Sony's compact APS-C kit zoom for NEX and Alpha E-mount cameras, offering stabilised 24-75mm equivalent range.
The Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS (SELP1650) is the power zoom kit lens for Sony APS-C E-mount bodies, providing a 24-75mm full-frame equivalent range in a retractable body where focal length is controlled by a motorised power zoom lever. At 116g and 40.5mm filter thread it is the lightest Sony E-mount zoom, enabling a very compact APS-C travel kit with the A6000-series bodies. The retractable barrel collapses for storage and extends for shooting.
The optical design uses 9 elements in 8 groups, including ED and aspherical elements. Seven circular aperture blades. The 40.5mm filter thread is the same unusual small size as the Sony FE 28-60mm. At 116g the lens is the lightest E-mount zoom by a significant margin. Minimum focus distance of 0.25m. OSS provides handheld stability. The power zoom lever controls focal length at selectable speeds — no manual zoom ring is present. Variable aperture from f/3.5 at 16mm to f/5.6 at 50mm.
The power zoom mechanism provides smooth, controllable focal length transitions for video — enabling zoom pulls at selectable speeds that manual zoom rings cannot replicate consistently. The 116g retractable design is the APS-C E-mount kit lens optimised for travel and compact carry: paired with an A6100, A6400, or A6600, the total camera-plus-lens weight is under 500g. The 40.5mm filter thread limits standard filter options — step-up rings are needed for most sizes.
On the used market the Sony E PZ 16-50mm OSS is very affordable as the standard APS-C Sony kit zoom. Condition checks: power zoom motor response at all speed settings, retractable barrel mechanism, OSS engagement, and 40.5mm front element condition. The Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS provides a longer range manual-zoom alternative. Compatible with all Sony APS-C E-mount bodies; on FE full-frame bodies the camera activates APS-C crop mode.