Sony 16mm f/1.8 G Review

credits: Sony

Sony’s 16mm f/1.8 G is a compact, affordable wide-angle lens that punches above its weight. It’s lightweight, weather-resistant, and packed with features: a smooth/clickable aperture ring, a custom button, and fast, silent autofocus. It even works great in freezing conditions.

Sharpness & Image Quality

At f/1.8, sharpness is decent but lacks contrast, and the corners are noticeably soft. Stopping down improves contrast and central sharpness, but the corners never fully recover—likely due to heavy distortion correction. On the plus side, chromatic aberration is minimal, and flare control is surprisingly good for a budget-friendly lens.

Bokeh & Close-Ups

You can get some background blur when shooting close, but the bokeh is a weak point—think onion rings and soap bubbles. It’s not the most pleasing look, but for most shots, it won’t be a deal-breaker.

Low Light & Astrophotography?

If you’re hoping to use this for astro, think again. The corners suffer from astigmatism, stretching stars into weird shapes. Night cityscapes? Sure. But for serious stargazing, you’ll want something better.

Great for Video

Vloggers and videographers will love this lens. It’s small, lightweight, and has minimal focus breathing. Pair it with a Sony ZV-E1 on a gimbal, and you’ve got a killer setup.

Should You Buy It?

Yes—if you’re a vlogger, traveler, or someone who needs a lightweight, affordable wide-angle. Just don’t expect flawless sharpness or dreamy bokeh. At $800, it’s a solid buy for creators who can work around its quirks.

Alternatives:

• Sony 20mm f/1.8 G – Less wide, but sharper and more versatile.

• Sony 14mm f/1.8 GM – Pricier but optically stunning.

• Sigma 14mm f/1.4 ART – Big, expensive, but lets in more light.