Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Photography
  3. News

Sony expands E-Mount Camera System lens lineup with two new models

By
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Sony announced that they are introducing two new lenses for their Alpha (α) E-mount system, designed for the NEX-series of mirrorless cameras and camcorders. These new models bring the E-mount lens family up to 13 native lenses. If you include two available converters, the E-mount system has you covered in nearly any photography situation.

The first lens announced is a 20mm F/2.8 “pancake” wide-angle lens. Unlike a normal “barrel” shaped lens, “pancake” lenses maintain a small profile. The new Sony SEL20F28 is only 20mm (about 3/4 of an inch) from front to back and weighs only 2.4 ounces. Due to their small size, these slim lenses create a uniquely portable photography package. Its wide angle of view (30mm on 35mm equivalent) and bright F/2.8 aperture (max) is perfect for shooting landscapes, street scenes, and interiors. This lens is also perfect for shooting HD video as it supports AF for movie capture. The lens has a minimum focus distance of 7.8 inches and accepts 49mm filters. The lens will be available in April 2013 and retail for approximately $350.

Sony SEL20F28 20mm F/2.8 ”Pancake” Lens Image used with permission by copyright holder

The second lens announced is an 18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 OSS (Optical SteadyShot) powered telephoto zoom lens (shown at top and below). The Sony SELP18200 is technically not new, as it was originally offered as a kit lens for the NEX-VG30 camcorder but will now be available as a standalone lens. With a strong 11x magnification range and whisper-quiet operation, this lens is designed with videographers in mind. The lens has a zoom lever that works with a barrel-mounted switch – this allows for three levels of zoom speed, from slow panning to crash zooms. Power zoom can also be controlled directly from NEX-VG900, NEX-VG30, and NEX-FS700 cameras. The OSS feature minimizes camera shake and blur when handholding at slow shutter speeds. Although optimized for video, this lens is also suitable for still photography. The new tele-zoom weighs in at 22.9 ounces, is 4 inches long, and accepts 67mm diameter filters. Sony expects it to be available in March and retail for about $1,200.

Sony SELP18200 Powered Telephoto Zoom Lens (side and top views) Image used with permission by copyright holder

Editors’ Recommendations

Topics
Richard Grech
Richard Grech
Former Digital Trends Contributor
As a father of young triplets, Richard Grech has his hands full. But, as a photography enthusiast and one of Digital Trends'…
Sony’s new ultra-wide, ultra-bright lens is the widest E-mount prime yet
sony fe 20mm f 18 g announced f18

Introducing FE 20mm F1.8 G | Sony | Lens

Sony’s E-mount lens lineup just gained a new member. Announced on February 25, the Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G is the widest prime lens yet for the native full-frame E-mount family. While Sony has zoom lenses that go even wider, the 20mm offers a brighter f/1.8 aperture along with a design that’s ideal for astrophotography, street photography, environmental portraiture, and video, the company says.

Read more
Tokina enters the E-Mount fray, bringing a $500 85mm f/1.8 prime lens
Tokina ATX-M 85mm

Sony E-Mount photographers could soon have more budget-friendly optics. On Friday, January 17, Tokina launched the ATX-M 85mm f/1.8 FE, effectively entering the E-Mount optics for the first time with a new series.

The new ATX-M line is designed with a Sony E-Mount while adhering to Sony’s requirements -- resulting in a lens that Tokina says works with all the camera body functions, including autofocus, in-body image stabilization, Eye AF, manual focus assist, and the camera’s electronic distance scale.

Read more
A9, A7R, S, II, or III? Making sense of Sony’s full-frame mirrorless cameras
Sony a9

Sony is a leader in mirrorless cameras with its full-frame Alpha series, but as the series has expanded to four models, choosing the right one can be confusing. In the current lineup, the A9 II, A7 III, A7R IV, and A7S II are all capable models, but each has unique advantages that may make it better or worse in any given situation.

The most obvious difference in these cameras is the sensor resolution, which varies considerably from the A7R IV’s 61 megapixels down to the A7S II’s 12. The A9 II and A7 III take up the middle spots with 24 megapixels, but the A9 boasts higher performance -- and a much higher price. With hands-on experience with nearly every full-frame Sony mirrorless model since the series launched in 2013, we've pinpointed the differences to help you figure out which is best for you.
Sony A9 II

Read more