Sony took the wraps off two new lenses for the Sony A-mount system (the company’s SLR bodies) today, a pair of high-performance Zeiss lenses aimed at the professional photographer. The first is the Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSM II ($2100) and the Vario-Sonnar T* 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II wide angle zoom ($2250). Both lenses will be available in June and are available now for preorder at B&H.
These lenses are updates to previous models and they offer better image quality, reduction in ghosting and better autofocus performance. The lenses also are dust and moisture resistant.
Shooters using the Sony a7 series cameras will be able to use the new lenses with the Sony A-mount adapter, available here.
Sony’s Original Press Release
Sony Introduces Two Premium ZEISS® Lenses for α A-mount Camera System
Newly Refined Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70mm F2.8 and 16-35mm F2.8 Zoom Lenses
SAN DIEGO, Apr. 23, 2015 – Sony today has announced two new high-performance ZEISS® lenses zoom lenses – a standard zoom and a wide-angle zoom – for its α A-mount system.
Designed for professionals and high-end photo enthusiasts, the new Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSM II (model SAL2470Z2) standard zoom and Vario-Sonnar T* 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II (model SAL1635Z2) wide angle zoom lenses deliver significant improvements in image quality, ghost reduction and AF performance over their predecessors and add a rugged dust- and moisture-resistant design.
The new zoom lenses are ideal partners to Sony’s α A-mount family of interchangeable lens cameras, including the highly acclaimed α99 and α77 II models. With the addition of an optional mount adaptor, they’re also compatible with α E-mount cameras such as the α7 series.
The new Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSM II and Vario-Sonnar T* 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II models achieve legendary ZEISS image quality thanks to ZEISS T* coating on their optical surfaces that minimizes ghosting and flare plus aspherical and ED (extra-low dispersion) glass elements that suppress aberration and minimize distortion.
Additionally, the new models feature enhanced AF capabilities compared to their predecessors, delivering approximately 4x the subject tracking speed thanks to their SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor) system and faster, more powerful processing in the lens LSI. This advanced AF performance makes the new lenses an ideal complement to the impressive 4D focus system on select α camera bodies like the α77 II model, and a great choice for shooting fast moving subjects like sports, wildlife or young children.
Pricing and Availability
The new Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSM II (model SAL2470Z2) standard zoom and Vario-Sonnar T* 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II (model SAL1635Z2) wide angle zoom lenses will be available this June for about $2100 and $2250, respectively.
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