Sony has just announced three new prime G lenses for the E-mount and they come with a twist.
Sony's announcement today has pricked many ears up. It contains not one, not two, but three new lenses, all in a new series of their G range. The three lenses are primes at 24mm, 40mm, and 50mm. The 24mm has a maximum aperture of f/2.8, while the 40mm and 50mm lenses have a maximum of f/2.5. Curiously, all three lenses are identical in dimensions and almost the same in weight too. The lenses are all extremely compact and weigh very little indeed, with the heaviest weighing in at only 174 g.
As you can see, paired with the Sony a7C you can have one of the lightest, smallest form full frame mirrorless setups on the market. It is worth noting, however, that they are compatible with APS-C sensors too.
Sony FE 24mm f/2.8 G Lens
Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G Lens
Sony FE 50mm f/2.5 G Lens
Specifications and Price
Each lens is exceptionally close in almost all regards. Let's begin with the price as I know that is what many of you will be scanning the article for: all three are $598. I was initially surprised at this, but given just how similar they are, it makes sense.
The spec sheets have very few differences between them. Each lens has 7 rounded diaphragm blades, autofocus, the same dimensions, and no built-in image stabilization. The differences are few, but there are a couple. The first is the most obvious: the 50mm and 40mm primes are both f/2.5 at their widest aperture, whereas the 24mm is the more traditional f/2.8. The next difference is the minimum focus distances. The 24mm can focus from 24 cm (9.4 inches), the 40mm can focus from 28 cm (11 inches), and the 50mm can focus from 35cm (13.8 inches).
What are Your Thoughts?
While they aren't ridiculously fast — which is very much in vogue with lenses these days — they are small in form, light in weight, and reasonably priced. There appears to be an interest in reducing the size and weight of mirrorless equipment with Sony, and the pairing of the a7C with these three primes is an attractive proposition for most shooters who enjoy being able to run and gun whilst not sacrificing on kit. Many of us are beyond the days of dragging around a 6-foot rucksack crammed with so many lenses it's affecting the curvature of our spines.
Performance-wise, they appear sharp and with pleasing bokeh. I look forward to getting my hands on them and seeing if they are indeed the great value they seem to be. It's also worth noting that this brings the total number of Sony E lenses to 63! That number has been quietly creeping up for some time and it now feels a distant memory that their lacking range of lenses was considered a deterrent for many to make the switch.
What do you make of these new lenses?
All images courtesy of Sony Electronics
Looks like an excellent addition to the existing sony lenses, I'll get probably get one for my A7C, nice for streetwork, look forward to the tests!
Sony did a great job in standardization, dropping their cost. As spec appears to me like 'nothing special', lacking stabilization, stuff standard with f/2.5 or worse, the price they charge us way too high. 300€ I would spend maximum.
At first I read "all three are $598" and thought, well, that's a great price for 3 lenses, but how many people want to buy a 40 and a 50 at the same time? Then I realized they meant $598 each. Um, hard pass.
Since the a6600 and the 16-55 G for the APSC, they have made a concerted effort with the FE fullframe platform (A7S3, A7C, FX3, plus lenses). I think we may be witnessing the beginning of the end for Sony APSC...
I may be wrong, but it seems like they are preparing for the new Sony Airpeak Drone. DJI did something very similar with their X7 cinema camera lenses. They are all nearly identical in size and weight which makes it super easy on the gimbal.
Now that's a cool idea!
That's pretty dang good. I might actually start thinking about maybe switching to sony when i decide to go mirrorless.
$600 for a 50/2.5?
Am I in the twilight zone? No mention of nearly the exact same lenses from tamron in the article or the comments. I'm sure the tamrons will be the choice, considering price.
Funny you mention that. I was actually looking at the Tamron 24 f2.8 Di III OSD because its so cheap now. The only thing that reviewers didn't like was the noisy autofocus. Still, its macro capabilities keep tempting my wallet.
But you're right, Tamron does have this similar compact lens style for 20/24/35 and for their SP line 35/45/85.
Looks like they are getting ready for their drone launch with these!