Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G vs Sony Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm f/4 ZA OSS
The bottom line
These two are closely matched. The differences below are where they diverge — weigh the ones that map to what you shoot, and let size, price and handling break the tie.
Choose the Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 10mm vs 16mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You value portability — at 143g (5.0 oz) it's lighter than the 308g (10.9 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
- ✓You use filters or shoot video — internal zoom keeps length and balance constant.
Choose the Sony Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm f/4 ZA OSS if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 70mm vs 20mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Where they differ
- ›Focal range: Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G is 10-20mm, Sony Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm f/4 ZA OSS is 16-70mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Sony Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm f/4 ZA OSS has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Weight: the Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G is 143g (5.0 oz) vs 308g (10.9 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›Durability: the Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G or the Sony Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm f/4 ZA OSS better?
These two are closely matched. The differences below are where they diverge — weigh the ones that map to what you shoot, and let size, price and handling break the tie.
Who should choose the Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G?
Choose the Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G if you shoot wide — it starts at 10mm vs 16mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 143g (5.0 oz) it's lighter than the 308g (10.9 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't. Choose it if you use filters or shoot video — internal zoom keeps length and balance constant.
Who should choose the Sony Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm f/4 ZA OSS?
Choose the Sony Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm f/4 ZA OSS if you need more reach — it goes to 70mm vs 20mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it 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 PZ 10-20mm f/4 G and the Sony Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm f/4 ZA OSS?
Focal range: Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G is 10-20mm, Sony Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm f/4 ZA OSS is 16-70mm — different framing and reach.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 10-20mm | 16-70mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 9 | 12 |
| Optical Groups | 7 | 9 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4 | f/4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | No |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | APS-C | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 110° – 71° | 83° – 23° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 15-30mm | 24-105mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Linear | DDSSM |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 15 cm | 35 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x | 0.23x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | Yes | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $649 | $649 |
| Filter Size | 55mm | 55mm |
| Diameter | 63mm | 66.6mm |
| Length | 46.9mm | 75mm |
| Weight | 143g (5.0 oz) | 308g (10.9 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
