On top of announcing the new RX10 Mark III, Sony has also added two more lenses to its full-frame mirrorless E-mount lineup: the FE 50mm f/1.8 prime and FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS zoom. This is the first full-frame 50mm E-mount lens from Sony and the company claims it has smooth bokeh, making use of a single aspherical element to help reduce spherical aberrations throughout the aperture range. The lens has an autofocus motor and a manual focus ring. Weighing in at less than 7 oz (192 g), Sony is touting the 50mm as a lightweight, compact entry level lens for people wanting to try out prime lenses for the first time. The FE 50mm F1.8 prime lens will be available in May for about $250 US.
The FE 70-300mm F4.5-F5.6 G OSS zoom lens is the first Sony full-frame E-mount lens to reach a focal length of 300mm. It is claimed to feature high resolution and excellent overall optical performance throughout the whole of its range. Features include a linear actuator motor and Optical SteadyShot for image stabilisation. According to Sony the lens features four aspherical glass elements, two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements and a Nano AR coating, which are claimed to work together to effectively suppress spherical aberration, distortion, and chromatic aberration. This lens can focus as closely as 3′ with 0.31x maximum magnification, in a dust- and moisture-resistant body. When used on APS-C cameras, it has an even longer equivalent reach of 105-450mm. The lens has a range of physical controls, including dedicated switches for Optical SteadyShot and AF/MF, as well as a focus range limiter switch and a focus hold button on the side of the barrel. The 70-300mm F4.5 – 5.6 G OSS telephoto zoom lens will be available in May for about $1,200 US.
Both lenses could be used for either photography or video, and it’s good to see Sony finally add a longer lens to its full-frame FE lineup.
FE 50mm f/1.8
Lens Mount Sony E (Full Frame)
Focal Length 50mm
Maximum Aperture f/1.8
Minimum Aperture f/22
Angle of View 47°
Minimum Focusing Distance 1.5′ / 45 cm
Magnification 0.14x
Lens Construction 6 elements / 5 groups
Image Stabilization None
Diaphragm Blades 7, circular
Filter Ring Diameter 49mm
Dimensions 2.8 x 2.3″ / 68.6 x 59.5mm
Weight 6.6 oz / 186 g
FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS
Lens Mount Sony E (Full Frame)
Focal Length 70-300mm (105-450mm)
Maximum Aperture f/4.5-5.6
Minimum Aperture f/22-29
Angle of View 84° – 8°10′
Minimum Focusing Distance 3′ / 90 cm
Magnification 0.31x
Lens Construction 16 elements / 13 groups
Image Stabilization Yes, Optical SteadyShot
Diaphragm Blades 9, circular
Filter Ring Diameter 72mm
Dimensions 3.3 x 5.8″ / 84.0 x 143.5mm
Weight 1.9 lb / 854 g
