The SEL16F28 16mm wide angle lens is Sony's first lens produced for their NEX cameras. Its biggest advantage has to be its compactness and low price. Weighing at just 70 grams, you can't help but feel this lens was made specifically for carrying around. And sold at just $249, the SEL16F28 has to be a bargain for both professionals and beginners alike.
Where the SEL16F28 excels though is at low light conditions. In sunset or dusk settings, your NEX camera will be able to capture sharp, well-adjusted photos with this lens working for you. And it's not simply the SEL16F28's main function; this lens is good for all-around shooting, whether it be wide angle or telephotos. It really reduces the bulk of your NEX camera equipment and produces DSLR quality pictures without all the added weight that comes along with it. It is compatible with following Sony camera and camcorders: NEX-3, NEX-5 and NEX-7 cameras; NEX handycam camcorders.
The SEL16F28 is lightweight yet works heavy duty. It is compact yet elegant. The lens body is made of high quality durable aluminum alloy. The DMF function allows you to focus manually without having to switch once the AF has been locked on.
Product Details
The SEL16F28 has a focal length of 24 millimeters with a minimum aperture of f/22 and maximum aperture of f/2.8. It has a .073x magnifying power with a minimum focus distance of .24m. It has a 49mm filter with a non-rotating, focusing ring. The lens contains 7 circular aperture blades and 5 groups, 5 elements with 1 aspheric surface. It weighs 70g and measures 62x22.5mm in dimension. It also has an AF for movie capture and features Direct Manual Focus (DMF). It has an internal stepping motor and produces low noise when capturing movies. Its exterior finish is metal as is its mount material.
Conclusion
Simply put, the bad rep this lens is getting is undeserved. Purists who believe only DSLR cameras and their lenses are worth any time and money have launched an unfair prejudice against the SEL16F28.
There's nothing bad about a cheap lens that's not made for a DSLR camera. This lens is what it is – made exactly for Sony NEX cameras. It's the next generation in lightweight yet functional lenses. It's stylish, sleek, utilitarian, and totally cool. The SEL16F28 performs more than what's expected, and performs very well considering its low, low price.