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Sony E PZ 16 50mm F 3 5 5 6 OSS II Review | 54 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£290
Avg. price in US: ~$350
Lens mount: Sony E
Maximum focal length: 50 mm
Maximum aperture (telephoto end): 5.6
Optical image stabilization: yes
Maximum angle of view: 83 °

Sony E PZ 16 50mm F 3 5 5 6 OSS II review. Compare 54 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among camera lenses and if it is worth buying.

6.9

Good

6.7

Good

7.3

Very good

9.7
Low-light photography
Score components:
70.0%
9.5
Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
30.0%
10
Optical image stabilization
7.3
Travel
Score components:
30.0%
9.6
Lens length
25.0%
8.5
Lens diameter
25.0%
1.0
Weather sealing (splashproof)
20.0%
10
Optical image stabilization

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Verdict

The Sony E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II is a compact, retractable APS-C power zoom lens providing a 24-75mm full-frame equivalent range. Weighing just 107g and collapsing to 31.3mm when powered off, it features a 9-element in 8-group design with four aspherical and one ED glass element to improve resolution and reduce aberrations. Key highlights include an advanced linear motor for quiet, high-speed autofocus that supports tracking during 120fps bursts, integrated Optical SteadyShot stabilization, and a 7-blade circular aperture for smooth bokeh. Main pros are its extreme portability, improved video-centric autofocus performance, and close-up capabilities with a 0.25m minimum focus distance. However, its variable aperture struggles in low-light environments, and it exhibits noticeable soft corners and barrel distortion at wider focal lengths that often require digital correction.

Technical Specifications of Sony E PZ 16 50mm F 3 5 5 6 OSS II

Overall score

6.9

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera lens.

When it matters: When you want to see which camera lenses attract the most buyer attention and review activity.

Mount & Format

1.0

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Lens type

What it is: The optical category that indicates whether the lens is a prime, zoom, macro, fisheye, or another design.

When it matters: When you are choosing between a prime, zoom, macro, or specialty lens for the kind of subjects you shoot.

Importance: LOW

zoom

Lens mount

What it is: The mechanical and electronic interface that determines which cameras the lens can be attached to.

When it matters: When camera compatibility and access to the right lens ecosystem are central to your buying decision.

Importance: LOW

Sony E

Sensor format coverage

What it is: The largest sensor size the lens is designed to cover without severe vignetting.

When it matters: When you need the lens to fully cover your camera sensor without heavy corner darkening.

Importance: LOW

APS-C

Filter thread size

What it is: The diameter of the front filter thread used for screw-in filters and compatible accessories.

When it matters: When you plan to use screw-in filters such as polarizers, ND filters, or protective glass.

Importance: LOW

40.5 mm

Teleconverter compatibility

What it is: Whether the lens can be used with compatible teleconverters to extend focal length.

When it matters: When you want to extend reach for wildlife or sports without changing to a different long lens.

Importance: HIGH

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Optics & Aperture

7.9

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Minimum focal length

What it is: The shortest focal length the lens can provide, which determines its widest framing.

When it matters: When wide framing matters for landscapes, interiors, architecture, or travel shots.

Importance: LOW

16 mm

Maximum focal length

What it is: The longest focal length the lens can reach, which determines its telephoto reach.

When it matters: When you need more reach for wildlife, sports, stage events, or distant details.

Importance: LOW

50 mm

Optical zoom

What it is: The ratio between the longest and shortest focal lengths available in the lens zoom range.

When it matters: When you want one lens to cover a broader range of compositions without swapping glass.

Importance: LOW

3.1x

Maximum angle of view

What it is: The widest scene the lens can capture at its shortest focal length.

When it matters: When you need to fit more of a room, skyline, or landscape into the frame.

Importance: LOW

83 °

Minimum angle of view

What it is: The narrowest scene the lens captures at its longest focal length.

When it matters: When you want tighter framing on faraway subjects without moving closer.

Importance: LOW

32 °

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Focus & Controls

5.6

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Focus motor

What it is: The autofocus drive system responsible for moving lens elements into focus.

When it matters: When fast, quiet autofocus matters for video, wildlife, street shots, or moving subjects.

Importance: LOW

linear motor

Minimum focus distance

What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.

When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.

Importance: MEDIUM

Maximum reproduction ratio

What it is: The highest magnification the lens can achieve when focusing at its closest distance.

When it matters: When close-up magnification matters for macro work, textures, or small product details.

Importance: MEDIUM

Full-time manual focus

What it is: The ability to adjust focus manually without leaving autofocus mode.

When it matters: When you want to fine-tune focus instantly without switching out of autofocus.

Importance: HIGH

Internal focusing

What it is: A focusing design in which internal elements move while the outer barrel length stays unchanged.

When it matters: When you use polarizers, gimbals, or close-up setups that benefit from a lens that does not extend while focusing.

Importance: HIGH

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Stabilization

9.6

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Optical image stabilization

What it is: A hardware system that shifts optical elements to counteract camera shake and reduce blur.

When it matters: When you want steadier handheld shots and less blur, especially in low light or at longer focal lengths.

Importance: HIGH

Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)

What it is: The rated stabilizer benefit, measured in stops, under CIPA testing standards.

When it matters: When you are comparing stabilized lenses and want to know how much handheld shutter-speed advantage they offer.

Importance: HIGH

?

Build & Handling

5.5

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Weight

What it is: The total mass of the lens, affecting portability and handling balance on the camera body.

When it matters: When you carry a lens all day for travel, hiking, or event coverage and want to keep your kit manageable.

Importance: HIGH

?

Lens length

What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.

When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.

Importance: HIGH

Lens diameter

What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.

When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Weather sealing (splashproof)

What it is: Protective sealing intended to resist splashes, dust, and light environmental exposure.

When it matters: When you often shoot outdoors in light rain, dust, or changing conditions.

Importance: HIGH

Metal mount

What it is: A lens mount made of metal rather than plastic for greater durability at the camera connection point.

When it matters: When durability matters because you change lenses often or use heavier gear for work.

Importance: HIGH

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Lab Scores

7.2

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DxOMark overall score

What it is: The combined DxOMark lens rating based on lab-tested optical performance.

When it matters: When you want a quick lab-based summary of overall optical performance before comparing lenses in detail.

Importance: HIGH

?

DxOMark sharpness score

What it is: The DxOMark subscore that reflects how much detail the lens can resolve across the frame.

When it matters: When fine detail matters for landscapes, product work, or high-resolution cameras.

Importance: HIGH

DxOMark transmission

What it is: The measured light transmission of the lens, expressed as T-stop rather than nominal f-number.

When it matters: When real light loss matters for exposure consistency in studio, cinema, or mixed-lens shoots.

Importance: MEDIUM

?

DxOMark distortion

What it is: The DxOMark metric that measures how much the lens bends straight lines away from their true shape.

When it matters: When straight lines matter in architecture, interiors, copy work, or product photography.

Importance: MEDIUM

?

DxOMark vignetting

What it is: The DxOMark measurement of corner darkening relative to the center of the image.

When it matters: When even corner brightness matters for skies, studio backdrops, or clean product shots.

Importance: MEDIUM

?

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Sony E PZ 16 50mm F 3 5 5 6 OSS II vs the average camera lens

Why is Sony E PZ 16 50mm F 3 5 5 6 OSS II better than the average camera lens?

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Has optical image stabilization
Sony E PZ 16 50mm F 3 5 5 6 OSS II has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
What it is: A hardware system that shifts optical elements to counteract camera shake and reduce blur.
When it matters: When you want steadier handheld shots and less blur, especially in low light or at longer focal lengths.
Importance: HIGH
Sony E PZ 16 50mm F 3 5 5 6 OSS II has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
60.7 mm shorter lens
Sony E PZ 16 50mm F 3 5 5 6 OSS II is shorter than the average camera lens (31.3 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
Retracted length.
What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.
When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.
Importance: HIGH
Sony E PZ 16 50mm F 3 5 5 6 OSS II is shorter than the average camera lens (31.3 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.31.3 mm vs 92 mm
Newer release date
Sony E PZ 16 50mm F 3 5 5 6 OSS II was released more recently than the average camera lens.
August 2024
What it is: The date when the lens model was first officially introduced.
When it matters: When you prefer a newer optical design with more modern autofocus, coatings, or stabilization features.
Importance: LOW
Sony E PZ 16 50mm F 3 5 5 6 OSS II was released more recently than the average camera lens.2024 vs 2016
2 more aspherical elements
Sony E PZ 16 50mm F 3 5 5 6 OSS II has more aspherical elements than the average camera lens (4 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
What it is: Specially shaped lens elements used to reduce distortion and improve sharpness with fewer optical compromises.
When it matters: When edge sharpness and lower distortion matter in wide-angle, travel, or everyday shooting.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sony E PZ 16 50mm F 3 5 5 6 OSS II has more aspherical elements than the average camera lens (4 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.4 vs 2
11 mm narrower lens barrel
Sony E PZ 16 50mm F 3 5 5 6 OSS II is slimmer than the average camera lens (66 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.
When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sony E PZ 16 50mm F 3 5 5 6 OSS II is slimmer than the average camera lens (66 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.66 mm vs 77 mm
0.05 m shorter minimum focus distance
Sony E PZ 16 50mm F 3 5 5 6 OSS II has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.3 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
0.3 m at tele end.
What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.
When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sony E PZ 16 50mm F 3 5 5 6 OSS II has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.3 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.0.25 m vs 0.3 m
2 more aspherical elements
Sony E PZ 16 50mm F 3 5 5 6 OSS II has more aspherical elements than the average camera lens (4 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
0.05 m shorter minimum focus distance
Sony E PZ 16 50mm F 3 5 5 6 OSS II has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.3 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
Has optical image stabilization
Sony E PZ 16 50mm F 3 5 5 6 OSS II has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
60.7 mm shorter lens
Sony E PZ 16 50mm F 3 5 5 6 OSS II is shorter than the average camera lens (31.3 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
Newer release date
Sony E PZ 16 50mm F 3 5 5 6 OSS II was released more recently than the average camera lens.
11 mm narrower lens barrel
Sony E PZ 16 50mm F 3 5 5 6 OSS II is slimmer than the average camera lens (66 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.

Optics & Aperture

Focus & Controls

Build & Handling

Why is Sony E PZ 16 50mm F 3 5 5 6 OSS II worse than the average camera lens?

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2.8 higher f-number at telephoto end
Sony E PZ 16 50mm F 3 5 5 6 OSS II has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/5.6 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
2 fewer aperture blades
Sony E PZ 16 50mm F 3 5 5 6 OSS II has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
1 fewer low-dispersion elements
Sony E PZ 16 50mm F 3 5 5 6 OSS II has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
Not weather-sealed
Sony E PZ 16 50mm F 3 5 5 6 OSS II does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
No metal mount
Sony E PZ 16 50mm F 3 5 5 6 OSS II does not use a metal lens mount, the average camera lens does. 93.1% of camera lenses use a metal lens mount.
Fixed lens hood
Sony E PZ 16 50mm F 3 5 5 6 OSS II does not include a reversible lens hood, the average camera lens does. 79.6% of camera lenses include a reversible lens hood.
10 points lower DxOMark sharpness
Sony E PZ 16 50mm F 3 5 5 6 OSS II has a lower DxOMark sharpness score than the average camera lens (6 vs 16). The average lens has a DxOMark sharpness score of 16.
Not weather-sealed
Sony E PZ 16 50mm F 3 5 5 6 OSS II does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
What it is: Protective sealing intended to resist splashes, dust, and light environmental exposure.
When it matters: When you often shoot outdoors in light rain, dust, or changing conditions.
Importance: HIGH
Sony E PZ 16 50mm F 3 5 5 6 OSS II does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
2.8 higher f-number at telephoto end
Sony E PZ 16 50mm F 3 5 5 6 OSS II has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/5.6 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
What it is: The widest aperture available at the long end of the zoom range, affecting light intake and background blur.
When it matters: When you shoot at the long end in low light or want stronger background blur for portraits and sports.
Importance: HIGH
Sony E PZ 16 50mm F 3 5 5 6 OSS II has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/5.6 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.5.6 vs 2.8
2 fewer aperture blades
Sony E PZ 16 50mm F 3 5 5 6 OSS II has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
What it is: The number of diaphragm blades that shape the aperture opening and influence blur rendering.
When it matters: When the look of out-of-focus highlights matters in portraits, close-ups, or cinematic video.
Importance: HIGH
Sony E PZ 16 50mm F 3 5 5 6 OSS II has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.7 vs 9
No metal mount
Sony E PZ 16 50mm F 3 5 5 6 OSS II does not use a metal lens mount, the average camera lens does. 93.1% of camera lenses use a metal lens mount.
What it is: A lens mount made of metal rather than plastic for greater durability at the camera connection point.
When it matters: When durability matters because you change lenses often or use heavier gear for work.
Importance: HIGH
Sony E PZ 16 50mm F 3 5 5 6 OSS II does not use a metal lens mount, the average camera lens does. 93.1% of camera lenses use a metal lens mount.
10 points lower DxOMark sharpness
Sony E PZ 16 50mm F 3 5 5 6 OSS II has a lower DxOMark sharpness score than the average camera lens (6 vs 16). The average lens has a DxOMark sharpness score of 16.
What it is: The DxOMark subscore that reflects how much detail the lens can resolve across the frame.
When it matters: When fine detail matters for landscapes, product work, or high-resolution cameras.
Importance: HIGH
Sony E PZ 16 50mm F 3 5 5 6 OSS II has a lower DxOMark sharpness score than the average camera lens (6 vs 16). The average lens has a DxOMark sharpness score of 16.6 vs 16
Fixed lens hood
Sony E PZ 16 50mm F 3 5 5 6 OSS II does not include a reversible lens hood, the average camera lens does. 79.6% of camera lenses include a reversible lens hood.
What it is: A hood design that can be mounted backward on the lens for more compact storage.
When it matters: When compact packing matters and you want the hood stored neatly on the lens.
Importance: LOW
Sony E PZ 16 50mm F 3 5 5 6 OSS II does not include a reversible lens hood, the average camera lens does. 79.6% of camera lenses include a reversible lens hood.
1 fewer low-dispersion elements
Sony E PZ 16 50mm F 3 5 5 6 OSS II has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
What it is: Optical elements designed to reduce color fringing by controlling how different wavelengths focus.
When it matters: When you want cleaner edges and less color fringing in high-contrast scenes.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sony E PZ 16 50mm F 3 5 5 6 OSS II has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.1 vs 2
10.3% lower user score
Sony E PZ 16 50mm F 3 5 5 6 OSS II has a lower user score than the average camera lens (7.34 vs 8.091).
What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters: When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Sony E PZ 16 50mm F 3 5 5 6 OSS II has a lower user score than the average camera lens (7.34 vs 8.091).7.34 vs 8.09

Optics & Aperture

Build & Handling

Graphic comparison of Sony E PZ 16 50mm F 3 5 5 6 OSS II and

Attribute category

Attribute

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

What customers like about Sony E PZ 16 50mm F 3 5 5 6 OSS II?

Exceptionally compact and retractable 'pancake' design for high portability
Significant sharpness improvement in the center compared to the previous version
Fast and quiet linear autofocus motor optimized for tracking moving subjects
Effective Optical SteadyShot (OSS) stabilization for steady handheld shooting
Excellent value when purchased as part of a camera kit
Smooth power zoom functionality ideal for video and vlogging

What customers dislike about Sony E PZ 16 50mm F 3 5 5 6 OSS II?

Noticeable softness in the corners of the frame, especially when shooting wide open
Strong barrel distortion and lateral chromatic aberration at the 16mm wide end
Lacks weather sealing for protection against dust and moisture
Power zoom action can feel 'clunky' or 'notchy' when operated manually from the lens
Variable maximum aperture (f/3.5-5.6) limits performance in low-light conditions
Relatively expensive when purchased as a standalone lens instead of in a kit

Expert reviews

pcmag.com

31/07/2024

Summary of the review

Sony E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II Review - PCMag

The PCMag review characterizes the Sony E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II as an underwhelming, functional update to the classic, compact, 3.8-ounce retractable starter zoom. It improves upon the original with a sturdier plastic design, faster/quieter autofocus, and reduced focus breathing, making it a viable, budget-friendly option for vloggers. However, the lens fails to refine the older optical formula, resulting in only average, "OK" image quality with edge-to-edge softness. It is also criticized for lacking weather sealing and featuring a non-progressive power zoom that makes smooth adjustments difficult.

ephotozine.com

12/11/2024

Summary of the review

Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II Lens Review - ePHOTOzine

The Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II lens is described as a highly portable, efficient kit lens offering significant improvements for travel and vlogging, featuring excellent central sharpness, effective OSS image stabilization, remarkable distortion control, and fast autofocus. While praised for its compact, lightweight design, the lens is noted for having a predominantly plastic build and a "clunky," "notchy" power zoom mechanism when operated via the lens ring rather than electronically from the camera body.

the-digital-picture.com

05/03/2026

Summary of the review

Sony E 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II PZ Lens Review - The Digital Picture

The Sony E 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II PZ is an ultra-compact "pancake" lens offering a versatile 24-75mm equivalent range for Sony APS-C cameras. This updated version improves upon its predecessor by enabling fast 120fps autofocus tracking and featuring Optical SteadyShot for enhanced stabilization. While the motorized power zoom is ideal for video, the lens still exhibits soft corners, significant distortion at 16mm, and variable aperture limitations that require stopping down to f/5.6 or f/8 for optimal performance.

photoreview.com.au

12/08/2024

Summary of the review

Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II lens (SELP16502) Would you like to compare these technical results with the original Mark IGo to product viewer dia...

The Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II lens (SELP16502) is a highly portable, jacket-pocketable standard zoom for APS-C mirrorless cameras that features an updated control chip for improved autofocus tracking and full focusing while zooming. Key advantages include effective built-in Optical SteadyShot (OSS) stabilization, an incredibly lightweight design, and the ability to use standard 40.5 mm filters. Compromises include a maximum aperture that drops to f/5.6 quickly when zooming, a 25 cm minimum focus distance at the 16mm wide end, and susceptibility to slight veiling flare when shooting against bright light.

uk.pcmag.com

31/07/2024

Summary of the review

Sony E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II Review - PCMag

The Sony E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II is a compact, lightweight power zoom lens that received a 3.0 out of 5 (Average) rating from PCMag. Priced at $299.99 individually or available for an extra $100 in a kit with vlogging cameras like the ZV-E10 II, this lens keeps the exact same optical design and small frame as its decade-old predecessor. The core upgrades focus entirely on autofocus capabilities; the new linear autofocus motor operates silently and is fast enough to track subjects during 4K120 slow-motion recording. It also features reliable built-in optical stabilization that smooths out handheld shots and a decent 1:4.5 macro reproduction ratio for capturing smaller details. However, the review highlights several notable drawbacks, especially concerning image quality and ergonomics. The lens lacks weather sealing, utilizes a loose, laggy hybrid focus-zoom ring, and the power zoom mechanism is unable to execute slow, cinematic zoom speeds. Optically, the lens suffers from muddy and soft details in the corners of photos, heavy barrel distortion in Raw files, and a general struggle against backlit scenarios which causes prominent flare and...

au.pcmag.com

01/08/2024

Summary of the review

Sony E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II - Review 2024 - PCMag Australia

The Sony E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II is a compact, $299.99 power zoom kit lens that updates its decade-old predecessor primarily through autofocus enhancements tailored for video-first creators. Weighing just 3.8 ounces with a slim 1.2 by 2.6-inch profile, this exceptionally light, polycarbonate lens features optical stabilization that handles slow shutter speeds up to 1/4-second and smooths out handheld vlogs. Its main advantage is a silent, linear autofocus system capable of tracking subjects during 4K120 slow-motion recording, alongside a decent 1:4.5 macro reproduction ratio at the 50mm focal length. It performs best at its 33mm midpoint, where it achieves outstanding sharpness from f/5 to f/11. However, the lens suffers from notable optical and ergonomic drawbacks, inheriting the exact same dated optical formula as the original version. Image quality compromises include muddy, soft details in the corners, prominent flare effects, and purple fringing when shooting against strong backlighting. Ergonomically, the hybrid focus-zoom ring feels loose and laggy, and the power zoom mechanism cannot execute slow, cinematic movements—covering the full zoom range in a swift three seconds even at the slowest...

fstoppers.com

10/07/2024

Summary of the review

Sony ZV-E10 II and 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II Lens | Fstoppers

The Sony ZV-E10 II is a highly lightweight, travel-friendly APS-C mirrorless camera designed for vloggers, weighing just 377 grams. It inherits premium video capabilities from higher-end models like the a6700 and FX30, including a 26MP back-illuminated sensor, oversampled 4K 10-bit 4:2:2 video, S-Log 3/S-Cinetone profiles, and an upgraded, longer-lasting NP-FZ100 battery. Reviewer Reza Malayeri highlights its standout feature: a brand-new, vertically rotating user interface that simplifies vertical video creation. Combined with the updated E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II kit lens, the system delivers fast autofocus tracking while zooming and excellent low-light response. The camera's main advantages are its powerful internal specifications packaged in a compact body, enhanced 3-capsule directional microphone, and specific creator modes like Product Showcase, Background De-focus, and Cinematic Vlog modes. However, its biggest drawback is the total omission of In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS), making users reliant on lens stabilization or electronic Active Stabilization. Community feedback also suggests that its 1,200€ price point with the kit lens makes it a tough sell compared to used cinematic alternatives or the Alpha 6700, unless the user specifically values its...

digitalkamera.de

21/10/2024

Summary of the review

Sony E 16-50 mm F3.5-5.6 OSS PZ II (SELP16502) review

The Sony E 16-50 mm F3.5-5.6 OSS PZ II (SELP16502) is a modernized, 107-gram, all-plastic refresh of the classic APS-C kit lens, featuring an updated, matte finish while retaining the original's 11-year-old optical design, as noted in a review on digitalkamera.de. It offers improved video utility, including support for 120 fps continuous shooting and reliable autofocus tracking during zooming, making it a capable vlogging tool for cameras like the ZV-E10 II. According to the analysis on digitalkamera.de, the lens maintains impressive portability and features Optical SteadyShot (OSS) for stabilization, along with a 0.25m minimum focus distance. However, the review highlights significant cons, including a now-plastic mount, soft edge performance at 16mm, and a relatively unrefined "clunky" power zoom mechanism.

photoscala.de

15/05/2025

Summary of the review

Sony E PZ 16–50 mm f/3.5–5.6 OSS II Review

The Sony E PZ 16-50 mm f/3,5-5,6 OSS II is a compact, ultra-lightweight standard zoom lens designed for APS-C mirrorless cameras, weighing just 107 grams and retracting to a depth of 31 mm when turned off. Lab tests on a Sony Alpha 6700 show excellent center sharpness at the shortest focal length (reaching 100% of theoretical resolution) and well-corrected vignetting, chromatic aberration, and distortion across most of the range. Key advantages include its highly responsive autofocus linear motor (clocking in between 0.20 and 0.31 seconds), a power zoom rocker switch that provides smooth and quiet adjustments ideal for vlogging, and a highly effective optical image stabilizer that permits sharp handheld shots at 1/5 of a second at maximum focal length.

digitalphoto.de

09/10/2024

Summary of the review

Sony PZ 16–50mm F3.5–5.6 OSS II Review

The Sony E PZ 16–50mm F3.5–5.6 OSS II is an ultra-lightweight standard zoom lens designed for APS-C cameras with an E-mount, weighing just 107 grams (comparable to a bar of chocolate) and measuring only 31 millimeters in length. Released alongside the ZV-E10 II camera, it marks Sony’s 75th E-mount lens and is tailored heavily toward both photography and video production. In laboratory tests, the lens earned a "Very Good" overall score of 87.2%, proving to be highly capable for its retail price of 329 Euro. It is praised for its high objective quality (96.1%), sharp resolution (89.0%), fast and reliable autofocus (98.4%), and features like breathing compensation to prevent shifts in the angle of view while focusing during video recording. The review highlights several clear pros and cons for this compact travel companion. On the positive side, its major strengths are its pocket-sized, ultra-compact design, remarkably fast autofocusing system, and the inclusion of built-in optical image stabilization (OSS) despite its miniature footprint. However, the lens falls short regarding its physical build and feature set, receiving a low equipment rating of...

digitalcamaralens.com

16/09/2024

Summary of the review

Sony E 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ OSS II - Review & Test

The Sony E 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ OSS II is an ultra-portable, 107-gram APSc kit lens announced in July 2024, frequently bundled with cameras like the Sony A6700. Tested on a Sony A6600, this second-generation power zoom features a semi-matte finish and replaces its predecessor's stepping motor with a much faster linear AF system. While its individual retail price sits at 330 Euros, it offers much better value when acquired as a kit lens. Optically, the lens shows a mixed performance; its center sharpness is generally good—though it drops noticeably at 50mm—and it delivers vastly improved geometric distortion correction and a more balanced center-to-corner sharpness gradient compared to the original Mark I version. On the downside, the review highlights several optical weaknesses, including severe lateral chromatic aberrations, high astigmatism, a distinct focus plane curvature, and poor resistance to lens flare when facing direct light sources. Additionally, the lens body relies heavily on plastic construction, including a plastic bayonet mount, and completely lacks weather sealing. Ergonomically, the reviewer strongly criticizes the electronic power zoom mechanism for being excessively fast and non-adjustable, which...

tomshw.it

23/07/2024

Summary of the review

Sony ZV-E10 II, the compact mirrorless camera for vloggers

The Sony ZV-E10 II is a highly capable, video-centric compact mirrorless camera designed primarily for content creators and vloggers, sharing the same 26MP BSI CMOS sensor and Bionz XR processor found in higher-end models like the Sony a6700 and FX30. This hardware upgrade enables high-quality 4K video recording up to 60fps with a negligible 1.1x crop factor and virtually no rolling shutter, a massive leap over its predecessor. The camera brings significant performance and workflow upgrades, including 10-bit video capture for flexible log color grading, a modernised touch menu system, and an integrated three-capsule stereo microphone. Physically, it remains incredibly lightweight at just 292g, featuring an articulated 3-inch screen and a slightly larger grip that successfully accommodates the higher-capacity NP-FZ100 'Z' battery, resulting in a 50% capacity boost and up to 195 minutes of continuous recording. Despite these robust updates, the review highlights several critical limitations, most notably the complete absence of In-Body Image Stabilisation (IBIS), meaning users must rely entirely on lens-based or digital stabilisation. There is also a distinct risk of overheating during prolonged 4K60p video shoots, where...

frankwandelt.nl

augustus 2024

Summary of the review

Sony E 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ OSS II: Reviews & Tests

The Sony E 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ OSS II is an ultra-compact, lightweight (107g) standard zoom lens designed primarily for Sony APS-C mirrorless cameras, often bundled as a kit lens with the Sony ZV-E10 II. Reviewers generally praise the lens for its improved, highly responsive linear-motor autofocus that tracks fast-moving subjects smoothly, minimal focus breathing, and enhanced Optical SteadyShot image stabilisation for hand-held shooting. Optically, it performs surprisingly well for its price, delivering bright, sharp images with excellent central sharpness, making it a highly portable and versatile tool for everyday travel photography, vlogging, and casual video content creation. However, the lens has notable shortcomings that prevent it from being a top-tier choice for serious photographers. Critics point out that while the autofocus received an upgrade over its predecessor, Sony left the underlying optics unchanged, resulting in underwhelming edge-to-edge sharpness and mediocre performance at narrow apertures between f/8 and f/16. Additionally, the physical power-zoom mechanism on the lens barrel is described as awkward and clunky to operate, forcing users to rely on camera-body controls for smoother zooming. Ultimately, experts conclude it offers...

fotokoch.de

10/05/2026

Summary of the review

Sony Alpha ZV-E10 II Vlog Camera with 16-50mm PZ OSS II Lens

This review reflects a highly critical user experience with the Sony Vlogcamera Alpha ZV-E10 II (paired with the SEL 16-50mm lens), with the customer giving it a low rating of 2 out of 5 stars. On the positive side, the reviewer notes that the camera has several interesting and useful design features, including a reliable autofocus system and a highly responsive touch-display that simplifies adjusting parameters on the fly. Additionally, the overall image quality is deemed acceptable, and the device performs adequately well as a standard photography camera. However, the reviewer heavily criticizes its functionality as a video camera due to severe thermal instability. Despite the official instruction manual stating it can record continuously for about 30 minutes in 4K (UHD) at 25 fps, the camera repeatedly shut down due to thermal overload after just 14 minutes in a 19°C room. This overheating issue rendered the camera completely unusable for 30 to 45 minutes afterward. Even though the reviewer tried common internet workarounds like leaving the battery compartment open or using an external clip-on fan, none of these methods prevented...

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