
AOM
The Sony E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS (SELP1650) is a compact, retractable standard zoom lens for Sony E‑mount APS‑C mirrorless cameras, featuring a motorized power‑zoom and optical image stabilization. Released in 2013, it targets travel, everyday shooting, and entry‑level video creators with a versatile 24‑75mm equivalent focal range.
Pros
Current
$199.96
Average
$182.74
Lowest
$159.90
Highest
$207.96
Lower = better sales rank
Please sign in to leave a review
No reviews yet. Be the first to review!
Get notified when the price drops. Track this product on BigBangPrice, our price tracking partner.
Cons
From Expert Reviews
Praised by Experts
Criticized by Experts
From User Reviews
Users Love
Users Complain About
Expert Opinion
Professional reviewers commend the SELP1650 for its ultra‑compact, retractable build and the smooth, silent power‑zoom that makes it a strong choice for travel videography. The inclusion of ED glass and aspherical elements earns praise for good contrast and low chromatic aberration, while the built‑in Optical SteadyShot adds handheld stability. However, experts criticize the variable f/3.5‑5.6 aperture for limiting low‑light performance and note the modest 0.215× magnification as insufficient for macro work.
What Users Say
Everyday users consistently highlight the lens's portability, lightweight feel, and balanced handling on Sony APS‑C bodies, describing it as an ideal travel companion and reliable kit lens. Common praise centers on the convenient power‑zoom for video and the overall image quality for general shooting. Recurring complaints focus on the limited low‑light capability due to the variable aperture and the lack of macro‑level close‑focus ability.
Common Complaints
Users frequently mention the lens's struggle in dim lighting because the maximum aperture narrows to f/5.6, the limited 0.215× magnification for close‑up work, and the perception that it is too entry‑level for serious professional applications.
How It Compares
Compared to larger standard zooms, the SELP1650 stands out for its retractable barrel and motorized power‑zoom, offering unmatched portability at the cost of a variable aperture and lower low‑light performance. Competing kit lenses like Sony's 18‑55mm provide a constant f/3.5‑5.6 aperture but lack the power‑zoom and ultra‑compact design, while higher‑end options such as the Sony 16‑70mm F4 deliver a constant f/4 aperture and better low‑light capability but are bulkier and lack the retractable form factor.
Best Budget Sony E-Mount Lenses Under $300
roundup