Ultra wide-angle, bright or motorized, Sony presents three new lenses for its APS-C hybrids

Of course, the latest case release from Sony concerns the Alpha 7 IV (A7 IV), whose 24×36 sensor is positioned at the top of the range. But we must not forget the ZV-E10 which slightly precedes it, targeting an audience of photographers, and especially videographers. Precisely, Sony reveals three objectives to better seduce them.

E 11mm F1.8: a very bright ultra-wide-angle fixed focal length

With the E 11mm F1.8 in APS-C format, it is possible to obtain a focal length equivalent to 16.5 mm in reference to 35 mm. The lens is thus placed as one of the widest angles at Sony. Obviously very useful for landscape or architectural photography, the manufacturer highlights the use of vlog type. At arm’s length, it makes it easy to frame yourself in your surroundings while adding some background blur thanks to the generous aperture.

Constructed with 12 elements, including three aspherical lenses, all divided into 11 groups, the E 11mm F1.8 also uses ED glass to decrease chromatic aberrations. In addition to its large aperture, the minimum focusing distance is only 12 cm in manual mode. In addition, it benefits from a configurable control button.

E 15MM F1.4 G: a high-end fixed focal length

The E 15mm F1.4 G is also to be placed in the wide-angle category with a focal length equivalent to 22.5 mm in reference to full format. On the other hand, the new fixed focal length belongs to the G range, higher in its position. The image quality is intended to be better, as is its faster autofocus and its more complete ergonomics. We thus find a diaphragm control ring with click or smooth rotation, as desired.

The optical construction is a little more ambitious with 13 lenses, including 3 aspherical, divided into 12 groups. In addition to ED glass, a Super ED glass lens is also present for ever more qualitative results on the management of chromatic aberrations. The minimum focus distance is also reduced with only 17 cm in manual against 20 cm in autofocus.

E PZ 10-20mm F4 G: a motorized zoom

The E PZ 10-20mm F4 G is not a fixed focal length, but a motorized ultra wide-angle zoom. It also takes up the idea of ​​the FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G that we have already tested. The newcomer thus benefits from an amplitude of 15 to 30 mm in 24×36. If the diaphragm control ring is absent, a configurable control button is there.

A lever to control the electric zoom for video is also available. Obviously, the electric zoom is also compatible with the lever present for example on the ZV-E10. For some full frames like the Alpha 7 IV (A7 IV) or the Alpha 7S III (A7S III), it is possible to use the rear wheel for this purpose. The RMT-P1BT remote control can also be used in this way, as can the Imaging Edge Mobile app.

A common finish

The construction of the lenses oscillates between aluminum and plastic material in order to control the weight of the whole and certainly the costs. Sony thus places its lenses in classic photo use, but also in vlog use with a small device like the ZV-E10 equipped with its handle. All three lenses are dust and moisture resistant.

Sony indicates that the autofocus is reactive and sufficiently fluid in its transitions to correspond well to its missions. Also, the brand indicates that it has worked well on the optical management of the focus breathing – change of angle of view during development -, but this statement is found almost systematically in the communication of the manufacturers for a gain that is not always obvious in reality. Note that all three lenses are compatible with the new lens compensation function. focus breathing integrated into the Alpha 7 IV (A7 IV) and the FX3 camera.

Price and availability

The three objectives are announced for marketing in the second half of June at the following recommended retail prices:

• €600 for the E 11mm F1.8
• €850 for the E 15MM F1.4 G
• 850 € for the E PZ 10-20mm F4 G