In May of 2023 I reviewed a lens that I was very excited about. Viltrox had released a next level 16mm F1.8 autofocus lens for Sony FE, and it fill a niche previously unfilled on FE – a high quality, fast prime lens at 16mm…and even better, it was very affordable. That lens has sold a lot of copies over the past few years on first Sony FE and then Nikon Z, but its time in the spotlight may be coming to an end. Sony has now released their answer to the Viltrox, and it is smaller, lighter, wider, and even higher performing…and only costs about $220 more. The new Sony FE 16mm F1.8 G takes the formula that I loved in the FE 20mm F1.8 G and takes it wider. The 16mm F1.8 G is a lens that I quickly fell in love with. You can find out why by watching my video review or reading my text review…or just enjoying the photos below.

Thanks to Sony USA for sending me a review loaner of this lens. As always, this is a completely independent review. *The tests and most of the photos that I share as a part of my review cycle have been done with the Sony a7RV along with the Sony Alpha 1 that serve as my benchmark cameras for Sony lenses. You can visit the product listing page for the 16mm F1.8 G here.

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I got two lens loaners from Sony in March of 2025, and they are definitely what you would call two extremes! Here’s what the 16mm G and the 400-800mm G look like side by side:

Ummm, wow! And while that may exaggerate how small the 16mm F1.8 G is, here’s a look at it side by side with the Viltrox:

So yes, it is definitely compact. But that doesn’t mean much if it also isn’t good…which it is! Enjoy the photos in the galleries below!

Images of the Sony 16mm F1.8 G

Images taken with the Sony 16mm F1.8 G

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GEAR USED:

Purchase the Sony FE 16mm F1.8 G @ B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon | Sony Canada | Camera Canada | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Amazon Germany

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Purchase the Sony a7RV @ B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon | Camera Canada | Sony Canada | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Amazon Germany

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Purchase the Sony a7IV @ B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon | Camera Canada | Sony Canada | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Amazon Germany

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