Sony announces three new A-mount lenses for DSLTs

Sony reveals three new A-mount lenses for DSLTs
Sony's 70-400mm lens is designed for those who want to photograph Bambi and friends

Sony has designed new optics exclusively for its A-mount series of Alpha DSLTs, which include a prime Carl Zeiss lens, a telephoto optic and a new standard kit lens that will be bundled with new DSLTs such as the Sony Alpha a58, which was also announced today.

Both the new 70-400mm f/4-5.6 G SSM II and Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50mm f/1.4 ZA SSM lenses complement the full-frame Sony Alpha a99, which was announced at the end of last year, but are both also compatible with APS-C devices.

First up, the new 70-400mm f/4-5.6 G lens is designed with wildlife and action photographers in mind, and is an upgrade from the previous design. Enhanced optics and a faster, improved autofocus are included with a new LSI drive circuit, with a four times quicker autofocus speed promised. Enhanced tracking AF makes the lens more suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects.

Although the optical design is carried over from the previous model, the new generation lens features Sony's proprietary Nano AR Coating to reduce reflection, flare and ghosting.

Prime optics

Next up, the Carl Zeiss, Planar T* 50mm f/1.4 ZA SSM lens joins the existing 24mm, 85mm and 135mm prime lenses available for A mount cameras.

Featuring eight elements in five groups, with two aspherical elements, the design of the lens is especially matched to the full-frame Sony Alpha a99.

Lastly, the new 18-55mm "kit lens" succeeds the existing optic that was introduced in 2011. It retains the same smooth AF motor as its predecessor but features newly-designed rear lens elements that have been upgraded for a more comfortable operation.

Two new accessories have also been launched, which include a new compact on-camera flash and wired remote.

Amy Davies

Amy has been writing about cameras, photography and associated tech since 2009. Amy was once part of the photography testing team for Future Publishing working across TechRadar, Digital Camera, PhotoPlus, N Photo and Photography Week. For her photography, she has won awards and has been exhibited. She often partakes in unusual projects - including one intense year where she used a different camera every single day. Amy is currently the Features Editor at Amateur Photographer magazine, and in her increasingly little spare time works across a number of high-profile publications including Wired, Stuff, Digital Camera World, Expert Reviews, and just a little off-tangent, PetsRadar.