3 New Sony A-Mount Prime Lenses: Distagon T* 24mm f/2, 35mm f/1.8, 85mm f/2.8

3 New Sony A-Mount Prime Lenses: Distagon T* 24mm f/2, 35mm f/1.8, 85mm f/2.8

Sony has announced 3 new A-Mount lenses, all of them prime. The Carl Zeiss Distagon T* is a 24mm f/2 lens that works on full frame and APS-C cameras giving the latter a classic type 35mm length and the former a usable wide angle. The 35mm f/1.8 and the 85mm f/2.8 are part of Sony’s newly introduced “Easy Choice” selection of lenses, intended to offer improved value for specific applications (macro or portraiture for example). The 35mm f/1.8 is meant for APS-C cameras, offering the 35mm equivalent of a 50mm lens. The 85mm f/2.8 can be used with full frame cameras, making a nice portrait lens at that length, but can also be used on APS-C cameras for a 35mm equivalent of 127.5mm. In European markets the 24mm f/2 and 85mm f/2.8 will be available in September, while the 35mm f/1.8 is slated for an October launch. Sony hasn’t revealed U.S. availability or pricing yet.

Specifications

Lens	Distagon T* 24mm F2 SSM	DT 35mm F1.8 SAM	85mm F2.8 SAM
Street price	?	?	?
Focal length	24mm	35mm	85mm
Maximum aperture	F2	F1.8	F2.8
Lens Construction	9 elements/7 groups, 2 ED glass elements, 2 aspherical glass elements	6 elements/5 groups	5 elements/4 groups
Minimum focus	0.19m	0.23m	0.6m
Maximum magnification	0.29x	0.25x	0.2x
AF motor type	Super Sonic wave Motor (SSM)	Smooth Autofocus Motor (SAM)	Smooth Autofocus Motor (SAM)
Filter thread	72mm	55mm	55mm
Weight	555g	170g	175g
Dimensions	78mm diameter x 76mm length	70mm diameter x 52mm length	70mm diameter x 52mm length

Additional Media

Press Release

Sony expands A-Mount lens line-up for Alpha DSLR cameras with three new lenses Sony is expanding its already strong line-up of over 30 A-mount lenses with new models that will appeal to seasoned photographers and those new to DSLR cameras alike

• The Distagon T* 24mm F2 ZA SSM (SAL24F20Z) features the acclaimed Carl Zeiss Distagon design and rounds out the existing Planar (SAL85F14Z) and Sonnar (SAL135F18Z) models also developed in conjunction with Carl Zeiss. It is intended to appeal to experienced photographers looking for a large-aperture wide-angle lens of real distinction.
• The DT 35mm F1.8 SAM (SAL35F18) adds the important 35mm focal length to the ‘Easy Choice’ series. ‘Easy Choice’ is intended to provide great value, compact and lightweight lenses that are attractive to entry-level and advanced photographers alike. Each lens in the series is selected for a specific purpose, for example portraiture or macro.
• The 85mm F2.8 SAM (SAL85F28) is another ‘Easy Choice’ lens, this time offering the 85mm focal length considered the standard for portraiture because of the natural perspective it provides. True to type it is extremely compact and light, weighing just 175g.

The Distagon T* 24mm F2 SSM (SAL24F20Z)

The Distagon T* 24mm F2 SSM (SAL24F20Z) functions as a wide-angle 24mm lens on full-frame cameras with 35mm sensors, or as a 36mm equivalent lens ideal for general use on cameras with APS-C sensors. Jointly developed with Carl Zeiss, it features the highly-regarded Carl Zeiss Distagon retro-focus lens configuration designed for wide-angle lenses. This lens is distinguished by its fast response focus and extremely quiet, very smooth operation thanks to its built-in SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor). It offers a wide and therefore highly versatile focal range from 0.19m to infinity, and features a nine-blade circular aperture that along with the large F2 maximum aperture contributes to smooth, natural bokeh effects. In keeping with traditional Carl Zeiss design, the all-metal lens barrel has been finished to a very high standard resulting in a visibly high-quality appearance.

The DT 35mm F1.8 SAM (SAL35F18)

Part of the ‘Easy Choice’ series, offering photographers at all levels great value, compact and lightweight lenses, the DT 35mm F1.8 SAM (SAL35F18) weighs just 170g. It can be added to a lens kit system and carried without noticeably increasing the weight of the bag. With an approximately 50mm (35mm equivalent) focal length on an APS-C sensor, this lens is ideal for snapshots and portraits under a wide range of shooting conditions. The high-speed F1.8 maximum aperture is particularly advantageous for hand held shooting in low light. At just 0.23 metres, the DT 35mm F1.8 SAM (SAL35F18) has the shortest minimum focus in its class, making it an excellent choice for dramatic close-ups too. Whatever the shot, the internal Smooth Autofocus Motor (SAM) drives the focussing group directly and ensures responsive and fluid autofocus operation.

The 85mm F2.8 SAM (SAL85F28)

This is the first full-frame lens in the ‘Easy Choice’ range, so its launch represents an important development of the line-up as a whole. The 85mm focal length is a standard for portraiture because of the natural perspective that it provides. On an APS-C sensor camera the 85mm F2.8 SAM (SAL85F28) functions as a 127.5mm (35mm equivalent) telephoto lens – and features a Sonnar-type optical design that is considered ideal for mid-range telephoto lenses. The lens is sharp center to corner, and features smooth defocusing thanks to its large F2.8 maximum aperture and circular aperture design. At 0.6 metres, the minimum focusing distance is the shortest in its class, and SAM motor technology ensures smooth autofocus operation. The quality optical and mechanical features of the lens mean it is suitable for serious photography and should more than satisfy intermediate to advanced users.

Continue the Discussion

Join us on Facebook! Become a fan of Neutralday today! Become a fan of Neutralday on Facebook. Interact with us and stay updated on what's coming next at Neutralday, photography news, and other fans' insights. Follow us on Twitter! Grab our tweets right here. Follow Neutralday on Twitter. Insights on the cameras we're reviewing, and frequent photography related news, thoughts, and links. Support Neutralday by shopping at our preferred retailer, B&H Photo

Explore Similar Posts

• None Found