Sony's retractable APS-C kit zoom, ultra-compact for the A6000 series.
The Sony E 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS PZ (SELP1650) was released in 2013 as a retractable power-zoom kit lens for Sony APS-C E-mount bodies, bundled with the NEX-3N and later with the A6000-series. The power zoom (PZ) mechanism provides motorised focal length adjustment via a lever on the barrel at three selectable speeds, enabling smooth, controlled zoom transitions in video that manual-zoom lenses cannot achieve consistently. At 116g it is one of the lightest APS-C zoom lenses available, enabling a sub-400g body-plus-lens combination with compact E-mount bodies.
The optical design uses 9 elements in 8 groups, including one ED and four aspherical elements for wide-zoom aberration control in the retractable format. Seven circular aperture blades produce smooth bokeh. The 40.5mm filter thread is specific to the SELP1650 — not shared with most standard filter kits — requiring a step-up ring for standard filter diameters. At 116g the lens is extremely light; combined with the A6000-series bodies the total kit weight is well under 600g. Minimum focus distance of 0.25m. The power zoom lever operates at three speeds. OSS is built in for handheld image stabilisation.
The SELP1650's power zoom is the primary differentiator from standard kit zooms for video: motorised zoom at controlled, consistent speed produces smooth focal length transitions suitable for documentary and social content without the mechanical jerkiness of manual zooming. The retractable design collapses to approximately 29mm for transport — enabling true pocket compactness when paired with a flat APS-C body. Optical quality at the 24-75mm equivalent range is adequate for general photography; at the long end wide open the expected kit-zoom softening is present.
On the used market the SELP1650 is very affordable as the most common Sony APS-C kit lens. Condition checks: power zoom lever operation at all three speeds, retractable barrel extension and lock mechanism, OSS engagement, and front element for cleaning marks. The 40.5mm filter thread requires a step-up ring for standard filter sizes. The Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS provides better optical quality and longer range at a moderate premium. Compatible with all Sony E-mount APS-C bodies; usable on FE full-frame bodies in APS-C crop mode.