Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G vs Sony Vario-Tessar T* FE 24-70mm f/4 ZA OSS
The bottom line
Similar coverage, different speed: the Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G opens to f/2.8 versus the Sony Vario-Tessar T* FE 24-70mm f/4 ZA OSS's f/4 — more light and shallower background blur. The Sony Vario-Tessar T* FE 24-70mm f/4 ZA OSS gives that up to stay lighter (426g (15.0 oz)). 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.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 16mm vs 24mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Choose the Sony Vario-Tessar T* FE 24-70mm f/4 ZA OSS if…
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G opens to f/2.8 vs the Sony Vario-Tessar T* FE 24-70mm f/4 ZA OSS's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G is 16-55mm, Sony Vario-Tessar T* FE 24-70mm f/4 ZA OSS is 24-70mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Sony Vario-Tessar T* FE 24-70mm f/4 ZA OSS has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Durability: the Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G or the Sony Vario-Tessar T* FE 24-70mm f/4 ZA OSS better?
Similar coverage, different speed: the Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G opens to f/2.8 versus the Sony Vario-Tessar T* FE 24-70mm f/4 ZA OSS's f/4 — more light and shallower background blur. The Sony Vario-Tessar T* FE 24-70mm f/4 ZA OSS gives that up to stay lighter (426g (15.0 oz)). 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. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 16mm vs 24mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Who should choose the Sony Vario-Tessar T* FE 24-70mm f/4 ZA OSS?
Choose the Sony Vario-Tessar T* FE 24-70mm f/4 ZA OSS if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
What is the main difference between the Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G and the Sony Vario-Tessar T* FE 24-70mm f/4 ZA OSS?
Aperture: the Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G opens to f/2.8 vs the Sony Vario-Tessar T* FE 24-70mm f/4 ZA OSS's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 16-55mm | 24-70mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 17 | 12 |
| Optical Groups | 13 | 10 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 7 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | No |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | APS-C | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 83° – 29° | 84° – 34° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 24-83mm | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Linear | DDSSM |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 35 cm | 40 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.2x | 0.2x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $1,299 | $1,299 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 73.3mm | 73mm |
| Length | 99.6mm | 94.5mm |
| Weight | 494g (1.09 lb) | 426g (15.0 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
