Sony Introduces Four New FE Lenses to Their Lineup, Software Updates for Current Offerings

Four new full-frame E-mount lenses have been announced by Sony which include a 35mm f/1.4, 90mm f/2.8 Macro, 24–240mm f/3.5–6.3, and 28mm f/2. In addition to these lenses, two lens converters were also unveiled for the newly announced FE 28mm, turning it into either a 21mm f/2.8 ultra-wide or a 16mm f/3.5 fisheye. Along with the announcement comes software updates for many of the current FE lenses on the market which will shorten start-up time on E-mount cameras.

These new FE lenses are a welcomed sight for Sony a7 series shooters like myself. While many people can, and do, get away with dependence on lens converters to keep their plentiful choosings of Nikon or Canon glass, having an expanded native lens selection from Sony is critical for them succeeding long-term. These new lenses seem smartly calculated in targeting key photographic genres that haven’t quite been hit as of yet.

Here’s a rundown of what these new lenses are packing:

Sony Distagon T* FE 35mm f/1.4 ZA

The 35mm wide-angle lens is the first E-mount lens to feature a f/1.4 aperture. It has a 9-bladed circular aperture for that all-important bokeh. The glass contains 12 elements in 3 groups, with 3 elements being aspherical. As the name suggests, it has Zeiss T* coating applied to suppress flares and ghosting. Moviemakers will love the ability for its aperture ring to be de-clicked, and features a Direct Drive SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor) for silent autofocusing.

Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS Lens

At 90mm, this lens has the longest reach in Sony’s prime lineup. It is also the first Sony FE lens to sport macro 1:1 magnification. With the addition of Optical SteadyShot image stabilization, this one is sure to grab some people’s attention. As with the 35mm f/1.4, the 90mm f/2.8 has a 9-bladed circular aperture and Direct Drive SSM.

Sony FE 24–240mm f/3.5–6.3 OSS

Being introduced as an “all-in-one” lens, the 24–240 f/3.5–6.3 is a nod towards travel photographers. With a focal length reaching 240mm, this lens has the longest reach out of any current Sony FE offerings. The lens contains a seven-blade circular aperture with five aspherical glass elements and one extra-low dispersion element. Optical SteadyShot image stabilization is also a welcomed feature to help with hand-held telephoto shots.

Sony FE 28mm f/2

Taking the role of the widest FE prime lens available, the 28mm f/2 takes aim at landscape and low-light shooters. It has a 9-bladed circular aperture, three aspherical elements, and two extra-low dispersion elements.

Sony 21mm Ultra-Wide and 16mm Fisheye Conversion Lenses

To be paired with the FE 28mm f/2, Sony also announced two conversion lens options to expand the field-of-view even further. These conversion lenses (sold separately) simply attach to the front of the 28mm rather elegantly. The 21mm ultra-wide conversion ($248) drops the lens down to an f/2.8 aperture and the 16mm 180˚ fisheye conversion ($298) knocks the light down to f/3.5.

Software Updates

These FE lenses now have software updates available for them which will quicken an E-mount camera’s start-up time:

• SEL35F28Z
• SEL2470Z
• SEL55F18Z
• SEL70200G
• SEL2870

Later this month, Sony plans to hit us with another batch of lens software updates to further improve lens performance. Details on software updates can be found on Sony’s support website.

[via B&H Explora and Sony]