Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 SSM Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar SAL-1635Z

[groovyone]

Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 SSM Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar

Description:

The Sony SAL-1635Z 16-35mm f/2.8 ZA SSM Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* Autofocus Lens is a professional-grade bright zoom lens specifically designed for the Sony Alpha SLR series (also compatible with Minolta Maxxum series). Carl Zeiss' optical design and anti-flare T* coatings used for this lens help to reduce flare and to increase contrast. When used with a digital SLR camera with an APS-C sized sensor, the equivalent 35mm focal length for this lens is 24-52.5mm.

With its wide angle zoom range and its constant aperture of f/2.8, this lens is ideal for landscape, snapshot and indoor photography. In conjunction with the Super SteadyShot image stabilization system of the Sony α (alpha) DSLR camera system, this lens will provide excellent results even when hand-holding the camera by available light.

• SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor) is designed for fast, smooth, silent automatic focusing. This technology achieves high torque at low speed with rapid start/stop response. It operates through the ability of a piezoelectric device to reshape itself quickly when voltage is applied.
  
• Three aspherical and two ED lens elements correct visual aberrations and improve picture quality edge-to-edge across the entire zoom range.

Super Wide-Angle Zoom 16-35mm. Perfect for dramatic landscapes, interiors and unique perspectives on everyday objects. (35mm equivalent when used with APS-C format cameras: 24-52.5mm.)

Superb, corner-to-corner consistency. Resolution, contrast and image brightness are maintained not just at the image center, but also in the corners -- a hallmark of Carl Zeiss design.

Short Minimum Focusing Distance. With the ability to focus as closely as 11 inches (0.28 m), this wide angle zoom lens also lets you move in for dramatic perspectives on people, natural subjects and close-up details.

Focus Hold Button. For creative control a focus hold button conveniently located on the lens barrel lets you firmly lock in focus. Focus Hold also enables image preview with the α900 D-SLR.

Super Extra-low Dispersion (Super ED) and ED glass. Newton showed that different colors bend at different angles when they pass through glass. In lenses, this causes the problem of chromatic aberration. Sony solves the problem with a Super ED and an ED glass element. You get sharp, clear images with well defined colors.

Auto Clutch. For reliable operation, the manual focus ring does not rotate in auto-focus mode.

World-famous Carl Zeiss optics. Carl Zeiss lenses are prized by photographic professionals. The SAL1635Z features the classic Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar zoom lens design.

Super low distortion. The lens minimizes field curvature even at wide angle settings.

SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor). Large, wide-aperture zoom lenses tend to have larger, heavier elements that are harder to drive in Auto Focus. Sony achieves fast, smooth, near-silent automatic focusing with the Super Sonic wave Motor. It delivers high torque, high speed and rapid start/stop response.

Best-in-Class 0.24 Maximum Magnification. (Among super wide angle zoom full frame lenses as of September 2008).

Circular Aperture. Because the aperture blades form a near circle at the wide openings used for low-light shots, spot-light sources have a pleasing circular defocused effect. The lens features nine aperture blades.

Fast, constant aperture f/2.8. While typical zoom lenses lose maximum aperture toward the telephoto end, the SAL1635Z maintains a very fast f/2.8 across the entire zoom range for the utmost flexibility in challenging light conditions.

Carl Zeiss T* (T-star) coatings. Internal reflections on the glass-to-air surfaces can create veiling glare, which reduces contrast and takes the life out of your pictures. The SAL1635Z overcomes this issue with the famous Carl Zeiss T* coatings.

In-Camera Image Stabilization. Because Sony builds SteadyShot® image stabilization into the α cameras, the SAL1635Z does what other lenses can't. This is the world's only large-aperture, full-frame capable wide-angle zoom with the benefit of image stabilization (as of Sept. 2008).

Multi-Element Design. The SAL1635Z incorporates 17 elements in 13 groups for superb sharpness, speed and edge-to-edge consistency.

Three aspherical elements. Fast lenses have a difficult time maintaining sharpness at maximum aperture. The SAL1635Z is amazingly fast for a 16-35mm zoom. Yet thanks to three aspherical elements, the lens achieves incredibly consistent, corner-to-corner sharpness at maximum aperture.

Supplied accessories. Carrying case, lens caps and petal shaped lens hood.

Performance:

• Focal Length 16 - 35 mm
• Comparable APS-C Focal Length: 24 - 52.5 mm
• Aperture Maximum: f/2.8, Minimum: f/22
• Camera Mount Type Sony Alpha, Minolta AF
• Format Compatibility 35mm Film / Full-Frame Digital Sensor, DSLR (APS-C Sensor)
• Angle of View 107° - 63°
• Minimum Focus Distance 12" (30.48 cm)
• Magnification 0.24x
• Maximum Reproduction Ratio 1:4.16
• Groups/Elements 13/17
• Diaphragm Blades 9

Features:

• Image Stabilization: In Camera
• Autofocus: Yes
• Tripod Collar: No

Specifications:

• Filter Thread: 77 mm
• Dimensions (DxL): Approx. 3.27 x 4.49" (8.31 x 11.40 cm)
• Weight: 1.89 lb (860 g)

User Reviews:

• B&H Photo user reviews HERE
• Amazon user reviews HERE
• Adorama user reviews HERE

Where To Buy:

How To Post Sample Images:

We ask that members please post their own sample photos taken with this particular lens in order to give others that may be in the market to purchase one and idea of how well it handles. When posting sample photos we ask that you do so like the example below in regards to including any and all EXIF data such as camera body used, aperture, shutter speed, ISO etc. This will help out a great deal.

Example:

Canon EOS-5D Mark II : Canon EF 35 f/1.4L : 25 Seconds : f/5.6 : 100 ISO : 35mm : Aperture Priority Mode : -1/3 Bias : No Flash

[groovyone]

I have some samples...just need to get them up....

Some mild IDC editing:
Sony A100-IR : @16mm : 1/60th : f9 : 100 ISO : Aperature Priority Mode : +1 Exp Comp


Sony A100-IR : @16mm : 1/125th : f8 : 100 ISO : Aperature Priority Mode : +1 Exp Comp


Sony A900 : @16mm : 1/320th : f9 : 200 ISO : Aperature Priority Mode : 0 Exp Comp

[uthookem]

Man, all of those kind of suck, and look like work.

Just kidding.

[thehatguy]

I think this looks better straightened out a bit.

Good work.

John

[groovyone]

Originally Posted by thehatguy

I think this looks better straightened out a bit.

Good work.

John

I agree. I shot it out a car window from the middle of the street. I should try reprocessing with DxO now that I have switched to that. The automatic lens corrections and straightening tools are very nice.

[groovyone]

Updated

[andrew_broadfoot]

Sony Alpha A850: Sony 16-35/f2.8 SSM Carl Zeiss (At 16mm): 31 Seconds: F-8: ISO-100: Manual: Bulb No Flash


Sony Alpha A850: Sony 16-35/f2.8 SSM Carl Zeiss (At 16mm): 65/10 Seconds: F-8: ISO-100: Manual: Bulb: No Flash


Sony Alpha A850: Sony 16-35/f2.8 SSM Carl Zeiss (At 26mm): 20 Seconds: F-8: ISO-100: Manual: Bulb: No Flash

[groovyone]

Very cool, Andrew. I love this lens but don't use it very much lately. Need to get it out more.

[craigb456]

I'll use it for you :D

Originally Posted by groovyone

Very cool, Andrew. I love this lens but don't use it very much lately. Need to get it out more.

[groovyone]

Hah. I forget that you live across the street now.