Sony announced FE PZ 16–35mm f/4 WOOD, a full-frame wide-angle lens with power zoom targeted at “hybrid” shooters. Focus and zoom are both internally, so the lens has potential for indoor use underwater.
While Sony has produced other power zoom lenses, this is the first to feature a linear motor to control both autofocus and zoom. Features that distinguish the lens from the existing Sony Zeiss Vario-Tessar FE 16–35mm f/4, a Popular choice for underwater photographers. The lens provides both a control ring and a joystick for zooming, and the zoom speed depends on how fast you rotate the ring or how far you move the lever. You can customize the zoom ring rotation direction according to your preferences. There are also physical focus and aperture rings.
Boasting a dust- and moisture-resistant design, the lens features 13 elements in 12 groups, including two advanced aspherical elements, one extra-low dispersion (ED) element, one aspherical element, one Super ED lens and one ED aspherical element. A fluorine coating on the front element repels water, oil and other contaminants. The minimum focusing distance is 11in (28cm) at 16mm and 9.5in (24cm) at 35mm. At 12.5 oz (350g), it’s also impressively light.
Available in June, the FE PZ 16–35mm f/4 G has an MSRP of $1,200, slightly cheaper than the equivalent Sony Zeiss.
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PRESS PRESS
Sony Electronics announces the world’s lightest F4 constant wide-angle power zoom lens, the compact FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G™
Latest addition to Sony’s line of E-mount lenses offering improved image quality and full-frame operability, content creation
SAN DIEGO, CA – March 22, 2022 – Sony Electronics Inc. introduced the FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G (model SELP1635G) today – a wide-angle power zoom lens with improved image quality, high-performance AF (autofocus) and outstanding operability Designed to meet the needs of today’s creators.
Developed with Sony’s extensive expertise in lens design, the FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G delivers unsurpassed performance and control in the world’s lightest conditions.[i] Full-frame wide-angle zoom lens with constant F4. The compact hybrid lens offers exquisite image quality, reliable G-lens rendering, and industry-leading AF performance in a remarkably compact form factor that will appeal to both photo and video content creators. The FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G is ideal for everything from video production and vlogging to street and landscape photography, offering a variety of outstanding combo features such as incredible resolution, beautiful bokeh and fast and accurate autofocus. Additionally, Sony’s latest lenses offer enhanced video features including improved power zoom and fine-tuning capabilities like an independent aperture control ring for even more creative control.
“The needs of the community are our top priority. As the content creation landscape continues to evolve and the worlds of still images and video continue to merge, we’re constantly developing new products to meet the growing needs of content creators who end up concluding. this case,” said Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. “With an advanced feature set and unmatched mobility and flexibility, the FE PZ 16-35MM F4 G is perfectly designed to meet these evolving needs and ensure that today’s creators able to realize their full vision.”
Improved picture quality for photos and videos
The FE PZ 16-35MM F4 G offers an exceptional blend of breathtaking resolution and beautiful bokeh in a compact, lightweight lens. The optical path includes two AA (advanced aspherical) and one regular aspherical lenses for accurate images throughout the frame and a 16-35mm zoom range. One Super ED (extra-low dispersion) and one ED glass element control chromatic aberrations, while one ED aspherical element controls both chromatic and spherical aberrations.
The use of AA elements in an advanced optical design also ensures excellent close-up performance throughout the entire zoom range – the minimum focusing distance is 11 inches (0.28 meters) at 16mm and 9.5 inches (0.24 meters) at 35mm, with a maximum magnification of 0.23 x. Additionally, an optimized coating effectively suppresses flare and ghosting for crisp, clear images.
A circular aperture and carefully designed spherical aberration control work together to deliver smooth, deep full-frame bokeh for added visual impact.
High-performance autofocus
The FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G uses two XD (Extreme Dynamic) linear motors to control autofocus. The responsiveness and smooth, quiet operation of this system give users new creative freedom. With Sony’s flagship Alpha 1 body, precise focus can be maintained while shooting continuous stills at up to 30fps (fps)[ii] and up to 120 fps in movie mode.
Focusing is especially important when shooting 4K slow motion movies up to 120 fps or 8K . movies[iii]. FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G works with Alpha cameras[iv] for reliable focusing, and smooth and silent tracking of even fast-moving subjects. The high-thrust XD linear motor, optimized optics, and responsive control enhance outstandingly precise AF performance while keeping the lens compact with an internal focus.
Advanced video features include a new electric zoom function
Based on feedback from leading creators, Sony has specifically designed the FE PZ 16-35MM F4 G to deliver the refined image and control required for today’s video needs. It features the latest lens technology to reduce focus breathing as well as focus and axis shift when zooming to ensure the highest quality video is easily captured. Focus, zoom, and aperture operations are also extremely quiet, greatly reducing noise and vibration that can interfere with movie recording.
A first in a Sony Alpha lens, the FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G uses four XD linear motors for electric zoom in addition to the two XD linear motors used for focusing. With this newly designed electronic power zoom system, the FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G offers enhanced control with the responsiveness and immediacy of powerless manual zoom. It has both a zoom ring and a zoom lever with variable zoom that makes it easy to perform super slow, fast or continuous speed shifts. Power zoom also minimizes camera shake or movement that can occur when operating a traditional zoom ring, and when used with compatible cameras, users can customize the zoom ring orientation to suit shooting conditions. Zoom can also be controlled using the zoom lever on compatible cameras. Remote operation is also possible using the Imaging Edge™ Mobile app[v].
As an added benefit, users can operate buttons and controls on the camera or compatible accessories for convenient zoom control, including the GP-VPT2BT Bluetooth Handpiece and RMT Remote Controller- P1BT for remote zoom control while camera is mounted on gimbal[vi].
Furthermore, Linear Response MF ensures high repeatability as the focus ring responds directly and repeatedly for delicate control when focusing manually. The aperture ring makes manual aperture/iris control quick, direct, and easy. The aperture ring includes a switch that can select aperture click stops ideal for photography, or abort clicks for smooth iris control, ideal for video.
High mobility, control and reliability
World-class design and technology come together to deliver a compact, lightweight lens that also includes focus, zoom and aperture/iris rings, and a power zoom for portability and unprecedented handling.
Using internal focus and internal zoom, the overall length of the lens remains constant during use for ideal balance and handling. The consistent balance makes this lens an ideal choice for gimbal-mounted movie shooting or use with a matte box. The focus ring can be easily controlled during movie recording, and the adjacent focus and zoom rings are of different sizes for easy sensory manipulation when viewing the screen.
More convenient features on the FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G include an Iris Lock Switch that can be used to prevent the aperture ring from accidentally being moved between auto and F4 – F22 settings, and the focus hold button. Customizable for convenient control.
Lightest in the world[i] The F4 wide-angle power zoom lens, FE PZ 16-35MM F4 G weighs just 12 ounces (353 grams), 30% less than the Vario-Tessar T* FE 16–35mm F4 ZA OSS and just 3.17 inches x Dimensions 3.47 inches (80.5mm x 88.1mm) with a filter diameter of φ72mm. The lens also has a dust- and moisture-proof design[vii]as well as a front fluorine coating to keep it clean and reliable for outdoor use.
Pricing and Availability
The new FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G will be on the market in June 2022 for around $1,200.00 USD and $1,500.00 CAD. It will be sold at many authorized Sony dealers throughout North America.
New content will also be posted directly at the Sony Photo Gallery. For detailed product information, please visit:
Product videos can be viewed on the new FE PZ 16-35MM F4 G THIS.
Exclusive stories and exciting new content shot with the new FE PZ 16-35MM F4 G and other Sony imaging products can be found at www.alphauniverse.coma website created to educate and inspire all fans and customers of the Sony α – Alpha brand.
Note
[i] As of March 2022, Sony survey of constant F4 wide-angle zoom lenses for 35mm full-frame sensors
[ii] Hi + ” continuous shooting mode. Effective at 1/125 of a second. or a faster shutter speed. In AF-C mode at a shutter speed of 1/250 sec. or higher than the maximum continuous frame rate will depend on the shooting mode.
[iii] 4K: 3,840 x 2,160 pixels. 8K: 7,680 x 4,320 pixels.
[iv] Information about compatibility at: https://www.sony.net/dics/breathing/
Only available in movie mode. Viewing angle and image quality may vary slightly when using this function. Compensation may not cover all situations.
[v] Download the Imaging Edge app at Google Play and the App Store. Network services, content, operating system and software are subject to terms and conditions and may be changed, interrupted or discontinued at any time and may require fees, subscriptions and notifications credit card information. Membership is required for Imaging Edge account and WiFi smartphone app. See Imaging Edge terms and conditions/privacy policy for more details.
[vi] Zoom operation depends on the body used. Refer to the help guide for more details.
[vii] Not 100% dustproof and moisture proof.
