Sony FE 16mm F1.8 G Prime Lens Announced

Along with the super-telephoto Sony FE 400-800mm F6.3-8 G OSS lens Sony also added to their growing collection of ultra-wide prime lenses with the addition of the Sony FE 16mm F1.8 G lens.

The new FE 16mm F1.8 G lens will retail for $798 in the US or £849 in the UK. You can already pre-order the lens but it won’t start shipping until early April 2025.

The FE 16mm F1.8 G lens is constructed of 15 elements in 12 groups and there’s an 11 blade circular aperture.

There are two AA (Advanced Aspherical) elements, one Super ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass element and three ED elements to help suppress chromatic aberration, whilst an optimised coating minimises flare and ghosting.

The minimum focusing distance is 0.15m (autofocus), 0.13m (manual focus) and the maximum magnification ratio is 0.25(autofocus), 0.3(manual focus).

The lens measures just 73.8 x 75 ​ mm (3 x 3 inch) and weighs in at 304 g (10.8 oz).

Two XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors ensure fast, precise AF and tracking, making this lens an ideal choice for shooting active, fast-moving subjects.

Breathing compensation is supported with compatible Alpha bodies and in-body Active Mode image stabilisation helps to capture stable wide-angle video whilst walking.

On the lens body you can find a focus ring, focus hold button, focus mode switch, aperture ring, and iris lock switch, alternative functions can also be assigned to the focus hold button. On the front of the lens you will find a 67mm filter thread.

Key Specs

Sensor Format	Full Frame
Focal Range	16mm
Lens Construction	12 groups, 15 elements
Angle of View	107°
Number of Diaphragm Blades	11 circular
Maximum Aperture	F1.8
Minimum Aperture	F22
Minimum Focusing Distance	0.15(AF), 0.13(MF) m (0.5(AF), 0.43(MF) ft)
Maximum Magnification Ratio	0.25(AF), 0.3(MF)
Filter Size	67mm
Dimensions (Diameter × Length)	73.8 x 75 mm (3 x 3 in.)
Weight	304 g (10.8 oz.)
Supplied Accessories	Hood (model): ALC-SH184 Lens front cap: ALC-F67S Lens rear cap: ALC-R1EM Case

Early Reviews

Here’s a collection of early reviews worth watching to learn more about this lens.