Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G vs Sony FE 50mm f/2.5 G
Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G vs Sony FE 50mm f/2.5 G
When comparing Sony FE 50mm f/2.5 G and Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G, which one is better?
1. Lens Mount Comparison
These two lenses use the same lens mount, the Sony E. This means that both lenses are compatible with cameras that use this mount.
Winner: Tied
Regarding lens mount: Popular lens mounts are Canon RF and EF, Micro Four Thirds and Nikon Z. Different lens mounts lets you connect different lenses to camera bodies, but some might not be compatible. This can be helped by using an adapter, like a Canon EF to RF adapter.
2. Largest Aperture Comparison
The Sony FE 50mm f/2.5 G has the largest aperture of the two lenses at 2.5 compared to the 4 aperture of Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G. This means that you get more light to your sensor using Sony FE 50mm f/2.5 G wide open, and therefore it might be a better lens in dark situations.
Winner: Sony FE 50mm f/2.5 G
Regarding largest aperture: A lower aperture number means that the widest aperture on the lens is larger. This means that more light will hit the sensor and also that the depth of field will be shallower, better separating your subject from the background.
3. Anamorphic Comparison
Neither Sony FE 50mm f/2.5 G or Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G are anamorphic lenses.
Winner: Tied — Neither have this feature
Regarding anamorphic: Anamorphic lenses are usually used on cinema cameras and squeezes the image when its recorded, which gives the final, stretched out, image oval bokeh and a different angle of view. The most common lenses, however, are not anamorphic but spherical, which gives a spherical bokeh and is a much cheaper lens design.
4. Lens Type Comparison
The Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G is a Zoom lens while the Sony FE 50mm f/2.5 G is a Prime lens. Whether or not a zoom lens or a prime lens is what you need, is up to you to decide; they both have their respective strengths and weaknesses.
Winner: Tied — It depends on your gear
Regarding type: There are two types of lenses; zoom lenses and prime lenses. Prime lenses have a fixed focal length and cannot be zoomed, while zoom lenses have a focal length range and can be zoomed in to get closer to the subject. Prime lenses are usually lighter, cheaper and let in more light. Zoom lenses are more versatile but are more expensive since they require a more advanced lens design.
Specifications
Full specifications table of Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G and Sony FE 50mm f/2.5 G:
| Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G | Sony FE 50mm f/2.5 G | |
 |  | |
| Brand | Sony | Sony |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Focal Length | 16 - 35 mm | 50 mm |
| Largest Aperture | 4 | 2.5 |
| Anamorphic | No | No |
| Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Image Stabilization | Missing | No |
| Autofocus | Missing | Evet |
| Macro | Missing | No |
| Weather Seal | Missing | Yes |
| Full Frame Coverage | Missing | Yes |
| Lens Hood Included | Missing | Yes |