What do the abbreviations on a Sony lens mean?

If you see the abbreviation DT, it means that the lens was made for cameras with an APS-C sensor. For example the Sony Alpha A6000 series.

A lens with the abbreviation FE is optimized for full-frame mirrorless Sony cameras. FE stands for Full-frame E-mount.

Some Sony lenses have a G label. This means that the lens is part of the G-master series. These lenses have high-grade glass elements and SSM autofocus motors to ensure a high image quality.

The abbreviation NEX stands for New E-mount experience. This mount is optimized for Sony mirrorless cameras with an APS-C sensor.

OSS stands for Optical Steady Shot and ensures that the lens has optical image stabilization. This OSS corrects vibrations to reduce motion blur when you photograph or record freehand.

If there's PZ in the name of the lens, that means it has a built-in zoom motor. PZ stands for Power Zoom.

SAL stands for Sony A-mount lens, which means that the lens has an A-mount. These lenses are suitable for Sony SLR cameras.

A lens with SAM has a smooth autofocus motor. This built-in autofocus motor quickly and silently focuses on your subject.

The abbreviation SEL stands for Sony E-mount lens, which means that the lens has an E-mount. You'll find this mount on Sony mirrorless cameras.

SSM stands for super sonic wave motor. If your lens has SSM, you can focus quickly and silently.

Lenses with T* in their name have a special coating developed by Carl Zeiss. This coating reduces reflections and lens flares in your photos.

The abbreviation ZA stands for Zeiss Alpha, and it means that both the design and production of the lens meet the quality requirements of Carl Zeiss.