Wide-Angle Trio Bring Sony E-Mount Lens System To 70 Models
With the launch of three new wide-angle lenses for the APS-C format E mount, Sony has raced up to 70 E/FE models, which is very good going since the first lens was released back in October 2013.
The new lenses comprise a power zoom and two primes. The E PZ 10-20mm f/4.0 G is equivalent to 15-30mm and is claimed to be the world’s smallest and lightest “ultra wide-angle constant f/4.0 APS-C power zoom lens”… that’s a pretty tightly defined category, but nevertheless this is a very compact lens indeed and it weighs a mere 178g. Zooming can be performed via an electronic zoom collar that allows for variable speed adjustment, or a tele/wide toggle switch.
The optical construction comprises 11 elements in eight groups, including two extralow dispersion (ED) types, three aspherical types, and one that combines both aspherical surfaces and ED characteristics. Both zooming and focusing are performed internally – so there’s no change in the lens’ length – and the minimum focusing distance is 13cm at 10mm and 17cm at 20mm (with manual focusing). AF operation is via a pair of linear motors to optimise speed and to support very fast frame rates. The zoom’s external construction is weather sealed, and it has a customisable focus hold button.
The new E 15mm f/1.4 G combines an effective focal length of 22.5mm with a very fast maximum aperture. It’s another very compact design, being just under 70mm in length and weighing 219g. The optical construction includes three aspherical elements, one with ED characteristics and one Super ED type. Focusing is performed internally via a pair of linear type motors, with manual focusing via Sony’s Linear Response MF for more precise control.
Sony says the focusing group design greatly reduces focusing breathing and to ensure the magnification and angle-of-view remains the same across the focusing range. The minimum focusing distance is 17cm with manual focusing and 20cm with AF. The new 15mm prime is also weather-sealed and has a customisable focus hold button.
The new E 11mm f/1.8 has an effective focal length of 16.5mm and its optical design employs 12 elements in 11 groups. The special elements comprise three ED types and three aspherical types to optimise sharpness across the frame and correct for distortion. Autofocusing is, again, performed internally via a pair of linear-type motors with minimal focus breathing. This lens also has a weathersealed construction and features a focus hold button.
All three of the new Sony E mount wideangle lenses are available in Australia now. Both the E PZ 10-20mm f/4.0 G and the E 15mm f/1.4 G are priced at $1,199, and the E 11mm f/1.8 at $849.
For more information visit www.sony.com.au.