Sony has announced the addition of four full-frame lenses plus two full-frame converters to its α E-mount line-up.
Sony’s new ? E-mount lenses and converters. (Source: Sony.)
The new Zeiss Distagon T* FE 35mm f/1.4 ZA (SEL35F14Z; RRP AU$2499) wide-angle lens can focus down to 30 cm and has a fast f/1.4 maximum aperture plus a 9-bladed iris diaphragm that closes to a circular aperture for smooth bokeh (defocus) effects. The optical design includes aspherical elements including one Sony AA (advanced aspherical) element plus Ziess T* coating for suppressing flare and ghosting. The Direct Drive SSM (DDSSM) system ensures quiet precision focusing, even at shallow depth of field. A dedicated aperture ring can be set for smooth, continuous operation for movie-makers ““ or with click-stops to provide tactile feedback when shooting stills. The dust and moisture resistant design ensures reliable operation when shooting outdoors.
Tailor-made for portraiture, the FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS (SEL90M28G) medium-telephoto lens can also be used for 1:1 macro photography. Features include built in Optical SteadyShot (OSS) image stabilisation and a smooth, quiet Direct Drive SSM (DDSSM) mechanism that drives two ‘floating’ focus groups independently for precise focusing. Internal focusing maintains a constant total lens length and the lens includes a focus hold button and sliding focus ring that instantly switches between manual and auto focus. This lens is also dust- and moisture-resistant.
The FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS (SEL24240; RRP AU$1499) lens handles everything from landscapes and portraits to sports and action scenes. Its wide 24-240mm range (10x zoom) makes this full-frame tele zoom an ideal travel partner. The optical design includes five aspherical elements and one ED glass element, while an advanced linear motor drives the focusing mechanism. Built-in Optical SteadyShot (OSS) image stabilisation is included and this lens is also dust- and moisture-resistant.
The FE 28mm f/2 (SEL28F20; RRP AU$699) is a fast, wide-angle prime lens with a bright f/2.0 maximum aperture for handheld shooting in low light. Light, compact and designed to resist dust and moisture, the lens has a 9-blade circular aperture, three aspherical lens elements ““ including one AA (advanced aspherical) element ““ and two ED glass elements. All lens surfaces are multi-coated to suppress flare and ghosting with backlit shots. Internal focusing maintains a constant lens length during focusing.
The SEL24240 lens is due for release this month, with the SEL35F14Z and SEL28F20 lenses following in April. Pricing and availability of the SEL90M28G have still to be determined.
For even wider perspectives, the optional SEL075UWC Ultra-wide Converter (RRP AU$300) and SEL057FEC Fisheye Converter (RRP AU$499) respectively increase angle of view to 21mm or 16mm fisheye with full 180 ° coverage. Maximum aperture of each converter when mounted on the SEL28F20 is f/2.8 and f/3.5 respectively. In a first for ? lens converters, corresponding EXIF data is generated with either converter attached to the lens.
The new VCL-ECU2 Ultra-wide and VCL-ECF2 Fisheye APS-C converters are being introduced to provide extreme wide-angle and fisheye perspective effects. The VCL-ECU2 adapter is compatible with the SEL16F28 16mm F2.8 and SEL20F28 20mm F2.8 wide-angle (APS-C) lenses, boosting ultra-wide-angle performance to 12mm (with SEL16F28) or 16 mm (SEL20F28). The VCL-ECF2 Fisheye Converter creates exaggerated perspective effect, with a full 180 degree field of view for the SEL16F28, and 133 degrees for the SEL20F28. Each converter sports a smart new black finish. Pricing and availability have still to be determined. For more information or stockist details, contact Sony Australia on 1300 720 071 or visit www.sony.com.au.
Available now, a new software update enhances lens functionality for selected current E-mount lens models. There will also be a software update for these newly-announced FE lens models in early March 2015. Details can be found at http://www.sony.com.au/section/support.
