Sony Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm f/4 ZA OSS Lens

The Sony Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm F4 ZA OSS is a compact 4.4x zoom that offers a constant f/4 aperture and optical stabilization.

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  Sharp throughout zoom range. 4.4x zoom ratio. Optically stabilized. Compact. Sturdy build. Includes hood.

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  Pricey. Some softness at edges. A little distortion.

A compact zoom lens for APS-C E-mount compatible Sony cameras that sports optical image stabilisation, a constant maximum aperture of f/4, and provides a field of view equivalent to a 24-105mm lens on a 35mm camera.

I just bought this to go with a Sony a6300, whose 16-50 kit lens is truly a waste of money if you need image quality. My Vario-Tessar 16-70 is plenty sharp, showing normal distortion close up at very wide angle. Color rendition is very good.

On a Sony A6500, the optical performance is not quite equal that of a Canon 24-70 f2.8 with Sigma MC-11 adapter. However, it is significantly less expensive and smaller than the latter combo. Great match for A6500.

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  size

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  optical performance

This is my First Zeiss E-Mount lens. My previous lens was the 18-55mm Kit lens for the Sony C3. This new lens has some heft to it. I am an above average beginner camera person so I will tell you my impressions as a beginner.

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  Great Contrast And Colors, Great Midsize Zoom Lens, Very sharp images, Zeiss Quality

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  extra cost, Not A Pocket Camera Lens

Very useful range. Lightweight and very nice build. Good sharpness in the center wide open. Corners are OK wide open and improve by f/8. Very nice contrast and colors.

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  Very useful range. Lightweight and very nice build. Good sharpness in the center wide open. Corners are OK wide open and improve by f/8. Very nice contrast and colors.

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  Price!!!

The lens is made in Thailand, and comes with a certificate of inspection. It takes 55mm filters. Comes with a Zeiss sticker ;)

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  If you are frustrated with the SEL1855 Kit zoom lens especially with subpar results like barrel distortions at the wide-end look no further. It beats the kit lens in almost all distortion related issues and has more zoom range viz. 16mm to 70mm.

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  The minimum distance to focus is almost 1ft which is a bit problematic. Not much change in Image Quality when compared to kit lens.

I searched high and low this year for a great lens for my NEX 7 that I have had since it was released. And this is truly one fantastic lens. It truly brings out the full potential of the NEX7, making it a fantastic travel camera.

Works like a charm

This is a great all-purpose lens for the a6500 - images will of course never equal those from a7r2 but the small kit is very convenient and easy to carry.