Sony 18-135 f/3.5-5.6 OSS Zoom for a6000, a6300, a6500 Cameras

E 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 OSSSony has announced the latest addition to the rapidly-growing E-mount lens lineup. The 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 gives an equivalent 27-202.5mm range when mounted on the α6500, α6300 and α6000 cameras and provides Optical SteadyShot (OSS) stabilization.Holy crap it's been over FOUR years since Sony has released an E-mount lens?!  Looking back I can't find anything from Sony for their crop sensor line since the 16-70 f/4 Announced Aug 27, 2013. Third party manufacturers like Sigma have filled in some of the gaps but it is clear that filling out the FE mount line(for the full frame a7/a9 series cameras) was a priority. Now we should see a few more e mount lenses for their crop sensor line - the a6000/6300/6500. Sony needs more affordable lenses in this category to compete with Canon.Sony E 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 OSSBased on the quality of recently released lenses I expect this to be a good lens and a strong value, especially for the traveler looking to take just one lens.  The compact lens weighs just 325 g (0.72 lb)The new E 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 OSS APS-C Zoom Lens will ship in February 2018 and will be sold for about $600 US and $780 CA

Shipping February 15th - Preorder from B&H Photo Today! 

Specifications

Mount: Sony E-mountFormat: APS-CFocal Length (mm): 18-13535mm Equivalent Focal Length (APS-C): 27-202.5Lens Groups / Elements: 12–16Angle of View (APS-C): 76°-12°2Maximum Aperture (F): 3.5-5.6Minimum Aperture (F): 22-36Aperture Blades: 7Circular Aperture: YesMinimum Focus Distance: 1.48 Ft (0.45 M)Maximum Magnification Ratio (X): 0 29Filter Diameter (mm): 55Image Stabilization (Steadyshot): Optical SteadyshotZoom System: ManualHood Type: Petal Shape, Bayonet TypeDimensions (Diameter X Length): 67.2 X 88 mm (2-3/4 X 3-1/2 ")Weight: 11.5 Oz (325 G)
 Sample Images

A New Lightweight 24-105mm f/4 Lens From Sony

FE 24-105mm F4 G OSSAlong with the Sony a7R III, more on that here, we've also got a new 24-105mm lens this week from Sony. The Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS Lens is a nice addition to the current lineup in sharpness, focus, and weight. We'll have more on this lens and the Sony A7R III as Toby is on location with it in New York so keep an eye out for more info.The lightest among the 24-105 lenses out, it's a great wide to mid-telephoto range for photography and perfect for travel, weighing 23.4oz (663 g). Compared to Canon and Nikon it's MTF chart shows a large improvement vs the competition with great corner to corner sharpness. Multiple extra-low dispersion and aspherical glass elements, with a Nano AR coating as well cut down on distortion and reducing flaring while boosting sharpness.Silent and fast featuring DDSSM (Direct Drive SSM), benfits photographers AND videographers. It can handle slow speeds fine with Optical SteadyShot image stabilization to create crisp photos at low speeds. Dust and moisture-resistant design.Preorders start today on the Sony 24-105mm lens for $1,298.00 and the a7R III. If you have been thinking of switching to Sony now is the time. Great performance with a small size should be good on the go for traveling or just as a convenient zoom lens.

Sample Photos

[gallery ids="16364,16365,16366,16367,16368,16369"]

Specifications

Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS Lens

  • Mount: Sony E-mount
  • Format: 35 mm full frame
  • Focal Length: 24-105mm
  • 35mm EquivFocal focal Length (APS-C): 36-157.5
  • Lens Groups / Elements: 14-17
  • Angle of View on APS-C: 61°-15°2
  • Angle of View on Full Frame 84°-23°
  • Aperture Range: F/4 - 22
  • Aperture Blades: 9
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 1.25ft (0.38 m)
  • Filter Size: 77mm
  • Image Stabilization: Optical SteadyShot
  • Size: 3-3/8 x 4-1/2 in (83.4 x 113.3 mm)
  • Weight: 23.4 oz (663 g)

Press Release

Sony Expands Full-Frame Lens Lineup with New Compact, Lightweight FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS Standard Zoom Covering Wide-angle to Mid-telephoto rangeNew E-mount FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS Standard Zoom Delivers Serious Still and Video Performance with Compact Design  NEW YORK, Oct. 25, 2017 – Sony Electronics, a worldwide leader in digital imaging and the world’s largest image sensor manufacturer, has today introduced the latest addition to their expanding full-frame E-mount lens lineup, the FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS Standard Zoom (model SEL24105G).The new full-frame lens covers the commonly used 24 to 105mm focal length range, delivering outstanding G Lens™ imaging performance with the most lightweight design in its class1, maximizing its versatility and usability.  Therefore, the FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS can be used for versatile shooting such as landscape, portrait, wedding and so on.  This lens also features fast, precise and quiet autofocus capabilities in both still and video shooting, making it an ideal complement for Sony’s extensive lineup of E-mount cameras.High Optical Performance and Outstanding Resolution             Sony’s new FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS lens delivers excellent corner-to-corner sharpness throughout the entirety of its zoom range, while also producing beautifully rendered ‘bokeh’ or background defocus at all focal lengths.This high image quality is made possible thanks to its advanced optical design featuring four aspherical lens elements, two of which are high precision AA (advanced aspherical) lenses.  There are also three strategically located ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements that work in combination with the aforementioned aspherical lens elements to minimize chromatic aberration and ensure the ultimate resolution is captured.The lens also has Sony’s original Nano AR coating to minimize flare and ghosting, and utilizes a circular aperture to ensure it delivers high quality bokeh that is consistent for all Sony’s G series.Compact, Lightweight Design and Shooting Flexibility            The new FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS lens weighs in at approximately 663 grams (23.4 oz), making it the lightest lens in its class1.  When combined with one of Sony’s compact E-mount bodies, it gives photographers and videographers a far more mobile, manageable camera system that greatly increases their shooting flexibility.In addition to the compact design and versatile 24-105mm focal length, the new lens has a minimum focus distance of 1.25ft, allowing for impressive close up detail.  It also includes built-in optical image stabilization to make it easier to produce sharp, blur-free images when shooting handheld.Highly Advanced and Accurate AutoFocusIn order to keep up with fast-moving subjects, the new standard zoom lens features a DDSSM (Direct Drive SSM) system that is capable of rapid positioning of the lens’ focus groups with high accuracy and very minimal noise.  This advanced system combined with a constant F4 aperture at all focal lengths makes the SEL24105G an excellent choice for both still and video shooting.Further adding to its versatility, the new standard zoom lens also features a customizable focus hold button, a dust and moisture resistant design2 and a fluorine coating on the front element to help minimize dust, water, oil and other contaminants.Pricing and AvailabilityThe new FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS Standard Zoom Lens will ship this November for about $1,300 US and $1,700 CA.1. Compared to currently available full-frame 24-105mm F4 standard zoom lenses (October 25th, 2017, Sony research)2. Compared to currently available full-frame 24-105mm F4 standard zoom lenses (October 25th, 2017, Sony research)2. Not guaranteed to be 100% dust and moisture proof

Sony a9 - Just Announced | Hands-on!

Sony is going after Canon/Nikon in a BIG way.   While Sony cameras continue to sell well - their aps-c line and full frame, the sidelines of sporting events are still dominated by Canon and Nikon. The newly announced Sony a9 hopes to change that. With the a7R II and a7S II already pushing Sony full frame sales above Nikon for the 2nd spot, this is an exciting announcement.I am here in New York for the Sony a9 announcement and hands-on shooting.  I just recorded my thoughts in a short videohttps://youtu.be/1AixQ_rbqko

Highlights of the Sony a9

  • World’s First1 full-frame stacked CMOS sensor, 24.2 MP2 resolution
  • Blackout-Free Continuous Shooting at up to 20 fps for up to 241 RAW/ 362 JPEG images
  • 4K video and 1080 at 120fps
  • Silent, Vibration-free shooting at speeds up to 1/32,000 sec
  • 693 point focal plane phase detection AF points with 60 AF/AE tracking calculations per second and 93% AF frame coverage
  • Extensive professional features including Ethernet port for file transfer, Dual SD card slots and extended battery life (2.2x a7 series battery life)
  • 5-Axis in-body image stabilization
  • Nub (joystick for selecting focus point)
  • Touchscreen LCD
  • Upgraded viewfinder - bigger/brighter
  • Addition of My Menu section to save your favorite menu items

Preorders start 10am Fri Apr 21  - B&H LINK for Sony a9  PRICE:  $4,499.00Also announced -

Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS Lens

  • E-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
  • Aperture Range: f/4.5-5.6 to f/32-40
  • One Super ED Element and Two ED Elements
  • Nano AR Coating and Fluorine Coating
  • Direct Drive SSM Focus System
  • Optical SteadyShot Image Stabilization
  • Zoom Torque Adjustment Ring
  • Internal Focus, Focus Range Limiter
  • Dust and Moisture-Resistant Construction
  • Nine-Blade Circular Diaphragm

Preorders start 10am Fri Apr 21 - B&H LINK for Sony FE 100-400   PRICE:  $2,499.00 

New Sony Lenses - Do it all, primes and macros

Sony has announced several new lenses for their full frame E-Mount cameras (that is the Sony a7, a7s, a7r, a7 mark II, APS-C a6000/5100 and the NEX cameras) We now have 11 FE (Full frame E-Mount lenses)

Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS Lens

Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS Lens

  • E-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
  • Aperture Range: f/2.8 to 22
  • 1:1 Magnification Ratio; Internal Focus
  • Aspherical, ED and Super ED Elements
  • Nano AR Coating
  • Direct Drive Super Sonic Wave AF Motor
  • Optical SteadyShot Image Stabilization
  • Focus Hold Button & Range Limiter Switch
  • Sliding Focus Ring for AF/MF Selection
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 11"

Price: $1,098Shipping Soon! Preorder from B&H Photo | Adorama | AmazonSample images from Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS Lens[gallery link="file" ids="7506,7507,7508,7509,7510,7511"]

Sony FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS Lens

Sony FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS Lens

  • E-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
  • Aperture Range: f/3.5-6.3 to 22-40
  • One ED and Five Aspherical Elements
  • Linear Motor AF System
  • Optical SteadyShot Image Stabilization
  • Internal Focus; Physical MF & Zoom Rings
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 19.7"
  • Dust and Moisture Resistant
  • Filter Diameter: 72mm
  • Circular 7-Blade Aperture

Price: $998Shipping March 17th! Preorder from B&H Photo | Adorama | AmazonSample images from Sony FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS Lens[gallery link="file" ids="7517,7524,7525,7526,7527,7528"]

Sony Distagon T* FE 35mm f/1.4 ZA Lens

Sony Distagon T* FE 35mm f/1.4 ZA Lens 

  • E-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
  • Aperture Range: f/1.4 to 16
  • One AA & Three Aspherical Elements
  • Zeiss T* Anti-Reflective Coating
  • Direct Drive Super Sonic Wave AF System
  • Physical Aperture Ring Can Be De-Clicked
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 12"
  • Dust and Moisture Resistant
  • Filter Diameter: 72mm
  • Circular 9-Blade Diaphragm

Price: $1,598Shipping Soon! Preorder from B&H Photo | Adorama | AmazonSample Images from the Sony Distagon T* FE 35mm f/1.4 ZA Lens[gallery link="file" ids="7494,7495,7496,7497,7498,7499"]

Sony FE 28mm f/2 Lens

Sony FE 28mm f/2 Lens

  • E-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
  • Aperture Range: f/2 to 22
  • Aspherical, AA, and ED Elements
  • Linear Actuator Autofocus System
  • Internal Focus; Physical MF Ring
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 11.5"
  • Dust and Moisture Resistant
  • Filter Diameter: 49mm
  • Circular 9-Blade Diaphragm
  • Optional Ultra-Wide & Fisheye Converters

Price: $448Shipping Soon! Preorder from B&H Photo | Adorama | AmazonSamples Images from the Sony FE 28mm f/2 Lens[gallery ids="7487,7488,7489,7490,7491,7492"]

Converters for the new 28mm and Existing Primes

[gallery ids="7484,7485,7486"]Sony Fisheye Conversion Lens for FE 28mm F/2 $298.00Sony Ultra-Wide Conversion Lens for FE 28mm F/2 $248.00Sony Fisheye Converter for E 16mm F/2.8 and E 20mm F/2.8 $178.00Sony Ultra-Wide Fisheye Converter for E 16mm F2.8 and E 20mm F2.8 $158.00 

Sony's Complete list of E-Mount Lenses

E-Mount and E-Mount compatible lenses at B&H Photo

Sony's line of E-Mount Cameras

(sorted in order of best selling - Currently B&H offering $200 instant savings, 4% Rewards and B&H and Adorama offering bundles with case, 64GB SD card and additional free goodies.Sony a7 Mark IIBuy from: B&H | Adorama | Amazon for $1,698Sony a7 IIBuy from: B&H for $2,498 | Adorama | Amazon (My Review of the Sony a7s)Sony a7rBuy from: B&H for $2,098 | Adorama | Amazon (My review of the Sony a7r)Sony A7Buy from: B&H for $1,298 | Adorama | Amazon (My review of the Sony a7Sony a6000Buy on B&H | Amazon | Adorama for $698 with 16-50 Power Zoom Lens (My Review of the Sony a6000)

Sony a5100 Announced - Serious Power in Lightweight Package

Sony has announced a new camera in their mirror-less line up, the a5100. I loved the a6000 (watch my video review of the a6000 here) and this camera takes the same sensor and focusing system and crams it into a smaller and lighter body that includes a touchscreen. Honestly I haven't always been a fan of Sony's cameras but this line (a5000, a6000 and now a5100) that has now replaced the NEX series offers excellent image quality, performance and feature set.  Headline features of the Sony a5100

  • Fast focus with 179 AF points
  • 6 FPS with focus (Sony a6000 offers 11FPS)
  • 24MP APS-C sensor (many mirrorless cameras are using a smaller sensor, 4/3, and in low light the Sony offers noticeable better images)
  • Easy Wifi Connectivity - In all my testing the Sonys still offers some of the best wifi sharing
  • Full HD 1080/24/60P video up to 50MB/s - The a6000 is limited to 28MB/s video
  • Small and Lightweight package- 2oz lighter than the a6000 and a little smaller! I was shocked at how lightweight the a6000 was and the a5100 is smaller and a little lighter.
  • TOUCHSCREEN - One of my complaints regarding the a6000 was no touchscreen.
The Sony a6000 costs $100 more and offers an EVF, a flash hot shoe for external flashes and mics, 11 FPS (vs 6FPS in the a5100) in a slightly larger and heavier package.
Available September 2 for $698 with 16-50 power zoom or $548 body only. Preorder from Amazon | Preorder from B&H Uses e-mount lenses. I recommend picking it up with the sony 35mm f/1.8 lens - 6 Reasons you should own a prime lens like the 35mm f/1.8 Full review and hands on soon.