Tamron 16-50mm F2.8 A Lens
for Sony E-Mount APS-C Cameras

The Tamron 16-50mm F2.8 A is a compact, fast-aperture standard zoom designed for Sony E-mount APS-C mirrorless cameras. Its highly practical 16-50mm range provides an angle of view equivalent to approximately 24-75mm on a full-frame camera, covering landscapes, architecture, travel, group photographs, everyday snapshots, portraits, and video.

A constant f/2.8 aperture provides excellent low-light capability and attractive background separation throughout the zoom range. Despite its bright aperture and strong optical performance, the lens weighs only approximately 305g, making it an ideal everyday companion for compact Sony cameras.

⚡ Key Benefits

• Designed for Sony E-mount APS-C cameras

• Versatile 16-50mm zoom range

• Approximately 24-75mm full-frame equivalent

• Constant f/2.8 maximum aperture

• Compact 3.2-inch-long design

• Lightweight 305g construction

• Fast and precise VXD linear-motor autofocus

• Quiet focusing for still photography and video

• Close 0.15m minimum focusing distance at 16mm

• Impressive 1:4.5 maximum magnification at the wide end

• Compact 55mm filter size

• Moisture-resistant construction

• Fluorine-coated front element

• Includes a strap-hole front cap for added security

A Practical Everyday Zoom Range

The 16-50mm focal range covers many of the perspectives photographers use most frequently.

At 16mm, the lens is wide enough for landscapes, architecture, interiors, group photographs, travel scenes, and handheld video. The middle of the zoom range provides a natural perspective for street photography and everyday subjects, while 50mm offers a flattering short-telephoto view for portraits, details, food, and products.

On a Sony APS-C camera, the lens provides an angle of view comparable to approximately 24-75mm on full frame.

Constant F2.8 Aperture

The bright f/2.8 maximum aperture remains available throughout the entire zoom range. This allows photographers to use faster shutter speeds or lower ISO settings in dim lighting while providing greater control over depth of field than a typical variable-aperture kit lens.

Because the aperture does not become smaller while zooming, exposure remains more consistent during still photography and video recording.

Attractive Background Separation

The combination of a constant f/2.8 aperture and seven-blade circular diaphragm produces smooth, natural-looking out-of-focus areas.

At the longer end of the zoom range, photographers can create portraits and detail photographs with clear subject separation while retaining the convenience of a compact standard zoom.

High-Speed VXD Autofocus

Tamron’s VXD linear-motor focusing system delivers fast, precise, and quiet autofocus performance.

Responsive subject tracking makes the lens well suited for photographing children, pets, travel, events, and spontaneous everyday moments. Quiet operation is also valuable when recording video in environments where unwanted focusing noise could be distracting.

Excellent Close-Focusing Capability

At 16mm, the lens focuses as close as 0.15m, or approximately six inches, and provides a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4.5.

This close-focusing capability allows photographers to emphasize food, flowers, products, pets, and small details while retaining a wide view of the surrounding environment.

At 50mm, the lens focuses as close as 0.29m and provides a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4.8.

Compact Enough for Everyday Carry

The Sony E-mount version measures approximately 3.2 inches long and weighs only 10.8 ounces.

Its lightweight construction complements compact Sony APS-C cameras without creating a front-heavy combination. It is an excellent choice for travel, family outings, street photography, hiking, and everyday situations where portability matters.

Designed for Stills and Video

The combination of a useful focal range, constant aperture, quiet autofocus, and lightweight construction makes the 16-50mm F2.8 A a capable hybrid lens.

Its wide end works well for establishing shots, interiors, handheld video, and environmental footage, while the longer settings are useful for interviews, portraits, details, and tighter compositions.

The compact design also makes the lens easier to balance on compatible handheld stabilizers and compact video rigs.

Toned Profile Next Design

Tamron’s refined Toned Profile Next styling gives the lens a clean, modern appearance designed to complement contemporary mirrorless camera bodies.

The barrel combines a comfortable operating feel with strong structural rigidity for dependable everyday use.

Strap-Hole Front Cap

The included front lens cap incorporates a strap hole that allows it to be tethered when desired. This thoughtful feature helps reduce the chance of losing the cap while traveling, hiking, or working quickly on location.

Protective Construction

Moisture-resistant construction provides additional protection around vulnerable areas of the lens barrel during outdoor and location shooting.

A fluorine coating on the front element helps repel fingerprints, oil, moisture, and dirt, making the lens easier to clean and maintain.

Ideal For

• Travel photography

• Everyday photography

• Landscapes and architecture

• Street and documentary photography

• Family and group photographs

• Portraits and environmental portraits

• Children and pets

• Food and product photography

• Low-light photography

• Video and hybrid content creation

• Sony APS-C users upgrading from a kit lens

• Photographers wanting one compact everyday zoom

Compatible Sony Cameras

The lens is designed for Sony E-mount APS-C mirrorless cameras, including:

• Sony Alpha a6700

• Sony Alpha a6600

• Sony Alpha a6500

• Sony Alpha a6400

• Sony Alpha a6300

• Sony Alpha a6100

• Sony ZV-E10 and ZV-E10 II

• Sony FX30

It can also be mounted on compatible full-frame Sony E-mount cameras when the camera is operated in APS-C crop mode.

How It Compares

Compared with a Sony 16-50mm Kit Lens

Sony’s compact 16-50mm kit zoom is smaller, includes optical stabilization, and retracts for convenient storage. Its maximum aperture, however, becomes considerably smaller as the lens is zoomed.

The Tamron maintains a bright f/2.8 aperture throughout its complete range, providing better low-light capability, faster available shutter speeds, and stronger background separation.

Compared with the Tamron 17-70mm F2.8 VC RXD

The Tamron 17-70mm provides greater telephoto reach and built-in Vibration Compensation, making it particularly versatile for travel and general photography.

The 16-50mm begins slightly wider and is considerably smaller and lighter, making it the better choice when maximum portability and everyday carry are the priorities.

Compared with a Full-Frame 24-70mm F2.8 Lens

The 16-50mm provides a similar general-purpose angle of view on an APS-C camera while being substantially smaller, lighter, and more affordable than most professional full-frame 24-70mm f/2.8 lenses.

Key Specifications

• Lens mount: Sony E

• Format: APS-C

• Focal length: 16-50mm

• Full-frame equivalent: Approximately 24-75mm

• Maximum aperture: Constant f/2.8

• Minimum aperture: f/16

• Optical construction: 14 elements in 10 groups

• Angle of view: 84°04' to 32°11'

• Diaphragm blades: 7, rounded

• Minimum focusing distance at 16mm: 0.15m / 6"

• Minimum focusing distance at 50mm: 0.29m / 11.5"

• Maximum magnification at 16mm: 1:4.5

• Maximum magnification at 50mm: 1:4.8

• Autofocus system: VXD linear motor

• Filter size: 55mm

• Maximum diameter: 64.4mm

• Length: Approximately 79.6mm / 3.2"

• Weight: Approximately 305g / 10.8 oz.

• Model: B091

• Manufacturer number: B091S700

• UPC: 725211910015

In the Box

• Tamron 16-50mm F2.8 A Lens for Sony E

• Front Lens Cap with Strap Hole

• Rear Lens Cap

• Lens Hood

• Documentation

Complete Your Kit

Consider pairing this lens with:

• Sony APS-C mirrorless camera

• 55mm UV or protective filter

• 55mm circular polarizing filter

• 55mm variable ND filter for video

• Extra camera battery

• Fast SD memory card

• Compact travel tripod

• Camera strap or wrist strap

• Protective camera bag

Why Buy From Cameragraphics?

Cameragraphics is a Sony Authorized Dealer offering genuine equipment with full manufacturer warranty coverage. Our professional photographers can help you select the right Sony camera, Tamron lens, filters, and accessories for travel, portraits, video, and everyday photography.

Cameragraphics — Serving Auburn Since 1974.