johnahill wrote:
how accurate is the power zoom function for precise framing?
I'm not sure exactly what you are thinking about but here goes:
The rocker button works well: the further you push it the faster does the lens zoom. You can easily set the zoom speed to any position between very slow to fast, the zoom movement is even without hick-ups or temporary hesitations. All in all easy to handle.
Everything is working without any click stops and without markings except for the display in the viewfinder showing what focal length you are at (and it does so as long as you zoom and then another second or so before it goes away.
I wish the focal length display stayed on for a second or two longer. Other than that I have no complaints, the power zoom works smooth and nice. Should you prefer to use the zoom ring the same can be said about that one.
johnahill wrote:
anyone swapped from the Tamron 17-28 to this?
I had the Tamron. Then I bought a Sony 12-24 f4 because the Tamron had a too limited range and I didn't like the rendering (too much contrast, magenta cast etc.). Then I used the 12-24 too little (at 24mm it was a bit weak so I used a prime for that range...) and replaced it with the Zony 16-35. With the Zony, I wasn't satisfied with the edge performance, and because of the field curvature I found focusing really tricky when I wanted the whole frame to be sharp.
So I bit the bullet and got the 16-35 PZ. Now everything is great. The only disadvantage is that the focus ring is so narrow and at the front of the lens - I don't use lens hoods, so I have to be cautious to not get my finger into the picture... Tamron solved this much better!
I use the zoom ring, as far as I can tell, it works just the same as any other. I've never touched the rocker button. I like seeing the focal length in the EVF. Often I don't much care what the focal length is, as I'm primarily interested in framing & composition.
I'm working through a small number of images from our recent visit to downtown Vancouver, using the PZ 16-35. Here's one of the Hilton, just a walking around shot.
This is posted to Flickr at it's full size, so you can see it best if you click on the link.
The image has only had minimal processing, including basic Develop in Lightroom Classic, and sharpening in Topaz Sharpen AI at the default Standard settings.
Here's a shot from this summer. A7R4, 16.5mm, f/6.3, 1/10 second hand held:
I had switched my Tamron 17-28 for the Sony Zeiss 16-35 for the extra range and now have the PZ, which is much improved. I don't use the rocker switch though--just the zoom ring, which I find works great for my needs.
This lens is like "coming home" for me after trying several solutions for my wide angle needs which all had their shortcomings:
1) Sony-Zeiss 16-35: Decentered, sold it.
2) CV 21 f3.5: Didn't really focus to infinity, midzone dip. And no zoom, of course. Sold it after using it for some months.
3) Tamron 17-28: I simply couldn't love the images which came out of this lens. Color and contrast were somehow not to my taste. Right side was softer. Sold it after a few months.
4) Sony 12-24 f4: Weak at the 24mm end, and the range is too special so that I didn't use it much. Sold it.
5) Second Sony-Zeiss 16-35. Better this time, but mushy corners, and the field curvature of this lens makes focusing a guessing game if one wants an image which is halfway sharp from corner to corner.
6) Finally I gave in and spent the many €€ for the 16-35 PZ. Now I am a happy camper - finally!
On the Faroe Islands, the lens passed the test with flying colors. Here are some (I have posted them also in the "Landscape photographer" forum):
Well here's a bunch of photos from the past 6 months or so. I have listed the lens on FB marketplace but I keep ignoring good offers since I'm not 100% sure I want to let this one go. Tamron 20-40 and new 20-70 are tempting alternatives, but the light weight and smaller size of this lens is really appealing, as is the internal zoom.
Here some shots with the 16-35 PZ from last week in Madeira.
Unfortunately the weather was "too good" all week long, so no fog, no pretty clouds between the mountains...
I often pair the 16-35 G with the Laowa 9mm f/5.6. When I don't want too much wackiness (which I often do for dense forests), the 16-35 does the job. Sony a7R IV + Sony 16-35mm f/4 G PZ.
Just picked up this lens from a friend who decided not to keep it. Great price for a new in box version.
I have several other lenses I’m comparing it to. My normal wide angle zoom, the 16-35/2.8 GM has been loaned to my son and I may never get it back, we will see, or maybe we will swap because he is the videographer and I’m the stills shooter. Will compare it to a Sigma 16-28/2.8 DG DN Contemporary I bought for travel and the FE 12-24/4 G that I took in trade awhile back but have not used much.
Like it’s ergos, size, weight and portability for sure. Getting used to the PZ feature. My first PA except for my older video cameras. Plan to use it for hiking and travel if it works out.
Also own the Sony G/GM primes at 24mm, 20mm, 24mm, 35mm, 50mm and beyond but this is really a nice small size so hope it goes well.
