Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 'G' lens review with samples

Is this just another slightly mediocre Sony zoom lens, or could it be something really special? A new fast standard zoom lens for APS-C cameras is always an exciting thing to me - let's take a close look.

Find it here (Amazon affiliate link - I earn a commission on purchases. Be sure to buy the right lens for your system):

All pictures taken by me on Sony a7r ii and a5100 cameras.

...or on YouTube Memberships:

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Music:
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

[usernamehandle]

Chris, I just want to let you know how much your videos mean to me. I have really awful depression, and found your videos as I was researching a camera to buy for my small business. Fell in love with the relaxed atmosphere and your positive vibes, and I used to turn these on just as something to fall asleep to. That isn't to say they aren't entertaining or educational, they are. But they're so comforting to watch. I hope you're reaching your own goals and doing well. Take care.

[stevemaschke]

I'm a simple man. I see a new Chris Frost lens review, I click on it.

[almaw]

“Relative mediocrity...” such a polite way to put it! Nice review as always. Not in the market for the lens, but really appreciate the insights into what makes a good lens.

[cornerstrike]

Wow. An incredible well done review! It feels so different than the majority of reviews you see online. Great job!

[JasonMorrisphotocinema]

The best lens reviewer on YouTube strikes again. I still wouldn't get this lens though. A little too exy

[networm]

Wow! This lens is ridiculously sharp! I think that's a bargain even considering it's price which is not weird in sony's world...please notice that for videography this lens equals perfection! Chris says it's the best apsc zoom lens he has ever tested in all brands...that means a lot to a manufacturer only making lenses decades after the analog era!

[onegrapefruitlover]

Ooh, I've been waiting for this review. Thanks Chris!

[TheJudge]

I'm always disappointed when I see the prices for the Sony lenses 😕

[hughjohns]

What I'd really like to see is a 16-55 (or thereabouts) full frame lens, even if it were only f4. Hope you're reading this, Sony. Carry two lenses instead of three with my 70-200.

[RealRiders]

I bought this lens 5 years ago along with a used A6000 to learn photography and it has helped me so much because I can't blame the lens if the picture doesn't come out as I thought lol. I am now looking for a smaller 33-35mm prime lens for street photography but I haven't found a sharper lens.

[robertsimpson]

I have wondered how these crop lenses fare on the full frame cameras in crop mode compared to the crop bodies? You do give resolution comparisons on test charts but there are other considerations such as the high iso performance and larger photo sites. My problem is I don't like the ergonomics of my a6000 and would not mind the increased size of a full frame body but keep my crop lenses that I am very happy with. You must be the best qualified person to comment on this having both cameras. Many thanks for all your great videos, I even enjoy watching the ones I have no interest in buying.

[juandenz]

Nice review ! Actually I love the APS-C format ! I'm only a casual photographer, and mostly take photos while travelling. I just need a relatively small and lightweight camera lens combo. I hope the price on this lens comes down to something affordable in the future. It looks like the performance is very good, especially since I want to do more video.

[diegorivera]

The change on YouTube comments location on the mobile app is killing my ability to post first. So... Nice review, as always. I'm not very fond of Sony reviews, but I had the opportunity to try an A7III past week and I can say that I am impressed (Canon user here). I'm considering it.

[tzvetanzlatanov]

Great review, as usual, thank you very much! I had the chance to work with the lens for a white. Excellent lens with one bug. Too much colour aberration in the bokeh (longitudinal chromatic aberration). Even up to higher aperture. For most, it might not be a problem but it is good to keep it in mind imho, as cleaning of those require quite some manual work with the brushes in Adobe Photoshop.

[Jylakir]

Got this lens for a nice price, it's realy something speacial on my A6400. The only bad thing is the extrem crop on 16mm when the software needs to cut the image down so you don't see the dark corners anymore.

[DiscoverKorea]

Thank you Christopher, you are back again! You made my day!

[Scotracer]

I have a Sigma 17-50 f/2.8 for my D7500. It's basically glued to it at this point - does everything!

[Monsieur-Estrada]

What are those black corners at 7:11 ??

[bjarnejohannsen]

Hi Chris - would it be wise to buy Sony 16-55mm f2.8 (Aps-C) for my Sony a7II? I have 70-350mm E4.5-6.3 G which I am very happy with. Do you have a better suggestion? Thanks for your nice reveiws!

[truewisdomcy]

Hey man appreciate the effort always a fan of your videos!! Waiting for the rf 15-35 review!!!