• Categories
• Tips & Inspiration
• Reviews
• News
• Events
• Features
• Buying Guides
• Competitions

Sony FE 16mm f/1.8 G Lens First Look Review

Sony continues to expand its full-frame E-mount lens range with the release of the Sony FE 16mm f/1.8 G, which is a compact, lightweight, and filter-compatible ultra-wide-angle prime. It sits between the FE 14mm f/1.8 GM and FE 20mm f/1.8 G, offering a combination of portability, performance, and ultra-wide versatility.

With its fast f/1.8 aperture, high-resolution optics, and quiet, responsive autofocus, the FE 16mm f/1.8 G is well-suited for landscapes, interiors, cityscapes, and video work, including vlogging and gimbal-mounted filmmaking.

Whichever camp you fall in, our Sony FE 16mm f/1.8 G Lens First Look Review includes a specs comparison, Gareth’s sample images and hands-on video so you can make an informed choice about this lens.

Key Features

Unlike Sony’s 14mm GM, this lens accepts 67mm front filters, making it more versatile for photographers and video creators who use ND filters, polarisers, or mist filters for cinematic effects. At £850 the price is also appealing, which will no doubt be tempting for hybrid shooters looking for an ultra-wide prime.

• Ultra-wide 16mm focal length or 24mm on a crop camera
• f/1.8 maximum aperture for low-light performance and shallow depth of field.
• 15 elements in 12 groups, including three ED, one Super ED, one aspherical, and two Advanced Aspherical elements.
• Dual XD linear motors for fast, quiet, and accurate autofocus.
• Minimal focus breathing, allowing for smooth focus pulls in video.
• 67mm front filter thread supports ND, polarising, and astro filters.
• Compact and lightweight at just 304g, making it Sony’s smallest ultra-wide prime.
• Aperture ring with de-click switch for silent video exposure adjustments.
• Iris lock switch to prevent accidental aperture changes.
• Fluorine-coated front element repels dust, water, and smudges.

Sample 01. A7CR with Sony FE 16mm f/1.8 G Lens. Camera settings: 1/60 sec. f/1.8. ISO 640 (right click to open larger)

Optical Performance and Image Quality

Like all of Sony’s recent lenses, the FE 16mm f/1.8 G incorporates a sophisticated optical formula, which provides high resolving power, minimal distortion, and excellent edge-to-edge sharpness. Optical quality is maintained through:

• Three ED (Extra-low Dispersion) and one Super ED element to control chromatic aberrations and ensure accurate colour reproduction.
• Sony’s 11-blade aperture unit
• A Fluorine coating to control dust and smears

The fast f/1.8 aperture enables low-light performance, allowing photographers to capture detailed nightscapes or interiors without excessive noise. It also produces a pleasing background blur while maintaining good distortion control, helping the subject to stand out.

Sample 02. A7CR with Sony FE 16mm f/1.8 G Lens. Camera settings: 1/200 sec. f/4. ISO 100 (right click to open larger)

Autofocus and Video Performance

Sony has equipped the FE 16mm f/1.8 G with Dual XD linear motors, providing fast, quiet, and precise autofocus. The lens supports:

1. 120fps burst shooting for fast action photography.
2. 240fps video tracking, ensuring smooth subject transitions.
3. Minimal focus breathing, allowing for professional-looking focus pulls without noticeable framing shifts.

The 67mm filter thread is particularly useful for video creators, as it allows for variable ND filters and cinema filters to control exposure in bright conditions and create special effects like flare or anamorphic styles. The lens also features an iris lock switch to prevent accidental aperture changes and a de-clickable aperture ring for silent exposure adjustments in video work.

Handling and Usability

Weighing just 304g, the FE 16mm f/1.8 G is Sony’s lightest ultra-wide full-frame prime, which is an excellent choice for any subject where portability is key. It’s also ideal for mounting on a gimbal stabiliser, with something like the smaller DJI RS 4 Mini, rather than a full size rig. Its small size is also a practical choice for APS-C cameras, where it delivers a 24mm equivalent focal length, for everyday wide-angle shooting.

Sample 03. A7CR with Sony FE 16mm f/1.8 G Lens. Camera settings: 1/200 sec. f/8. ISO 1000 (right click to open larger)

Sony FE 16mm vs. 14mm and 20mm Lens comparison

The FE 16mm f/1.8 G fills a unique gap in Sony’s lineup, offering a wider field of view than the 20mm, while being smaller and filter-compatible compared to the 14mm GM. Here’s how it compares:

What Is the Sony FE 16mm f/1.8 G Best For?

The Sony FE 16mm f/1.8 G is a versatile ultra-wide prime that is suitable a range of photography and video styles. While 16mm is traditionally a common focal length for landscapes, cityscapes, and interiors, this lens is capable of much more, including for travel, vlogging, street photography, and astrophotography.

The most common subjects include:

1. Landscapes and cityscapes, capturing expansive scenes with a wide 107° angle of view and sharp detail
2. Architecture and interiors, maintaining straight lines and resolving high levels of detail thanks to the wide field of view and low distortion
3. Vlogging and video, offering a lightweight 304g build, fast autofocus, and controlled focus breathing for handheld vlogging, gimbal use, and cinematic shots
4. Street photography and group shots, delivering a natural perspective with low distortion and depth of field for environmental portraits, wedding groups, and street scenes
5. Astrophotography, providing sharp, detailed star photography with minimal coma and aberration due to the fast f/1.8 aperture and excellent optical correction
6. Travel photography, offering a compact size, weather sealing, and filter compatibility

While the 16mm sits between Sony’s 14mm and 20mm primes, it arguably offers the best combination of size, focal length, and filter compatibility, and is an especially appealing choice for handheld shooting, vlogging and video.

Sample 04. A7CR with Sony FE 16mm f/1.8 G Lens. Camera settings: 1/500 sec. f/4. ISO 200 (right click to open larger)

Who should get this lens ?

Based on the subjects it tackles and comparatively accessible price point, this ultra wide lens is a great choice for outdoor photographers who don’t want to invest in a zoom such as the Sony FE 16-35mm F/2.8 GM II or 12-24mm F/2.8 GM. It’s also easy to work with for vloggers and makes a good all rounder if you shoot some of the subjects mentioned earlier on a fairly regular basis.

The Sony FE 16mm f/1.8 G is an exciting addition to Sony’s ultra-wide prime lineup, offering a balance of portability, performance, and creative flexibility. Its small size, fast aperture, and filter compatibility make it a compelling choice for landscape photographers, vloggers, and video creators alike.

Summary

• At 304g this is Sony’s lightest ultra-wide angle prime lens
• The fast f/1.8 aperture provides excellent low-light performance
• 67mm filter compatibility allows for ND, polariser, and astro filters
• Dual XD linear motors deliver fast, precise autofocus which are near-silent
• Minimal focus breathing and a de-clickable aperture ring cater to video

For those looking for an affordable ultra-wide prime that excels in both stills and video, this lens is an easy recommendation. Reserve the Sony FE 16mm f/1.8 G here, or browse our full range of Sony E lenses to find the perfect option for your photography and filmmaking.

Don’t forget that we’ll buy your old camera equipment in a completely hassle-free process, and you can use the money towards any upgrade. Get a fast free quote here and decide if it’s right for you.

Share this post:

By Nick Dautlich on 26/02/2025

Nick Dautlich

Senior Content Writer and Product Reviewer

Nick Dautlich is the Senior Content Writer and Product Reviewer at Park Cameras, with over 15 years of photography experience. A Sony Imaging Professional and expert reviewer, Nick has worked with major brands such as Canon, Sony and Nikon. His work is also featured on Vanguard World UK’s website, Capture Landscapes, and Shutter Evolve. Nick’s photography includes National Trust projects and magazine covers and he is passionate about landscapes and storytelling. Nick also enjoys hiking and teaching his children about nature. Learn more on his profile page.