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Sony SELP1650 16-50mm OSS — Review & Specs | Pricepect | Pricepect

Home Camera LensesSony SELP1650 16-50mm OSS

Sony SELP1650 16-50mm OSS — image 1

AOM

Sony SELP1650 16-50mm OSS

Expert Review Analysis

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.

✓ Best for: Travel photographers who need a pocket‑sized zoom, casual shooters seeking a versatile 24‑75mm equivalent range, video creators who benefit from silent power‑zoom, beginners and hobbyists looking for a dependable kit lens, and Sony E‑mount APS‑C owners wanting a lightweight everyday lens.✗ Not ideal for: Professional studio work requiring a constant fast aperture, low‑light event photography such as concerts or indoor gatherings, macro or close‑focus photography demanding higher magnification, and users who prefer a manual zoom ring for precise control.

Pros

✓Collapsible retractable design folds to just 29.9 mm, making it extremely portable for travel.
✓Motorized power‑zoom provides silent, smooth zooming ideal for video recording.

Price History

Current

$199.96

Average

$182.74

Lowest

$159.90

Highest

$207.96

Price trend (90d):0.0%

Best Seller Rank History

Now#11Best#8Worst#105 +13

Lower = better sales rank

Rating Trend

Rating4.4/ 5Reviews313+56 reviews +0.10

Specifications

Camera

Focal Length16-50mm

35mm Equivalent24-75mm

Maximum ApertureF3.5-5.6

Minimum ApertureF22-36

Minimum Focus Distance250-300mm

Design

Dimensions (Retracted)64.7mm (D) × 29.9mm (L)

Weight116g g

Filter Diameter40.5mm mm

Retractable DesignCollapses to 29.9mm when powered off

Features

Lens Construction9 elements in 8 groups

Special Elements1 ED, 4 aspherical

Aperture Blades7

Image StabilizationOptical SteadyShot

Power ZoomMotorized power zoom

General

BrandSony

ModelSELP1650

MountSony E-mount

FormatAPS-C

Release DateJanuary 2013

Research Sources

imaging-resource.com

en.wikipedia.org

the-digital-picture.com

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User Reviews

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4.4

(313 reviews)

$199.96

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SN1650BLAUVJK

✓

Optical SteadyShot image stabilization helps reduce camera shake in handheld shooting.

✓Inclusion of ED glass and four aspherical elements delivers good contrast and low chromatic aberration.

✓Lightweight construction at only 116 g ensures balanced handling on APS‑C mirrorless bodies.

✓Versatile 24‑75 mm equivalent focal range covers wide‑angle to short telephoto for everyday photography.

Cons

✗Variable maximum aperture of f/3.5‑5.6 limits light‑gathering ability, especially at longer focal lengths.
✗Modest maximum magnification of 0.215× restricts close‑up or macro shooting capabilities.
✗Performance in low‑light situations is compromised due to the slower variable aperture.
✗Small maximum aperture also reduces depth‑of‑field control for creative background blur.
✗Power‑zoom mechanism may be less intuitive for photographers accustomed to manual zoom rings.

From Expert Reviews

Praised by Experts

✓Exceptional portability praised for fitting easily into cargo or coat pockets, ideal for travel.
✓Smooth, silent micromotor‑driven power zoom highlighted as beneficial for videography.
✓ED glass and aspherical elements noted for minimizing distortion and delivering high contrast.
✓Optical image stabilization recognized for improving low‑light handheld performance.

Criticized by Experts

✗Variable aperture noted as a limitation, reducing light‑gathering at longer focal lengths.
✗Underperformance in low‑light conditions attributed to the f/3.5‑5.6 aperture range.
✗Low maximum magnification (0.215×) considered insufficient for macro or close‑focus work.

From User Reviews

Users Love

✓Users love its compact size and lightweight feel, making it perfect for travel photography.
✓Balanced handling with Sony NEX bodies reported, feeling well‑matched and not bulky.
✓Reliability as a kit lens praised for consistent image quality in everyday shooting.
✓Power‑zoom feature appreciated for smooth operation during casual video creation.

Users Complain About

✗Many users report difficulty shooting in dim environments because the aperture narrows to f/5.6.
✗Some users feel the lens is too entry‑level for professional work and lacks fast aperture.
✗Limited close‑focus capability mentioned as a drawback for macro enthusiasts.

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.

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