Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G vs Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS

Both are Sony E mount zooms for everyday and travel — here's how the specs differ and which to pick. Every spec is from the manufacturer's own catalog.

Last verified 2026-09-01 · Sony E mount · prices change — check the retailer

Spec	Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G	Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS
Focal length	16-55mm	16-50mm
Max aperture	f/2.8	f/3.5-5.6
Type	zoom	zoom
Coverage	APS-C	APS-C
Mount	Sony E	Sony E

Which should you buy?

the Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G opens wider (f/2.8) — brighter in low light and more background blur
the Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G covers 16-55mm and the Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS covers 16-50mm — pick the range that matches what you shoot

Where to buy

Sony SEL1655G Alpha 16-55mm F2.8 G Standard Zoom APS-C Lens

Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 GSee price on Amazon

Amazon links are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Sony 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Alpha E-Mount Retractable Zoom Lens (Bulk Packaging)

Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSSSee price on Amazon Amazon has no new-stock listing for this one right now — this button runs an Amazon search for it rather than opening a product page.

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FAQ

What's the difference between the Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G and the Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS?
The Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G is 16-55mm f/2.8 zoom, APS-C; the Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS is 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom, APS-C. Both fit the Sony E mount.

Which is better in low light, the Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G or the Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS?
The Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G — its f/2.8 maximum aperture lets in more light and gives more background blur than the f/3.5-5.6 of the other.

Do the Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G and Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS fit the same camera?
Yes — both are Sony E mount lenses, so they fit Sony a7/a9/a1 (full-frame) and a6000-series (APS-C).

Citing these specs? Go ahead — manufacturer data, last verified 2026-09-01. Copy a ready-made reference:

More Sony E comparisons: Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS vs Viltrox AF 75mm f/1.2 PRO · Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 vs Sony FE 28-60mm f/4-5.6 · Sony E 35mm f/1.8 OSS vs Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G · Sony E 35mm f/1.8 OSS vs Sony FE 50mm f/2.5 G · all Sony E lenses · all comparisons

Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 GAffiliate linkSee price on Amazon