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Sony

E 16-55mm F2.8 G

Sony E Mount

E 16-55mm F2.8 G — 16–55mm f/2.8 for Sony E, a popular choice in the sony lineup.

$1,399

Launch price

Released Oct 2019

vs

Sony

FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II

Sony E Mount

FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II — 16–35mm f/2.8 for Sony E, a popular choice in the sony lineup.

$2,299

Launch price

Released Aug 2023

FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II is 3.9 years newer.

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Wins

2categories

E 16-55mm F2.8 G

LandscapeTravel

Wins

0categories

FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II

LandscapeSports & Action

6 categories tied

TL;DR — Key differences

E 16-55mm F2.8 G wins 2 categories·FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II wins 0 categories
  • AE 16-55mm F2.8 G has lower Weight (494 g vs 547 g)
  • AE 16-55mm F2.8 G has lower Length (119 mm vs 127 mm)

Key specs at a glance

E 16-55mm F2.8 GFE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II
Focal Length16-55 mm16-35 mm
Max Aperturef/2.8f/2.8
MountSony ESony E
CoverageAPS-CAPS-C
StabilizationNoNo
Weight494 g547 g
Min Focus38 cm38 cm
Filter Size62 mm62 mm

Use-case scoring

Which one for what?

Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class

Use caseE 16-55mm F2.8 GFE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II
Portrait
4.5Fair
4.5Fair
Sports & Action
6.5Good
6.5Good
Video & Hybrid
5.0Fair
5.0Fair
Landscape
8.0Excellent
7.0Good
Travel
7.0Good
3.5Limited
Wildlife
3.0Limited
3.0Limited
Macro & Close-up
2.0Limited
2.0Limited

Why pick one over the other

Reasons to choose the E 16-55mm F2.8 G

  • Weight

    494 g vs 547 g — lower is better

  • Length

    119 mm vs 127 mm — lower is better

Reasons to choose the FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II

No major spec wins compared to E 16-55mm F2.8 G.

Shared specifications

Max aperture (Wide)

Both f/2.8

Max aperture (Tele)

Both f/2.8

Min focus distance

Both 38 cm

Max magnification

Both 0.25 ×

Internal focus

Both support internal focus

Diameter

Both 65 mm

Pros & cons at a glance

Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.

E 16-55mm F2.8 G

Pros

  • Versatile zoom range covers multiple focal lengths in one lens
  • Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
  • Native Sony E mount compatibility

Cons

  • Third-party or older alternatives may offer better value

FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II

Pros

  • Versatile zoom range covers multiple focal lengths in one lens
  • Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
  • Native Sony E mount compatibility

Cons

  • Premium price point
  • Third-party or older alternatives may offer better value

Decided which one is right for you?

Compare live prices for the E 16-55mm F2.8 G and FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II at major authorized retailers.

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.

Full specifications

= category winner

E 16-55mm F2.8 G
FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II
Focal length (Min)
16 mm
16 mm
Focal length (Max)
55 mm
35 mm
Max aperture (Wide)
f/2.8
f/2.8
Max aperture (Tele)
f/2.8
f/2.8
Elements
16
16
Groups
12
12
Special elements
Aspherical
Aspherical
E 16-55mm F2.8 G
FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II
Min focus distance
38 cm
38 cm
Max magnification
0.25 ×
0.25 ×
Autofocus motor
Linear / Stepping Motor
Linear / Stepping Motor
Internal focus
Yes
Yes
E 16-55mm F2.8 G
FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II
Optical stabilization
No
No
OIS effectiveness
0 stops
0 stops
E 16-55mm F2.8 G
FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II
Weight
494 g−53 g less
547 g
Length
119 mm−8 mm less
127 mm
Diameter
65 mm
65 mm
Filter thread size
62 mm
62 mm
Weather sealing
Yes
Yes
Diaphragm blades
9
9
E 16-55mm F2.8 G
FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II
Lens mount
Sony E
Sony E
Format coverage
APS-C
APS-C

Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.