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Sony has announced two new premium SLR zoom lenses in advance of the 2008 PMA trade show in Las Vegas, NV, the Vario Sonnar T* 24-70mm f/2.8 ZA and the 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G.
Sony co-developed the Vario Sonnar T* 24-70mm f/2.8 ZA with Carl Zeiss, and its front element features a Zeiss T* coating to improve optical quality and minimize flare. The lens incorporates two aspheric elements and two extra-low dispersion (ED) elements to minimize optical flaws. Sony's Super Sonic wave Motor (SSM) gives it quick and quiet focusing, and there is a mode selector on the barrel for switching between manual and automatic focus. There's also a focus hold control. When mounted on a Sony digital SLR, the lens provides an angle of view equivalent to that of a 36-105mm lens on a 35mm film camera.
The 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G compact telephoto zoom provides the equivalent of a 105-450mm lens when mounted on a Sony DSLR. Like the standard zoom, this lens incorporates a focus hold button and SSM. It also has a focus range limiter that can be set to a minimum distance of 3 meters, as well as a manual focus ring. Its construction includes one ED element to minimize chromatic aberrations. Sony says that like other G-series lenses, this one is designed to minimize contrast drop-off near the edges of the frame and provide excellent edge-to-edge sharpness. The lens focuses internally and has a close focus distance of 47 inches.
The Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70mm f/2.8 ZA lens will be priced at about $1,750 and the 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G lens at about $800. Availability dates have not yet been announced.
Sony also announced the Alpha DSLR-A300 and Alpha DSLR-A350 Digital SLR cameras.
Press Release:
SONY EXPANDS α (ALPHA) LENS SYSTEM WITH THE ADDITION OF TWO HIGH-PERFORMANCE ZOOMS
SAN DIEGO, Jan. 30, 2008 - Sony today announced two new high performance zoom lenses that offer α (alpha) digital SLR camera users more options for high picture quality.
Vario Sonnar T* 24-70mm f/2.8 ZA
Co-developed with Carl Zeiss®, the SAL2470Z model is a wide angle 24-70mm zoom lens with a large f/2.8 aperture, ideally suited for discerning landscape and portrait photography. Constructed of 17 elements in 13 groups with two aspheric elements and two extra-low dispersion elements, this lens exhibits excellent contrast and center-to-edge resolution. Its exclusive Carl Zeiss T* (T star) coating technology provides higher light transmission, and minimizes flare to produce images of luminous clarity, color and sharpness.
The SAL2470Z lens excels in difficult lighting circumstances thanks to its f/2.8 aperture, which remains constant throughout the focal length range. The nine-blade, circular iris is especially useful in controlling background defocusing in portrait and landscape images. Combined with Sony's in-camera Super SteadyShot® system, this lens is the only compatible large aperture standard zoom with the benefit of image stabilization available in the industry.
Quick and precise focusing is delivered by Sony's Super Sonic wave Motor (SSM) technology. This SSM system utilizes a solid-state focus drive motor that features silent, high-speed response with high-torque and fine rotational control - especially important for large, wide aperture lenses. A mode selector for manual and automatic focus as well as a focus hold control is provided on the lens barrel.
70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G
The SAL70300G lens incorporates the optical performance of Sony's G series in a compact and flexible telephoto zoom lens ideal for sports and portrait photography. Constructed of 16 elements in 11 groups, with one extra-low dispersion element, this lens offers superb contrast and sharpness across its wide focal length range.
The use of extra-low dispersion glass compensates for chromatic aberrations which challenge long telephoto zoom lens design, maintaining excellent optical characteristics from center to periphery. Internal focus construction not only realizes compact size, but also a close focusing capability of just 47 inches (1.2m), unusual for a lens of this focal length range.
Like the SAL2470Z, focus drive is provided by Sony's Super Sonic wave Motor (SSM) technology. Silent and highly accurate, the SSM system is ideal for providing larger lenses with the speed and rotational precision often required by telephoto shooting. To match auto focus operation to the situation, a focus range limiter can be set to a minimum distance of three meters. A lens barrel mounted focus hold button locks focus if desired.
Price and Availability
Both lenses will be available this spring. The Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70mm f/2.8 ZA lens will be available for about $1,750 and the 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G lens will be available for about $800. Both lenses will be available at sonystyle.com, Sony Style® retail stores (sonystyle.com/retail), military base exchanges, and authorized dealers nationwide. Pre-orders begin online today at sonystyle.com/dslr.
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