San Diego, CA—Sony Electronics added two lenses to its lineup of full-frame E-mount lenses. The new lenses are the FE 16–35mm f/2.8 GM large-aperture, wide-angle zoom lens (model SEL1635GM) and the FE 12–24mm f/4 G ultrawide-angle zoom lens (model SEL1224G).
The FE 16–35mm f/2.8 GM brings the high-resolution and bokeh of Sony’s flagship G Master series to a wide 16–35mm focal length for landscapes, cityscapes and portraits. Conversely, the 12–24mm f/4 G is Sony’s widest, full-frame E-mount lens to date. As a result, Sony’s full-frame, E-mount lens lineup now covers a focal length range from ultrawide 12mm to super-telephoto 800mm (with teleconverter).
Duo of Full-Frame E-Mount Lenses
Sony FE 16–35mm f/2.8 GM
This wide-angle zoom joins the FE 24–70mm f/2.8 GM and FE 70–200mm f/2.8 GM OSS to round out Sony’s lineup of f/2.8 large-aperture zoom lenses. Equipped with a variety of Sony’s latest lens technologies, it is the first wide-angle G Master model. The lens is geared for a variety of shooting situations, including landscapes, architecture, close-up portraits, sports and action. In addition, it is lightweight and compact.
Engineered for corner-to-corner sharpness, its optical design includes five aspherical elements. Two of them are Sony’s original XA (extreme aspherical) elements developed to reduce aberration. They are also said to deliver high resolution throughout the entire zoom and aperture range. The front XA element on the FE 16–35mm f/2.8 GM is the largest XA element ever produced.
Additionally, two ED (extra-low dispersion) glass elements keep chromatic aberration to a minimum while maximizing resolution. Also, Sony’s Nano AR coating helps suppress internal reflections to ensure image contrast and clarity.
Furthermore, the lens boasts a near-circular aperture shape at all settings. And the combination of the XA element with an 11-blade aperture produces images with sharply focused subjects against defocused backgrounds, or “bokeh.” It also has two DDSSMs (direct-drive SSM) that compose a floating focusing system to aid in speedy and quiet AF acquisition. Consequently, the lens is also a choice for shooting movies.
The 16–35mm is dust as well as moisture resistant. In addition, a fluorine coating on the front lens helps to prevent dust or grease marks and makes it easier to remove them. There is also a customizable focus hold button and a hood release button.
Sony FE 12–24mm f/4 G
A uniquely designed ultrawide-angle zoom, the FE 12–24mm f/4 G sports a compact, lightweight design. The lens weighs in at approximately 20 ounces. Sony’s widest full-frame E-mount lens, it’s built to offer a dynamic perspective for landscape, architecture and interior photography. It is also suited for both stills and video shooting.
Featuring an innovative optical design, the lens employs four aspherical elements for corner-to-corner sharpness and resolution. Additionally, it has three ED glass elements and one super ED glass element to minimize chromatic aberration throughout the image. It additionally includes Sony’s Nano AR coating.
The dust- and moisture-resistant FE 12–24mm f/4 G lens also uses a DDSSM to help achieve fast, quiet and precise AF performance. Also featured are a customizable focus hold button and a focus mode switch.
Lens Pricing and Availability
Sony’s FE 16–35mm f/2.8 GM lens will ship this August. It will have a suggested retail price of $2,200.
The new FE 12–24mm f/4 G lens will ship in July. It will have an SRP of $1,700. sony.com
