San Diego, CA—Sony Electronics added several α E-mount lenses and converters to their mirrorless camera system. The introductions are highlighted by four FE full-frame E-mount lenses that complement the α7 camera lineup: the wide-angle Zeiss Distagon T* FE 35mm f/1.4 ZA; FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS; FE 24–240mm f/3.5–6.3 OSS; and the FE 28mm f/2 wide-angle prime lens.
Two sets of ultrawide and fisheye converters were also announced: one set is exclusively for the full-frame FE 28mm f/2 lens and the other for use with existing 16mm (SEL16F28) and 20mm (SEL2028) APS-C E-mount lenses .
“These new high-quality lenses are a great example of the evolution of our α mount camera system,” said Neal Manowitz, director of the interchangeable-lens camera business at Sony Electronics. “With a rapidly expanding system of over 60 total lenses and a variety of the most unique, innovative camera bodies in market today, we are in a great position to build on our positive momentum and bring the power of Sony α to more customers than ever.”
Zeiss Distagon T* FE 35mm f/1.4 ZA (model SEL35F14Z). This full-frame wide-angle prime showcases Zeiss optical performance in a compact body. With a minimum focusing distance of 12 inches, it is the first E-mount lens to offer a fast aperture of f/1.4. The lens features: dust and moisture resistance; a 9-bladed circular aperture for smooth bokeh (defocus) during portrait shooting; low-light performance; corner-to-corner sharpness—even at maximum aperture—thanks to three aspherical elements, including one Sony advanced aspherical element; and the Zeiss T* coating that suppresses flare and ghosting for natural color reproduction and contrast. Additionally, the lens has a Direct Drive SSM (DDSSM) system designed for whisper-quiet, precision focusing, as well as a dedicated aperture ring that can be set for smooth, continuous operation or with click-stops to provide tactile feedback. SRP: $1,600.
Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS (model SEL90M28G). Designed to produce crisp close-ups and portraits, it is the first mid-telephoto macro lens for the α E-mount line. It features: built-in Optical SteadyShot (OSS) image stabilization, to allow for sharp images at up to 1:1 magnification, even when shooting handheld; a DDSSM mechanism that drives two “floating” focus groups independently, for more precise focus positioning; a focus hold button and sliding focus ring that switch between manual and autofocus; and dust and moisture resistance. The macro lens maintains the same length at all focal distances. It will be available in July for $1,100.
Sony FE 24–240mm f/3.5–6.3 OSS (model SEL24240). This “all-in-one” 10x zoom lens is marketed as a travel partner that handles everything from landscapes and everyday portraits to sports and action scenes. Its 24–240mm range covers focal lengths from wide angle to telephoto. It also features: five aspherical elements and one ED glass element; an advanced linear motor that drives the focusing mechanism for “quick, smooth response throughout the extensive zoom range”; built-in Optical SteadyShot stabilization; and dust and moisture resistance. $1,000.
Sony FE 28mm f/2 (model SEL28F20). This full-frame, wide-angle prime lens has a bright f/2.0 maximum aperture ideal for landscape and low-light handheld shooting. Its light, compact design is a match for Sony’s α7 full-frame camera bodies. It features: an aluminum finish; a 9-blade circular aperture; three aspherical lens elements, including one advanced aspherical element; two ED glass elements; multicoated lens surfaces to suppress flare and ghosting with backlit shots; and an inner focus mechanism driven by an advanced linear actuator. The overall lens length will remain constant during focusing. It will be released in May for $450 .
Sony SEL075UWC Ultrawide and SEL057FEC Fisheye Converters. For even wider perspectives, the FE 28mm f/2 lens can be combined with either the SEL075UWC ultrawide ($250) or SEL057FEC fisheye ($250) converters to respectively increase the angle of view to 21mm or 16mm fisheye with 180° coverage. The maximum aperture of each converter when mounted on the FE 28mm f/2 is f/2.8 and f/3.5, respectively. In a first for α lens converters, corresponding EXIF data for each adapter is generated when they are attached to the lens. They ship in May.
VCL-ECU2 Ultrawide and VCL-ECF2 Fisheye APS-C Converters. For E-mount APS-C camera bodies, the VCL-ECU2 converter ($160) is compatible with the E 16mm f/2.8 and E 20mm f/2.8 wide-angle APS-C lenses. It boosts performance to 12mm (with E 16mm f/2.8) or 16mm (E 20mm f/2.8). The VCL-ECF2 fisheye converter ($180) creates exaggerated perspective effects for both lenses with 180° coverage. Both reach retail in May.
Lens Software Update
Sony also released a software update for select FE full-frame E-mount lenses, including the SEL35F28Z, SEL2470Z, SEL55F18Z, SEL70200G and SEL2870, to shorten start-up time when mounted on α E-mount camera bodies. sony.com
