San Diego, CA—Sony expanded its Alpha E-mount lens system to 13 native E-mount lenses plus two converters with the introduction of its 20mm f/2.8 pancake wide-angle lens (SEL20F28) and 18–200mm f/3.5–6.3 OSS powered telephoto zoom lens (SELP18200). Both are compatible with all α E-mount cameras and semiprofessional camcorders.
SEL20F28. When mounted on any Sony α E-mount camera, the 20mm f/2.8 pancake lens creates a portable package designed for a range of everyday shooting opportunities, from interiors and landscapes to street photography and casual snapshots.
The lens features an ultra-slim body approximately 20mm from front to back, and its wide angle of view (30mm equivalent) and bright f/2.8 aperture are said to produce “excellent contrast, resolution and clarity” across the frame for still image and Full HD video shooting.
The E 20mm f/2.8 wide-angle prime lens will be available this April for an SRP of $350.
SELP18200. Originally offered only as a kit lens for the NEX-VG30 camcorder introduced last fall, the 18–200mm f/3.5–6.3 OSS powered telephoto zoom lens will now be available for purchase as a stand-alone lens. Targeted at serious videographers, the lens offers an 11x magnification range. Its quiet power-zoom mechanics, focusing and aperture operation help enable smooth cinematic transitions when adjusting zoom level or manual settings during shooting. It has a comfortably positioned zoom lever that works with a switch on the lens barrel, allowing zoom speed to be selected in three different steps—from slow shifts in perspective to crash-zoom effects. Zoom can also be controlled directly from compatible NEX-VG900, NEX-VG30 and NEX-FS700 (requires firmware update) video cameras.
The 18–200mm lens also has built-in Optical SteadyShot, which cuts the effects of camera shake and minimizes camera blur while shooting handheld at slower shutter speeds. Additionally, active mode is employed to enhance stabilization at the wide end of the 11x zoom range to aid in ensuring smooth footage even if the shooter is in motion.
While optimized for video, the E PZ18–200mm f/3.5–6.3 OSS motorized tele-zoom lens can also be used for shooting still photography. It will ship this March with an SRP of $1,200. sony.com
