Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM

Testers found it sharp in the centre from f/2.8 at every focal length, with corners that need a stop at 16mm to fully catch up but are still well ahead of the earlier ZA f/4 zoom. Colour fringing and coma are well controlled, which made it a common astrophotography recommendation for years.

The drawbacks reviewers raised were weight, heavy vignetting wide open and visible distortion at 16mm that needs profile correction. The dual DDSSM focusing is fast and quiet, though the later GM II tracks better and is noticeably smaller.

Owners treat it as a workhorse for weddings, real estate and night skies, and many kept it even after the GM II arrived because used prices make it a strong buy. The sunstars and contrast against bright light get frequent mention.

Complaints centre on size and weight on smaller A7 bodies and the cost of 82mm filters. A minority report sample variation at the edges, and some video shooters wish it had an aperture ring.