Today the Sony lens lineup gets a new ultra-wide option that’s perfect for all of the astrophotographers, content creators and really anyone looking for a low-light powerhouse – the Sony 16mm f/1.8 G. Professional photographer, YouTuber and Sony Artisan Miguel Quiles had a chance to test out the lens – watch the video below as takes a deep dive into the Sony 16mm f/1.8 G, and learn more about the new lens HERE.
Inside The New Sony 16mm f/1.8 G
The new Sony 16mm f/1.8 G lens features a compact and lightweight design, weighing 304 grams, or 10.7 ounces. Quiles notes that it’s smaller than the 20mm f/1.8 G series lens, which has been a popular option among many photographers out there, and it has a variety of high-performance features.
“Inside there are 15 lens elements in 12 groups, including two advanced aspherical elements and three extra-low dispersion elements,” he explains. “It’s got an 11-blade circular aperture, which gives beautiful, soft bokeh. There’s also two extreme dynamic linear motors which provide fast, precise and quiet autofocus, which you’ll need when you’re tracking something in both stills and video.”
He continues, “As a matter of fact the autofocus system can track subjects up to 120 frames per second during burst shooting, or up to 240p when you’re recording video. And it’s practically silent. As a content creator, this is something that I appreciated using the lens, but there’s so much more that’s exciting to see in a lens like this.”
Focus breathing, for example, is always a topic of conversation for those who use a lens like this for video. “And I’m happy to share that the lens has minimal focus breathing,” Quiles says, “which gives you smoother transitions when you’re focusing between different points. It also supports in-body breathing compensation on Sony Alpha cameras that support that feature.”
Something else Quiles says he was happy to see with this lens? Its amazing close-up performance. “The 16mm f/1.8 G has a minimum focus distance of 0.15 meters, with autofocus. And it can actually focus closer manually at 0.13 meters. Being able to get close-up to whatever you’re shooting and get it in sharp focus is something that sets this lens apart from many ultra-wide angle lenses on the market.”
Sony 16mm f/1.8 G From The Outside
Next up, Quiles takes a look at the lens from the outside. “As is the case with many Sony lenses, you’ll find a dedicated aperture ring that can be de-clicked, a Focus Hold button that can be customized in the camera menu, an IRIS lock switch that keeps the aperture ring from being accidentally moved when it’s in the A position, and a Focus Mode switch to toggle between Manual and Auto Focus functions.”
He continues, The front of the lens accepts a 67mm filter, which means that you could use your favorite ND or circular polarizer filters while still keeping that ultra-wide look. It’s the same filter size that many other popular Sony lenses use, like the 24, 35 and 50mm G Master lenses, just to name a few. It’s dust and moisture-resistant, and it has a fluorine coating on the front of the lens element that helps repel things like oil, water and other contaminants while making it easier to wipe off.”
A Minimalist Setup For Content Creators
Quiles pairs the new Sony 16mm f/1.8 G lens with his Sony ZV-E1 to capture video. “One of my favorite benefits with this lens is the ability to pair it up with a camera like this and use Dynamic SteadyShot, which essentially gives you gimbal-like performance with a really minimalist setup.” It’s a really awesome benefit for vloggers and content creators.
Learn more about the new Sony 16mm f/1.8 G lens HERE.
