Sony announces 16-35mm f/4 PZ G Series Power Zoom lens

Sony has announced the 16-35mm f/4 Power Zoom (PZ) lens, a new G Series zoom for E-Mount that the company says is the world’s lightest f/4 wide zoom lens.

The lens weighs 353 grams, 30% less than the Vario-Tessar T* FE 16–35 mm F4 ZA OSS and is 80.5mm x 88.1mm in size. The lens also has a dust and moisture resistant design, as well as a fluorine front element coating.

The 16-35mm f/4 is constructed of 13 elements in 12 groups. It features two AA (advanced aspherical) lenses, one aspherical lens, one ED aspherical lens, one super ED lens, and one ED lens. The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 0.28 and 0.24 metres at both ends of the zoom range and a 0.23x max magnification ratio. Additionally, an 'optimised coating' helps manage flare and ghosting.

The FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G utilises two XD (Extreme Dynamic) Linear motors to control autofocus. According to Sony, when paired with the flaghship Alpha 1, the lens can maintain accurate focus while shooting stills continuously at up to 30fps and up to 120fps in movie mode.

Inside, two 'High-thrust' XD Linear Motors, optimised optics, and responsive control help with AF performance while keeping the lens compact with internal focus.

The FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G uses four XD linear motors for the power zoom function in addition to the two XD linear motors used for focus. Sony says this system provides control with the response and immediacy of non-powered manual zoom. The lens features both a zoom ring and a zoom lever with variable zoom speed, allowing super-slow, fast or constant-speed change in focal length.

The Power zoom also minimises camera shake or movement that can occur when operating a traditional zoom ring. The zoom can also be controlled with the zoom lever on compatible cameras, or remotely when using Sony's Imaging Edge Mobile app, GP-VPT2BT Bluetooth Grip and Remote Commander RMT-P1BT while the camera is mounted on a gimbal. Using internal focus and internal zoom, the overall length of the lens remains constant during use for ideal balance and handling.

The FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G includes an Iris Lock Switch that can be engaged to prevent the aperture ring from being accidentally moved between the auto and F4 - F22 settings and a customisable focus hold button.

The new lens will be available from early May, and has an RRP of $1999.