Sony has just announced three new first-class G lenses for the E mount and they come with a difference.
Sony’s announcement today aroused many ears. It contains not one, not two, but three new lenses, all in a new series in its G range. The three lenses are prime in 24 mm, 40 mm and 50 mm. The 24 mm lens has a maximum aperture of f / 2.8, while 40 mm and 50 mm lenses have a maximum aperture of f / 2.5. Interestingly, all three lenses are identical in size and almost equal in weight. The lenses are extremely compact and weigh very little, with the heaviest weighing just 174 g.
As you can see, paired with the Sony a7C, you can have one of the lightest and smallest full frame mirrorless configurations on the market. It is important to note, however, that they are also compatible with APS-C sensors.
Specifications and price
Each lens is exceptionally close in almost every way. Let’s start with the price, as I know that’s what many of you will be scanning the article for: all three cost $ 598. I was initially surprised by this, but given how similar they are, it makes sense.
The specification sheets have little difference between them. Each lens has 7 rounded diaphragm blades, auto focus, the same dimensions and no built-in image stabilization. The differences are few, but there are some. The first is the most obvious: the 50 mm and 40 mm cousins are both f / 2.5 in their widest aperture, while the 24 mm is the most traditional f / 2.8. The next difference is the minimum focus distances. The 24 mm can focus from 24 cm (9.4 inches), the 40 mm can focus from 28 cm (11 inches) and the 50 mm can focus from 35 cm (13.8 inches) ).
What are your thoughts?
Although they are not ridiculously fast – which is very much in vogue with lenses today – they are small in shape, light and reasonably priced. There seems to be an interest in reducing the size and weight of the mirrorless equipment with Sony, and pairing the a7C with these three cousins is an attractive proposition for most snipers who like to run and shoot without sacrificing the kit. Many of us are beyond the days when we drag a 6-foot backpack crammed with so many lenses that it is affecting the curvature of our spines.
In terms of performance, they look sharp and have a nice bokeh. I look forward to getting my hands on them and seeing if they are indeed the great value they seem to have. It is also important to note that this brings the total number of Sony E lenses to 63! That number has been increasing slightly for some time and now it seems a distant memory that the lack of reach of the lenses was considered an impediment for many to make the switch.
What do you think of these new lenses?
All images courtesy of Sony Electronics