Sony has announced a new ‘flagship’ line of interchangeable lenses for its α7 series of E-mount full frame cameras.
At launch, the new G Master line-up consists of a 24-70mm f/2.8 standard zoom, an 85mm f/1.4 prime and a 70-200mm f/2.8 telephoto zoom plus two tele-converters. (Source: Sony.)
Featuring advanced lens technologies, design and calibration, the new G Master lenses are designed for both stills and video shooting. All are dust- and moisture-resistant.
The FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM (model SEL2470GM) is built with three aspherical elements including a newly developed, very precise XA (extreme aspherical) element that reduces aberration and delivers high resolution throughout the entire zoom range and aperture range, as well as across the entire image frame. An ED (Extra-low-Dispersion) glass element and Super ED glass element minimise chromatic aberration while optimising resolution and bokeh without introducing unnatural colouration.
Sony’s new FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM lens. (Source: Sony.)
The lens features a 9-bladed circular aperture and is coated with Sony’s original Nano AR coating to suppress reflections and ensure spectacular contrast and clarity. Autofocusing is driven by a direct drive SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor) focusing system using a new set of algorithms that position the lens elements quickly and accurately. This motor is smooth and quiet, making it ideal for recording movie clips. The lens features a compact, streamlined design that includes AF/MF switch as well as focus hold, zoom lock and hood release buttons. Two new matching filters for the FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM lens have also been introduced: the VF-82MP MC protector and VF-82CPAM Circular PL filter.
The new FE 85mm f/1.4 GM telephoto prime lens. (Source: Sony.)
The new FE 85mm f/1.4 GM telephoto prime lens (model SEL85F14GM) has been designed for portraiture and features a new XA (extreme aspherical) element as well as three ED glass elements that work together to ensure that e in-focus areas are sharply resolved while the surrounding out-of-focus areas dissolve smoothly and softly. It has a circular aperture with 11 blades ““ the most ever used in an ? lens. Sony’s original Nano AR Coating is applied externally to minimise flare and ghosting. A ring drive SSM motor system provides ample power and speed to drive the lens’ large, heavy focus group while two position sensors control the large, heavy lens elements. This lens has an aperture ring with on/off switchable click stops plus an AF / MF switch and a focus hold button.
Sony’s 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS telephoto zoom lens. (Source: Sony.)
Covering the popular 70-200mm focal range, the new FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS telephoto zoom lens (model SEL70200GM) combines high resolution, AF performance and image stabilisation, making it a versatile choice for shooting wildlife, sports, weddings and a variety of other events and locations. Its optical design includes three advanced lens elements including XA, Super ED and ED glass components, as well as its Nano AR coating. A floating focusing system ““ implemented in an ? zoom lens for the first time ““ reduces the minimum focusing distance to 96 cm and optimises AF performance for both still and video shooting. The lens includes a SSM (Super Sonic Motor) plus dual linear motors that work together to move large lens elements quickly. Built in Optical SteadyShot image stabilisation ensures blur-free subjects at all focal lengths, while a rotating tripod mount that allows the camera to be quickly removed from a connected tripod as needed.
Sony has also announced new compact 1.4x and 2x Teleconverters, the SEL14TC and SEL20TC, which extend the reach of the 70-200mm lens while maintaining the overall streamlined design and feel.
The new FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Standard Zoom and 85mm f/1.4 GM Telephoto prime lenses will be available in Australia in March 2016 at RRPs of AU$3499 and AU$2999, respectively. The 70-200mm f/2.8 GM Telephoto Zoom Lens and its compatible 1.4x and 2x Teleconverters are scheduled for release later in the year. Local pricing has still to be determined for these products. For more information, visit http://www.sony.com.au/productcategory/interchangeable-camera.
