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Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM Full-Frame Autofocus Lens for E-Mount, Black {82} SEL1635GM
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$1,325.00
Sony's 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master built for full-frame E-mount.
The FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM covers a 107° to 63° angle of view on full-frame bodies, giving you everything from an ultra-wide environmental perspective down to a moderate wide that still flatters faces. The f/2.8 maximum aperture holds constant across the entire zoom range, so your exposure doesn't shift mid-shot. That matters when you're working fast in low light or need predictable depth of field at every focal length.
Optically, the 16-element, 13-group construction includes two XA (extreme aspherical) elements, which work to control distortion and maintain edge resolution without sacrificing the smooth background rendering you'd want at close focus distances. The 28 cm minimum focusing distance lets you get close enough that f/2.8 actually produces subject separation even at the wide end, not something you take for granted on ultra-wide zooms. At 680 g with a 82mm filter thread, it sits on the lighter end for a full-frame f/2.8 wide zoom, making it a practical choice for shooters who don't want to haul glass all day.
For the money and performance, this is one of the strongest arguments for staying in the Sony E ecosystem when wide-angle work is central to what you shoot.
Who It's For
Wedding photographers working reception halls and tight ceremony venues get a constant f/2.8 that performs in dim conditions without switching lenses between wide room shots and closer editorial moments. Architectural and interior photographers benefit from the controlled distortion and corner-to-corner resolution across the full 16-35mm range. Landscape shooters who want the 16mm field of view but still carry one body all day appreciate the 680 g weight. Documentary and photojournalists covering events with unpredictable geometry will find the zoom range practical when physical repositioning isn't an option.
Key Features
- 16-35mm zoom with constant f/2.8 aperture across entire range
- 107° to 63° angle of view for ultra-wide to moderate wide coverage
- Two XA extreme aspherical elements control distortion and edge resolution
- 28 cm minimum focus distance produces subject separation at wide apertures
- 680-gram weight, lighter than most constant-aperture full-frame wide zooms
- Sony E-mount, full-frame format
- 82mm filter thread
- 13-group, 16-element optical construction
FAQ
- What's the angle of view at 16mm versus 35mm?
- At 16mm you get 107°, which is genuinely ultra-wide and forces you to think about foreground-to-background composition. At 35mm it tightens to 63°, giving you room to shoot environmental portraits without extreme distortion.
- Does the f/2.8 aperture stay constant across the zoom range?
- Yes. You get f/2.8 from 16mm through 35mm, so exposure and depth of field don't shift when you zoom. That's the point of paying for a constant-aperture zoom.
- How close can you focus with this lens?
- 28 cm (11 inches) minimum focus distance. That's close enough that f/2.8 at 16mm actually produces subject separation instead of pancake-flat background blur. Try that on most ultra-wides and you'll understand why this spec matters.
- What makes the XA elements different from standard aspherical elements?
- XA (extreme aspherical) elements correct distortion and maintain edge-to-corner sharpness without degrading the bokeh rendering you'd want when shooting close. Two of them in this design handle the optical compromises that typically plague wide zooms.
- Is 680 grams light for an f/2.8 full-frame wide zoom?
- Yes. Most constant-aperture 16-35mm zooms on full-frame run heavier. At 680 grams, this sits on the practical side for all-day shooting, especially paired with compact E-mount bodies.
- What's the filter thread size?
- 82mm, which is standard enough that you won't struggle finding ND grads, CPLs, or protection filters. Not oversized, not undersized.
- How many elements and groups in the optical construction?
- 16 elements arranged in 13 groups. The design includes two XA elements specifically engineered to balance resolution, distortion control, and bokeh quality.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 16-35mm |
| Max Aperture | 2.8 |
| Min Aperture | 22 |
| Mount | Sony E |
| Min Focus Distance | 11.02" (28 cm) |
| Filter Size | 82mm |
| Lens Groups | 13 |
| Lens Elements | 16 |
| Angle Of View | 107° - 63° |
| Length | 4.79" (121.6 mm) |
| Maximum Diameter | 3.48" (88.5 mm) |
| Package Weight | 2.555 lb |
| Box Dimensions | 8.4 x 5.6 x 5.1" |
| Weight | 1.50 lb (680 g) |
This description was generated using AI based on KEH's internal product standards, product expertise, and knowing what customers care about most. While we strive for accuracy, details may vary by individual item.
| Brand Name | Sony |
|---|---|
| Filter Size | 82mm |
| Focus Type | Autofocus (lens motor) |
| Lens Mount | Sony E Mount |
| Lens Type | Wide-Angle |
| Max Focal Length | 35mm |
| Min Focal Length | 16mm |
