Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II vs Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II
The bottom line
There's a clear price gap: the Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II at $249 versus the Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II at $598. Check the differences below to see whether the pricier lens's advantages are ones you'll actually use.
Choose the Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 16mm vs 28mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You're on a budget — $249 vs $598 leaves more for other gear.
- ✓You value portability — at 109g (3.8 oz) it's lighter than the 293g (10.3 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
- ✓You use filters or shoot video — internal zoom keeps length and balance constant.
Choose the Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 70mm vs 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Where they differ
- ›Focal range: Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II is 16-50mm, Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II is 28-70mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II is $249, $349 under the Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II.
- ›Weight: the Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II is 109g (3.8 oz) vs 293g (10.3 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›Durability: the Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II 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 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II better?
There's a clear price gap: the Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II at $249 versus the Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II at $598. Check the differences below to see whether the pricier lens's advantages are ones you'll actually use.
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 shoot wide — it starts at 16mm vs 28mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you're on a budget — $249 vs $598 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you value portability — at 109g (3.8 oz) it's lighter than the 293g (10.3 oz) 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 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II?
Choose the Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II if you need more reach — it goes to 70mm vs 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. 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 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II?
Focal range: Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II is 16-50mm, Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II is 28-70mm — different framing and reach.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 16-50mm | 28-70mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 8 | 9 |
| Optical Groups | 7 | 8 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/3.5 | f/3.5 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Rounded Aperture | No | No |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | APS-C | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 83° – 32° | 75° – 34° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 24-75mm | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 25 cm | 30 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x | − |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | Yes | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $249 | $598 |
| Filter Size | 40mm | 55mm |
| Diameter | 61.4mm | − |
| Length | 29.9mm | − |
| Weight | 109g (3.8 oz) | 293g (10.3 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
