New Zeiss zoom lenses for Sony A-mount cameras

The new Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70mm f/2.8 ZA SSM II (SAL2470Z2) standard zoom lens. (Source: Sony.)

Designed specifically for Sony’s A-mount family of interchangeable lens cameras, the new Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70mm f/2.8 ZA SSM II standard zoom lens can be used for shooting handheld portraits, landscapes and wildlife, particularly in poorly-lit situations. Its optical design consists of 17 elements in 13 groups and includes aspherical and ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements to minimise common aberrations and provide plenty of detail and contrast as well as reproducing delicate gradations. This lens will focus to 34 cm and accepts 77 mm diameter filters. It is 111 mm long with a diameter of 83 mm and weighs 974 grams.

The Vario-Sonnar T* 16-35mm f/2.8 ZA SSM II (SAL1635Z2) wide angle zoom lens. (Source: Sony.)

The Vario-Sonnar T* 16-35mm f/2.8 ZA SSM II (SAL1635Z2) wide angle zoom lens is ideal for landscape photography and is fast enough to be used for handheld shooting at twilight or in dimly-lit interiors. The precision optical design comprises 17 elements in 13 groups and features aspherical lens elements that minimise distortion. In addition, ED (Extra-low Dispersion) and Super ED glass elements provide superior contrast, resolution, and colour fidelity. this lens focuses to 28 cm and weighs 872 grams. It is 114 mm long with a diameter of 83 mm and is threaded for 77 mm filters.

Both lenses come with an updated SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor) AF system with faster, more powerful processing in the lens LSI increasing AF accuracy. Sony claims a four-fold increase in the subject tracking speed over each lens’s predecessor. Both models also feature a new dust- and moisture-resistant design.

Actual release dates have still to be released but both lenses are listed as being ‘available to pre-order now’. Contact your local specialist retailer for more information.