Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) is a potential absorber material among its contemporary contenders for thin film solar cells. Controlling secondary phases in CZTS is a major concern. In the present study, CZTS thin films are prepared by a single step deposition technique: sputtering of individual metal targets of copper, zinc and tin in the sulfide plasma. The control on secondary phase formation and better microstructure properties are realized in the CZTS thin films prepared at low tin-target powers. The vibrational modes investigated by Raman measurement reveal transformation of CZTS thin films from less stable stannite phase to the stable kesterite phase under low Sn-power (30 W and 40 W) conditions. © 2020 Elsevier B.V.