The Sony 16mm f/1.8 G lens features a compact and lightweight design that provides photographers with a new ultra-wide option for their lens arsenal. Alpha Collective member Stan Moniz is both a fan of prime lenses and shooting at wide angles, so picking up the 16mm f/1.8 G was a no-brainer for him. “This lens is great overall in pretty much any situation where you need a wide angle,” he says. We caught up with him after he put the lens through its paces to learn more about what he was able to capture and what he thought of its performance.
Why The 16mm Focal Length Is A Must-Have
Moniz often travels and likes a wide-angle view of the beautiful scenery he visits. “Wide field photography is one of the things I like to do, especially wide field astrophotography.” he says. That’s why he’s always been a big fan of the 16mm focal length. Now with the compact Sony 16mm f/1.8 G lens, he says he has a new go-to for astrophotography and that wide-angle look he likes to capture in his imagery.
A Star Performer For Astrophotography
One of the standout features of this lens is its f/1.8 aperture, which is a real boon for astrophotography – a genre close to Moniz’s heart. "Anything under 2.0, it’s almost an astro lens in my mind," he says. While shooting in Bolivia, he used the lens to capture breathtaking night skies at Tayka del Desierto, the highest altitude hotel in the world. "At 11:30 p.m., all of the electricity goes out at the hotel. Having the f/1.8 lens was so clutch because there was no full moon and the lens illuminates the sky almost as if there were one so I could capture the foreground and night sky.”
“Once astrophotographers see how compact the lens is and how sharp the stars are in the corners at f/1.8, it’s going to be a gamechanger. It’s easy to hike with and can see even in the darkest skies.”
Versatility Across The Board
But it's not just about the stars. The Sony 16mm f/1.8 G lens shines in a variety of settings. Moniz talks about using it for surf photography, where its wide-angle capability makes waves look even more dramatic. "In the barrel, it just looks super cool because it makes the wave look bigger," he explains. The lens keeps up with fast-moving action too, thanks to its quick autofocus and ability to track subjects seamlessly.
For those who love to hit the road, the lens is also great for travel and adventure. Moniz emphasizes again how its compact size makes it stand out. "It’s such a compact form factor and ticks all the boxes on what a wide-angle prime should be," he says. This makes it perfect for adventures like hiking the John Muir Trail or vlogging, where capturing stunning landscapes is part of the journey.
Technical Brilliance With A Touch Of Artistry
The Sony 16mm f/1.8 G lens doesn’t skimp on technical features either. Moniz highlights the rapid autofocus and impressive sharpness, even at wide apertures. "It tracks the eye really well in slow motion," he says. “The lens basically has the nuts and bolts of a G Master lens but it’s a G series lens. The lens also delivers beautiful starbursts that take a sunrise or sunset image to the next level.”
Stan Moniz’s exploration of the Sony 16mm f/1.8 G lens shows it’s a versatile, reliable tool for various shooting conditions. Whether capturing vast night skies, thrilling ocean waves, or serene landscapes, this lens is a fantastic companion. As Stan sums it up, "It’s a very GM-esque lens," embodying the quality and innovation Sony lenses are known for.
Learn more about the Sony 16mm f/1.8 G HERE.
See more of Stan Moniz’s work on his Alpha Universe Profile, Instagram @stanmoniz and at stanmoniz.com.
