Lenses
Sony recently announced its expanded E-mount lens lineup with the introduction of the power zoom G lens—the E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G— along with the E 15mm f/1.4 G lens and the ultra-wide prime E 11mm f/1.8 lens. Sony’s 3 APS-C lenses bring its E-mount lens family to a total of 70 different models, which the company says should appeal to hybrid content creators who shoot both still and video.
“Amidst the ever-changing camera market, Sony’s commitment to creating industry-leading tech for all its customers is unwavering,” said Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. “In recent years we’ve seen a growing customer demand for video-and-vlogging-first products that are lightweight and include creator-driven features. We see the APS-C platform as the perfect option for these video-first and hybrid creators, and we’re dedicated to creating new products that will allow them to capture and create in ways they never could before.”
[Read: Sigma’s 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN: Ultra-Wide, Ultra-Affordable]
First up, the E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G, being touted by the company as “the world’s smallest and lightest ultra-wide angle, constant f/4 APS-C power zoom lens.” The lens remains a constant length throughout the zoom range and offers refined visual expression and operability that only a power zoom lens can provide. Positive reviews cite the lens’ small size, versatile zoom range—from ultra-wide to standard wide (15-35mm equivalent)—sharpness.
Sony says the E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G is 20 percent lighter than its predecessor, with a total weight of just 6.3 ounces (178 grams). “The compact power zoom lens E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G is designed to maximize control and versatility for video as well as stills with a focus ring, zoom ring and zoom lever. A customizable focus hold button and focus mode switch have been thoughtfully incorporated to easily adapt in changing shooting conditions. Users can attach 62mm screw-on filters, such as variable ND filters, for more creative control. The lens has also been designed to be dust and moisture resistant to provide extra reliability.”
Tech Specs for the 10-20mm f/4 PZ G:
- Format: Sony E APS-C
- Construction: Two ED glass elements, one ED aspherical element
- Power zoom
- Focus: Dual linear autofocus motors, linear manual focus
- Dust- and moisture-resistant
- Weight: 6.2 ounces
- Length: 2.16 inches
Next, the E 15mm f/1.4 G lens, reported to have the best overall image quality of the three lenses, offers beautiful, shallow depth of field plus G lens resolution in a versatile APS-C lens design. This compact and lightweight prime includes excellent AF (autofocus) capabilities, and is great for both still and cinematic imagery. “The E 11mm f/1.8 is a compact large aperture, ultra-wide APS-C prime lens designed for vloggers and shooting video on the go. With a 35mm full-frame equivalent of 16.5mm, this lens delivers outstanding corner-to-corner resolution, gorgeous bokeh,” according to Sony.
[Read: Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 G Master Lens: A Wide Angle That Fights Distortion]
Lastly, the ultra-wide and compact E 11mm f/1.8 prime lens, is designed for vlogging and includes selfie-style recording at arm’s length as well as interior shots and images that make expressive use of depth of field. According to Sony, the large f/1.8 maximum aperture of this lens makes it easy to achieve deep and natural background bokeh. “Users can blur the background, so they stand out clearly when vlogging, or create beautiful blur in ultra-wide night scenes. Precisely controlled spherical aberration and a circular aperture mechanism further contribute to the smooth bokeh produced by this unique lens.”
Sony’s 3 APS-C lenses will be available in July. The E PZ 10-20mm F4 G and the E 15mm F1.4 G will cost $750 each. The E 11mm F1.8 will cost $550.