Sony strengthens full-frame A7 cameras with new macro and zoom lenses

Sony is committed to its mirrorless cameras, especially now that it’s the leader in this segment (according to Japanese research firm, BCN). The company has mentioned many times its intention to grow the number of full-frame E-mount (FE) lenses, and this week it announced not one, but four new options. With Sony really pushing its full-frame A7-series cameras, having these new additions in the lineup will help bolster its efforts.

First up is the FE 24-240mm F3.5-6.3 OSS. With its 10x zoom, Sony says the full-frame lens is ideal for portrait, nature, and sports photography, and complements the Alpha A7-series cameras. It’s weather-sealed against dust and moisture, and has built-in optical image stabilization. It’s a good lens for new A7 users looking for a compact longer-zoom lens. This lens will retail for $1,000, and available on March 17.

Next is the FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS, the first E-mount mid-telephoto macro lens. Sony says this lens is ideal for close-up and portrait photography, as well as video. The lens has a unique manual-to-autofocus selection using the sliding focus ring. It has a silent motor (Direct Drive SSM, borrowed from Sony’s Handycam and Cyber-shot RX10) for quiet and precise operation, and optical image stabilization. Sony says the floating focusing design makes aberration nonexistent. It’s also dust and moisture resistant. This lens will cost $1,100, and available on July 7.

At $450, the FE 28mm F2 is Sony’s affordable, lightweight wide-angle prime lens. Good for indoor, landscape, and night photography, the lens is coated to prevent flaring. You can attach two converter lenses to give it different angles of view. It’s also dust and moisture resistant. This lens will go on sale on May 5.

As for the two converter lenses, one is a Full-Frame E-mount Ultra Wide Converter. It gives the FE 28mm a 21mm wide-angle view. It will sell for $250. The second converter lens for the FE 28mm is the Full-Frame E-mount Fisheye Converter. It adds a 16mm 180-degree field of view. This converter will sell for $300. Both are sealed to protect against moisture and dust.

The last lens is the Zeiss Distagon T* FE 35mm F1.4 ZA. At $1,600, this is the most high-end glass of the new models. It’s the first E-mount lens with a a wide f/1.4 aperture. It has a nine-blade aperture and three aspherical elements, helping to deliver very sharp images. Also dust and moisture resistant, expect this lens on April 14.

Sony also announced two replacements for existing lens converters: the E-mount Fisheye Converter ($180) and E-mount Ultra Wide Converter ($160). These are different from the aforementioned converters, since they are for cameras with APS-C sensors. Both are compatible with the E 16mm (12mm conversion) and E 20mm (16mm conversion) prime lenses, at f/2.8 aperture.