Published: February 26, 2025
Sony announces the FE 16mm f/1.8 G lens ($799) an ultra-wide full-frame E-Mount prime lens with a compact, lightweight build. Delivering high-resolution image quality, smooth bokeh, precise autofocus, and a bright F1.8 aperture, this lens is ideal in a variety of photo and video scenarios including landscapes, architecture, astrophotography and more.
“At Sony, we are committed to providing creators of all levels with a diverse range of lens options to meet their artistic and technical needs,” said Yang Cheng, Vice President of Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. “The 16mm F1.8 G is now the widest prime lens in our G lens lineup and pairs seamlessly with all our latest full-frame Alpha series cameras, as well as the FX3 and FX30 cinema cameras. With 79 E-Mount lenses now available, we are continuing our mission to ensure photographers, filmmakers, and creators have a breadth of high-performing lens options to bring their visions to life.”
Ultra-Wide Performance with Stunning Bokeh
The 16mm F1.8 G is engineered for breathtaking, dynamic perspectives with an ultra-wide 16mm focal length. Its advanced optical construction includes two AA (Advanced Aspherical) elements to ensure razor-sharp resolution across all apertures. A combination of one Super ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass element and three ED elements effectively suppresses chromatic aberration, delivering edge-to-edge clarity. Additionally, Sony’s optimized coating minimizes flare and ghosting, resulting in stunning image quality even in challenging lighting conditions.
With a bright F1.8 maximum aperture and an 11-blade circular diaphragm, the 16mm F1.8 G produces beautiful, creamy bokeh that enhances subject separation. Its impressive close-up performance allows for a minimum focus distance of just 0.5 ft (0.15 m) with autofocus and a maximum magnification of 0.25x. When using manual focus, these values improve up to 0.43 ft (0.13 m) and 0.30x, enabling unique wide-angle compositions with extraordinary depth.
Powerful Performance in a Compact Form
Through advanced optical engineering, including Sony’s high-precision AA lens elements, the 16mm F1.8 G maintains ultra-wide capabilities in an impressively compact and portable form factor. Measuring just 3 x 3 in (73.8 x 75 mm) and weighing approximately 10.8 oz (304 g), it offers exceptional mobility without compromising image quality. Designed for professionals on the go, this lens excels in capturing expansive landscapes and intricate architectural compositions with precision and clarity.
Fast and Accurate Autofocus
Equipped with two XD (Extreme Dynamic) linear motors, the 16mm F1.8 G delivers rapid, precise autofocus with remarkable tracking performance. A newly developed control algorithm enhances responsiveness while reducing delay and vibration, ensuring smooth, near-silent operation. This makes it an exceptional choice for both stills and video, especially when capturing fast-moving subjects.
Optimized for Stable Video
Designed with videographers in mind, the 16mm F1.8 G minimizes focus breathing for seamless focus transitions. It fully supports the breathing compensation function available in compatible Sony Alpha camera bodies and pairs effortlessly with in-body Active Mode image stabilization to ensure steady footage, even while shooting handheld or on the move. The lens also features a standard 67mm front filter thread, making it easy to integrate with a wide range of filter accessories. The compact design is ideal for gimbal use.
Intuitive Controls and Reliable Build
The 16mm F1.8 G offers comprehensive manual controls, including a responsive focus ring, customizable focus hold button, focus mode switch, aperture ring, and iris lock switch. The aperture ring allows for tactile exposure adjustments, while the click ON/OFF switch enhances flexibility for both photography and video applications. Built to ensure durability and reliability in challenging environments, the 16mm F1.8 G features a dust- and moisture-resistant design and a fluorine-coated front element.
Pricing and Availability
The 16mm F1.8 G will be available in April 2025 for approximately $799.99 USD and $1099.99 CAD. It will be sold directly through Sony and at a variety of Sony’s authorized dealers throughout North America.
Specs:
Focal Length: 16mm
Maximum Aperture: f/1.8
Lens Mount: Sony E
Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
Focus Type: Autofocus
Image Stabilization: No
Filter Size: 67 mm (Front)
Dimensions (ø x L): 2.91 x 3″ / 7.38 x 7.5 cm
Weight: 10.7 oz / 304 g
Order Sony FE 16mm f/1.8 G Lens from B&H Photo | Sony
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1 thought on “Sony Announces FE 16mm f/1.8 G Ultra-Wide Prime Lens”
Let me say Sony went the wrong way going to a 16mm F1.8. Should have gone to the 12mm small size lens. Just for thought when using the 12-24mm F/4 or 2.8 to use it at 12mm on a Panorama rig, yes it works BUT it is big and heavy and things have to be very tight before capturing. Yes I have used both gave the f/4 to my brother. I have mentioned before back in 2015 I used the E 10-18mm f/4 OSS (15-27mm in APS-C) in Full Frame mode at 12-18mm (18mm if you remove the rear light shield). But I use it at the 12mm setting for Astro Milky Way’s. It is smaller than the 14mm F/1.8 (needs a filter holder to use filters) but the E 10-18mm has threads up front for filters as well if you want filters in back with a adapter by a manufacturer. I started with the A7S in 2014 and took some of my first MW images i8n 2015 after Trey Ratcliff did a video on it. He was looking to use in landscapes mainly. Mainly in the beginning of Astro MW’s you use the widest of wides to get as much of the trail in the stars. Back then a Panorama rig was heavy and stepper at the base but in 2017 and rig just for the light weight mirrorless Sony came out. That is when Milky Way Arch came into being great to all. The E 10-18mm was superb in compared to the Rokinon 14mm f/2.8. The E 10-18mm has pin point stars in the upper corners where as all the other ultra wides even with Lrc (only in Lrc for years but took 2 years).
The sad thing for Sony is LAOWA came out with a 10mm f/2.8 that also as up front threads for filters that is great and is very good for the MW Arch. You may ask why. When doing an MW Arch you what the most room above for the most pin point stars above when the panorama is put together. Most all do multi level panoramas on trackers so the more captured the higher they can go as well a wider.
It is kinda funny making a 16mm f1.8 when for years the FE 16-35 f/4 in many version have come out and on a Sony it does not really matter about fast glass for a f/4 can be done at 20 sec.
Basically a small 12mm should have been made, I like staying with Sony lenses.
I just went out this morning with my A7RM5 and FE 14mm f/1.8 and LAOWA 10mm f/2.8 AF have not edited yet but had fun doing fast panoramas.
I still have not figured how a Sony camera user ever gets a dark astro image!