Sony 16-50mm lens review: Finally a compact NEX kit lens that we can recommend

 

 

We recently put the perfectly portable Sony 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ OSS -- an E-mount lens designed for Sony NEX cameras -- through its paces in the IR Test Lab and have just published our in-depth review. Commonly paired in a kit with cameras such as the Sony NEX-6 and Sony NEX-3N, this lens is equipped with a particularly useful feature set, most notably Optical SteadyShot image stabilization and a powerzoom function that allows for smooth electronic zooming. Both functions make it a good lens for shooting video as well as stills. The fact that it retails at US$250 (and much cheaper when kitted) makes it something of a bargain.

Designed for the NEX system's APS-C sensors, the lens features a 24-75mm equivalent range, covering a healthy span of wide to short telephoto focal lengths in a remarkable compact size. The 16-50mm focuses quickly, stays sharp in the center and does a good job controlling chromatic aberration. However, it's not a perfect lens by any means. Find out more about the pros and cons of the lens, and how it stood up to our battery of tests, in our full Sony 16-50mm lens review on SLRgear.com.

But before you head over there, check out some gallery shots that our lens specialist, Rob Murray, took with the Sony 16-50mm lens.