Sony will expand the range of lenses for its Alpha DSLR cameras with the addition of two new high-performance zoom lenses.

 

January 31, 2008: Sony will expand the range of lenses for its Alpha DSLR cameras with the addition of two new high-performance zoom lenses.
Co-developed with Carl Zeiss, the Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70mm f/2.8 ZA SSM is a wide angle 24-70mm zoom lens with a large f/2.8 aperture. It is claimed as the only large-aperture zoom lens to support body-integrated anti-shake control. Ideally suited to landscape and portrait photography, it is constructed from 17 elements in 13 groups with two aspheric elements and two extra-low dispersion elements. Floating elements between the third and fourth groups compensate for aberrations due to zooming. The design minimises spherical aberrations at the telephoto end of the range while Carl Zeiss T* (T star) coating technology provides higher light transmission and minimises flare.

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The new Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70mm f/2.8 ZA SSM lens.
The f/2.8 aperture remains constant throughout the focal length range. The nine-blade, circular iris is useful in controlling background defocusing in portraits. Focusing is driven by Sony’s Super Sonic wave Motor (SSM) technology. This SSM system utilizes a solid-state focus drive motor that features silent, high-speed response with high torque and fine rotational control. A mode selector for manual and automatic focus as well as a focus hold control is provided on the lens barrel. The 24-70mm lens is 111 mm long and has a diameter of 83 mm. It weighs 955 grams and requires 77 mm filters. RRP for this lens is $2699.
The new 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G lens is a re-working of the popular Minolta “beer can” lens. Priced at $1399 (RRP), it is ideal for sports and portrait photography. Consisting of 16 elements in 11 groups, with one extra-low dispersion element, this lens includes extra-low dispersion glass to compensate for chromatic aberrations, while maintaining excellent optical characteristics from centre to periphery. Internal focusing enables it to focus down to 1.2m, which is unusual for a lens of this focal length range.

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The 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G lens.

A built-in SSM drive ensures fast and silent autofocusing, while a focus hold button and focus limiter enable users to minimise the risk of ‘hunting’ in low-light conditions. To match auto focus operation to the situation, the focus range limiter can be set to a minimum distance of three metres. The 70-300mm lens is 135.5 mm long and has a diameter of 82.5 mm. It weighs approximately 800 grams and accepts 62 mm filters.
The new lenses are scheduled for release in March. For more information, visit www.sony.com.au.