- Compatible with most Sony E-mount cameras
For use with your existing device. - Standard zoom lens for versatility
Get the shot you want with the everyday lens that offers a range of focal lengths to meet the majority of your photographic needs. - 16-55mm focal length
The midrange is ideal for anything. - F2.8 maximum aperture
Creates sharp, detailed images with shallow depth of field and softly blurred background. It performs best in moderate-to-bright light settings or outdoors on overcast days. - Up to 0.66x magnification
Ensures that your images come out just the way you want. - XD (extreme dynamic) linear motor
Offers excellent response and low vibration for fast, precise, quiet AF. - Fluorine-coated front element
Helps prevent dirt and fingerprints from sticking and makes it easier to wipe away the mess once it’s on the lens surface. - Nano AR coating
Suppresses reflections for superior contrast. - Dust- and moisture-resistant construction
Enjoy extra protection and reliable operation in challenging environments. Shoot with confidence in light rain or windy conditions. - 1.09′ minimum focusing distance
- Accommodates 67mm filters
-36%
Sony – E 16-55mm F2.8 G Standard Zoom Lens for E-mount Cameras – Black
$672.00 Save:$377.00(36%)
Available in stock
Description
Additional information
Weight | 1.09 lbs |
---|---|
Auto/Manual Focus | Automatic/manual |
Silent Focus | Yes |
Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 |
Color Category | Black |
Special Features | XD Linear motor, Sony Nano AR coating, dust and moisture-resistant |
Manufacturer's Warranty - Labor | 1 Year |
Minimum Aperture | f/22 |
Lens Series | Sony G |
Tripod/Monopod Mountable | No |
Product Weight | 1.09 pounds |
Color | Black |
Field of View at 1000 yards | 83 feet |
Product Length with Lens Closed | 4 inches |
Model Number | SEL1655G |
Maximum Focal Length | 55 millimeters |
Focal Length 35mm Film Equivalent | 24-82.5mm |
Zoom Type | Manual |
Lens Type | Standard Zoom |
Minimum Focal Length | 16 millimeters |
Manufacturer's Warranty - Parts | 1 Year |
Product Diameter | 2.88 inches |
In-Lens Image Stabilization | No |
Constant Aperture | Yes |
Product Name | E 16-55mm F2.8 G Standard Zoom Lens for E-mount Cameras |
Brand | Sony |
Lens Mount Compatibility | Sony E-Mount |
Minimum Focus Distance | 33.2 inches |
Filter Diameter | 67 millimeters |
Brand Compatibility | Sony |
UPC | 027242916081 |
Reviews (41)
Stephen –
Sure it’s missing image stabilization, so the price tag will make you skeptical, It did to me too. It’s f2.8 across the full length of the zoom. The lens produces incredibly clear and sharp images. I use a A6300 (no IBIS). I have shot from both hand held and mounted on tripod, same wonderful clear, crisp sharp results with excellent color, both indoor and out.
HavanaJoe –
I bought this lens in order to have a true pro level normal zoom for my a6000, hoping for the equivalent of my 24-70mm 2.8 on my A7II. I use my a600 for general purposes and save the A7II for more “serious” work due to the larger size and weight.
OVERALL
Overall this lens is quite good- It’s very sharp, it focuses fast, and the size and weight are quite manageable on the a6000 body; however, the lack of image stabilization makes it challenging to use in some situations, although one could argue both that it’s intended for use on the newer a6500 & a6600 bodies (both have in-body stabilization) and that the lack of image stabilization forces you to adopt good habits, such as practicing steady camera holding and proper breathing techniques. The 2.8 maximum aperture allows for good bokeh as well as enhanced low-light functionality, although you do need to increase ISO in order to minimize image blur in many situations.
THE GOOD
Pro-level standard midrange zoom for the Sony a6xxx/a5xxx bodies. Excellent sharpness and bright colors across all focal lengths. Manageable size and weight compared to the 24-70mm F2.8 G Master for the Sony full-frame lines. Lens feels well-built and is marketed as being weather sealed.
THE BAD
Very pricey! For the same amount of money (or less) you can buy primes, such as the excellent Sigma 16 and 30mm 1.4 lenses which are just as sharp and much faster, with money left over for a basic zoom lens. You could even buy a full-frame A7II with a 28-70mm zoom lens for the same price. It’s a great lens if you are invested in the Sony APS-C line, but if you are just starting out you might be better off going in a different direction.
No G Master designation. It’s a G designation, but this lens would have been perfect as the first G Master for the Sony APS-C line. The specifications seem to indicate that this lens could be a G Master but Sony chose to go with the G designation instead.
THE UGLY
The lack of image stabilization makes this lens difficult to use in many situations if you have an older a6xxx body. It seems to be aimed at the newer a6500/a6600 bodies, which makes sense as those cameras are aimed at the more experienced photographer than the other Sony APS-C bodies. If you don’t have one of those stabilized bodies you may find that this lens is not as useful as expected, although one can argue that that it forces you to adopt some better habits, such as proper holding techniques. Stabilization would have made the lens heavier and possibly more expensive, although several lower quality zoom lenses have this feature at much lower price points (such as the 18-105 F4 and the kit 16-50mm lenses). The lack of stabilization makes this lens even more difficult to use on the a5xxx bodies since they have no EVF and so you have to hold the camera at arm’s length, which makes it even harder to hold the camera steady.
cameraman –
I opened this lens and it would not go onto the mount. I tried 3 times using the pressure I normally use with my other lens. I then tried my old lens, no problem. Tried again with a little more pressure thinking it was just tight since new. Would only turn 1/2 the normal distance and not lock in. I took it off and looking more closely noted the black part inside the metal mount ring was elevated where my other lenses are not. This was not allowing it to turn in and lock. I called Sony and they told my to send it in for repair and then I would have to wait for it to be returned. I do not want a repaired lens at this price right out of the box. They were totally unhelpful. I also have concern if this could have caused damage to my camera body trying to get it turned on. Luckily I bought it at best buy and they are great! I returned it and they are sending me another by tomorrow. They also discussed how to check the camera body for damage and were very helpful. Love my A6500 but after this poor customer service by them and terrible quality control on an expensive lens bad feeling about sony and future purchases of their products. They don’t care. Best Buy on the other hand was great, helpful, and understood my concerns of possible damage to my camera.
NomadingNick –
I used to travel with the Sigma Trio for Sony APS-C: 16mm, 30mm, 56mm F/1.4 and the quality was amazing. However, being the heavy traveler that I am (up to 6 continents this year, yes, I said continents, not countries!) I need something more travel friendly. Switching between 3 primes was just soooo annoying. At one point I think I swapped lenses 20-30 times in one hour.
This 16-55mm G lens gives me just as good as image quality and now the extra convenience. Also for travel, I found myself shooting a lot of environmental portraits at F/2.8 – F/5.6. For example if the background is too blurred (i.e. Eiffel Tower or the Egyptian pyramids) then it doesn’t show the beautiful scenery. Therefore I am not missing out much on the Sigma’s F/1.4 at all.
Now all I need is for Sony to make a APSC super wide angle zoom version 2 (update the Sony E 10-18mm f/4 to a GM or G series!)
Aceawesome –
I have this mounted on my A6600 after upgrading from the A6000 kit lens. Miles above that lens. Not as Bokeh-licious as my 35mm prime, tough to compare a prime vs a Zoom. Not as wide as my 10-18mm wide angle but again, this its specilaty.
This 16-55mm is great all around lens and tack sharp with the AF-C option on the Alpha series. I use it to photograph travel and my kid and its perfect for that. Its that perfect middle ground between a Prime and Wide-Angle.
Trump2020 –
If you had to go with one lens, this is the one! I have had it for over a month and love it!
Mark –
I really like this lens and it works great and i have it on my A6600 it is the perfect match. The only thing is the price it is high but all good lens are but with that said it is worth it
Benj –
This is the best lens to have for a Sony apsc lens. If you have the sigma trio it can definitely replace them for everyday shooting, but those 3 lenses are still cheaper than this one put together. Fast and sharp!
The only con to this lens is that it costs about as much as a used car.
OregonianStuckInIndiana –
This lens is expensive, yes. And it is a solid chunk of pound+ glass. And I had to sell my Sigma 16 and 30 – both f1.4 primes – to offset the price. Hated to do that. But I had been looking at buying the Sigma 56, which meant another $400-plus dollars AND having to get a bigger camera bag. So in that sense, this buy makes sense.
There are many reviews online at legit sites, and the Youtubers Jay and Christopher and Jordan and Arthur…all love the sharpness of this zoom. Really close to the Sigma trio, but weighing much less AND having every zoom length covered between 16, 30, and 56. But they forgot to mention one thing…
This casts a horrible FLASH SHADOW with every Sony a6x00 camera body *except* the a6600. (Get the joke? The a6600 doesn’t have the popup flash.) But I wish someone had mentioned that in their reviews.
Granted, my a6300 has pretty good low-light performance, and that is helped by the 2.8 aperture on this beast. Frankly, there are not many instances where you have to use a flash. But when the sun goes down, you will see a definite flash shadow caused in the lower left part of the image. This is due to the popup flash being above and to the right side of the lens-sensor axis. Make sense?
Am I still glad I purchased this? Oh, absolutely. And I would purchase it again. But I do know that I will miss the Sigma 30 and its low-light performance at f1.4 for candid photos. Will I end up buying a Nissin or Godox for my camera. Maybe…
One thing I haven’t tried flash-wise is how bad the flash shadow is in backlit daytime scenes when I need to use my fill flash. (Think people standing under a shady tree). I’ll need to see how it performs.
So, again, love the lens…if you can afford it. I just wish that all of those reviewers (whom I really do respect) had mentioned this flash issue.
Ch13 –
Was worried about spending this kind of money lens, but I love it! I use it on my Sony a6600.
Billdickey –
i am very happy with my purchase
working great since the august 2020 purchase
Angeof –
Generally happy w this lens. Great quality and optics.
James –
I have had this lens for just about a year now and it is on my a6600 most of the time. This in not a small lens, but it is a quality lens that beats every other zoom option in the system. This is essentially a 24-82mm equivalent in the full frame world. It is as sharp a lens as you can find on Sony and with the a6400 and a6500 cameras you will nail focus in almost every situation. Get this and the E 70-350 and you will have most situations covered in a small package.
Jhune –
I’m impressed with this new lens from Sony
compared to other lens.
TekMinnion –
I have owned the lens for two days now. I bought the lens due to it being the best zoom lens offered for APS-C. The focal length of this lens allows this lens to be the perfect walk-around lens.
I do recommend that you pair this either with the a6500 or a6600 due to both bodies offers in-body stabilization which will offer the best results from this lens.
Nico –
Great lens for many occasions, performs well in low lit scenarios. Bit pricey but worth the expense.
Felix –
One of the best lenses from Sony very versatile I recommend this lens.
Incontrol –
Amazing clarity, brightness and picture quality are the main features of this lens. It works as a very good indoor lens and an even better travel lens. It has easily become my favorite lens for my Sony 6500 camera.
Alex –
Excellent, clear sharp pictures. Totally worth it. You will love it.
LensPeeper –
Lightning fast auto-focus, but quiet as a mouse. Zoom range goes from borderline ultra-wide to a moderately tight portrait. The 2.8 aperture throughout the zoom makes for decent background seperation, especially at longer focal lengths. Works excellent on my a6600.
Cookies –
It’s decent
I would probably prefer the sigma version over this one for the price difference
FELIX –
This is a great addition to any camera bag we use for our YouTube cooking show The Felix’s. Joys of Cooking. I interchange this lens with a7c and a6600 doesn’t disappoint.
Darren –
I was torn between this lens and the Tamron 17-70 f2.8. The Tamron offers a lot more for the money: 15 extra mm on the long end, OSS, a better warranty, and MUCH cheaper. Seems like an easy decision, right? Well not so much. The Tamron is known to be a bit soft on the long end. Image quality is the most important attribute for me. I’ve had soft lenses and never again will I take a chance on one. The Tamron may not be that bad. But it’s not a risk I’m willing to take. And this Sony didn’t disappoint. It is tack sharp and focus is fast and accurate. I have nothing at all bad to say about the performance of this lens. I do think it is a bit overpriced for a lens without OSS. And I do wish it had OSS. I am shooting an a6000. However, my next body will have IBIS so lack of OSS will be a moot point for me then. You will not be disappointed with this lens. It really is great.
Andrey –
I was researching for the best lens that goes with sony a6600! It was indeed great! I able to capture beautiful sceneries, sunset, wild animals and memories. I highly recommend this lens!
Jfranco328 –
This lens along with one prime should cover all your needs. Yes the price is more than most bodies for apc, but if you can afford it, get it. There is really no compromise. Works extremely well for a light wait setup for all type of photography. This was a present for my wife. I review all the images she took with this lens while I was within my return period becuase I wanted to make sure the quality matched the price. It does.
Jared –
Still learning how to get the most out of the lens but overall it is great. Good, sharp images. It’s my first lens, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I do wish that it had better zoom but that’s my fault for not getting a different focal length.
Has a good weight to it and easy to use.
Dave –
Best portrait lens yet. Tack sharp. Creamy Bokeh.
SonyA6600 –
I thought this lens to be a bit pricy when I first considered it but convinced myself to buy it anyway. I recently read a review that proposed the question “if I could have only one lens, what would it be” This is the lens I would choose. This lens has amazing sharpness and amazing color. I would buy this lens again if something happened to this one.
customer –
this camera lense is really amazing, worth the money
Mirrorlessfan1949 –
Excellent quality images a-bit overpriced compared to similar quality in other brands.
Esdot –
I use this lens for everything. Daily shooting, product photos, and landscape
sindhuK –
I got this lens along with my Sony 6600 and i love this lens, nice sharpness in most conditions, really appreciate the constant f2.8 aperture. The starburst effect at high f stop is amazing and the bokeh is good and smooth. Overall, happy with the lens
Ivan –
I know this lens is more on the pricier side but it’s worth it.
Rico –
Very good lens. pretty expensive, but I hey it is Sony. You get what you pay for.
MacBookAir –
Very professional quality. Priced just right and still performs.
SigmaJeep –
This is the sharpest most versatile APS-C lens out there. My only little gripe is it doesn’t have OSS, but with the IBIS on my A6600 I don’t really notice. You can’t go wrong with this lens.
Bebe15 –
Nice lens in the field. This lens has a great focal length for run & gun situations.
LarryS –
This lens is by far the best Standard Zoom for the Sony APS-C line of cameras, specially the a6600 which has in-body stabilization. The zoom range is awesome and you could trval with this lens alone. Clarity and sharpness are excellent. Focus is lightning fast and silent. With an f/2.8 it is faster than most and compete with most fast fix length lens. It is larger and heavier than the 16-70 f/4 Zeiss. BB had it on clearance in-store, so price made it a must buy.
Sherri –
Exceptionally ggod Zoom Lens. I am very happy with it.
It provides clarity and sharp color to my Photos.
sonya6400 –
I purchased the sony E 16-55mm f2.8 G lens for my travel kit
Fonzie –
Smooth and fast Focus, Really sharp and accurate image I would say. Compared with 70-350 G or 24mm 1.8 Zeiss, it outperformed with soft bokeh and sharp image at wide aperture.