New A-mount Lenses from Sony
In addition to announcing the Alpha A58 and the NEX-3N, Sony also announced three new A-mount lenses. Two of the new optics are eveolutions of current lenses, while one is a new Carl Zeiss Prime lens.
New Carl Zeiss Planetar T* Fast Prime
The new Zeiss glass is a 50mm f/1.4 full-frame lens. Sony already offers a 50 f/1.4 lens in the A-mount catalog, but the new model is a Carl Zeiss Planetar T* optic. The new lens will be identified with a model number of SAL50F14Z.
It is worth pointing out that Carl Zess offers a variety of lenses in mounts for other camera manufacturers. The Sony/Zeiss A-mount lenses, however, offer full auto-focus. The Zeiss lens for other brands are strictly manual focus, unstablized optics. Thanks to Sony’s in-body stabilization, the Carl Zeiss lenses from Sony are stabilized and offer auto-focus.
The Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50mm /1.4 will be available in June and will carry a list price of $1499.99.
Sony 70-400mm G lens receives an upgrade
Next up, Sony has upgraded the 70-400 f/4-5.6 G series zoom telephoto. Using the current 70-400 as a base, Sony has added quicker Auto-Focus and a new Nano AR element coating which Sony says is five more times as effective in reducing reflections. Most of the lens specs will stay the same.
Available in July, the 70-400mm f4-5.6 G2 lens will sell for $2199.99. (Model SAL70400G2)
The older 70-400, which was only introduced in 2011, is still in Sony’s catalog at $1999.99. (Model SAL70400G)
I would assume Sony will sell off the remaining stock of the older model and concentrate on the new 70-400 for the future.
Revamped Sony 18-55mm DT lens
If the first two lenses are completely out of your price range, you might find the revised 18-55 DT Zoom (SAL18552) a little more affordable.
Again, this is a evolutionary lens and will replace the earlier DT-18-55 f/3.5-5.6 (SAL1855/BQ). The older lens is still available from Sony, at the identical $220 price. Like the 70-400, I expect Sony will phase the old lens out in favor of the ne model.
Sony DT lenses are designed for APS-C sensor cameras and cannot be used on full-frame Sony Alphas at full resolution.
Improvements are quieter auto-focusing and revised rear element design to reduce ghosting and reflections.
Look for the new 18-55mm DT lens in May, wearing a list price of $219.99.
All three of the new A-mount lenses are available for pre-order today.
Sony 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM II (SAL18552)
Preorder from Sony-Style
Preorder from B&H Photo
Preorder from Amazon
Carl Zeiss 50mm f/1.4 Planetar T* Prime Lens (SAL50F14Z)
Preorder the Zeiss 50mm f/1.4 at Sony Style
Preorder the Zeiss 50 f/1.4 at B&H Photo
You can also preorder the Zeiss A-mount 50mm f/1.4 at Amazon
Second Generation Sony Alpha 70-400mm f/4-5.6 G Lens (SAL70400G2)
Sony Style is offering the 70-400mm f.4-5.6 for preorder.
Reserve the 70-400mm G2 lensat B&H photo
Amazon also has the 70-400mm Gen 2 lens available for preorder
More Stories
Understanding Flange Focal Distance and Lens Adapters
Sony to release E-Mount lens mount specs
Lenses: How to tell an A-Mount and Rokkor Lens Apart