Sony Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm f/4 ZA OSS vs Sony FE 28-70mm 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 Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm f/4 ZA OSS	Sony FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS
Focal length	16-70mm	28-70mm
Max aperture	f/4	f/3.5-5.6
Type	zoom	zoom
Coverage	APS-C	full-frame
Mount	Sony E	Sony E

Which should you buy?

the Sony FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS opens wider (f/3.5-5.6) — brighter in low light and more background blur
the Sony Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm f/4 ZA OSS covers 16-70mm and the Sony FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS covers 28-70mm — pick the range that matches what you shoot
the Sony FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS covers full-frame (also works on APS-C bodies); the Sony Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm f/4 ZA OSS is APS-C-only — it won't fill a full-frame sensor

Where to buy

Sony SEL1670Z Vario-Tessar T E 16-70mm F4 ZA OSS, Black

Check the Sony Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm f/4 ZA OSS price on Amazon →

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Sony 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 FE OSS Interchangeable Standard Zoom Lens, Black

Check the Sony FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS price on Amazon →

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FAQ

What's the difference between the Sony Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm f/4 ZA OSS and the Sony FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS?
The Sony Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm f/4 ZA OSS is 16-70mm f/4 zoom, APS-C; the Sony FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS is 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom, full-frame. Both fit the Sony E mount.

Which is better in low light, the Sony Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm f/4 ZA OSS or the Sony FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS?
The Sony FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS — its f/3.5-5.6 maximum aperture lets in more light and gives more background blur than the f/4 of the other.

Do the Sony Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm f/4 ZA OSS and Sony FE 28-70mm 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). Note the Sony Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm f/4 ZA OSS is APS-C-only and won't fill a full-frame sensor.

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

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Sony Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm f/4 ZA OSSAffiliate linkAmazon →