Some new lenses that promise to bring extra quality to video shot with Sony cameras
Sony's just announced two new lenses that will work with their A99 and A77 II cameras, and also with the A7 cameras, which include the A7S - although you'll need an additional optical adaptor for these.
We like Zeiss lenses. They're incredibly sharp and engaging without being harsh. They're zooms are amongst the most precise we've seen, and Sony clearly likes associating them with their cameras. Sony's stellar RX10 has a fixed Zeiss Vario-Sonnar zoom and it absolutely makes the camera.
The new glass is the Vario-Sonnar T 24-70mm F2.8 Z SSM II zoom (obviously easily memorable) and the Vario-Sonnar T 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II (equally memorable) wide angle zoom.
According to Sony the new lenses have significantly better image quality, with extra ghost reduction and AF capabilities. They're rugged and moisture-resistant as well.
The SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor) can track faster than the lens's predecessors.
Based on the performance of other Zeiss lenses we've seen coupled with Sony cameras, it might be worth checking these out.
AN DIEGO, Apr. 23, 2015 – Sony today has announced two new high-performance ZEISS® lenses zoom lenses – a standard zoom and a wide-angle zoom – for its α A-mount system.
SAL2470Z2_A-1200 SAL2470Z2_B-1200Designed for professionals and high-end photo enthusiasts, the new Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSM II (model SAL2470Z2) standard zoom and Vario-Sonnar T* 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II (model SAL1635Z2) wide angle zoom lenses deliver significant improvements in image quality, ghost reduction and AF performance over their predecessors and add a rugged dust- and moisture-resistant design.
SAL1635Z2_A-1200SAL1635Z2_B-1200The new zoom lenses are ideal partners to Sony’s α A-mount family of interchangeable lens cameras, including the highly acclaimed α99 and α77 II models. With the addition of an optional mount adaptor, they’re also compatible with α E-mount cameras such as the α7 series.
The new Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSM II and Vario-Sonnar T* 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II models achieve legendary ZEISS image quality thanks to ZEISS T* coating on their optical surfaces that minimizes ghosting and flare plus aspherical and ED (extra-low dispersion) glass elements that suppress aberration and minimize distortion.
Additionally, the new models feature enhanced AF capabilities compared to their predecessors, delivering approximately 4x the subject tracking speed thanks to their SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor) system and faster, more powerful processing in the lens LSI. This advanced AF performance makes the new lenses an ideal complement to the impressive 4D focus system on select α camera bodies like the α77 II model, and a great choice for shooting fast moving subjects like sports, wildlife or young children.
Pricing and Availability
The new Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSM II (model SAL2470Z2) standard zoom and Vario-Sonnar T* 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II (model SAL1635Z2) wide angle zoom lenses will be available this June for about $2100 and $2250, respectively.
The new lenses and all other Sony α camera bodies and accessories are sold at all authorized retailers throughout the Sony dealer network.