Sony SEL-16F28 16 mm F/2.8 Lens

The Sony E 16mm f/2.8 is a controversial lens. Upon first contact you're probably positively surprised - it's stylish, dwarfish, very well built and the AF performance is also pretty good. It doesn't even cost a fortune. Unfortunately that's where most of the glory ends. The lens delivers very sharp images in the inner image field but the corner performance is rather poor especially at f/2.8 and f/4. The fairly heavy amount of lateral CAs isn't helpful here either. However, to be fair - if you use the lens at f/8, the sweet spot, it is actually capable of delivering good results across the image field and the corners are usually not all that important when taking images at f/2.8 anyway. The bokeh (quality of the out-of-focus blur) can be quite rough in critical scenes although that's typical for most wide-angle lenses. The amount of vignetting is class-average at f/2.8 but it could be somewhat lower at smaller apertures. Distortions are well controlled and not overly relevant from a field perspective. So technically it isn't really an impressive lens but it can give you quite good results if you're aware of its limitations and maneuver around them.

This lens is a great addition to the NEX cameras.
It is a great lens for cities and landscapes. There is some quality loss and distortion around the corners of the frame but that is to be expected with a wide angle lens. I would not use this as my only lens seeing as it will make portraits look silly and is far to wide for many situations.
The auto focus works well and is fast. It will also allow you to use many features you cannot with a non sony brand lens, like smile detection, face recognition, and most of the auto settings.
The 2 best things about this lens are the price and size. It is very affordable way more affordable than most 16mm lenses and it is pocket-able. The Nex with this lens on it will fit in a jacket/purse (but not pants pocket). However, the lens will, what I do is keep my 55mm "go to" lens on my Nex and when I need a wider angle quickly pop the 16mm out of my pocket and slide it on. I then place my 55mm in a small lens bag or large jacket pocket.


Pros: Price, size, features (auto focus, etc.)
Cons: Edge quality.

I bought this as an add-on for my NEX-5, which I bought with the standard zoom. It is so small that I was able to add it my already-small camera bag with no trouble. I get it out for certain situations. For example, last week I was at two family celebrations, and it was great for getting in amongst people, whether in the garden or indoors. Indoors I can usually use it without flash (partly because of the camera's large sensor, and partly because it is quite a fast lens). Also good for indoor architectural shots- for example in a cathedral, where the 24mm equivalent will give you the wide angle shot you probably want.
It focusses quite close, but since it is an ultra-wide this won't bring you as close as you'd like to that butterfly!
I bought it new on eBay at less than half list- at that price, a bargain. If you are considering a NEX, I suggest going for the two-lens deal which includes this and the zoom.

I use this lens with my Sony Nex-VG10 and Sony nex-FS100.
Deliver clear images in low lighting situations and excellent angle of view and
focusing distance. Exceptionally portable and lightweight compact lens.
I love this lens...

my new best friend with the sony wide angle VLC ECU1 to make video.

En Français:
compact et discret, il me permet de filmer en intérieur tout en jouant avec la profondeur de champ(je l'utilise sur un nex VG10 avec le grand angle de sony 0.75x ce qui donne une focal de 22mm en équivalent 35mm).