Sony has introduced its new full-frame mirrorless lens which is the FE PZ 16-35MM F4 G. It’s a super compact and light lens that offers a special added value for filmmakers, and that will be its new enhanced Power Zoom capabilities. Are you a zoomer? Then read more about this lens down below.
Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G
According to Sony, “The FE PZ 16-35MM F4 G offers an extraordinary blend of breathtaking resolution and beautiful bokeh in a lightweight, compact lens”. The optical path includes two AA (advanced aspherical) elements and a conventional aspherical element for an accurate image across the frame and 16- 35mm zoom range. One Super ED (extra-low dispersion), and one ED glass element control chromatic aberration, while one ED aspherical element controls both chromatic and spherical aberration.
Very light and compact (and robust)
Sony states that the FE PZ 16-35MM F4 G is “The world’s lightest F4 wide-angle power-zoom lens”. The lens weighs 353 grams and is 3.17 inches x 3.47 inches (80.5mm x 88.1mm) in size with a filter diameter of φ72mm. The lens also has a dust and moisture-resistant design, as well as a fluorine front element coating to keep it clean and reliable for outdoor use. Furthermore, the lens features the latest lens technology to reduce focus breathing as well as focus and axial shift when zooming to ensure the highest quality video is easily captured. Focus, zoom, and aperture operation are also extremely quiet, greatly reducing noise and vibration that can interfere with movie recording.
A New Power Zoom function
For the first time in a Sony Alpha lens, the FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G uses four XD linear motors for the power zoom function in addition to the two XD linear motors used for focus. With this newly designed electronic power zoom system, the FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G provides advanced control with the response and immediacy of non-powered manual zoom. It features both a zoom ring and a zoom lever with variable zoom speed that makes it easy to execute super-slow, fast, or constant-speed changes in focal length. Power zoom also minimizes camera shake or movement that can occur when operating a traditional zoom ring, and when used with compatible cameras, users can customize the zoom ring direction to suit shooting conditions. Zoom can also be controlled with the zoom lever on compatible cameras. Remote operation is also possible when using the Imaging Edge Mobile app.
Check out the demonstration below:
Pricing and Availability
The FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G will be available in June 2022 for approximately $1,200.00 USD. For purchasing options explore the Product List down below.
Final thoughts
Many filmmakers claim that performing a ‘zoom’ is far less cinematic than actually moving the camera. There’s the famous debate: Dollying vs zooming. However, an option for decent zooming can be handy for some shots. Till now, zooming with small lenses was a challenge, and even the previous Power Zoom lenses by Sony had some issues regarding the accuracy of the zoom. When developing the FE PZ 16-35MM F4 G, Sony has decided to focus more on the zoom in order to allow controlled and precise zoom that filmmakers might like and use. It will be interesting to see this feature even further developed and implemented into the next full-frame lenses by Sony. Will this lens return the popularity of the zoom?
Product List
Here’re the products mentioned in the article, and the links to purchase them from authorized dealers.
- Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G E-Mount Lens
For ENG work and corporate field work a zoom lens is a must. You can’t always get your camera where it needs to be so the ability to zoom in and not have to change lenses on the fly is a matter of ergonomics and profitability. Long live the “zoom” lens.