Filter reflections when using Sony FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS lens

[Tony-Cowburn]

Has anyone else noticed image defects when using the Sony Vario-Tessar T* FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS with filters? The problem is that the white lettering around the front of the lens gets reflected in any filters used (eg ND's,ND grads, etc) and the reflections cause a semi circular ring in the image. One of my friends had this issue and he returned the lens and bought something different. Somebody else posted this online to describe the issue: https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3841617

It is a major issue for landscape photographers who always use filters, and it make this lens unusable in its current form. Are any other landscape photographers seeing the issue? Does anyone know of any plans for Sony to address the defect?

[EdwinaU]

Hi Tony,

Welcome to the community.

We will look into this and update you when we know more.

Meanwhile, some of our members may have some experiences to share.

Best wishes,

Ed

[Vanilla_]

Hi Tony-Cowburn,

I've checked the photos on that link. I'm not sure if this can be caused by the lens or the camera. Let us know what is the camera you're using,  maybe we can look this up here.

Vanilla_

[Hefi26]

Hello, I have the same problem but I haven't met him for the first time. Already with my previous equipment (Panasonic Leica 8-18), I have seen the same problem. Now with the Sony 16-35 F4, using both transient and ND filters, the lens reflects the lens (or the inscriptions on the front of the lens). I have found that the degree of F-number used has a great impact on it, so the higher the F, the more the reflection becomes apparent.
I decided to solve this problem by masking the lens on the front of my lens (in my opinion, the problem is that there are so distinctive white markings on the front of the lens) using a black felt-tip pen, which should not cause any damage and, if necessary, will remove this masking using cotton buds and alcohol.
If there is another solution, please inform.
Thanks in advance

[Vanilla_]

Hi Hefi26, 

Thanks for sharing this solution with us. Are you using a Sony camera as well?

Vanilla_

[Hefi26]

Hi, yes I use Sony A7

[Vanilla_]

Hi Hefi26, 

They seem to be compatible! Are they running the latest firmware version?

Here's the update for the lens: https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/support/lenses-e-mount-lenses/sel1635z/downloads/00014669

And here's the camera:  https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/support/e-mount-body-ilce-7-series/ilce-7/downloads/Z0005422

Regards,

Vanilla_

[Hefi26]

I have everything up to date.

I've done the masking of the letters on the front of the lens with a felt-tip pen, and today it was to try out the aperture number up to F22, just downloading the photo. I'll let you know if I fixed the problem.