Sony launches lens duo for A900 DSLR

High-end models promised for January

15 September 2008 17:25 GMT / By Katie Scott

Sony fans can now get top-end zoom lenses from 16mm to 400mm thanks to the launch of two new models.

The Carl Zeiss Series 16-35mm f/2.8 and G Series 70-400 f/4-5.6 will ship in January 2009 for about $1800 and $1500 respectively.

The Vario Sonnar T* 16-35mm f/2.8 ZA lens (also known as the SAL1635ZA) is a super wide angle constant aperture zoom lens, which the manufacturer claims is ideally suited to landscape, snapshot and indoor photography.

It is constructed of 17 lens elements in 13 groups, including an extra-low dispersion (ED) and a super ED glass element as well as three aspherical lens elements.

Adds Sony: "[When] combined with the in-camera SteadyShot Inside image stabilisation system, this lens is the only large aperture, full-frame capable, wide-angle zoom lens with the benefit of stabilisation in the industry".

Also worth a mention is the lens' Super Sonic wave Motor (SSM) autofocus drive system, which is claimed to deliver "silent, high-speed response, powerful torque and fine rotational control".

The second new launch is the 70-400mm f/4-5.6 G Series or SAL70400G lens.

This is a 5.7x super telephoto zoom lens, which could become a favourite for sports, action and wildlife photography.

Constructed of 18 elements in 12 groups, it includes two extra-low dispersion glass lenses which will minimise chromatic aberration.

It also has a circular aperture with nine diaphragm blades for natural de-focusing effects.

Also - the lens boasts a minimum focus distance of 1.5m and maximum magnification of 0.27x.

A focus-mode/range switch and three focus-hold buttons have been added to the lens barrel.

And Sony adds that the AF hold buttons can be customised to activate the intelligent preview function in both models, when attached to the new A900 camera body.