Sony SEL1670Z Vario-Tessar T E 16-70mm F4 ZA OSS - International Version (No Warranty)

The Sony SEL1670Z Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm F4 ZA OSS is a superb lens in every way for Sony NEX and Alpha E-mount APS-C cameras. "Superb" is not a synonym for "perfect". But it easily outclasses the basic Sony SEL1855 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 "kit" lens that is usually supplied with these cameras. The SEL1855 F3.5-5.6 "kit" lens is not a bad lens. I have made zillions, well tens of thousands, of images with the example I have that came with a NEX3 I once owned. But, I have seen a steady improvement with images that I have made with that same old SEL1855 lens as I have upgraded camera bodies and Sony has steadily improved its sensor technology. Going from a Sony NEX3 to a NEX5n to a NEX7 and then to an a6000 has resulted in substantial increases in image quality all using the same lowly kit lens that came with the NEX3. That said, adding the Sony SEL1670Z Vario-Tessar to my Sony a6000 has made a noticeable difference. The overall sharpness seems subtly better. But its in the corners and edges that you get what you pay for with zoom lenses. Zooms have always been weaker than prime lenses at the corners, with both softness and more aberrations and fringing. Stopping down has always been an option to get better performance, but it is no substitute for basic lens quality. The Sony SEL1670Z Vario-Tessar easily outclasses the SEL1855 when it comes to both wide open and stopped down performance. Although comparisons based on real world shooting are inexact and subjective, I would say that this lens approaches the image quality and corner to corner sharpness of my Sony SEL50F18 50mm f/1.8 prime lens in real world use. Micro-contrast, the ability of a lens to render subtle gradations across small details, to render surface textures with more nuance, an area where high quality lenses always tend to distinguish themselves over lower priced choices, is noticeably better. And, it manages to stretch the useful range to just a bit wider, making it no longer necessary to carry a separate 16mm lens, for example, and just longer enough, at 70mm versus 55mm, to help frame many shots that might have remained loose and in need of cropping. The Sony SEL1670Z Vario-Tessar has a steady maximum aperture of f/4.0, which is an added plus as focal length increases. Its only slightly bigger than the SEL1855. The external finish and quality are excellent. Of course, you pay a premium for having the name "Zeiss" and the Zeiss logo on the barrel. But in this case I would say that its worth it. If you are considering an upgrade from your basic kit lens this is well worth the stretch. But if you are a NEX5n or NEX7 owner, for example, upgrading to both an a6000 and this Sony SEL1670Z Vario-Tessar ens will be a revelation in improved image quality. I am a happy owner and user of the Sony SEL1670Z Vario-Tessar lens and I plan to cut back my camera gear load to carrying only this lens for almost all of my travels. RECOMMENDED.

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This lens is quite controversial. Some say this lens is not up to the Zeiss standards and that is very expensive considering the relatively slow aperture (f/4). Also, there are reports that some units are heavily decentered. A smaller part of the reviews praise the sharpness, but mainly the contrast and colors. Well, I then decided to take the risk and give it a try. And Im among the users that love this lens. Its incredibly sharp edge to edge and colors and contrast are gorgeous. Its well built, lightweight and both the zoom and focus rings are precise and smooth. Also, the OSS works as expected. It took both my NEX-6 and a6000 to another level. Its difficult to compare this to the Olympus 12-40 f2.8 that I own and use with an OMD E M-1 as both cameras are really different, but the results I got from the combo a6000+SEL1670z are better than E-M1+12-40. I should deduct 1 star, as for the price this should be a f/2.8....but its really good anyway.

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After receiving the lens I wanted to perform a somewhat extensive test and be sure the high price was justifiable. Comparisons as follows: SEL1650PZ - The Zeiss lens is much, much sharper and presents better colors/contrast at all comparable zooms and F-stops. SEL55210- At 50 and 55 the Zeiss lens was the clear winner. At 70mm the sharpness was comparable at F/8, but the slight advantage goes to the Zeiss lens for colors/contrast. SEL50F1.8- At F/4 the SEL50F1.8 was clearly sharper. At F/8 the Zeiss lens was actually better. Hard to beat an F/1.8 prime lens in terms of sharpness and low light capability though. I wasnt expecting the Zeiss lens to actually compare as well as it did. Bottom Line- This lens is great and will certainly be my 95% lens. Does good-great with landscapes and portraits. To achieve better you would have to buy a handful of primes and carry around.

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After many years of heavy Nikon cameras and lots of lenses I sold them all and bought the Sony a6000 and this lens. Could not be happier. Recently took pictures of my sons wedding and many of them were better than the professional photographer they hired. Just the right focal length combination. With the cameras sensitivity, I take most of my pictures with available light or ceiling bounced flash. Easy to carry combination - great for travel.

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I am a user of several Canon L lenses and purchased a Sony for when I want to go light. The Sony is an excellent lens, sharp, good color etc. I was afraid before purchase since a lot of reviews mention soft borders. My copy is sharp also at the borders.

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By far one of the best lenses for the Sony lineup... I use this to shoot with a A6000 and A7Rii and it delivers amazing quality photos that are lightning crisp.

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Pretty sweet lens. I’ve read a million reviews with mixed results on people’s experinces with this lens. I have only had it a short time but have had great results with it paired to my Sony A6500. I’m not a pro and I just shoot for fun but I’m more than happy with it.

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This lens has the optics Ive been been after for my Sony A6000 as my walk around setup. It joins my Sigma 30mm and 60mm which are fantastic. This will not be an extensive review since its all over the net. This is just to confirm that this lens is indeed a stellar performer at all focal length with prime quality results. I have no regrets leaving my Nikon setup at home (D600 + Tamron 24-70 F2.8). I chose the international version to save some $$$ and it works, fast shipping, nicely package. Thanks

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I have being testing a lot of lenses with my sony a6000 and found this one is the sharped one. Fast and light. Thank you Sony. I will load some pics. Update 01/07/16 some pics from Cuba Varadero beach and El Malecon in Havana.

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This needs to be the one lens youll want to buy as the perfect Walk Around lens for your Sony A6000. Its very compact and it metal construction gives the A6000 a more solid pro feel. The Zeiss add makes it one too. Ive given up my Canon 5D MK II for this set up as my go to camera now. Now the lens itself is very sharp. Much sharper than the kit 16-50mm and with a 105mm boost (x 1.5 crop factor). If you have to get a lens and you cant decide to spend your money on wide or telephoto without compromise, this is the lens for you. For all practical matters its probably the only lens youll want to keep on your A6000.

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