Earlier today Sony announced two new additions to their growing line-up of full-frame E-mount lenses. The two new lenses are the much anticipated and rumoured G Master Series Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM wide-angle zoom and the even wider angle Sony FE 12-24mm f/4.0 G full-frame lens. The FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM zoom brings the incredible high-resolution and beautiful bokeh of Sony’s flagship G Master series to a wide 16-35mm focal length for exceptional landscapes, cityscapes, portraits and more, while the 12-24mm F4 G, Sony’s widest full-frame E-mount lens to date, offers a dynamic new perspective for all Sony E-mount shooters.
The G Master Series are Sony’s top line of lenses, kind of like what the “red ring” L Series are to Canon. The G Master Series also includes the standard FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM zoom and the telephoto FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS, now the FE 16-35mm f/2.8 completes the zoom trifecta of major focal lengths used in many photography disciplines including events, wedding, portrait, architecture, sports and more.
Sure, the two new lenses don’t come cheap, and even though the 12-24mm f4 is a G series lens (not a G Master), both lenses appear to be stunning performers. Both lenses cover full-frame 35mm sensors so whether you are a Sony a9 photographer or a video shooter equipped with the Sony A7s II, you’re in good hands.
The new Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM Wide-Angle Zoom lens is packed with Sony’s most advanced optical technologies contributing to the lens’ exceptional corner-to-corner sharpness. The FE 16-35mm f2.8 features an optical design that includes five aspherical elements, two of which are Sony’s original XA (extreme aspherical) elements that reduce aberration and delivers the ultimate resolution throughout the entire zoom and aperture range.
The front XA element on the FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM is the largest XA element ever produced, ensuring optimum quality. Additionally, two ED (Extra-low-Dispersion) glass elements keep chromatic aberration to a minimum while maximizing resolution, and Sony’s original Nano AR coating suppresses internal reflections to ensure excellent image contrast and clarity.
Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM Highlights
- E-Mount Lens
- Full-Frame Coverage
- Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/22
- Two Extra-Low Dispersion Elements
- Three Aspherical and Two XA Elements
- Nano AR and Fluorine Coatings
- Two Direct Drive SSM AF Groups
- Focus Hold Button, AF/MF Switch
- Dust and Moisture-Resistant Construction
- Eleven-Blade Circular Diaphragm
- Price: $2,198 (B&H, Adorama)
- Available: August 2017
A uniquely designed ultra wide-angle zoom lens, the new Sony FE 12-24mm F4 G lens is made for those photographers demanding outstanding image quality in a compact, lightweight design, weighing in at approximately 20 oz (565 g). The fact that it weights just over 500 grams is quite remarkable, given the fact that the Canon 11-24mm f4L beast weights twice as much as 1180 g or 2.6 pounds.
The lens features an innovative optical design with four aspherical elements that ensure excellent corner to corner sharpness and resolution. Additionally, the lens has three ED glass elements and one Super ED glass element that minimize chromatic aberration throughout the entire image, and also includes Sony’s original Nano AR coating.
The new FE 12-24mm F4 G lens includes a DDSSM (Direct Drive SSM) for fast, quiet and precise AF performance, plus a customizable focus hold button and focus mode switch. It’s also dust and moisture resistant.
Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G Highlights
- E-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
- Aperture Range: f/2 to f/22
- Four Aspherical Elements
- One Super ED and Three ED Elements
- Nano AR Coating
- Direct Drive Super Sonic Wave Motor
- Focus Hold Button, AF/MF Switch
- Dust and Moisture-Resistant Construction
- Seven-Bladed Rounded Diaphragm
- Price: $1,698 (B&H, Adorama)
- Available: July 2017
As mentioned before, the new Sony lenses command a serious price tag for the performance they deliver with the new Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM coming in at $2,200 US with estimated shipping to commence in August this Summer. The new Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G starts shipping a bit earlier in July for $1,700 US.
Pre-orders commence 8 am EST Friday 19th May.
[via Sony]
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