Sony unveils two super-telephoto lenses

The new FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS (SEL600F40GM) super-telephoto lens. (Source: Sony.)

The company’s longest reaching prime lens to date and the lightest in its class, the new 600mm lens includes many of the company’s most advanced optical and mechanical technologies. Weighing just over three kilograms, it has a balanced design that makes it more portable than previous lenses in its category. Based on technology from the acclaimed FE 400mm f/.8 GM OSS lens, the lightweight design of the new 600mm lens is achieved through reducing the number of elements deployed at the front of the barrel and use of magnesium alloy to minimise weight and bulk. The optical design includes a large XA (extreme aspherical) element plus an ED (extra-low dispersion) element that together suppress all common telephoto lens aberrations, plus three fluorite elements that help to minimise chromatic aberration and suppress colour bleeding. The lens is also dust and moisture resistant, and its front element is coated with fluorine to resist dirt and fingerprints.

The lens also features an 11-blade circular aperture mechanism that contributes to the high quality of bokeh in images. Sony’s original Nano AR coating has been used to suppress any unwanted reflections, glare, or ghosting in images. Two XD (extreme dynamic) Linear Motors drive the internal focus group to provide fast, precise AF and reliable subject tracking. These motors are supported by specially developed motion algorithms to minimise lag and instability and control noise levels, resulting in quick, accurate and quiet AF performance.

The new FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS super-telephoto zoom lens. (Source: Sony.)

The new FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS has the longest reach of Sony’s E-mount range and utilises many of the company’s most advanced lens designing technologies. Its optical design includes five (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements and an aspherical element, arranged in a new optical design that minimises chromatic aberrations. Sony’s Nano AR coating has been applied to suppress any unwanted reflections, glare, or ghosting in images and an 11-blade circular aperture mechanism ensures beautiful bokeh. This lens is equipped with Sony’s DDSSM (Direct Drive SSM) focusing system to ensure  fast, accurate focusing, along with quiet operation, making it ideal for wildlife photography and videography.

Internal zooming ensures high resistance to dust and moisture and quick operation with light zoom ring torque. The focusing ring  features Linear Response MF for fine, responsive manual focus control and the lens barrel has three customisable focus-hold buttons plus a Focus Range Limiter. Both lenses are compatible with Sony’s 1.4x and 2.0x E-mount tele-converters.

Both lenses will ship worldwide in August 2019, with the FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS  priced at approximately €14,000 and the FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS at  approximately €2,100. Sony Australia has not provided details of the Australian prices and neither lens was listed on Sony’s Australian website when this news item was published.