Aside from showcasing cameras announced earlier, Sony’s focus at Photokina 2014 was almost exclusively on accessories.

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The Vario-Tessar T* FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS (SEL1635Z) lens for Sony’s E-mount cameras. (Source: Sony.)

Sony’s latest full-frame Zeiss Vario-Tessar T* FE 16-35mm f/4 ZA OSS (SEL1635Z) lens complements the existing existing SEL2470Z zoom and SEL70200G telephoto zoom lenses, providing wide-angle zoom lens for landscapes, interiors and architecture as well as everyday shooting with Sony’s E-Mount cameras. Its optical design features five aspherical lens elements, including one large AA (advanced aspherical) element and three ED glass elements. This minimises common aberrations and distortion while keeping the lens compact and light to carry.

The T* coating on optical surfaces minimises flare and ghosting to boost contrast, clarity and depth in images. A constant f/4 maximum aperture allows photographers to achieve attractive background defocus effects with a shallow depth of field at all focal lengths. Optical SteadyShot in-lens image stabilisation allows photographers to hand-hold cameras in low light without boosting ISO sensitivity and the risk of increased noise. The Vario-Tessar T* FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS (SEL1635Z) lens will be available in Australia beginning mid-November 2014, for SRP $1,599.

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Sony’s new HVL-F32M accessory flashgun. (Source: Sony.)

The HVL-F32M accessory flashgun boasts a Guide Number of 32 (metres/ISO100) and an adjustable flash head that can be moved up, down or sideways for bounce effects. Advanced flash functions include ADI flash metering, high-speed sync and Auto White Balance. There’s also a wireless flash function that allows off-camera triggering of the HVL-F32M for pro-style multi-flash effects. Diffusers include a pull out bounce sheet and built-in wide panel that can be used with wide angle lenses with a focal length of less than 24mm.

Key buttons, controls and other operating parts are sealed against intrusion by moisture or dust. The back panel of the flash features a handy LCD panel that displays operating modes and settings, plus 4-step colour-coded indicator lights for an instant visual confirmation of battery charging status. It is due for release in Australia in December at an RRP of AU$299.

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The new XLR-K2M XLR Adaptor Kit for external microphones. (Source: Sony.)

The XLR-K2M XLR Adaptor Kit attaches to the Multi Interface Shoe of all ?7 Series camera models, as well as ?99 and Cyber-shot RX10 cameras or FDR-AX100, NEX-VG30 and NEX-VG900 camcorders. Designed for pro-style operation, it supports use of external microphones and has two rugged XLR connectors, with independent level control and selectable 48V phantom powering for each. This enables microphones to be powered directly from the camera’s Multi Interface Shoe without the need for additional batteries. The newly-developed mic holder cradles the microphone securely while reducing mechanical vibration. There’s also a low-cut switch for each channel to attenuate wind noise and other low-frequency rumbles. Scheduled for release next month, it will be priced at AU$899.

The RMT-VP1K Remote Commander and IR Receiver Kit gives photographers ‘hands-off’ control of key camera functions (shutter, record start/stop and zoom) from a distance. Attaching to the camera’s Multi terminal, the infrared receiver offers 360-degree all-round sensitivity. A simple channel setting function allows several cameras to be used in close proximity without interference from other remotes. The RMT-VP1K will be available in December for an RRP of AU$69.
For all Sony product information or stockist details, phone Sony Australia on 1300 720 071 or visit www.sony.com.au.