Sharp New Lenses include Full Frame 70-400mm G
Telephoto Zoom, Full Frame 50mm F1.4 Carl Zeiss Prime and DT 18-55mm
Standard Zoom
SAN DIEGO, Jan. 22, 2013 – Sony is extending the range of its α
A-mount interchangeable lens camera system with the introduction of
three new lenses designed to fit the needs of the most demanding photo
enthusiasts and professionals.
New models include the 70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM II and Carl Zeiss Planar
T* 50mm F1.4 ZA SSM lenses, designed to complement the impressive
imaging capabilities of Sony’s full-frame α99 SLT (Translucent Mirror)
camera. Additionally, the DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM II lens is a light,
compact 3x zoom that’s an ideal partner for all A-mount cameras with
APS-C size sensors.
New 70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM II telephoto zoom (model SAL70400G2)
Ideal for capturing wildlife and action-packed sports, the new,
upgraded 70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM II super-telephoto zoom lens builds on
the premium performance of its predecessor with enhanced optics and
faster, more responsive autofocus. The lens features a new LSI drive
circuit and faster AF responsiveness, making the ultimate choice for
capturing crisp, sharply focused still images and Full HD videos of fast
moving subjects.
The new-generation SAL70400G2 lens also features Sony’s proprietary
Nano AR Coating on its optical surface. Offering around five times the
efficiency of conventional anti-reflection coatings, it reduces flare
and ghosting for exceptionally high-contrast images.
New Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50mm F1.4 ZA SSM (model SALF0F14Z)
The new Planar T* 50mm F1.4 ZA SSM prime lens joins the existing
Distagon 24mm, Planar 85mm and Sonnar 135mm in Sony’s A-mount range of
prime length optics by Carl Zeiss. With a fixed 50mm focal length and
extra-bright F1.4 aperture, the premium lens is an ideal choice for
professional-quality portraiture and low-light shooting.
Featuring eight lens elements in five groups with two aspherical
elements, the brand new optical design on the SAL50F14Z lens is
optimized for use with Sony’s full-frame α99 camera. The lens
maintains exceptional resolving power and contrast at all apertures, and
utilizes a rear-focus system to focus smoothly, quietly and
effectively. It is also dust- and moisture-resistant, extending the
appeal to a wide range of outdoor shooting applications.
New DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM II zoom lens (model SAL18552)
With second-generation styling, the new SEL18552 lens succeeds the
popular DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM that was introduced in 2011. The light,
compact 3x zoom lens maintains the same smooth AF motor (SAM) as its
predecessor with a quieter AF drive, ideal for continuous AF during
video capture. It also features newly-designed rear lens elements that
reduce flare and ghosting, and upgraded mechanical elements for more
comfortable operation.
New Accessories for Sony Cameras and Camcorders
Sony has also introduced two new accessories compatible with a
growing range of α A-mount and E-mount, Cyber-shot™ and Handycam®
models.
The new HVL-F20M external flash, a new space-saving on-camera flash
compatible with all Multi Interface Shoe mounted cameras (includes
relevant A-mount, E-mount and Cyber-shot models) is ideal for
brightening up portraits, interiors and dimly-lit scenes. Despite its
compact size, the new flash is packed with several pro-style features
including wireless control, simple bounce operation and Auto White
Balance compensation for more accurate, natural-looking white balance.
The flash can also be turned on and off easily either by raising or
lowering the flash head.
The new RM-VPR1 wired remote commander features convenient controls
for zoom (with relevant models) and video recording start/stop, and
includes a shutter lock function that’s ideal for long-exposure ‘bulb’
shooting with α cameras.
Pricing and Availability
The new SAL70400G2 telephoto zoom lens will be available this July
for about $2200. The SAL50F14Z prime lens and SAL18552 zoom lens will
be available this May for about $1500 and $220 respectively.
The HVL-F20M compact flash will be available this May for about $150,
and the RM-VPR1 wired remote commander will be available this April for
about $65.
The Sony α family of cameras, camcorders, lenses and accessories can be purchased at Sony retail stores, online at www.store.sony.com and at all other authorized retailers throughout the Sony dealer network.
