Sep 13

Sep 13 Sony Gets Serious with E-Mount

I'm, a little late with this one, but it's a pretty big deal so I wanted to write something about it. A few weeks ago Sony launched a new e-mount camera. The DSLR shaped mirrorless camera grabbed quite a bit of attention, but there was another less-hyped release that perhaps deserves more attention. The company also announced two new lenses. One was a Zeiss branded 16-70 and the other was a Sony G series 18-130 zoom. The importance of these lenses to Sony's lineup should not be underestimated. This is a substantial milestone for Sony’s Nex system, as it is the first (and second) serious, pro-level zooms for the e-mount line. The Zeiss in particular brings the e-mount system on to a level playing field with other more grown-up DSLR offerings. The focal length is equivalent to Canons much loved 24-105 and, with a constant aperture and Zeiss glass it should be a star performer. While it would be nice to have a 2.8 zoom this is a huge step in the right direction.

This is only the second pro-level standard zoom to come to a mirrorless system in my opinion. The other is the highly regarded 12mm to 35mm f/2.8 lens from Panasonic for the micro four thirds mount. (I know some would argue that Fuji's 18-55 F/2.8-4 is a pro level zoom, but having used it I don't think it's quite good enough to be considered in the same calibre as the Panasonic. You may disagree) I can't wait to see how this new Zeiss lens performs on the Nex-7 in particular. I know I've said this before, but Sony is really firing on all cylinders with their camera division at the moment. They seem to be one of the few companies looking forward instead of back, and they certainly seem committed to e-mount, and more importantly the high end of the market.

The system is still lacking some key components though. There is still no high end telephoto zoom and there is still no high quality macro lenses. It also lacks a good portrait lens, but apparently (according to some rumours) that is coming sooner rather than later. Give us these and the system will easily be on a level playing field with DSLRs from Canon and Nikon, and even Sony's own alpha range.

Available now as a pre-order from Amazon: