SONY SAL1635Z2 Vario-Sonnar T* 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II

[Zoom] Wide-zoom | Standard-zoom | Tele-zoom | High-zoom  
[Fixed-focal] Wide angle | Standard | Telephoto | Macro

When you want to capture the panoramic landscape, you need an ultra-wide angle lens. This zoom lens conveniently covers the focal length between ultra-wide 16mm and wide 35mm and works with SONY's full frame A-mount. The F2.8 speed lets you shoot from morning till evening. While inheriting the renowned optics of the first version, this second version features improved T* coating reducing ghost, higher continuous AF capability realized by faster AF speed, and the dust/drop-proof construction. Although we cannot expect a drastic change in the image quality, we can certainly expect higher versatility.

( Photography : Z II / Text : KIMURAX )

The ultra-wide perspective matches dynamic subjects. Just by stopping down slightly, the corners become sharp even at the wide-end. Despite the backlight, it reproduced the colorful fishermen's banners faithfully. And, the sky has a rich tonal gradation.

The dust/drop-proof design allows more aggressive approaches.

It expressed the pleasant wind on a cloudy day. The bokeh looks natural.

The contrast and sharpness are very high even wide open. The bokeh is unexpectedly piquant for the focal length and it must be because of the high quality glasses including aspheric and super-ED elements. The big bokeh and the F-stop make me want to get close to the subject.

---

The cat didn't move a lot, but sometimes made unexpected movements. Yet, the AF was brisk and quiet enough to capture it without surprising it. Thanks to the high-speed and the camera's high sensitivity performance, I could keep shooting even after the sunset.

A wide angle zoom lens comes in handy in the narrow alley. After I stepped out to a wider street, I encountered a street exotic enough to make me wonder if I was really in Japan. I took another shot focusing on the people, but I think this one has better exotic feel. It faithfully reproduced the texture of the metal parts as well as the saddle.

With the 0.28m minimum focus distance and the 0.24X magnification, you can get very close to the subject. The strong perspective transformed the shape of the glass into more charming object by magnifying the body with the juice and shrinking the foot.

The bokeh is still big even by stopping down a little. This is a very interesting lens.

While the contrast and transparency are very high, the shadow has tonal gradation. This high image quality under the condition like this must be credited to the improved coating.

---

The barrel has a strong presence. Yet, I'd take this lens to my trip because of the excellent image quality. There are many wide angle lenses that are very sharp, but they generate hard or quirky bokeh. This lens is different and expresses naturally and softly. And, I think it's because of the great DNA of the predecessor. And, the improved coating supports shooting outdoor scenes in the daytime. Use it for everyday scenes, special locations, and artistic expression. And, it will reward you with outputs you expected.

( 06.07.2015 )