Sony has just announced two new lenses and I have had early access to both, shooting on an a7RII and a9 and have sample photos and thoughts below.https://youtu.be/G73lzUHaniY
The Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM Wide-angle Zoom Lens
This nicely rounds out Sony's f/2.8 offerings (16-35, 24-70, 70-200 - the f/2.8 trinity) and looks to be an excellent lens. I was impressed with edge to edge sharpness, lack of vignetting and smooth bokeh. Most lenses in this category have 9 aperture blades, the new FE 16-35 f/2.8 has 11. This lens is seriously sharp - Sony is designing it with future ultra high resolution sensors in mind. It is dust and moisture resistant too. Below are a few sample photos I shot. Lens will be available in late August. Price $2,199 PREORDER from B&H Photo[gallery td_select_gallery_slide="slide" link="file" ids="14849,14848,14847,14846,14845,14844"]I do love the focus hold button included on G Master lenses - its primary function is to lock focus when recomposing, but you can customize to a number of other functions depending. In addition to Focus Hold, custom functions include: Eye AF, AF On, Aperture Preview, Shot Result Preview or Bright Monitoring.Additional 16-35 f/2.8 Specs -
- Weather Sealed Design
- Product weight (oz): 24 oz (680 g.)
- Product Dimension (L*W) inch: 4.875” x 3.5” (121.6 x 88.5mm)
- Nano AR Coating
- ED glass w/ multi‐coating reduces chromatic aberration
Currently the Canon 16-35 f/2.8 III sells for $1,999 - I expect this Sony lens to be sharper when we compare them side by side. Make sure you subscribe to the my Youtube channel to get updated news and comparisons when this lens is released.
The Sony FE 12-24mm F4 G Ultra Wide-angle Zoom Lens
Sony surprised us with this small, unassuming ultra wide angle lens. I can't quite believe how compact and lightweight it is while still providing full frame coverage of 12-24! Weighing just over a pound and nicely fitting in your hand the 12-24 provides a constant f/4 aperture, focus hold button and integrated/fixed lens hood. It does have a bulbous front element requiring an adapter to use filters. While it doesn't seem quite as sharp as the GMaster 16-25 f/2.8 it still provides very good sharpness and nothing else offers this wide a view on full frame at this size and weight unless you go with a prime lens. You could use an adapter with the Sigma 12-24 but that lens weighs twice as much and is significantly larger. The lens will be available in Late July for $1,699 PREORDER from B&H Photo[gallery td_select_gallery_slide="slide" link="file" ids="14854,14853,14852,14851,14850,14860"]Additional 12-24 f/4 G Specs
- Weather Sealed Design
- Product weight (oz): 20 oz (680 g.)
- Product Dimension (L*W) inch: 4.625” x 3.5” (117.4 x 87mm)
- 7 Bladed Aperture Design
- Super ED and ED glass w/ multi‐coating reduces chromatic aberration
- Customizeable Focus Hold button
Canon offers an 11-24 f/4 lens for $2,699 and it is larger and heavier. Sigma offers a slightly cheaper model but as mentioned it too is a good bit heavier and bulkier, also not weather sealed. Once the lens is released I will make comparisons and publish the results here and on Youtube.Pre-order these lenses at B&H:
The lens uses a Direct Drive SSM focus motor that Sony claims it has a more direct feel similar to a mechanical focus ring, useful for videographers. It is dust and moisture resistant. Nine circular aperture blades create a smooth bokeh.
