The Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 is a solid choice for real estate photography, offering sharp images and minimal chromatic aberration. However, it exhibits noticeable barrel distortion at 16mm, which can be corrected in post-processing. Low-light performance is decent but limited by the f/4 aperture. Alternatively, the Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 provides a wider aperture for better low-light shots and is within your budget. It offers good sharpness and minimal distortion, making it versatile for both interior and exterior shots.

Yep been there done that. Can confirm everything said above is spot on.

Honestly its ridiculous how much glass costs now. Trying to find something decent for real estate without spending two months of mortgage payments is getting impossible. It drives me crazy that even when you drop a thousand bucks, you still end up with lens flare or corners that look like mush. I would suggest being really careful with these newer releases too... they all feel like cheap plastic toys compared to what we used to get. Companies just dont care about longevity anymore, its all about the next upgrade cycle. Its such a scam how the pro label gets slapped on everything just to hike the price up while the actual quality control goes down the drain. Ngl, I am so tired of the gear treadmill. You think you're getting a solid workhorse but half the time you're just paying for marketing fluff and software corrections that should have been handled by the optics. Make sure to watch those reviews closely because half of them are just shills anyway.

Here are some solid E-mount lens recommendations for real estate photography:

Ultra-wide workhorses:
The Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 GM is the gold standard if budget allows - sharp corner to corner, minimal distortion, and the f/2.8 helps in darker interiors. The Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD is nearly as good for about half the price and actually slightly sharper in some tests.

Budget ultra-wide:
Sony 16-35mm f/4 PZ is surprisingly good for the money, especially if you need the power zoom for video walkthroughs. The Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 is another solid choice that's often overlooked.

Prime options:
If you want maximum sharpness, the Sony 20mm f/1.8 G is fantastic - tack sharp and great for low light interiors. The older Rokinon/Samyang 14mm f/2.8 manual focus lens is dirt cheap and still delivers excellent results if you don't mind manual focus.

Versatile zoom:
The Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM covers your detail shots, bathrooms, and tighter spaces where ultra-wide would be too much. Essential as a second lens.

Pro tip:
Most real estate work happens between 14-24mm equivalent, so prioritize that range. Also consider the Sony 12-24mm f/4 G if you need even wider perspectives for small spaces - it's incredibly useful for tight bathrooms and closets.