SONY SEL1635Z Vario-Tessar T* FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS

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

The long-awaited F4 constant wide angle zoom lens has finally arrived for FE mount users. Together with the Vario-Tessar T* FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS and FE 70-200mm F4 G OSS, you can make the F4 trip for the full frame FE mount. Because the 35mm tele-end is more than long enough for a wide angle lens, it can become a standard lens for wide lens users.

( Photography : A.Inden / Text : 48 )

I stopped down a bit and could capture the detail of the rough concrete surface. This is 16mm wide-end, but it's sharp from edge to edge.

Another shot at the wide-end. Despite the intense backlight, the detail of the waves isn't lost. Also, the clarity and the color reproduction are great. And, this shot demonstrates how effective the Carl Zeiss T* coating is.

It's sharp and the resolution is very high. But, it's not sharp to be unnatural. The focal plane is the bicycle in the middle distance. The metal frame and the leather of the saddle look very realistic. Image quality is high wide open, so you can shoot without worrying about the aperture.

Close-up shot at 35mm. With this focal length, I can get rid of deformation. And, it's soft rather than razor sharp and I like it.

Close up shot at 16mm wide-end. It's F4, but the full frame sensor brings the natural bokeh. I shot over, but the highlight has smooth tonal gradation.

If you live in Tokyo, you know where this image was taken. The contrast is good. In this report, I took all shots in JPEG with the Alpha 7R.

The 3D quality of the man is stunning, and it's different from the one by telephoto and prime lenses.

---

---

The must-have lens for full frame E-mount users

The long-awaited wide and sharp zoom lens is finally here. It has a great balance between the size and performance required fro the full frame Alpha bodies. Because of the small camera body, the lens may look a little bulky. But, the handling is great. Two notes. It does have some distortion, which is natural for this focal length. And, you may want higher resolution with the Alpha 7R, even though the image quality is very competitive. At any rate, the 35mm tele-end is so convenient that the owners would use it all the time.

A camera system is complete when the lenses cover from wide to telephoto maintaining excellent optical performance. This lens is a crucial addition for people considering the full frame E-mount system.

( 06.03.2015 )