Sony Zeiss 16-80

m.holmes · Apr 16, 2017

Hi all,

I happened to read on some forum (but I don't know how reliable the source was) that at some point, probably around 2011, Sony made some internal changes to the SAL1680Z, in order to improve the reliability.

As I'm trying to get one used, does anybody know (1) if that's true (2) if that actually matters (3) if we approximately know the serial number of the newer models

thanks a lot

MH

QuietOC · Apr 16, 2017

I have an early one right now where the manual focus control won't move and AF stops short of the minimum focus distance.

Ed at Ridersite · Apr 16, 2017

m.holmes said:
Hi all,

I happened to read on some forum (but I don't know how reliable the source was) that at some point, probably around 2011, Sony made some internal changes to the SAL1680Z, in order to improve the reliability.

As I'm trying to get one used, does anybody know (1) if that's true (2) if that actually matters (3) if we approximately know the serial number of the newer models

I'd be surprised if that were true. Dyxum list only one version:

Sony Carl Zeiss 16-80mm F3.5-4.5 DT Vario-Sonnar T* A-mount lens info

Sony Carl Zeiss 16-80mm F3.5-4.5 DT Vario-Sonnar T* A-mount lens detail page with owners reviews and reference to most useful information about the lens

www.dyxum.com

If there was an update, it seems to me they would have it listed. You might read through the links listed just to see if you can find anything on any changes.

lhkjacky · Apr 16, 2017

m.holmes said:
Hi all,

I happened to read on some forum (but I don't know how reliable the source was) that at some point, probably around 2011, Sony made some internal changes to the SAL1680Z, in order to improve the reliability.

I had one , I bought it at 2008.
I used it for few years, it worked perfectly well and no problem at all.
But I sold it after I get the 16-50 F2.8 SSM.

ValeryD · Apr 16, 2017

m.holmes said:
Hi all,

I happened to read on some forum (but I don't know how reliable the source was) that at some point, probably around 2011, Sony made some internal changes to the SAL1680Z, in order to improve the reliability.

As I'm trying to get one used, does anybody know (1) if that's true (2) if that actually matters (3) if we approximately know the serial number of the newer models

thanks a lot

MH

I'm not sure about serial # for SAL1680Z after 2011, but some parts is new.

tyke32 · Apr 16, 2017

I had the self same problems with my original one I had from when they were first introduced it lasted 3 or 4 years though . I meandered my way through lenses in that region but eventually came back to this lens as I always loved its well......everything.

Slick Fork · Apr 16, 2017

m.holmes said:
Hi all,

I happened to read on some forum (but I don't know how reliable the source was) that at some point, probably around 2011, Sony made some internal changes to the SAL1680Z, in order to improve the reliability.

As I'm trying to get one used, does anybody know (1) if that's true (2) if that actually matters (3) if we approximately know the serial number of the newer models

thanks a lot

MH

Not sure about the answers to 1 or 3 but as for 2 I have an earlier copy ~2008 (coincidentally for sale if you're looking). It's seen some pretty heavy use as was my "permanent" lens up until I went full frame last month and still works just fine so I'd say for #2 it would depend on the individual copy more than the year.

VirtualMirage · Apr 16, 2017

I recall that rumor as well. If it was done, there certainly wasn't a revision change to the modeling to determine what's the improved model. Of course, being that it was only a more reliable focus gearing part that was supposedly updated and nothing else, it may not warrant any kind of revision number.

I remember buying mine new in early 2008 as a bundle with my A700. I did buy a 3 year extended warranty with the kit. 2 years and 11 months later my lens broke and would no longer focus, same problem many others had. It took almost 2 months to fix my lens, from the time I shipped it off to the time it took to get back to me. All that was replaced was the focus gearing along with a calibration performed. It was as good as, if not better, than new afterwards. But because of how long it took to fix, I ended up buying a Sigma EX DG 24-70 F/2.8 HSM lens to replace it since I needed a lens for an event. I ended up selling the Zeiss lens shortly afterwards.

Despite some of its shortcomings, it was a great all around lens to have on hand. I got many great photos with it and they all had that Zeiss 3D look to them. I keep wishing for Sony to release an updated and improved version of this lens. I would like to see an updated version with the same focal length but a tad faster, say maybe a F/2.8-F/4 that doesn't stop down too quickly when zooming, excellent wide open sharpness and distortion control, fast SSM II focusing, and weather sealing. It would be great to have when going on vacation or on those days where you only want to bring one lens.

lehill · Apr 16, 2017

Thank you very much for this post! This explains why, when I had my circa 2009 SAL1680Z repaired just last year, the entire focus assembly had to be replaced (see "Solution" section of the tech bulletin).

Gee, now I feel like I have a rebuilt, sorta brand-new, SAL1680Z.

m.holmes · Apr 16, 2017

Yes, that's more or less in line to what I read.

Does anybody know a serial# for a lens bought AFTER the date quoted here (january 2011, I think)?

ValeryD said:
m.holmes said:

Hi all,

I happened to read on some forum (but I don't know how reliable the source was) that at some point, probably around 2011, Sony made some internal changes to the SAL1680Z, in order to improve the reliability.

As I'm trying to get one used, does anybody know (1) if that's true (2) if that actually matters (3) if we approximately know the serial number of the newer models

thanks a lot

MH

Click to expand...

I'm not sure about serial # for SAL1680Z after 2011, but some parts is new.

VirtualMirage · Apr 16, 2017

m.holmes said:
Yes, that's more or less in line to what I read.

Does anybody know a serial# for a lens bought AFTER the date quoted here (january 2011, I think)?

ValeryD said:

m.holmes said:

Hi all,

I happened to read on some forum (but I don't know how reliable the source was) that at some point, probably around 2011, Sony made some internal changes to the SAL1680Z, in order to improve the reliability.

As I'm trying to get one used, does anybody know (1) if that's true (2) if that actually matters (3) if we approximately know the serial number of the newer models

thanks a lot

MH

Click to expand...

I'm not sure about serial # for SAL1680Z after 2011, but some parts is new.

Click to expand...

That date is around the time I had my lens shipped off for repair. That may explain why it took almost two months to fix my lens, waiting on the new parts. My repair form never went into details as to all parts replaced.

--
Paul

http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualmirage/

m.holmes · Apr 16, 2017

Slick Fork said:
m.holmes said:

Hi all,

I happened to read on some forum (but I don't know how reliable the source was) that at some point, probably around 2011, Sony made some internal changes to the SAL1680Z, in order to improve the reliability.

As I'm trying to get one used, does anybody know (1) if that's true (2) if that actually matters (3) if we approximately know the serial number of the newer models

thanks a lot

MH

Click to expand...

Not sure about the answers to 1 or 3 but as for 2 I have an earlier copy ~2008 (coincidentally for sale if you're looking). It's seen some pretty heavy use as was my "permanent" lens up until I went full frame last month and still works just fine so I'd say for #2 it would depend on the individual copy more than the year.

m.holmes · Apr 16, 2017

Do you think your lens was repaired with the new parts?

ValeryD · Apr 16, 2017

My copy SAL1680Z for sure has a metal gears.

VirtualMirage · Apr 16, 2017

m.holmes said:
Do you think your lens was repaired with the new parts?

Probably so. I recall the service center had to wait almost a month for the parts to become available and ship from Japan. They didn't receive the parts until February 2011 and I didn't get the lens back until the end of February.

Around the time my lens broke there was already quite a few people complaining of the weak focus gearing and some rumors flying around of Sony replacing the parts with more durable ones.

And while a lot of Sony's lenses have gone up in price over the years, the change in parts on the 16-80 might explain why the cost of this lens has gone up so much in price over the years. I recall paying somewhere around $600-650 for this lens new in 2008 and now it goes for $1000 new.

--
Paul
http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualmirage/

m.holmes · Apr 16, 2017

did your copy get the "metal gear upgrade" or did it have metal gear since you bought it?

From some post on dyxum, where people were trying to correlate serials and lens faults , I fond that serial 381xxxx is ~ october 2007 and 382xxxx ~ march 2008; my copy is 383xxxx and it's plastic.

PaulinUK99999 · Apr 17, 2017

Like others have heard that rumour and I also bought mine as part of the 700 kit in 2008.

Loved the lens but AF stopped working at some point when I was by then using it on my 77. One day a few years later I tried it on my 77ii and all working fine again, but still wouldnt AF on the 77...

I would test it again but the lens is somewhere in Ghana. I do miss it (especially the range out to 80mm) despite having the faster and generally excellent 1650

ValeryD · Apr 17, 2017

I bought this parts for lens and repaired SAL1680 by myself. At beginning I ordered original plastic gears, but company who provide the parts send to me new specification and new metal gears. New metal gears cost more than old plastic gears, but it's worths it.

Finally SAL1680Z works great.

https://flic.kr/p/TD49sv

Samsolar · Apr 18, 2017

Don't buy it, Sony has a problem with the 16-80 and they won't address it.

steelhead3 · Apr 18, 2017

It seems that weighing the lens would be an easy test...metal weighs more than plastic.

Sony Zeiss 16-80

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