Sony announced upcoming release of the large-aperture ultra-wide-angle prime G Master “FE 16mm F1.8 G” lens. This lens has focal length of 16mm and a maximum aperture of F1.8 as a 35mm full-frame compatible α E mount lens. The release is scheduled on April 11, 2025.
The 16mm F1.8 G lens fills the gap between the 14mm and 20mm range. It upgrades the areas of the 14mm and 20mm that were requested for improvement, making it a flawless and versatile wide-angle prime lens.
Users who had previously purchased the 14mm and 20mm lenses had the most complaints about the 14mm lens, saying that it was impossible to attach filters to it because the front of the lens was oval and curved. Also, the 20mm lens was well-received as a compact and lightweight model, but there was a demand for it to be even smaller and lighter.
The FE 16mm F1.8 G is highly versatile because it supports front-lens filters and has the same filter diameter of 67mm as the 20mm. Also, despite being 4mm wider than the 20mm, it is lighter and smaller than the 20mm, making it an overwhelmingly compact body that is easy to handle.
The Sony FE 16mm F1.8 G is likely to be chosen as the first prime lens by users of 24mm end zoom lenses such as the FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS and FE 24-50mm F2.8 G, or 28mm end kit lenses such as the FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS and FE 28-60mm F4-5.6, who are looking for a prime lens suitable for both still and video applications. The other is for users who already own a 20mm to purchase an additional lens in search of a more dynamic angle of view. These are the two purchasing trends that are expected.
Achieving excellent image quality while achieving compactness and light weight
As for the optical design, the MTF performance is extremely high. Two advanced aspherical AA (advanced aspherical) lenses are used. This effectively corrects the field curvature and astigmatism that are easily noticeable in wide-angle lenses, achieving high resolution performance from the shallow depth of field wide open to the corners of the screen.
Natural bokeh and excellent close-up shooting capabilities
It also has a particular focus on bokeh, and is equipped with an 11-blade circular aperture unit, which allows for smooth bokeh even when narrowed down. It also has very high close-up performance, with a minimum shooting distance of 0.15m and a minimum shooting magnification of 0.25x when using AF. The compact and lightweight design is also a major point. It is smaller and lighter than a 20mm lens, weighing in at around 300g, making it light and compact enough to fit in the palm of your hand.
High-speed, high-precision, quiet AF that is optimal for both still image and video shooting
As for focusing performance, the actuator is equipped with two XD linear motors, providing high AF performance. Also, one thing that has been significantly improved from the 20mm is focus breathing. The previous 20mm had fluctuations in the angle of view, but this has been significantly reduced with the 16mm.
This lens also demonstrates excellent performance when shooting video. It is possible to shoot in a low position while moving with a one-handed gimbal. It is also possible to capture a sense of speed that is not possible with a heavy lens. The key point is that it is ideal for video production using a gimbal.
Video recording with a stable ultra-wide-angle lens
Also, even if you are using it for handheld selfies such as vlogging, even with active mode on, it is easy to capture the whole scene including the face, although there is some cropping. Even in dynamic active mode, the advantage of the focal length is that the face is not cut off and is properly included in the frame.
Comparing the lineup of video functions, the biggest change is that focus breathing has been minimized. Another change from the 20mm is the addition of an iris lock switch, which was not included on the 20mm but is now included.
The filter diameter is 67mm, making it highly versatile. For those considering upgrading from a 20mm lens or adding to their existing lens, the 67mm filter diameter is compatible with the 20mm lens and is therefore highly convenient.
Sony FE 16mm F1.8 G vs other similar lenses
| FE 14mm F1.8 GM | FE 16mm F1.8 G | FE 20mm F1.8 G | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focusing | AF actuator | XD Linear Motor | XD Linear Motor | XD Linear Motor |
| AF focus method | Inner | Inner | Inner | |
| Linear Response MF | mounted | mounted | mounted | |
| Focus Breathing | Occurs | Minimize | Occurs | |
| Camera body focus breathing compensation function |
correspondence | correspondence | correspondence | |
| Aperture Mechanism | Aperture ring, aperture ring click | mounted | mounted | mounted |
| Iris Rock | Not installed | mounted | Not installed | |
| Image stabilization (body function) |
Dynamic Active/Active Mode | Supported (genuine optimization) | Supported (genuine optimization) | Supported (genuine optimization) |
