Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II vs Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G
The bottom line
Similar coverage, different speed: the Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II opens to f/3.5 versus the Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G's f/4 — more light and shallower background blur. It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Choose the Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II if…
- ✓You're on a budget — $249 vs $1,099 leaves more for other gear.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
- ✓You value portability — at 109g (3.8 oz) it's lighter than the 488g (1.08 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
- ✓You use filters or shoot video — internal zoom keeps length and balance constant.
Choose the Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 70mm vs 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.39x magnification vs 0.21x.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II opens to f/3.5 vs the Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II is 16-50mm, Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G is 20-70mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II is $249, $850 under the Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Weight: the Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II is 109g (3.8 oz) vs 488g (1.08 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›Durability: the Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II or the Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G better?
Similar coverage, different speed: the Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II opens to f/3.5 versus the Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G's f/4 — more light and shallower background blur. It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Who should choose the Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II?
Choose the Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II if you're on a budget — $249 vs $1,099 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't. Choose it if you value portability — at 109g (3.8 oz) it's lighter than the 488g (1.08 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry. Choose it if you use filters or shoot video — internal zoom keeps length and balance constant.
Who should choose the Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G?
Choose the Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G if you need more reach — it goes to 70mm vs 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.39x magnification vs 0.21x. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
What is the main difference between the Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II and the Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G?
Aperture: the Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II opens to f/3.5 vs the Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 16-50mm | 20-70mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 8 | 16 |
| Optical Groups | 7 | 13 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/3.5 | f/4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | No | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | APS-C | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 83° – 32° | 94° – 34° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 24-75mm | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | XD Linear |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 25 cm | 25 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x | 0.39x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | Yes |
| Declickable Aperture | No | Yes |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | Yes | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $249 | $1,099 |
| Filter Size | 40mm | 72mm |
| Diameter | 61.4mm | 78.7mm |
| Length | 29.9mm | 99mm |
| Weight | 109g (3.8 oz) | 488g (1.08 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
