surprised no reviews seem to mention this capability!

[@jackryder6732]

Great video. What about indoor video and pictures.

[@Benjamin_Jehne]

I had this lens for testing from Sony and it was a blast. The Zeiss is so far behind this little lens, I've never expected it to be that good. Yes you really need the lens correction, as it has some characteristics of a fisheye, but what seems to be bad is in my eyes an advantage, as I love the look of the uncorrected image and you don't see any loss, when it's corrected. The PZ feels akwardly real. Like Chris said, this is as close to a normal zoomring as we get today. For video, this thing zooms and focusses so damn smooth. As I hold i the first time, I couldn't belive how small and lightweight this feels. I laughted at my Sony contact when he asked me to try this lens but after two weeks with it I want it. There was only one flaw with the lens and that is, that it lacks a display on top thats shows you in which focal length you are, before you look into the EVF.

[@marc_likes_stuff]

this is the first lens i have ever felt a special connection with - right from the start. i think the optics and the small size/light weight (like you mentioned) played a big role in that. excellent lens!

[@markm4263]

Fine, subscribed...

[@peled999]

I'm currently using the Tamron 16-28 F/2.8 for interior design videography, would you say it's a good idea to switch to this lens? On one hand the F/2.8 helps me in low light conditions, on the other it seems like this lens is maybe sharper, has a little longer range, and of course the power zoom. Any thoughts?

[@Ildskalli]

Ungh, this one really pulls me over back to Sony! It's not 'perfect', but damnit if it ain't close. Very small, light, excellent performance, great range, and solid video features packed in as well. It's dangerously tempting.

[@samuel.gabura]

What are you missing? It seems excellent to me. In my opinion the only thing that could make it a bit "better" would be a focus clutch.

[@Ildskalli]

@@samuel.gabura Nothing in particular, but better close-up performance would make it basically perfect. On the camera side, in-camera RAW developing. I hate that no Sony has that.

[@samuel.gabura]

@@Ildskalli what is that good for? I suggest getting a phone/tablet, an SD card reader and a mobile version of Lightroom. It can do almost everything the desktop version does.

[@Ildskalli]

@@samuel.gabura That sounds like an awful pain, and not the kind of stuff I'd schlep around for family events, gatherings, or on vacation. It's much easier to just develop in camera.

[@samuel.gabura]

@@Ildskalli Honestly the whole Sony UI (A7c) is a big setback compared to what I was used to on my previous Canon camera (70D) and that also goes to sending stuff wirelessly, so I feel your pain. But there is nothing we can do about it besides selling. And the best solution I have found so far for developing on the go is using microSD cards and a thumb-drive-sized microSD USB-C reader for my Android phone. I transfer my favorite pictures to the internal storage of the phone and develop them in the LR app. It's a great app! The only problem I have is that it is impossible to mark my pictures in camera and see the rating on my phone - that is a big problem - I have tried many apps to mage files but none of them have the features (see the rating of the JPEG, select the RAW files and transfer them), so I have to use a pen and paper to write down the file names.

[@maxdmachy]

It looks like now there is a proper choice between two f4 zooms in that range for Sony. The old model - which I happen to have bought 3 weeks ago - has built in image stabilization, metal instead of plastic, the blue Zeiss sticker & a more retro feel & image look to it. Mine is mint condition right now but metal has this cool look of battered pro gear. My copy is bound to get to this stage fairly soon without any additional ugly treatment. At roughly the same price point the new model is a no-brainer. However on the used market prices are already attractive for the Zeiss and they will fall further in the next weeks. Lucky me having got the Zeiss at a most attractive price. I had originally planned to sell it soon, it was part of a package. Now it looks like I am going to use it myself as a cheap travel solution for rough countries.

[@SmoothAlStudios]

I have the Zeiss lens, I use it for real estate photography. Is it fair to say, changing lenses wouldn't really be necessary, just for that sole purpose?

[@halsnyder296]

Can’t believe you took pictures at 35mm!

[@jordanmitchell4830]

Calgary local let's goooo!!!

[@andrewboddyspargo]

I’m wondering when you guys are gonna review those new DJI mics you’ve been rocking for a few weeks now. Don’t think I haven’t noticed! Maybe you’re waiting until the rest of us can purchase them. Very thoughtful. :-)

[@dpreview]

Review is coming soon! We like to test mics in a wide variety of environments before reviewing them.

[@NoItsRoman]

Finally!

[@Pharesm]

Can I get that lens for the RX100 VIII :p I think on my A7 for video shooting, the 24-105mm OSS zoom would give me more of what I need..

[@AoyagiAichou]

Man I wish someone was making compact lenses like this for the L Mount....

[@town3]

pre ordered

[@loudandclearmedia]

During Jordan's talking head bit, it looks like the lens was back focusing past his eyeball and instead hitting in front of his sideburns. 6:27

[@tugatomskanimation6370]

Can you autofocus continuously while power zooming?

[@kimfarrelly]

The grumpy 35mm Chris moments never age...

[@tommyliu1210]

I already got A7mk1 + 50 1.8 but I am thinking of getting FE 16-35g vs Zeiss 16-35. I want to shoot travel, landscape, street photography please give me a recommendation?

[@Wha2les]

Is the f4 a deal breaker for night photography of city skylines or landscape?

[@LeoinFrance]

This looks like an awesome lens! I mean who cares about bokeh when you buy a 1635 f4…… it’ll always be at F8 or 11 when mounted to my camera body 😅

[@guyjordan8201]

Will pz power zoom include Sony Clear Image Zoom while zooming ?

[@NicolasAlexanderOtto]

I wonder how this would fair with an Megadap Adapter on a Nikon Z I assume that most of the information (like the focal length) would not be shown on a Z mount. So sad that Nikon doesn't have a lens like this with a decent sunstar and manual aperture ring.

[@MrChomiq]

Jordan, what the hell, your talent's hair is all over the place. Keep it consistent between the shots, next time have Chris wear a wig if he cuts his hair mid production.

[@eyemodeo]

I assume the 16-35mm Sony Cine T/3.1 has to be better than the 16-35mm PZ.. A comparison would really help.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

If it had optical stabilization I'd get it for sure. But for now I'll stick with my Tamron 17-28 F2.8.

[@nicolasheinemusic]

they will never do OSS versions again, cause if you have OSS in the lens, the effect is not significant like in the 16-35 f4 OSS plus you can't use catalyst browse later on anymore. if you wanna go the sony way, you gotta use gimbals or use catalyst browse.

[@orshanti]

@@nicolasheinemusic what is catalist browse?

[@nicolasheinemusic]

@@orshanti it's the free Sony software to stabilize your Sony footage in post using gyro data which is recorded in the new camera models

[@orshanti]

@@nicolasheinemusic thanks man!

[@KOKOBC]

OSS would’ve made it perfect but considering how wide it is, not really much of a problem

[@ChoicesHabitsAttitudeLuck]

Would you recommend it for weddings? and inside the church?

[@grdprojekt]

6:12 regarding the breathing, are you sure that's not just Sony A7 IV's breathing correction feature?

[@justketh4298]

it doesnt breathe

[@mrz1342]

Hi, is your shoulder bag pilot 5L or 10L?

[@ScrattleGG]

How do people feel about so many motors? Normally I'm weary with products that suddenly get a lot of motors added like on a car etc as they always fail in time. It is just more points of failure to me... but maybe with lenses they're made well enough to last a decade?

[@agenericaccount3935]

They’ll be fine.

[@coyote9448]

Am I alone in wishing sony would update the 28mm f2 lens? I really like that focal length and im hoping for something more exciting for it. Maybe 28mm f1.4 or g series 28mm compact like the 24, 40, 50 trio.

[@lefturn99]

Does this lens have the focus breathing setting like the 20mm 1.8 G? Jordan's comments would lead me to believe not.

[@qenreblayers5331]

new power zoom lens? here goes the new zv line up legacy continues as a full frame camera to go with it, or fx3 just exactly that ..

[@kimlog7476]

Chris working on a mullet in the beginning of the video?

[@youuuuuuuuuuutube]

The LoCA looks absolutely non existent, great job there.

[@63MacGuy]

They put the power zoom in for video. I wish they would have completed it with OSS🙁 I jus t bought the Sigma 14-24 for my a7iv. With all the cropping, 60p 4K, Active stabilization and lens breathing compensation Thanks again for a great video. Hey Chris do you want to just use this background 😂😂😂

[@ClevelandTerry]

You can’t use lens breathing comp on sigma.

[@kaimelis]

is it parfocal?

[@whitewalker9622]

They need to update the 16-50 pz

[@Lucamitm]

Hi, do you think image quality is close to the 16-35mm f2.8 gm ? Thanks

[@mastrorj68]

in my opinion no, not even close. I own the 16-35gm and pictures are way better then these sample images. Im sure it focuses better though bc of the new motor but my 16-35 is just plain awesome!

[@jerryjerry4838]

Can FX3 control the power zoom of this lens throught its W-T function?

[@mirrorlessny]

yea W-T is placed where ON/OFF switch usually is, you will also see focal length number on main screen

[@ctphotographx]

Does the zoom reset to the widest angle when powering on/off camera... Like most all other Sony PZ lenses do (cept the 18-200 aps-c)..? Thanks for the excellent review. Did I miss the parfocal assessment?

[@flicker_freak]

Yeah it does reset to 16mm. Gerald Undone mentioned it in his review.

[@robwiensmedia]

If you were to pick a lens for real estate videography would this be it? The 12-24 also peaks my interest but I can't tell if I need go wider than 16mm.

[@mirrorlessny]

which did yo go with?

[@robwiensmedia]

@@mirrorlessnywent with the Sony 14mm 1.8. Love how wide it is, mixes in well with tight shots.

[@mirrorlessny]

@@robwiensmedia nice that's epic lens, f1.8 14mm at that size & weight is impressive

[@stefan9015]

According to another KZbin channel, this lens has extreme distortion at 16mm. So much that with the Sony A7IV only 24mp remain of the 33mp. To correct this distortion in Lightroom you have to set it to 55!!. See the video at 13:14min.kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZmmpXh9fqekiJo

[@Reddepex]

It almost looks like a anamorphic lens at 16mm ;)

[@KabukiStarship]

I'm looking to sell my Tamron17-29mm for this lens for the focus breathing compensation and extended focal length. I love having a one-and-done lens that gets good bokeh. I also need a sharper lens for green screen with no focus breathing. I also want the Sirui Saturn 35mm 1.6x anamorphic lens. Given that is a 35mm lens, the 16-35mm makes more sense than the 17-28mm.

[@alexisrodriguezcancino]

DPReview should do a video about mirrorless cameras issue with sensor dust ( which here you clearly also suffered from ). It's one of the main problems of this new era of photography that does not seem to be discussed so often. Only the A1 at that price tag seems to have addressed the issue ? Thanks for considering discussing the topic.

[@HAlariousInc]

I think most people spend the extra time to just clean the sensor

[@JdarceyMCR]

Not really a problem for those that just clean their sensors

[@user-ms8qg2rz5s]

Will Sony make a F4 PZ line ? 16-35mm 24-70mm 70-200mm (wish it will be black)

[@mirrorlessny]

that would be amazing

[@mattmitchell6157]

Power zoom totally different ….. then points out the same old rocker and delay. Probably still saps battery life too.

[@mire_cs]

am i crazy or did you never say the price

[@gregsilver]

I'm wondering if you're using the 16-35 G PZ with the Panasonic GH6 to film this episode?

[@luisneumannp2748]

I dont think it ist possible to adapt this lens to m4/3

[@gregsilver]

@@luisneumannp2748 Good point...I just think whenever they review a lens or camera, it would be great to use the actual lens or camera while filming. But I do get they want the consistent production quality.

[@ClevelandTerry]

@@gregsilver they are using the lens. It’s noted at the bottom of the vid when they do.

[@tekguyphoto]

hhmm looks like I might have to pay a little more and go with the Canon RF 14-35. I have both R6 and A7IV and need a small wide angle lens for seldom use for either system. Was hoping this would do the trick but this PZ thing is not for me and also no IS ? Thanks for the review.

[@hellolau]

IS is not needed with Sony ibis and catalyst. Also the A74 and 16-35 is 20% lighter than the R6 and 14-36. But if you don’t like electronic zoom then Canon is the way to go 👍

[@tekguyphoto]

@@hellolau thanks. The problem with Catalyst is you have to crop a bit. At least with my shaky hands. I will wait for some more reviews. Maybe the optical quality makes up for lack of OIS. Yes for photo and wide angle IS is not crucial. Took me for ever to let OVF go so power zoom will take just as long.

[@marlonb.8243]

Very similar to the EF Canon 17-40mm.

[@did4h2k]

keep that stache!

[@Someone-lc6dc]

I got the 20mm f/1.8 3 weeks ago and now they dropped this one? …

[@Renirode]

I thought zooming is still a no go for video and is retro ^^

[@andreasgiobel6355]

As a SWE we I'm confused by the choice of outdoor clothing, low shoes and AND COTTON PANTS, its like wearing Wettex

[@thebronner]

Just picked this lens up today for $820 from a private seller but in brand new condition. It’s a true beauty. The light, compact design cannot be beat. The reach is extremely useful. Haven’t tested video yet, but I trust it will handle beautifully on a gimbal.

[@schoeferfilm]

This would be a great gimbal lens for my FX6 and crane 3s 😉

[@Princeton_James]

The only advantage over the 2.8 is the size. PZ may be cool but not needed. Not worth 1,200 if you have the 2.8.

[@pmc7105]

I would have preferred if they were a bit more ambitious on the wide end; at 14mm on the wide end I would have considered leaving my 12mm at home rather than having to carry two lenses.

[@travis8665]

Give them a call. They might make you a special lens seeing as its all about you.

[@pmc7105]

@@travis8665 What a strange reply. Did they not ask in the video to let them know what our thoughts are? Should I be commenting on what others want, which I have no frame of reference for? What is your motivation for making a comment like that? I see a few comments below where people mention what they'd like to see, did you leave a reply to all of them too?

[@sandrahildebrand4475]

What about the optical distortion? Your colleagues from Schießstand (Germany) claimed a massive distortion in the range 16 - 20 mm, which leads to a loss of effective resolution of 1/3 after correction, a 35 megapixel image of a A7IV degrades to 24 megapixel after ex post correction. Lightroom requires a correction factor of 55, which has been the highest pre-drawing on a wide-angle lens they’ve ever tested. Didn’t you notice this massive optical error in Your own test?

[@mirrorlessny]

is that an article or video test on KZbin? by Germany colleagues I mean

[@PH61a]

So did Christopher Frost!

[@ericmeter8269]

At 0:42 - what's this? Chris shooting at 35mm? I don't believe it.

[@PatrickSchraner]

Only question I still have: is it weather resistant? Is there a sealing gasket at the back? Dust and moisture resistance would make this perfect for adventure/travel videography!

[@aldente2011]

Yes, it is dust and moisture resistant. Answers to key questions like this can be found in the Sony website.

[@PatrickSchraner]

@@aldente2011 Thank you clarifying anyway.

[@thelensguy6050]

What’s the announced price for it? Damn I am mad…

[@dpreview]

$1200 USD

[@strongereveryday2302]

What is a Noct in terms of weight? I see no mention of this as a measure of weight in the whole of the internet yet you guys mention it in every video

[@dpreview]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fl7YoHeZgN2dd68

[@orshanti]

what is the price of this lens?

[@SperS-222]

2000 US $

[@TDCIYB77]

Is there something like this for us M43s peasants? Would be perfect for a GH5/6! Sony is really nailing the run and gun/single creator video thing..

[@Titanpharao]

The 8-18mm PanaLeica?

[@TDCIYB77]

@@Titanpharao Great video lens, but not a power zoom, or am i mistaken? AFAIK there is only the PZ 14-42mm 3.5-5.6 from 2011.

[@jasonwilkinson8755]

Quite a few 35mm shots in there….hmmm 😂

[@Durio_zibethinus]

It seems our man has changed 🥳

[@jasonwilkinson8755]

@@Durio_zibethinus hahahaha

[@travis8665]

I dont get why anyone would want a power zoom. Years ago it was always considered amateur to use a zoom. Has that all changed?

[@-grey]

I really want to buy into the Canon R system, but Sony and Nikon just gets me in terms of usability and lenses. I'd have a Nikon, but the bodies are too large. I'd have a Sony again, but I hate the output. Why do they do this?

[@techtt6213]

Why hate the output?

[@-grey]

@@techtt6213 It's just not my personal taste. I am a jpeg shooter, so it's images have to be pure fire coming off the card or I don't want it. I know you can get into the PP menus and cook in some tweaks, since I did that with my old A7II, but for me Canon just gets it right in the G7X, RP, and R6 - (Not so much in the R and R5 though.) I shoot Fujifilm currently, and I have to fight too much to get the output I'm looking for there, so I just end up deleting photos because I can't be bothered to beat them into submission in LR. I'd really love an A7C, that would be ideal with this lens and the 35f1.8, but I don't think I can get what I want out of it from what I've seen online. My perfect camera would be Canon RP output, Sony A7C body, with the Nikon 28f2.8 and 40f2 lenses. I'd be set for at least 5-10 years. Which is probably why they don't make it. 😂

[@nanoIQ]

The zoom range limit makes me sad.

[@JeanV1986]

Me crying 😭 in Tamron 17-28 😛

[@gigafish2x077]

Bokeh not satisfying? May need to get a vloggers, or maybe a concert videographers opinion. (:

[@joehennessy7774]

My God, Chris in the black shirt. I'm stunned.

[@dollhausenx]

Now if only Sony could figure out a way to keep dust off the sensor, then I might use it for video and then I might buy this lens.

[@mirrorlessny]

been using a6600/a7iii/a7S3 for some time now with no dust issues, changing lenses very quickly at home inside dust-less cabinet (door crevices sealed with sticky foam tape which is sold in home depot) just using blower from time to time, never had to clean

[@dollhausenx]

@@mirrorlessny Read every review of A7RIV. Major complaint is dust. I use manual focus primes and my changes are out in the field. Often in wind. I don't shoot in a vacuum, but out in the world. A good friend who shoots with me never has as many issues as I do with his Fuji GFX, but another friend who's a commercial photog (A7RIV and A79) complains about dust. I shoot video with a Black Magic Pocket and share primes with Sony (Contax Zeiss) and I never have dust issues on that camera.

[@mihaiserbanescu8676]

Nobody shows how good it is in low light.

[@richarddenise3886]

That's FIVE Stars, not three!

[@matahari1576]

Six motors, six possible problems.

[@mirrorlessny]

I would imagine these being pretty reliably, unless dropped or exposed to vibrations

[@billtheleg]

“toilets are not garbage bins” but that is exactly where I put my s**t

[@richarddenise3886]

*****

[@jonphoto5078]

We Sony shooters are so spoiled! Thanks, Sony!

[@daveyun9349]

"It's already super 35mm mode. Stupid 35mm lenses!"

[@LostInYoutube]

I love your reviews guys but... Chris come on. No OSS (supposed to be video lens), 1200$ for f/4?

[@aldente2011]

For photos of this angle of view, it is just fine to count on OSS on the body. For videos, according to a review by another KZbinr (04:08 and 10:20 at kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4TTkH2aitSYma8), Active Steady Shot seems quite effective in hand-held shooting. Its price should not be judged by the fact it is F4. The light weight, the compact size, and it has a power "inner" zoom - no-noise according to that review.