Sigma & Tamron Announce Sony FE Lenses

Tamron has announced the development of a 28-75 f/2.8 lens for FE mount cameras.  A moisture resistant lens with a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture that is noticeably smaller and lighter than the Sony 24-70 f/2.8 GM lens is very appealing.  The RXD motor will provide a smooth and quiet focusing system for video.  This may turn out to be a fantastic travel lens for those that need or want f/2.8.

  • E-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
  • Constant f/2.8 Maximum Aperture
  • RXD Stepping AF Motor
  • Fluorine-Coated Front Element
  • Moisture-Resistant Construction

Preorder soon at B&H Photo Still rumors at this point but it looks like Sigma is getting VERY close to announcing FE mount Sigma lenses. First up -Sigma 105mm f/1.4 ART lens. Hopefully, more of the ART series line will be announced in FE mounts soon. 

Sony 24-104 f/4 Hands-on & Sample Images

Sony has announced a 24-104 f/4 G lens. After a few hours of shooting with it on the new Sony a7R III, I can tell you it is very sharp. Some might be disappointed it is not a G Master lens but Sony has created a lens that is extremely sharp across the range and remains lightweight and travel-friendly.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.

  • Image stab: Yes
  • Focus Hold/Customizable Button: Yes
  • Max aperture: F4
  • Min aperture: F22
  • Filter size: 77mm (Recommended CPL filter: Hoya CPL | ND Filter: B+W 6 stop)
  • Min focus: 0.38 m (14.96″)
  • Max magnification: 0.31×
  • Weight: 663 g (1.46 lb)
  • Length: 113 mm (4.45″)
The only bummer - it's a good bit more expensive than other 24-105 lenses, almost $1,300 but it is also far sharper and lighter. Although an expensive combination the Sony 24-105 G and the A7R III with a total cost $4,496 is arguably one of the highest quality combos while remaining travel-friendly (size and weight).Price: $1,298.00 - Preorder from B&H Photo | Preorder from Amazon  Ships Nov 30th.Sample Photos

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 

$2600 Sony 70-200 and new 50mm f/1.4

Sony has introduced a new full-frame FE 50mm F1.4 ZA prime lens for their E-mount camera system.Additionally, Sony has released pricing and ship timing for the FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS G Master lens, 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters plus their new wireless lighting control system. 

Full-frame FE 50mm F1.4 ZA

Sony Planar T* FE 50mm f/1.4 ZA LensKeeping track of Sony's 50mm-ish lenses?  We now have this 50mm f/1.4 (retailed $1500), 55mm f/1.8 (so sharp and $998) and the newish Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 Lens ($248.00)The new one does offer on lens aperture control and like the 85 G master f/1.4 I expect this to be very sharp even wide open. Interestingly that 55mm is VERY sharp wide open too and cheaper and lighter.   And finally the newish budget friendly 50mm f/1.8 that I personally haven't tested but also hear that most opinions are positive.   Which would you pick and why?Pricing and Availability – FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS G Master lens. Teleconverters and Wireless Lighting Control SystemSony has also released pricing and ship timing for the FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS G Master lens, 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters plus their new wireless lighting control system.  All products were introduced earlier this year.The Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS G Master lens takes its place as the flagship telephoto zoom in the Sony lens lineup. Featuring built in Optical Stead Shot (OSS) and a fast f/2.8 maximum aperture across the zoom range-  This lens will ship this July for a retail price of $2,600 US and $3,300 CA.SEL7020GM_ADesigned exclusively to fit the 70-200mm F2.8 G Master lens, the new 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters (models SEL14TC and SEL20TC) will both be sold for the same retail price of about $550 US and $700 CA, and will ship this July.SEL14TC_B SEL20TC_B More info and Official Press release belowSony Releases Full-Frame FE 50mm F1.4 ZA Prime LensA quintessential wide-aperture 50mm “normal” lens, the new ZEISS® Planar F1.4 offers high resolution, high-contrast and overall exceptional performance SAN DIEGO, July 11, 2016Sony Electronics, a worldwide leader in digital imaging and the world’s largest image sensor manufacturer, has today introduced a new full-frame lens for their E-mount camera system, the Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA (model SEL50F14Z).This 50mm prime lens features a large F1.4 maximum aperture that offers impressive contrast and outstanding resolution that are hallmarks of the ZEISS® brand.  It produces these consistently strong qualities throughout the entirety of the frame – from center to corner – and at all aperture settings, even while shooting wide open at F1.4. The cutting edge optical structure includes high-precision AA (Advanced Aspherical) and ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements that reduce spherical and chromatic aberration, as well as a ZEISS® T* Coating that minimizes flare and ghosting creating the classic ZEISS® clarity. Additionally, its Planar design ensures minimal distortion.The large F1.4 maximum aperture of the FE 50mm F1.4ZA lens provides a level of brightness and speed that are advantageous for dimly lit indoor shots, night scenes, and portraits, while its 11-bladed circular aperture allows for stunning “bokeh”, or background defocus, in images.  The lens also features an aperture ring with an adjustable ON/OFF switch, an AF/MF focus mode switch, and a dust and moisture resistant design¹, further increasing its functionality.The new lens is also equipped with a ring drive SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor) system, which allows it to efficiently lock focus with speed, precision and in near silence, making it particularly useful for shooting movies.Pricing and Availability – FE 50mm F1.4 ZA LensThe new FE 50mm F1.4 ZA lens will ship this July for a retail price of $1,500 US and $1,950 CA.  The new FE interchangeable lens will be sold at a variety of Sony authorized dealers throughout North America.Pricing and Availability – New FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS G Master lens. Teleconverters and Wireless Lighting Control SystemToday, Sony has also released pricing and ship timing for the FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS G Master lens, 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters plus their new wireless lighting control system.  All products were introduced earlier this year.One of the most eagerly anticipated lenses of the year, the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS G Master lens takes its place as the flagship telephoto zoom in the Sony lens lineup. Featuring built in Optical Stead Shot (OSS) and a fast f/2.8 maximum aperture across the zoom range, the lens will be an ideal fit for nature, sports, travel, fashion, beauty and wedding photographers.  This lens will ship this July for a retail price of $2,600 US and $3,300 CA.Designed exclusively to fit the 70-200mm F2.8 G Master lens, the new 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters (models SEL14TC and SEL20TC) will both be sold for the same retail price of about $550 US and $700 CA, and will ship this July.The versatile new wireless flash and control system – comprised of the FA-WRC1M wireless radio commander and the FA-WRR1 wireless radio receiver – was designed to meet the growing demands of professional Sony photographers.  With a maximum range of 30m (approx.. 98 feet) and the ability to control a maximum of 15 separate flash units in 5 different groups, it offers a flexible wireless flash shooting experience with exceptional performance.The FA-WRC1M commander will be sold for about $350 US and $480 CA.  The FA-WRR1 receiver will be sold for about $200 US and $280 CA.  Both products will ship this August.The new lenses, teleconverters and wireless lighting system will be sold at a variety of Sony authorized dealers throughout North America.   Direct links to their product home pages on sony.com can be found below:

o   SEL14TC 1.4x teleconvertero   SEL20TC 2.0x teleconverter

     

New Sony Lenses - 70-300 OSS and 50mm f/1.8

What you need to know - Sony has announced two new FE lenses - FE lenses mount on the a6000/6300 and A7 series.    The 50mm f/1.8 will be affordable and lightweight at $250. The 70-300 is G series and likely optically excellent and expensive at $1200. Available in May.   Read on for more details -Preorder Links from B&H PhotoFE 50mm f/1.8 at B&H PhotoFE 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G OSS at B&H PhotoOne of the common complaints I hear about the Sony system is the lack of lenses!  Sony is clearly very aware of this and has been working hard to round out their lens offerings - The Sony 70-300 OSS and 50mm f/1.8 were just announced - giving sony photographers greater zoom with the 70-300 and a cheaper prime with the 50mm f/1.8.   The 50mm f/1.8 at $250 is competitive with other cheap primes from Canon and Nikon. The 70-300 seems expensive but the G series of lenses have been optically excellent and I suspect this 70-300 will match or beat Canon's 70-300 L series lens.FE50F18 A FE50F18 B70-300_2 70-300Preorder Links from B&H PhotoFE 50mm f/1.8 at B&H PhotoFE 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G OSS at B&H PhotoYour use of our links supports what we do here at Photorec.tv and costs you nothing extra. 

Sony Bolsters Full-Frame FE Lens Lineup with New 70-300mm High-Resolution Zoom and 50mm F1.8 Prime LensesNew FE 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G OSS Telephoto Zoom and 50mm F1.8 Prime Lens Extend Sony α Shooting Possibilities

SAN FRANCISCO, Mar. 29, 2016 – Sony Electronics, a worldwide leader in digital imaging and the world’s largest image sensor manufacturer, has today introduced two new full-frame lenses for their E-mount camera system, the FE 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G OSS telephoto zoom and 50mm F1.8 prime lens.The new FE 70-300mm F4.5-F5.6 G OSS zoom lens represents the first Sony α E-mount lens to reach a 300mm focal length, featuring high resolution and excellent overall optical performance throughout the entirety of its range. The new 50mm F1.8 prime lens is extremely compact, lightweight and affordably priced, making it an ideal choice for those looking to explore the benefits of a large aperture prime lens at a reasonable cost.“We’re continuing to build out our FE lens lineup, offering more variety than ever for today’s imaging enthusiasts,” said Neal Manowitz, Vice President of Digital Imaging at Sony Electronics. “Representing two of the most requested focal lengths by our customers, the new 70-300mm zoom and 50 F1.8mm prime become ideal choices for those looking to expand and enhance their Sony α kits.New FE 70-300mm F4.5 – 5.6 G OSS Telephoto Zoom LensSony’s longest reaching E-mount lens to date, the new FE 70-300mm F4.5 – 5.6 G OSS telephoto zoom lens (model SEL70300G) features a state-of-the-art optical design including four aspherical glass elements, two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements and Sony’s Nano AR coating, which all work together to effectively suppress spherical aberration, distortion, and chromatic aberration. This ensures beautiful high-resolution results for both still and video shooting.The new telephoto zoom lens also features class-leading close-up performance, with a minimum focusing distance of less than 3 feet (0.9m) and a maximum magnification of 0.31x, making it an ideal choice for tele-macro photography. This outstanding close-up performance also factors into the lens’ excellent corner-to-corner sharpness.The versatile zoom lens includes built-in Optical SteadyShot image stabilization that helps to reduce camera shake, making it easier to capture clear images when shooting handheld. Additionally, the new SEL70300G model has a linear actuator that allows it to achieve fast, smooth and quiet autofocus and is also dust and moisture resistant1 to ensure reliable operation in harsh outdoor conditions.New FE 50mm F1.8 Prime LensWeighing in at less than 7 oz (192 g), the new lightweight FE 50mm F1.8 “normal” prime lens (model SEL50F18F) delivers an outstanding blend of performance, compactness and value, making it a perfect choice for hobbyist photographers and videographers looking to experience the benefits of a wide aperture prime lens at an attainable cost.The lens features a new optical design with an aspherical element that effectively compensates for all forms of aberration, resulting in beautiful, crisp imagery. Additionally, it has a circular aperture with a maximum of F1.8, producing beautiful ‘bokeh’ in images that allows the subject to stand out against a smoothly defocused background. For extended durability, the new prime lens is built with a solid metal mount.Pricing and AvailabilityThe new FE 70-300mm F4.5 – 5.6 G OSS telephoto zoom lens will be available in May for about $1,200 US and $1,700 CA, respectively.The new FE 50mm F1.8 prime lens will also be available in May for about $250 US and $350 CA, respectively.Both of the new FE interchangeable lenses will be sold at a variety of Sony authorized dealers throughout North America.