Five New Full-frame E-mount Lenses from Sony & Zeiss

To complement the new A7 and A7R compact system cameras, Sony has introduced five new E-mount lenses that project an imaging circle large enough to cover a 35mm full frame sensor. These include the Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* FE 35mm f/2.8 ZA, the Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA (pictured), the Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar T* FE 24-70mm f/4 ZA OSS, the Sony FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS and the Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS. In addition, the company has also taken the wraps off a new A-mount lens, the ‘Mark 2’ version of the coveted 70-200mm f/2.8 G optic. The Sony 70-200mm F2.8 G SSM II features a super-quiet SSM focus motor that is approximately four times faster than the one in its predecessor, offering improved AF tracking of moving subjects. Most of these lenses go on general sale in UK from the end of November, except for the Zeiss 55mm f/1.8, FE 24-70mm f/4 ZA OSS, which will be available in January 2014, and the FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS, which will be launched in Spring 2014.

Sony has also announced two new mount adapters which enable A7 and A7R owners to attach A-mount lenses to their cameras. The Sony LA-EA4 features translucent mirror technology and maintains auto focus, whereas the LA-EA3 does not support AF. These adapters will also be available from the end of November.

Sony Press Release

Sony debuts first full-frame E-mount lenses

Light, compact premium E-mount lenses; mount adaptors compatible with full-frame α7 and α7R; new A-mount G Lens

• SEL35F28Z: Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* FE 35mm F2.8 ZA
• SEL55F18Z: Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* FE 55mm F1.8 ZA
• SEL2470Z: Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar T* FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS
• SEL2870: FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS
• SEL70200G: FE 70-200mm F4 G OSS
• SAL70200G2: 70-200mm F2.8 G SSM II (A-mount)
• LA-EA4: 35mm full-frame mount adaptor with translucent mirror technology and AF motor
• LA-EA3: Mount Adaptor 35mm full-frame mount adaptor

Experience the clarity, colour, contrast and depth of field offered by full-frame imaging with the new  full-frame E-mount lenses from Sony, ideal to get the very best out of the new Sony α7 and α7R full-frame interchangeable lens digital cameras.

Offering superb image quality plus dust and moisture resistance, the new range of E-mount full-frame lenses comprise of two versatile mid-range zooms, two bright Sonnar T* primes and a premium-quality G lens telephoto zoom. Perfect partners for the α7 and α7R from Sony, the lenses can also be used with all other E-mount cameras and camcorders, including the highly acclaimed NEX-6 and NEX-7.

The lens line-up is joined by a new-generation mount adaptor, giving photographers extra freedom to re-use their precious collection of full-frame A-mount optics with the α7 and α7R. Meanwhile, the A-mount lens family is augmented by a ‘Mark 2’ version of Sony’s acclaimed 70-200mm F2.8 G Lens.

SEL35F28Z Sonnar T* FE 35mm F2.8 ZA

Legendary quality and dependability mark out this full-frame fixed focal lens that carries the prestigious Carl Zeiss name. With a popular 35mm focal length, the SEL35F28Z is a wide-angle prime that offers unparalleled clarity and creative expression for photographers specialising in street scenes and landscapes.

Weighing just 120g, its compact dimensions complement the small, light body of Sony’s α7 and α7R full-frame cameras. Dust and moisture resistant seals broaden the appeal of this versatile lens for outdoor shooting. In keeping with the original Sonnar concept, a bright maximum F2.8 aperture makes the SEL35F28Z ideal for interiors and atmospheric low-light shots

SEL55F18Z Sonnar T* FE 55mm F1.8 ZA

Delivering beautiful rendering as well as exceptional sharpness, this prime lens is an obvious choice for portraiture, low-light and everyday photographic assignments. Its extra-bright F1.8 maximum aperture allows exceptional ‘bokeh’ background defocus, aided by the 9-blade circular aperture. Like all E-mount full-frame lenses, dust and moisture resistance makes the SEL55F18Z a dependable outdoor partner.

The unique T* surface coating works with Carl Zeiss’ advanced optical design, suppressing internal reflections within the lens body. This guarantees sublime contrast with sparkling highlights and deep blacks – a signature of this premium lens-maker.

SEL2470Z: Vario-Tessar T* FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS

The first ever full-frame E-mount Carl Zeiss zoom lens opens up a rich world of creative possibilities for advanced photographers and enthusiasts.

Ideal for portraits, landscapes and everyday shooting, the SEL2470Z combines a versatile 24-70mm zoom range with a useful F4 maximum aperture at all focal lengths. Optical SteadyShot keeps shots crisp and clear, allowing the use of slower shutter speeds – even at longer focal lengths where hand-shake spoils many pictures.

The lens design features five aspherical elements with one ED glass element for pristine, beautifully-rendered images. Unique to Carl Zeiss, T* coating on optical surfaces cuts glare and internal reflections to boost contrast.

Its compact dimensions plus dust and moisture resistance make the SEL2470Z ideal for daily use both in and outside.

SEL2870: FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS

From family portraits to everyday snapshots: the SEL2870 by Sony provides an outstanding introduction to full-frame imaging that is light, compact and temptingly priced.

This versatile mid-range zoom boasts Optical SteadyShot, cutting the effects of hand-shake for crisper, blur-free shooting at all zoom settings. Sony’s advanced optical design employs three aspherical elements and one ED glass element. This contributes to the lens’ beautiful rendering and minimum aberration, as well as keeping size and weight down for easier portability. The travel-friendly design is enhanced further by dust and moisture resistant seals.

SEL70200G: FE 70-200mm F4 G OSS

This premium telephoto zoom is Sony’s first E-mount G Lens that is specifically optimised for full-frame imaging with the α7 and α7R. Ideal for sports and wildlife subjects, it offers a wide F4 maximum aperture at all focal lengths. This light, compact telezoom shares the peerless imaging quality, handling and ergonomics which are hallmarks of the G Lens range.

The optically advanced design features AA (advanced aspherical) elements, Super ED and ED glass elements, while Sony’s own Nano AR Coating reduces flare and ghosting for exceptionally high-contrast images. Demanding photographers will also value practical refinements like the barrel-mounted focus hold button, focus range limiter and panning mode switch. Optical SteadyShot and dust and moisture resistance add further to the all-round appeal of this beautifully crafted, highly practical telephoto zoom.

SAL70200G2: 70-200mm F2.8 G SSM II (A-mount)

The newest addition to Sony’s A-mount family, this evolved ‘Mark 2’ version of the coveted 70-200mm F2.8 G Lens is an ideal choice for portraiture as well as sports and wildlife.

This premier-quality telephoto zoom offers an extremely bright F2.8 maximum aperture for excellent light-gathering at all focal lengths. Now approximately 4x faster than the preceding model, super-quiet autofocus now offers improved AF tracking of moving subjects compared with its predecessor. Optical performance is further enhanced with the addition of Sony’s proprietary Nano AR Coating, which suppreofferig sses internal reflections for outstanding clarity contrast, from bright highlights to deepest blacks.

LA-EA4 and LA-EA3: full-frame compatible mount adaptors

Broaden your shooting options – and get even more value from Sony’s α7 and α7R full-frame cameras with your A-mount DSLR lens collection. The LA-EA4 is an adaptor for E-mount cameras that is compatible with virtually every A-mount lens – spanning full-frame as well as APC-S models. Translucent Mirror TechnologyTM inside the adaptor enables speedy, accurate phase detection autofocus with any compatible A-mount lens attached to your E-mount camera– keeping moving subjects like athletes, wildlife and eager children in sharp focus at all times. (NB: autofocus is not supported with A-mount teleconverters or STF lens). Auto Exposure is also available while shooting stills or video with your E-mount camera.

Also available, the LA-EA3 mount adaptor allows photographers and videographers to enjoy all benefits of full-frame shooting with their A-mount lens collection (NB: LA-EA3 does not support autofocus).

The new SEL35F28Z, SEL55F18Z, SEL2470Z, SEL2870 and SEL70200G full-frame E-mount lenses, SAL70200G2 A-mount lens, LA-EA3 and LA-EA4 mount adaptors from Sony are available for pre-order now on http://www.sony.co.uk The S.EL35F28Z, SAL70200G2, LA-EA3 and LA-EA4 go on general sale in UK from the end of November, the SEL55F18Z and SEL2470Z will be available in January 2014 and the SEL2870 and SEL70200G will be available in Spring 2014.