Tamron 16-50mm f/2.8 A Lens - Sony E-Mount (APS-C)

The Tamron 16-50mm f/2.8 A is a standard zoom for APS-C mirrorless cameras, made for the Sony E mount. It holds a constant f/2.8 aperture from 16mm to 50mm, a 24-75mm full-frame equivalent, in a lens 79.6mm long and weighing 305g.

Key Features

• 16-50mm focal range, a 24-75mm full-frame equivalent
• Constant f/2.8 maximum aperture across the zoom range
• VXD linear motor autofocus, quiet enough for video
• Focuses as close as 0.15m at 16mm, for 1:4.5 magnification
• 79.6mm long, 305g, with a 55mm filter thread
• Moisture-resistant construction and a fluorine-coated front element
• Front cap with strap holes on both sides
• Supports the TAMRON Lens Utility app for assigning lens functions

Wide to Short Telephoto in One Lens

At 16mm it takes in landscapes, architecture and group shots, even in tight indoor spaces. At 50mm it suits portraits and everyday snapshots. The f/2.8 aperture gives soft background blur and allows faster shutter speeds indoors or at dusk.

Autofocus and Video

Focus is driven by Tamron's VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) linear motor, which tracks moving subjects such as children and pets and runs quietly enough for video. The 16mm end allows selfie framing with the background in shot, and the lens balances well on a gimbal or shooting grip. The Sony E-mount version supports TAMRON Lens Utility, so lens controls can be assigned to functions useful for video.

Close Focusing

The minimum focus distance is 0.15m at 16mm and 0.29m at 50mm, for maximum magnification of 1:4.5 and 1:4.8. Flowers, food and small objects can be shot up close with the wide-angle background still in frame.

Optics and Build

The optical design has 14 elements in 10 groups, including LD (Low Dispersion) and GM (Glass Molded Aspherical) elements, with Tamron's BBAR G2 coating to reduce ghosting and flare. A 7-blade circular diaphragm keeps out-of-focus highlights rounded. The barrel includes metal parts and moisture-resistant seals, and the front element has a water- and oil-repellent fluorine coating.