Yesterday, Sony announced two new FE mount lenses, a 50mm f/1.8 and a 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 OSS. As FE mount (full-frame E-Mount) lenses, they are compatible with the full range of Sony a7 cameras, as well as the popular APS-C alpha and NEX series cameras, including the new a6300. Both lenses feature the stylish matte finish and excellent built-quality that has become typical of Sony glass.
The weather-resistant Sony 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS lens takes a step beyond what we’ve come to expect from lenses in this class. To meet the resolution requirements of the 42.4 megapixel a7r II, it includes six special glass elements (four aspherical and two low dispersion) and Sony’s nano-coating to reduce aberrations. It’s optical stabilization system (OSS) is likely to provide around three stops of compensation, although no specifics have been provided at this time. Like the Tamron model in this zoom range, the Sony offers close-focusing down to about one meter, making it a de facto 1:3 macro lens, besting the Tamron’s 1:4 performance (at 1.5 meters). While the Tamron is a relative bargain at $449 in EF-mount, the Sony lens will cost $1200 when it starts shipping in May.
It is a testament to the high prices of Sony lenses that their new 50mm f/1.8, which is being heralded1 “The prime 50mm in particular looks like a steal at US$249 and will begin shipping in May. It’s the first cheap 50mm prime available on the FE mount, with the Zeiss 55mm f/1.8 being the only real competitor.” – from DigitalRev as an affordable lens, is expected to cost $250. Lenses in this category have historically been the least expensive made, with the Canon EF II and STM costing about $110 for the past few years, and of course Chinese knockoffs can be found for $50.
However, unlike the Canon 50mm f/1.8 lenses, the Sony 50mm f/1.8 contains an aspherical element, giving it sharper, more contrasty images. Similarly, the Nikon 50mm f/1.8G was designed with an aspherical element and costs $196. The Sony lens is compact and lightweight, weighing only about seven ounces, but has a full-metal mount, as well as rounded aperture blades for smooth bokeh.
Both lenses are expected to ship in May of 2016.
If you are considering the switch from Canon or Nikon to the more compact, mirrorless Sony system, don’t forget to factor the cost of lenses into your decision.
| Lens | SONY | Canon | Nikon |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24-70 f/2.8 | [amazon template=price&asin=B01BESQYJW] | [amazon template=price&asin=B0076BNK30] | [amazon template=price&asin=B000VDCT3C] |
| 70-200 f/2.8 | [amazon template=price&asin=B00FSB79AK] | [amazon template=price&asin=B0033PRWSW] | [amazon template=price&asin=B002JCSV8U] |
| 85mm f/1.4 | [amazon template=price&asin=B01BESR5KO] | [amazon template=price&asin=B000EW9Y4M] (f/1.2) | [amazon template=price&asin=B003ZSHNE0] |
| 50mm f/1.8 | $250 | [amazon template=price&asin=B00X8MRBCW] | [amazon template=price&asin=B004Y1AYAC] |
| 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 | $1200 | [amazon template=price&asin=B0040X4PQI] or [amazon template=price&asin=B0007Y794O] | [amazon template=price&asin=B000HJPK2C] |
