AGENDA NEWS
Sony aims to redefine the standard zoom
S ony claims it is ‘redefining the standard zoom’ with the introduction of the FE 20-70mm f/4 G. It boasts an ultra-wide focal length range in a compact, light full-frame lens with a constant f/4 aperture. Employing Sony’s latest lens design and XD (extreme dynamic) linear motor technology, the ultra-wide 20mm end of the range makes it possible to maintain a wide angle of view when shooting video with a 16:9 or 2.35:1 aspect ratio. The £1400/$1099 lens is designed with filmmaking in mind and uses new technology to reduce focus breathing as well as focus and axial shift when zooming. It’s also been carefully designed for quiet operation when shooting movies, with advanced XD linear motors and a newly developed aperture unit that dramatically reduces noise and vibration.
optical design corrects chromatic and spherical aberration across the whole zoom range. And coatings add flare and ghost resistance for contrast and clarity. There is a nine-blade circular aperture and optimally tuned spherical aberration, granting improved bokeh. The focus group is driven by two of Sony’s latest XD linear motors, providing high thrust for fast, quiet, low-vibration focus drive. Thrust efficiency has been significantly improved over previous models, resulting in up to 60% increase in autofocus speed – and since tracking performance has been improved in comparison to previous models, moving subjects are tracked with consistent reliability and precision. Independent focus, zoom and aperture rings feature, with an iris lock switch to prevent unwanted changes while shooting, plus two customisable focus hold buttons and a focus mode switch on the side. Even though this optic is an ultra wide-angle, it’s compatible with circular polarising filters. The FE 20-70mm f/4 G has a dust- and moisture-resistant design, and the front lens element features a fluorine coating that repels fingerprints, dust, water, oil and other contaminants. sony.com
Alpha cameras’ Active mode image stabilisation is highly effective at the ultra-wide 20mm end of the zoom range, while maintaining a wide angle of view. This is particularly useful for shooting smooth handheld footage while walking. The lens works with Alpha cameras to easily acquire accurate focus and smoothly track fast-moving subjects thanks to two high-thrust XD linear motors. Linear Response MF ensures the focus ring responds directly and linearly to subtle control when focusing manually, and an independent aperture ring offers direct, intuitive aperture control. Sony says the optic delivers stunning image quality and gorgeous bokeh thanks to two AA (advanced aspherical) elements, one aspherical element, three ELD (extra- low dispersion) glass elements and one ELD aspherical element. State-of-the-art
FINALLY, A 300MM PRIME IS ON THE WAY The first 300mm prime lens to fit E-mount cameras is on the way, as Sony announced OSS telephoto, with a target launch date in early 2024. It is due to sit alongside 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS and FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS, and will
feature the resolution and bokeh of Sony’s G Master flagship line of lenses.
other large-aperture super- telephoto lenses, like the FE
development of the long- awaited FE 300mm f/2.8 GM
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