Focus on the new 16-55mm f/2.8 E zoom lens

Preorders:
Sony A6600 at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama, FocusCamera. In EU at Calumet DE, Park UK, WexUK.
Sony A6100  at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama, FocusCamera. In EU at Calumet DE, Park UK, WexUK.
E 16-55mm F2.8 G at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama, FocusCamera. In EU at Calumet DE, Park UK, WexUK.
E 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 G OSS at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama , FocusCamera. In EU at Calumet DE, Park UK, WexUK.

While I believe the new 70-350mm zoom is a great choice the new 16-55mm purchase  is a bit harder to justify because of a simple reason….the high price! Of course the tariff battle between USA and China isn’t helping here :(

That  said the 16-55mm is a good news for the following reasons:

1. It’s a clear statement from Sony that  the APS-C system is well alive and will be supported in the years to come
2. It’s the first f/2.8 zoom. Hopefully a 55-150mm  f/2.8 zoom will follow as next :)
3. Image samples posted on Sony.net and MTF graph show impressive IQ. Looks more like  a GM lens than G.

Images via Dpreview:

Product images:

Lens specs: