Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G vs Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G
The bottom line
Similar coverage, different speed: the Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G opens to f/2.8 versus the Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G's f/4 — more light and shallower background blur. The Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G gives that up to stay lighter (488g (1.08 lb)) and cheaper ($1,099). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Choose the Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation.
Choose the Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G if…
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.39x magnification vs 0.2x.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G opens to f/2.8 vs the Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G is 16-55mm, Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G is 20-70mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G is $1,099, $200 under the Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G.
Frequently asked
Is the Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G or the Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G better?
Similar coverage, different speed: the Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G opens to f/2.8 versus the Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G's f/4 — more light and shallower background blur. The Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G gives that up to stay lighter (488g (1.08 lb)) and cheaper ($1,099). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Who should choose the Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G?
Choose the Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G if you want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation.
Who should choose the Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G?
Choose the Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G if you like close-focus work — 0.39x magnification vs 0.2x.
What is the main difference between the Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G and the Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G?
Aperture: the Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G opens to f/2.8 vs the Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 16-55mm | 20-70mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 17 | 16 |
| Optical Groups | 13 | 13 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | APS-C | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 83° – 29° | 94° – 34° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 24-83mm | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Linear | XD Linear |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 35 cm | 25 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.2x | 0.39x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | Yes |
| Declickable Aperture | No | Yes |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $1,299 | $1,099 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 72mm |
| Diameter | 73.3mm | 78.7mm |
| Length | 99.6mm | 99mm |
| Weight | 494g (1.09 lb) | 488g (1.08 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
