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Sony announces the new FE lenses!

Important: I will continually update this post! Stay tuned!

Preorders, price and specs (Click on store name):
Zeiss 16-35mm FE at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, Sony Store US.
Zeiss 16-35mm FE in Europe at Sony DE, UK, ES, IT, FR, CH, AT, NL, BE, FI, SE, NO, PT.
28-135mm powerzoom in Europe at Sony DE, UK, ES, IT, FR, CH, AT, NL, BE, FI, SE, NO, PT.
Sony FS7 4K camcorder at Adorama.
HVL-F32M Flash at Adorama, BHphoto.
HVL-F32M Flash in Europe at Sony DE, IT,
Sony RMT-VP1K Wireless Remote Commander & Receiver Kit at Adorama, BHphoto.
Sony XLR-K2M XLR Adaptor Kit (with microphone) at Adorama, BHphoto.
Sony LCS-PSC7 System Bag (Black) at BHphoto.

New FE lenses coming early next year:
24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS
28mm f/2.0
35mm Zeiss f/1.4
90mm f/2.8 macro
16mm Fisheye Converter
21mm Ulta Wide Converter

Good and Bad Surprise:
Also a “large aperture prime” lens is coming (read here on SAR).
No word about A-mount! That’s absolutely not good from Sony!

Here are the images (Thanks Lars for them!)



Also PRO support is coming (in Germany)

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0 Responses

  19. 28mm f2 is a ‘sony’ non-zeiss / G lens and useful converters for 21mm and fisheye. This should be very nice for both FE and APS-C!

    Reply

    2. Wow, good catch! I just realized this 28/2 and the 24-240 are Sony branded and not Zeiss! That means it’s going to actually be under $1000 and affordable!!!! YESSSSS!!!

      Reply

      2. YES, exactly what people have been asking for. This means 21/28mm f2 for FF and crop at a reasonable price, something crop shooters have been asking for for a long time! Also makes a cheap and fast alternative to the FE35 without going to the big and expensive f1.4. It’s a great great great choice Sony.

        Reply

      3. Eh? All the Zeiss primes for the FE mount are under the $1000 The 35mm f2.8 is $798,– and the 55 F1.8 is $998,–….
        So let’s hoe this 28mm F2 will be cheaper then those lenses and still be good enough!

        Reply

    1. Still no sign of a portrait lens at all is ridiculous – not even announced for next year!! 🙁

      With the a7 series, Sony have produced cameras that could take stunning portraits and then completely dropped the ball.

      What would they like us to do for portraits?

      – use our phones?
      – wait for Zeiss to give us a native manual version?
      – or just switch to another system?

      Reply

  21. @fotomagazin_de on twitter has this list:
    Sony: 2/28mm, 3.5-6.3/24-240mm, 2.8/90mm Macro, Zeiss 1.4/35mm, alle FE-Bajonett, kommen 2015. #Photokina

    Reply

  25. Huhhhh, another 35mm again. But, it’s OK to have that lens. 🙂

    BTW, I think my wish to have 15/2.8, 85/1.4, 135/1.8 soon is just a dream. 🙁

    Reply

      1. Yeah, all I need is just wait. But I think Sony can make better distribution of focal length that they plan to release. 90mm macro is a great range in their plan. But, IMO, 24mm (or 15mm) and 135mm might be better choice than 28mm and another 35mm at this time.

        Reply

    2. Agreed. Very strange. Knowing Sony, they probably think the 90/2.8 is a suitable replacement. Most likely 85mm bright aperture will probably show up in 2016.

      Reply

      1. they want us all to buy the 55 and think, “ok nice lens but i need a bit more of reach” so that we can buy the 90mm macro and think “wow this is the right focal but wait i need a bit less depth of field”. And the moment you buy the 70200 has finally come and again you will probably think f4 is still a too slow, even at 200mm
        In that moment after we bought everything we can use as a portrait lens (70 200 included) they will show up with a incredible and outstanding 85mm lens so that we’ll buy that too! Nice strategy sony

        Reply

    3. More like, the 35/1.4 should have been announced at launch, instead of the 35/2.8.

      For my shooting, the 35/1.4 is a godsend. No complaints here.

      Reply

      1. I think it is good they have both, that f1.4 is pretty huge (plus expect it to be the most expensive FE behind the 28-135mm).

        Reply

    4. The Zeiss 85mm F1.4 A-mount is fantastic, but such a cannon ball with the LA-EA3 adapter on the A7r. Shooting is slower and more deliberate because you have to balance much of the weight on your left hand while focusing. For the foreseeable future, I think I’ll go with the LA-EA4 adapter with AF. The 135mm F1.8 is even trickier to shoot with.

      Reply

  29. Lots of nice looking wider lenses and a macro lens. Now how about throwing us portrait photographers a bone with a 135mm prime?

    Reply

          1. 90mm is a macro= too contrast for portrait (Portrait need soft DOF)-

            70-200 and 24-70 are F4= low DOF for portraits and hardly to use without flash.

      2. The lenses that were announced aren’t exactly exciting. We wanted an 85 portrait lens, nice 24, and maybe a 135. What is so difficult about that? They didn’t fill out the gaps properly, imo. Though, the 28 with converters is kind of novel.

        Reply

          2. The 90mm has some excitement from me for sure. The 16-35 excites me as well but I am worried it will pretty much be the like the 24-70 a turd.

  36. Interesting with the 28mm + converters to 21 and 16mm! Already owning 55 and 35 the converter concept is an alternative to the 16-35 zoom. 90mm macro – great, but would also like a 135mm.
    the budget 24-240 must be meant for a budget A7b 🙂

    Reply

      1. Interesting cryptic remark if you are close to Zeiss. 🙂 Loxia 18mm or 21mm would make me very happy, but an Otus 18mm would be my dream lens! That would be worth the wait.

        Reply

          1. Maybe they’ll announce a proper A to E mount adapter with built in OSS and full compatibility with AF assist on external flashes. And maybe an SLT PDAF system that isn’t just the old outdated system they use for entry level sony SLTS.

          2. Well they spent all that money developing one for the A77 II, which they can presumably chuck in an LA-EA module any time they like 🙂 OSS wont happen though.

      2. Actually, it doesn’t appear to be all that slow at all. The only good thing’ is that I’m old enough that it may not become an issue. I can get by with the ZA’s (old style) that I already have.

        Reply

  43. I’m in for the 28. It’s just what I was looking for to go along FE 55. Maybe add this 35/1.4 and some fast 50 and that’s all I need on my A7s.

    Reply

      1. Indeed, can’t wait to pick up that 28/2 and perhaps the macro, tossing up between this 35/1.4ZA now and the 35/1.4ZM.. need to see how the 28/2 stacks up against the 16-35mm

        Reply

  44. I’m really excited about that 35/1.4. Though March is a long wait (and will likely be delayed), and that CV 35/1.2 is tempting…

    The superzoom and that 28/2 look like cheap garbage for the masses. Really not interested.

    Now what we need is a 85 or 90mm companion to the 55/1.8.

    Reply

    1. Cheap garbage because it’s not a Zeiss? Seriously? Snob much? Personally I’d rather not waste my money on overprice Zeiss garbage. Look at the SEL3518 and SEL5018 for APS-C, and see how much cheaper and better they were than that SEL2418 Zeiss joke of a lens.

      Reply

  47. So these lenses are huge. Is Sony giving up on the compact lineup? The next round of full-frame mirrorless cameras from Sony had better be larger and sturdier than the current lineup. I’d appreciate a truly full-sized professional body instead of a flimsy battery grip, too.

    Reply

      1. No the high end FF e-mount camera will have rangefinder style, the low end FF emount will instead have a classic boring dslr shape.

        Reply

    2. People cry that lenses are too slow, they say “Sony only does f4 zooms and f2.8 primes” then they announce f1.4 lenses (that “everyone” needs) and people complain.

      Reply

      1. I bought into the system with the promise of compact, high-performance glass. I don’t want a 35 and 90 that are bigger than their DSLR counterparts, even if they are fast.

        Reply

        1. Not every lens is for you, Sony have other users to think about too. They already made smaller 35/2.8. Between 35/2.8 and 35/2 Loxia, you already have two smaller 35mm lenses.

          For 90, telephoto lenses will always be same size as DSLR counterparts.

          Reply

          1. Why can’t Sony produce a telephoto 90? Leica’s tele-elmarit f/2.8 is tiny. I think that optical technology has improved enough to the point where we can have a good-performing telephoto lens at such a slow speed.

            Btw, I don’t think you really understand what “telephoto” means. It has nothing to do with being a “long” lens. It means that the actual length is shorter than the effective focal length.

    3. I wish my A7s was bigger (blasphemy, I know!), and I already use it with grip. I wish battery life was better, but other than that I’m ok with it and it does what I bought it for.

      This 28/2 is what I was hoping for and I’ll maybe look it into 35/1.4 too. I’m happy with what Sony announced.

      Reply

  48. Administrator.. seriously, no a-mount?
    So the information you got about a new 35/1.4.. you assumed that it was A-mount but it’s actually E-mount?

    Reply

  49. Yey! But that 35 f1.4 looks huge and expensive :-/ Will stick to my Voigt 35 f1.2. The 90mm macro should be awesome!

    Reply

  50. Good to see you’re doing some great stuff like 35/1.4 and that crazy zoom lens. but I hoped for 24/1.8 or 2, not 28.
    But tell me, if I buy the 28/2 and put the 21mm converter onto it, how much light will I lose? How much DOF will I gain? I don’t know anything about converters, help appreciated!

    Reply

    2. Front converters, unlike rear converters, change the entrance pupil as well as the FL, so usually don’t lose anything (or very much).

      Personally stoked at this choice, plus it is Sony branded, which means it should be quite affordable.

      Reply

        3. Yes the light gathering stays usually the same (As it was with the 16/2.8 pancake + converters). Also, their sharpness, CA and distortion had no negative impact with the converters.

          Reply

          1. This. The lens (and converters) were designed together, not a cheap slap on job and probably better than the Fuji ‘after-the-fact’ converters. Many people think the SEL16 is actually BETTER with the converters.

  51. Ok really nice lens range now (hoping they don’t do the same wide angle converter crap again just like the aps) but I was really praying for that zeiss branded 85mm 1.8 lens to come. Now I’m forced to buy the 55 instead. Com’on sony, FF needs an 85mm asap, you’re wasting TOOO MUCH time on it!

    Reply

  52. why a 28 and lots of add on extenders..? just make a Superwide already!
    Sony needs to learn a thing or two from Fuji who knows what makes people happy…
    Make better lenses and FASTER sony…..

    Reply

    3. The 28/2 and the 24-240/3.5-6.3 are not Zeiss or G branded. These will be low-mid quality and moderately priced. This leaves plenty of room for high quality, high priced lenses.

      Reply

      1. ‘This leaves plenty of room for high quality, high priced lenses.’

        i hope/guess zeiss will fill this gap with their manual lenses.

        Reply

  55. finally more lens….it is good for the system. However the 35 1.4 and 24-240 are almost the same size as the A mount lens…i guess it is just the law of physics. My nex 6 will stay

    Reply

      1. Right, the 35/2.8 Sonnar FE is a specifically mirrorless design. It appears that Sony has gone with something odd or DSLR-styled with the new 35/1.4 this time. Not impressed. Seems lazy.

        Reply

          3. You can make a fast and small lens. The issue is that the sensor can’t yet handle the difficult angles of incidence, so they release a lens that is retrofocal, negating the benefits of a mirrorless body. The 35/2.8 is really underappreciated.

            When we get curved sensors, you’ll see fast, small lenses with no smearing or vignetting. This is all just a stopgap.

          4. You can make fast and small, if you use “symmetrical” design. Prehistoric Leica 35/1.4 is like that (Nokton 35/1.4 is a blatant copy of it). Problem is that lenses like that do not work well with digital cameras. They are film-only.

            Digital likes retrofocus designs, it’s what performs best and this type of wider lenses are a bit larger. This is why modern mirrorless lenses are larger than your fathers old M mount lenses.

            You lose a little compactness, but you gain higher quality in return.

          5. Organic sensors and curved sensors will remedy this problem. Retrofocal designs have no place on mirrorless cameras, imo (even if the current sensor designs perform better with these fake short fl lenses.

          6. It’s not perfect though – it has fairly soft edges and corners wide open. It requires stopping down to f/5.6 – f/8 to get edge to edge sharpness. I love the images it produces wide open though – any corner softness is irrelevant most of the time.

            It is not quite in the league of the 55/1.8, so I would expect this large 35/1.4 to compete or come very close.

          7. True, it’s not as good as the 55FE, but it is still a Sonnar design, and because of this the out-of-focus rendering is really world class (as is the 55FE sonnar).

            This new Distagon lens won’t be as pretty, though it may be more perfect. I’ll stick with the nicer draw, and I think the Sonnar has that intangible in spades.

        2. It’s a Baby-Zeiss, so I don’t know… shouldnt they know better? I don’t think Zeiss just sells their blue badges for nothing…

          Reply

          1. Leica can produce a small 35/1.4. This looks like a retrofocal 35. Could be a fancy new design, but it still looks like a DSLR lens. The 35 Sonnar FE is a top-performer and designed specifically for mirrorless cameras. You can’t make a 35 Sonnar for DSLRs.

    3. But can use it without an adapter… No SLT mirror light loss.
      This is a step towards eliminating the dependence of the E-mount on adapted A-mount lenses, so that they can fully discontinue the A-mount.

      Reply

    1. Depends on your interpretation of “A-mount”. I noticed several times that Sony representatives call the E-mount “alpha mount”. Since Sony wants to unify its camera system it is calling all interchangeble lenses Alpha lenses regardless A- or E-mount.

      But nonetheless, only the A77 II was the A-mount highlight of the year, but lens wise it isn’t very comforting.

      Reply

      1. I think its very clear that A-mount refers to A-mount and not to alpha cameras.

        I utterly dissapointed by what is happenning currently with the A-mount. The only active cameras are A99, A77II and A58. We have not had a new lens (not an update of an existing lens) for ages, Sigma is also not releasing anything from their Sports line for A-mount…. I have added a lot new lenses this year, but next year I will be shrinking my collection and start buying into Canon or Nikon. I just am fed up waiting for Sony to do something while the other mounts see new products.

        Reply

  58. I wish they just did one smallish 35 f2 or f1.8 instead instead of the two options we have now. The 28 f2 looks great though.

    Reply

    1. Honestly prefer they did the 28mm f2 and 35mm f1.4 like they have. They are pretty close together, would have been annoying / weird if they did yet another 35mm, 28mm is a popular FL and relatively cheap to make.

      Reply

    3. I agree. Perhaps there were technical constraints. The Loxia 35/2 looks horribly soft in the corners from the official (!) sample images.

      Reply

  60. I think the two exciting announcements for me are the 16-35 and 90 macro

    Both cover the gaps that we need in two lenses. I really dont need a 85mm normal lens, the 90 macro G lens will do it all.

    and its a G!!!! Even the A-Mount lineup does not have a G lens macro.

    Reply

    1. This! What a massive step forward in a single announcement. Only thing people are waiting for (for no ‘real’ reason) is a faster 85mm.

      Reply

      1. Tbh, we could use all the adapters and converters we want, M mount, Canon EF, Contax, but nothing beats a good lineup of native lenses.

        Late announcement Sony, but we’ll probably forgive you!

        Reply

    2. Remember that all the new lenses, except the 16-35, are announcement of the development of those lenses. It is rare that things actually ship on the schedule set forth in a development announcement. These are not the actual product introduction announcements. Probably the worst ever for this was when Canon announced the development of the 200-400 f/4L 1.4x and then didn’t actually ship it until 2.5 years later. I’m not saying that will happen here but I seriously doubt that Sony will ship all of these lenses by March.

      Reply

      1. Hmm as I remembered Sony rarely has problems with producing quantities and meeting deadlines.

        Although I think their methods of mass production usually costs them some QC problems. Downside of things!

        Reply

  63. No holidays warmth from Sony. It’s a whole half an year wait. Damn!
    Still, FE is going well. 90mm and 35mm. are what i’ll save for. I was hoping for some ultra-wide like 14 or 16 primes, but i’m ok with what they offer so far.

    Reply

    1. No, for me the 24-240 was the surprise actually. Not super exciting, but super versatile. We all expected the 90 macro and some fast primes, but not a 10x zoom.

      Reply

  69. Two thoughts:
    1. 28/2 is exactly what I was hoping for, and I didn’t expect them to come out with one this quickly, always though 85 had priority. Not complaining tho, great FL, very under appreciated. I’m a bit worried that it’s not a G lens, gotta see the quality.
    2. Feel sorry for the A-mount users. You guys were all looking forward to the new 35, and it turned out to be FE! Damn Sony is ditching their users! Same with the APSC E-mount guys.

    Reply

    1. @1 I agree, 85 has priority over 28, but some people think otherwise! (streetshooters?)
      @2 well the Sigma 35 f1.4 is about as good as it gets, right?

      Reply

    3. Problem with Sony is, they ditch things fast, E apsc is technically ‘dead’, A mount is off the spotlight, and with curved sensor rumors, FE mount will probably be another few years before Sony starts ditching things again lol.

      Reply

      1. E APSC will never be dead, unless the FF prices plummet to 50% of their current ones. They are cheap cameras to the masses. The thing is, the FE E was in dire need of a couple lenses, so Sony – not to repeat what happened at the E mount start – went all-out on them.

        Reply

      2. Unless there’s a true revolution in the photo world (like Lytro taking off) I doubt it. Expanding the FE lineup takes the E mount lineup with it. The 28mm f/2 will (potentially) be a great APS-C mount lens–although the adapters will be less useful. Same with the 90mm macro. That’s a long standing hole in the APS-C lineup. 35mm f/1.4 seems a bit redundant/overkill for APS-C and the 24-240 just replicates the plethora of superzooms already available in APS-C mount.

        Where will they go from here?!

        Reply

    4. Really? Are APS-C users getting left out? I see that Sony just announced one of the most requested lenses for crop E-Mount – A decently fast cheaper alternative to the Zeiss 24mm f1.8. They also have a nice ~135mm Macro to look forward to as well.

      Reply

  71. Yeah. It’s abundantly clear with no if’s, and’s, or but’s that A-mount
    is no longer a system Sony intends on developing. I do believe a Nikon
    is in my near future, as crazy as that sounds.

    Yes, even Kukla is jumping ship. 🙁

    Reply

      1. I cannot in good conscious put more money into Sony.

        I have no faith that they wont do the same thing to E-mount in a few years.

        I’ve used A-mount for 21 years of my life – but all things must change.

        Reply

          1. It’s not about trickle releases here or there. I fully expect there will be *something* else released in A-mount in the future. They may even release another FF camera. But it’s clear to me that A-mount is no longer an important facet of the Sony Imaging business. If others want to stay a bit longer, I dont blame them or judge them. I just want out while my gear has some value.

          2. I dumped my last A-Mount camera a couple months ago… But I still use my A-Mount lenses all the time.

          3. That is true, I just really have no faith in E-mount’s future.

            Sony has a rich history of innovation, and with innovation they have a long history of re-inventing wheels.

        3. Yes, you’ve shot A-Mount for 21 years so what makes you guys think they’ll switch out E-mount in 2 or 3? E-mount is set up for good solid upgrades for a long time before they have needs of changing that mount. They didn’t switch from E-mount when they made it Full Frame (its extremely flexible). Canon switched their mount in the 80’s- it happens. I still don’t have enough reason to think A-Mount is dead yet, but Nikon is smashing it with their awesome FF’s. true.

          Reply

          1. You are correct, but I feel like I cant trust Sony anymore. And even though I know it’s misguided, I feel “screwed” by Sony. I just want to put this behind me regardless of how good E-mount turns out. I’m sure there are lots of people that feel that way.

          2. Ironically, I did the same thing when I regrettably switched from Leica to Sony. I had a full set of Leica primes. It was the worst decision I’ve ever made in photography.

          4. Yep, this is now the strongest feeling of buyer’s remorse I have ever felt!

            If I sell all of my Sony A-gear quickly, I may be able to buy one good Leica prime and a used body. No, I’m not kidding…

          5. I’m looking at getting a Nikon D750, 12-24/2.8 – 24-70/2.8, 70-200/2.8 and then building up from there as money allows.

    4. SLR is legacy tech so it will go sooner or later.
      If you prize your A glass you can use it with an adapter on E-mount. Not that it makes much sense.

      Reply

      1. Actually does make more sense than people think. Take for example the ZA85, then compare to the crop only Samsung 85mm f1.4, which is the only mirrorless 85mm f1.4 on the market. The Samsung is bigger and heavier (even though it is crop) than the ZA85mm, even once you add the adapter there is hardly anything in it. Some lenses simply wont be that much smaller. Look at the 35mm f1.4 above…

        Reply

          1. That’s nice. I use them for lenses I can’t have natives for… you know, rather than complaining.

          2. Why not? I use Nikon mount lenses on my a7r all the time as my primary lenses. To me that’s the whole point of E mount – that you can use basically anything on it. I invest mainly in Nikon or Canon mount lenses because I know I’ll be able to use them forever. I might go for a Loxia 35mm depending on optical quality due to the compactness as a walk-around lens, but why the aversion to adapters?

    5. I agree with you. It is CRAZY CLEAR to everyone except those who are sticking their heads in the sand. I’m tapping out too.
      KEH phones are busy, I’m calling but on hold at B&H.

      Reply

      1. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAand never mind.

        I just called B&H to try to sell my stuff and they said “They’re not purchasing A-mount gear right now”.

        So if B&H is worried about future value, that says it all right there.

        Reply

    6. Sony has Zeiss AF lenses, why would you jump ship? If I hadn’t bought an M I would have jumped from Nikon to Sony just for those Zeiss AF lenses.

      Reply

      1. If you look at lens tests, yes they’re nice, but they’re not a reason to stick around. I have (had, as of an hour ago) a good collection of Zeiss lenses. I’m sure the Nikon equivilant is up to par. I know for a fact some of them are.

        Reply

        1. But there is a look to Zeiss lenses that Nikon’s don’t reproduce. Nikon has a 24 1.4 that is one of their most expensive primes, and you don’t need 1.4. I’d much rather have the 50mm Planar over Nikon’s 58. I hear the 85 1.4 is pretty magical though Nikon’s is amazing. Nikon’s 135mm sucks, period and Zeiss has a 135 1.8. I see no reason to not use the Zeiss lenses over Nikon’s, unless I really love 35mm because I’d never buy a G lens.

          Reply

        2. I’m sending back my latest KEH acquisition and selling all my gear to them before the Sony A prices plummet. As of 5 min ago, they were stable.

          Reply

          1. LOL. The KEH rep answered the phone “KEH Camera, are you selling Sony A-mount gear?”

            I think they’re getting inundated.

          4. Great. Seriously have no qualms with buying A-Mounts as (for me) they are very well supported on E-Mount and will be even better supported in the future.

          5. I just called B&H to try to sell my stuff and they said “They’re not purchasing A-mount gear right now”.
            Now what? Cant get ahold of KEH.

            So if B&H is worried about future value, that says it all right there.

        3. I just use both. Alpha lenses on the A7’s are great (unless you need big tele’s, that’s a bit of a different story).

          Reply

        4. Why are you guys becoming so nervous regarding A-mount?

          The 77II took just 3 years to come, Canon’s 7DII needed 5 years.

          A77II and A99 are superb cameras (as every other camera they of course have certain drawbacks), and we have a very good pro lens range that can be amended by very good 3rd party lenses.
          So what?

          And if you need a newer body – I am using my A7R with VG and LA-EA4 which is quite ok to use (from ergonomics point of view)

          Reply

    2. Its DSLR cameras in general that are on the way out, superseded by mirrorless. Sony lead both Canon and Nikon on mirrorless by a long margin, so if you do jump ship, it would probably be to a Sony mirrorless.
      The writing is on the wall for traditional DSLR bodies: as sensor technology goes up, the quality difference between mirrored and mirrorless cameras will get smaller and smaller. We already have the initial set of full frame mirrorless from Sony, and they have caused a stir on the first (mk1) attempt, which was quite unexpected. Will CaNikon be able to compete when we get to mk3 or 4 full frame mirrorless from Sony? I think not, given how slow CaNikon have been to adapt.

      Just last weekend I went walking with my partner. I would have normally packed my A77 and a few lenses, but instead took only a pocket sized Olympus Stylus 1, which has a 28-300mm constant f2.8 lens on it… I own 6 lenses for the A77, but even if I packed them all I don’t have the same range as the Oly at constant 2.8 or better. When I got back, the first thing I did was to put the images through DxO Prime noise reduction. If I’d taken out the A77, I don’t think the images would have been enough of a jump up in quality to warrant taking a camera bag..

      How long will it be before we are saying the same vs a 5D or A99? two years? that is really how long traditional mirrored DSLRs have left!

      Reply

  73. So I dont know about the WA primes and converters, not Z and not G either, of what quality might they be?
    They shouldnt cost a lot and still be better than the zooms at their equiv. FL.

    Reply

    1. Well the Minolta 28mm f2 was an excellent lens, this should be quite a bit better. Some of Sony’s cheaper lenses are amazingly good (the easy choice series come to mind). This is a good choice for ‘good and cheap and fast and small’ because it can be all of those things.

      Reply

    2. This is Sony’s easy way to placate anybody who wants a wide/UWA in FE mount. I have serious doubts the converters will be up to snuff on the A7r. Although they don’t have to be, I think these could end up just being no more than a toy,

      Reply

      1. Could probably be as it is neither G nor ZA.

        However I am sure that the lens itself will perform quite ok as it is a fixed FL.
        The quality of the converters need to be tested.

        Reply

        1. It’s an unusual concept granted, but look at how well people claim the Speedboosters work and they’re not even matched to any particular optical formula. At least this is matched and made to purpose for that Sony 2/28, it’ll be interesting to see it in actual usage (once it gets beyond the DXO measurebation crowd).

          Reply

      2. Works for Fuji and even moreso Ricoh. The GR WA adapter is amazing, this is in a similar boat as it was designed with these adapters in mind from the get-go. Fuji added theirs and even they are pretty good. It is only the 3rd party horrible add ons that are completely rubbish. These would have been designed to be part of the optical design. Also look at Sony’s 16mm and converters, the loss with the converters is minimal and many actually think they are better on than without.

        Reply

  75. It’s a bit of a stretch in logic to suggest the end of A-mount is here just because Sony chose to use this particular event for FE announcements. The last time I checked Sony hadn’t made any suggestions that there would be any lens A-mount announcements this year.

    Reply

    1. Exactly. People suggesting the death of A-Mount should look more closely at what happened with Olympus and Panasonic dumping 4/3’s mount and what happened there.

      Reply

      2. Why? The only place I read of the death of A-mount is in forums such as this, the rest of the World is out there taking pictures with their Sony.

        Sony doesn’t care what is said here.

        Reply

        1. Who said they did? So, I assume you’re including your own comments as well? I mean, we’re all just screwing around here and having fun! Truth is, if the ZA24 I just bought isn’t trashed when it arrives (it’s a refurb) I’ll likely keep it.

          Reply

        2. Who said they did? So, I assume you’re including your own comments as well? I mean, we’re all just playing around here and having fun! Truth is, if the ZA24 isn’t trashed when it arrives (it’s a refurb) I’ll likely keep it.

          Reply

  76. Some nice looking new lenses, but does anyone else think that potentially the biggest news is the inclusion of pro support? Only in Germany now, but that at least shows some interest in stepping it up a bit. Sony have in the past gone out of their way to avoid the P word.

    Reply

    2. They’re supporting it still, they’re just not developing it. The writing is carved in the wall with a chisel and has big neon flashing arrows pointing to it.

      Reply

      1. I’m giving it a few more months to see if the rumors of the new high-resolution bodies pan out. If not, then it’s going to be a sell-off. The A-mount has a lot going for it (or at least it did), but its shortcomings and lack of transparency on its future are starting to tip the balance against it.

        Reply

  79. Zeiss 35 f/1.4 turns out to be E-Mount??
    E-Mount getting fast lenses??
    No A-Mount announcements at all??
    OK, I concede. They may be killing A-Mount after all.
    Not entirely sure yet, because phasing out their amazing SLT line would be the stupidest thing ever.
    Shall wait and see if January announcements turn out to be all E-Mount as well… in which case it’s probably a switch to Nikon for most Sony users.

    Reply

    1. Ah here he comes, the “E-Mount is not meant for fast lenses”-Guy… Do you finally believe that there can be options? Why should you be mad at us having fast lenses? Its like saying BMW is not allowed to drive as fast as a Ferrari.
      As for your A-Mount, the only ones killing it is you guys pretending it’s dead!

      Reply

      1. The only way E-Mount was going to have fast lenses was, if it wasn’t Sony’s compact system anymore, but it’s primary and only system.
        I don’t see them realistically developing two professional lens lines simultaneously.
        Of course I’m glad for you that you’ll have the lenses you want… what I’m mad at is Sony probably phasing out its SLT line.
        I don’t want to switch to either DSLR or mirrorless, and no other manufacturer produces SLT.
        It’s not certain yet, since they’ve just introduced the A77-II with brand-new autofocus. Will see in January.

        Reply

      2. My option is a Canon 5D MK IV or the rumoured Nikon D900, and definitely not an e-mount. I’ll wait until January of course.

        I guess it’s really a hard lesson to learn really.

        Reply

    2. I also am selling off my gear and as an old man I don’t have the will to learn a new system but I cant risk losing all my money ‘invested’.
      Sony just killed photography for me.

      Reply

    3. Based on KEH, it sounds like a lot of us are selling our stuff now.

      I just accepted my quote for $5,780 from KEH. Now I need to find a ton of boxes.

      BTW, anyone looking snipe up some good deals, my Minolta 400/4.5, 500 Reflex, and 70-200 HS White are all in LN condition. Should be up on KEH soon.

      Reply

    4. Yeah.
      I wouldn’t wait buddy. I just called B&H to try to sell my stuff and they said “They’re not purchasing A-mount gear right now”.
      So if B&H is worried about future value, that says it all right there.

      Reply

      1. Not with their Art Series lenses. None of these recent lenses are coming in A-mount.
        Sigma don’t even wanna touch it.

        Reply

          1. Those are all old lenses. Announced last year or before. The newest ones, like the 150-600 Art (not the Contemporary version, there are two with same spec) are NOT coming in A-mount. There are several like this.

          2. That makes sense though – most people who buy long sports lenses likely are nikon or canon shooters. A mount people are mostly enthusiasts these days or pros with tons of old minolta glass. Could be a good time to buy some A mount primes and adapt them 🙂

    6. It sure is big.
      If I want AF I’d get the 35/2.8.
      If I want MF I’d get the Loxia.
      No way I’d be touching this huge abomination of a lens.

      Reply

      1. It’s regular DLSR-size. That’s why I said previously it made no sense for E-mount.
        Unless they’re making E-Mount their only system.

        Reply

        1. E-mount will cover all important lenses as well, apart from the fast F 2.8 zooms. A 85 1.8 Zeiss will come sooner or later as well as a Loxia 85. Meanwhile people can use the 70-200 and 90 2.8 as excellent portrait lenses. Be patient, E-mount is the future for the majority, DSLR and A-mount will be niche Sports and Action User stuff and only supported with few updates. Those kind of cameras are overkill in size and weight for the majority!

          Reply

  80. Very cool! Looks like the FE mount is the main focus of Sony from now on. Seems like that 35mm is huge though. Almost as big as the 90mm. I thought the beauty of mirrorless FF was to enable more compact lenses, yet it looks to be as big as the sigma 35mm art. FF DSLRs still seem to have the best options for the money.

    Reply

        1. If you’re talking about reparability after a few years and there are no parts? Are you talking about resale value? Are you talking about ability to upgrade? If so, ABSOLTUELY YES THEY WILL.

          Reply

      1. Agreed. The thing is, I don’t need a lot. It’s not like Zeiss doesn’t make the same superb lenses for Canikon. I’ll miss the EVF, but that’s a minor pain point. Just need a good 135mm, 50mm and 85mm for what I do. Plus, I’d enjoy some peace of mind instead of wondering about this every day.

        Reply

        1. >I’d enjoy some peace of mind instead of wondering about this every day

          This!
          I want to buy my first pro system around new year. A camera body, a 24-70 and 70-200 probably. Love SLT and A-Mount, but tired of wondering if buying a lot of expensive Sony gear is a good choice.
          At some point you just get tired of that.

          Reply

    4. I raelly hope that Sony gets hurt badly by all the A-mouters leaving and all the bad PR this causes. I used to shoot with an A-mount camera until this morning. I hop sony chokes on this and dies.

      Reply

    5. I bet Sony just lost about 1/3 of their market share of A-mount. Which, even if they DIDNT plan on giving it the ax, they certainly will now. There’s no way it will survive. It’s surrounded by failure. !!!

      Reply

      1. So you’re saying 1/3 of people who use Sony A-mount cameras are reading this news today? And every single one of them is jumping ship? I’m assuming you have a pretty good overall number of the amount of people in the world who have A-mount cameras, and you know most of them? I think I’ll take that bet if you don’t mind.

        Reply

      2. Absolute nonsense. You think every A-mount user is on the edge of their seat waiting for the next Sony announcement? Most camera owners in general don’t pay even the slightest attention to manufacturer announcements. Most camera owners just use what they have, and are not constantly on the upgrade war-path.

        Reply

  83. Can’t understand all you A-Mount whiners. E-Mount has giving us amazing advances in cameras. I don’t know about you but a FF pocketable camera is a HUGE DEAL, and everybody knows that. For me, I can’t wait until I replace my A57 with a RX1 or similar, like the A7 series (Sony could you give us an RX1mk2 or RX2 with the A7S sensor? PLEASE??). Less bitching about lens system, more taking photos and videos with one lense. Also, I’m pretty sure a lot of you Amount winers only use the kit lens.

    Reply

    1. Samyang 1.4/24 is still probably a better lens as long as you don’t mind MF, In my humble opinion/guess. I adore Samyang glass, just large.

      Reply

  86. Isn’t it strange that Sony talks about PRO-SUPPORT without showing any A-mount stuff? They talked themselves that A-mount is aimed for pro and E-mount is mainly for enthusiasts. Hope there will be another presentation for A-mount

    Reply

    3. A7R & A7S blow away most professional benchmarks- Topped only by the Nikon D810. They aren’t sports cameras but are incredibly capable (wait for Gen. 2 for even better AF). The features they pack in are easily aimed at professional standards. I hope there will be more A-mount too but I don’t think its any more professional.

      Reply

  87. Sony is repeating themselves on FE in EXACTLY the same way, that people were afraid of with E mount. Remember how for E mount they keep releasing and rereleasing 18-XXX, and 16-XX, and there are how many of these slow superzoom lenses for E mount?

    Now with FE, you have 28-70, 24-70, 24-105 and they are announcing what… 24-240/F6.3 superzoom lens. No 85 (the most common portrait lens). I am not even talking about 135mm native lens (to take portraits you know). Out of the 10 first announced lenses, 4 are normal zoom lenses covering similar ranges.

    So the story repeats itself as with E mount. Many cautioned about it. Saying that Sony is more interested in releasing new cameras with yet another boring kit lens. Even the main Sony guy or one of them said I remember, “Each six month I want to release something groundbreaking, this is what Sony is, coming up with new groundbreaking technologies.” And Sony has been with RX1, RX100, A7 when Sony themselves previously said it was impossible. You have to give it to them. But to sustain a system and keep something for a while going….. that’s a different story.

    Of course one may argue that hey, you can put A mount lenses in 85 and 135 on LA-EA4 and go with it, and I have. But in general, Sony is again repeating themselves.

    I hate to say it, but lets take Sony A7 vs Fuji XT1 because i have both of these. Used prices are similar. But the lens lineups for Fuji (native to X mount) are much stronger than for Sony, even though there are obvious benefits to Sony full frame.

    Reply

    1. How is this any different than any manufacturer? How many zooms does Canon and Nikon have say covering 24-70 or 18-55?

      Reply

    2. I really don’t think it works like that. With all the test chart websites out there people are accepting only the best these days. Any flaw and the lens is shot down. Look what happened to the 24-70/4, which is a good lens!

      Each lens released is carefully compared to the existing ones (e.g. 55/1.8) as well as to the affordable gems that are coming out lately (Sigma 35/1.4, Nikon 85/1.8G, etc…).

      That’s why Sony needs to take time to carefully engineer each lens. To me it’s no use to have a full line up of mediocre lenses. The 35 needs to match the Sigma, and the 85 needs to match the Nikon, at least. Until then, I see no problem in using adapters.

      Fuji might be a year or two ahead on the lens line-up, but they will get their own set of problems once Fuji inevitably switches to full frame.

      Reply

    3. They have more or less kept to their roadmap, which they have now expanded from 15 to 20 lenses. Plus, Zeiss are committed to another 5 MF, two of which will soon be available. No, they haven’t released an 85mm yet, but I’m sure it’s coming.

      How quickly people forget this system has been with us barely a year. You mention Fuji. How many lenses were available in the first year after the launch of the X-Pro1? I’ll tell you, five. Three were announced with the X-Pro1, with two more six months later. Kinda puts it in perspective, eh?

      Reply

  88. I hate, to sound like a troll, but as much as I appreciate that they finally came out with a fast 35mm prime lens, it is so damn huge, that it contradicts the concept of a compact mirrorless camera system.

    But it’s possibly my fault expecting too much. On the other hand, Leica produces high quality AND compact 35mm primes for decades.

    Hmm…

    Reply

    1. The system is compact when you need it to be. You got lenses for that. And can use top quality glass when you need it to be.
      Leica’s don’t have AF, which is a huge part of the lenses.

      Reply

      2. I hear the AF argument everywhere, but look at the size of the optical elements of a Summilux 35/1.4 ASPH. It is not much of a difference compared to, say, the Zeiss FE 55/1.8. And the latter has AF and is not too big.

        Maybe you are right and I’m expecting too much..

        Reply

        2. that’s for MFT tho. it has to cover a 1/4 of the imaging area. 50s are the most optically simple lenses there are. 35 are similar, but this lenses really isn’t that big.

          Reply

        3. The 55/1.8 is huge and definitely bigger than the 35 Summilux. It’s 8mm wider and almost 25mm longer. Also, have you ever seen the difference between a 50/1.4 and a 35/1.4? I don’t think I’ve ever seen a 50/1.4 bigger than a 35/1.4 (maybe Sigma’s)

          Reply

          1. right, the 55/1.8 is of course bigger than the manual focus Summilux. But it is not huge. it handles well on the A7 and keeps the system still compact.

            Yes, fast 35mm are all bigger than 50mm in SLR land. But I thought it is mainly due to the retrofocus construction.

            I was just dreaming, because the 50 and 35 Summilix are the same size…

          2. I think we’re getting a retrofocal 35 for the FE system, unfortunately. And Leica uses more exotic glass than Sony (read: more expensive).

      1. when we talk/hope/dream/rant about fast native Sony E/FE prime lenses (or better the lack of it), we are talking of course about AF lenses.

        There are plenty of manual focus options on the market in all sizes, specs and prices. We all know that.

        Reply

    3. The Distagon 35/1.4 is Sony/Zeiss’ answer to Sigma ART lens. 🙂 I expect it to be Superb.
      Compared to the Otii, it will be lot smaller and lighter (price wise also).

      Reply

        1. We prob. all hoped for that. Though the existing Zeiss 35/1.4 Distagon is 830 grams and 12 cm long. The CV 35/1.2 with adapter is 600 grams and almost 7 cm. The Sigma 35/1.4 is 665 grams and 9.5 cm long.

          There is the Loxia but I really doubt the corners will be decent.

          Reply

    4. hey man, ye same as I thought… the 35mm 90mm and the zoom seem to be about the same size… also the 28mm seems to be queit big… but maybe its just the picture… would be good to see them next to any existing lens like the 35mm 2.8

      Reply

    5. Summary of stupid complaints: that the lenses are too slow, or too fast, or too expensive, or too small, or too big, or too (you get the picture).

      Reply

    8. Did you consider that e-mount might not be just a *compact* mirrorless system in the future? These lens announcements give a strong indication that Sony is not going to limit itself to just compact bodies.

      I keep saying that the main advantage of e-mount is the huge range of body sizes it allows.

      Reply

  89. I would love to switch to Sony FE for its compact size and video features, but it looks like I’ll have to stick with nikon and it’s 2.8 zoom and affordable primes.

    Reply

  90. I hope the coming rumour from admin is exciting for a-mount user. I really want to make up my mind to decide to stay in a-mount or nikon asap.

    Reply

  91. I am quite pleased with what is announced.

    1. Flash. Will buy it.
    2. Wirless remote. May be.
    3. System bag. No.
    4. 16-35 f/4 Zoom Will buy it from Amaxon or local SOny (30 day return with either).
    5. Loxia 50/2. Will buy it.

    I am also ready for that A7X. 🙂

    The FE system will turn out to be the best system out there. Certainly, it is for me. Awesome! 🙂

    Reply

  92. typical Sony. It makes you spend a lot of hard earned money and they completely abandon stupid you and your unusable system. And that’s why you buy Canon and not Fony.

    Reply

        1. Нет, а что? Почему не рассказать, как Кэнон кинул лохов, выпустив за 2 года 1 убогую тушку без ВИ, с тормозным АФ, древней матрицей и эргономикой мыльницы, и 3 объектива, из которых 2 – тёмные зумы и 1 блин. Типичный Кэнон, не так ли? Насчет А-байонета – нытьё про “ЭЙ-маунт из дэд” от паникеров и тех, кто не понимает, зачем нужен фотоаппарат, слышно с самого момента основания системы в 2006г. Что, нечем снимать? Есть А99, которая, кстати, моложе третьего марка. Есть 4 месяца назад появившаяся А77-2. Есть А58, которой 2 года. Что, другие производители обновляют аппаратуру чаще? Есть полный набор оптики(не хватает разве что тилт-шифтов и линейки зумов f4)? включая прекрасные Цейссы, которые покрывают 90% потребностей большинства фотографов. Что мешает использовать систему по назначению? Нет, надо сидеть на форумах и ныть. Ровно также ныли кэнонисты(“Про-тушки с кроп-матрицей Кэнон выпускать больше не будет, пойду убьюсь”), 6 лет ждавшие 7dM2, никонисты(“DX is dead”). Чуваки с Пентаксами так и вовсе из состояния депрессии не выходят, так как вынуждены накручивать свои прекрасные “лимы” на кроп-тушки. Вот вы ведь не сидите и не ноете, что в вашей системе нет того-то и того-то, а используете аппаратуру по назначению(фото на вашем сайте кстати хорошие). Так чего же вы пытаетесь рассуждать о системе, в которой не очень разбираетесь? Я ровно с таким же успехом могу сказать, что кэноновцы всех кинули, марк3 так и не заменили, единички тоже, обещанных на кэнонруморсах полтинника со стабом, новой 135ки и пр. вместо нынешнего старья тоже не видно… Глупое занятие, особенно для человека, который знает, зачем нужна камера и что нерукожопый человек может ей делать.

          Reply

          1. Canon had many great FD lenses and many good FD cameras. Those who used them weren’t abendonded with nothing. Photographers had great collection of amazing equipment.
            Sony could’t care less about systems and support.

          2. Do you actually listen to what you’re saying? If you think FD users had great collection of amazing equipment, then same should be said about A-mount. To all with the “doom-and-gloom” mentality, you should just all switch to Canikon and save yourself from your own destructive mind-set. Sony is getting huge headway in the mirrorless segment so it’s understandable that they focus a bit more on mirrorless. When they think the system is good enough. They would go back to A-mount with all the new revenue from mirrorless sale. Let’s face it, no matter how good your A-mount camera is; it would barely be a secondary system for the majority of shooters, let alone a primary. E-mount system has been a strong secondary system for many Canikon, Leica, m4/3, Fuji shooters. I don’t think A-mount development would ever get Sony to that point. It’s funny that you “doom-and-gloom” are acting like a spoiled child. Carry on with your switch. I doubt the percentage of leavers would be anywhere close to the percentage of newcomers.

        2. It will happen again to Canon users when they move to mirrorless and a new mount. Why do you think Canon is permanently reducing existing lens prices. This is a couple years out but it will happen.

          Reply

  93. I like the 28 f2, it is a surprised, I just hope it won’t be too expensive. And as for the A mount discussion, I am very disappointed. Even though Sony said it will continued to be supported, I see a different picture in reality. The 35mm 1.4 G is long overdue. The quality is not up to today’s standard and yet, they release a E mount version while we already other 5 lens around that focal length. Sony, if you said A mount will be supported, you need to prove it, not just by saying it.

    Reply

  94. Memo to Alpha users: It’s apparant many of you will be hitting up ebay this week. We must coordinate our efforts. Can’t have to many copies of the 135mm and A99’s hitting the market all at once. Maybe we should draft a sign up sheet.

    Reply

    1. Doesn’t matter. Its not like potential buyers will still exist. Most sensible people are not going to buy into a system that is dying.
      I’m selling my gear to KEH even if I get less.

      Reply

      1. I just bought some Canon FD lenses for a really old dead system and there is still a pretty big market for them. Many are even gaining in price.

        Reply

    2. Quality lenses like the 135 or other SSM/Zeiss A-mount lenses aren’t really in jeopardy IMO. They adapt well to E-mount. Its the cheaper lenses from Tamron, Sigma, and cheap Sony lenses that will be worth next to nothing if Sony is truly dropping A-mount
      (which I still doubt, but its possible I guess.

      Reply

    3. That’s great news; I can beef up my lens collection. And if the prices are cheap enough, possibly buy a few extras. Two months from now when the lemmings switch direction, I can sell them at a profit

      Reply

      1. For serious users, it’s not even about the value of the lenses. It’s about long term support and confidence that Sony will extend the system- they simply aren’t. Canikon might be as boring as mud, but at least they are consistent. If your a serious pro. that’s what you want anyway.

        Reply

        1. Sony has concentrated on releasing FE lenses to support the A7, that does not mean they are abandoning the A-mount. People are just jumping to conclusions, in a chicken little fashion. The A-mount will be around and supported for a long time.

          Reply

          1. It will be supported, that doesnt mean that it will be developed. We’re all very justified for our conclusions. Anyone who still believes things might turn out ok for A-mount are in some serious denial.

          3. If your statement is that “I’m insecure over A-mount,” you bet I am! Of course I’m insecure when ALL of the actions of a company point one direction. As a person who uses my gear for a large percentage of my income, I cant just pop my head back down in the sand and ‘act macho’.

            They’re not insecure, and they should be.

          5. Maybe it is. Doesn’t make it any less worrisome to me.

            We’ve all gotta make a call about things – right, wrong, who knows. This is what feels right to me.

        2. Exactly. Sony very well may continue A-mount. But if I have a bad feeling about it, it doesnt matter. I’m switching to Nikon for confidence.

          Reply

          2. Could happen, I’m not saying it wont. But they cant afford to do it in such a boneheaded way. The transition will have to be well thought out – they’ll learn from all of Sony’s mistakes. And if Mirrorless doesnt gain the steam it looks like it will, maybe Nikon never will move away from F mount. Regardless, it’s WAY down the road for Nikon.

          3. Agree with you 100%! Sony’s boneheaded consumer electronics mindset undermines any confidence I have in their mirrorless brand. Nikon has a huge DSLR base they can’t afford to sh*t all over like Sony!

  97. I was SO disappointed because I waited for the 35G mark II so bad 🙁 btw, guys, please list your A mount gears as much as possible so I can grab them all for good price 🙂

    Reply

    1. I was, too, waiting to see if there was going to be another A mount 35mm that would really rescue the rather poor 35mm choice in that mount.

      Reply

        1. I meant from Sony.
          I know the Sigma exists but I am not invested in A mount or have an A mount camera.
          However, even the Sigma ART is not compelling enough to drop an RX1 for that.
          It is an excellent lens, but it isn’t better than the Sonnar.
          Mind you, I am not comparing SLT/SLR vs compact, vs focusing speed, vs ergonomics and what not. I care about the lens.

          Reply

          1. If you’re not invested in A-Mount why should you care about Sony developing a new lens that you never intend to buy?

    2. I am also selling all of my Sony gear. I have A99, A850, A77II, 70-200GII, 70-400G1, 24-105 Mino, 50mm 1.4 Sony, 11-16 Tokina, 16-50 2.8, 24-70 Sigma, 500Reflex, and Sigma EF500 Super flash, lots of accessories. Posting link soon on ehre for you.

      Reply

    3. I’m glad I sold my 500 F4 and even made some money out of it, otherwise I won’t be able to sell it for that much later 😉 I still do have much belief in A mount with IBIS because I hate the way Sony is following Canikon to put OSS on the lens, not IBIS in the body, they just want more of your money in the lens, even though I know they ARE able to put IBIS in body like Olympus did, I had to sell my A7 because of soft freaking images at 1/40 or 1/60 that I never experience with my A99.

      Reply

    4. I am veyr worried about the silence around A-mount lenses. I knwo they had some on roadmap and reayd for announcement. I hope I am wrong btu this really looks liek they decided to postpone (or even delete) the new A-mount stuff.

      Only way to end this is for Sony to make a clear statement with an A-mont roadmap to underline their serious support.

      Reply

  98. Wow, some lenses huge as vase. I’ll better buy a voigt 40mm/35mm f1.4, then this huge monster
    And there is no 85mm or 135mm, 🙁
    There is no chance that this system will be suitable for every day use without using manual focusing lenses from 3rd party manufactures in reasonable future

    Shame on you, Sony.

    p.s. do not forget that a-mount announces will be in january

    Reply

    1. “p.s. do not forget that a-mount announces will be in january”

      This is a rumor, and looking like a very weak one at best.

      Reply

  99. Well looks like loads of naffed off a-mount users are selling there stuff. The “announcement in January for a-mount” is a too little too late. I thought in January they were going to be releasing new stuff, not just announcing new stuff – that was what Andrea’s SR5 was about. Nuts.

    Reply

    4. What the heck is going on Neil? I said they will ANNOUNCE new stuff in January! It has nothing to do with the lenses we got today.

      Reply

      1. We don’t trust you anymore. Too many “OH< actually this was an E-mount lens! Doh!" or "Oh. I guess that didn't pan out for A-mount." or "New A99II coming…juuuuust kidding!"
        Sorry, but you either know that A-mount is dead and youre not telling us, or it's dead and you're clueless. Either way, shame on YOU!.

        Reply

        1. So you blame me for Sony not announcing A-mont stuff? Ask Sony why they don’t do it. They had an A-mount roadmap for camera and lens. If they keep freezing it…well that’s their problem. I am tired too you know? I really got serious info on A-mount lenses from soruces who have been right in the past. Something is going on guys. But I am not in the head of the top managers….

          Reply

          1. Do you think they’re feeding you bad info? That said, I can see why they didn’t announce any a-mount kit here, as the risk is it’d get lost in the noise. On the hand, Sony can’t blame a-mount customers for drawing the obvious inference.

          2. Did you/your sources simply get confused? There was indeed a new 35/1.4 — was there simply an incorrect assumption that it referred to A-mount?

            Admin…. More and more, it looks like Sony is phasing out the A-mount… The A77ii was a nice last hurrah……….
            I’m betting that if your “big” January rumors are mostly true, the cameras will end up being just E-mount. (Just like with the A-series, you included rumors of accompanying A-mount cameras).

          5. Nothing personal, Andrea but I’ve thrown in the towel as many others appear to be doing on the a-mount. You’re right, it’s Sony’s fault their management is incompetent. Instead of begging rumors maybe you need to tell your sources to send you the chain the clear message they’re about to lose a large chunk of the a-mount loyalists if they don’t get off the pot!

          6. Sony is sitting on the pot, making straining sounds for a few hours, and out pops a new FE lens.
            That’s what’s going on.

          8. U need to post more rumors and less CONFIRMED “rumors”.
            If U get it, post it. Make it an SR1 and be done.

          2. I agree – wasn’t having a go at SAR_admin. Apologies mate.

            I knew that Sony would not release any cameras at Photokina – SAR said that. This looks like it is confirmed.

            BUT it looks like SAR_admin sources are either drying up or have been given wrong stuff as well.

            I agree with SAR_admin, he was given info about a-mount lenses from trusted source & by the looks of it it hasn’t panned out.

            Sony now needs to stop fart-arsing around & give a clear road map for lenses & possibly cameras. BUT I think we can all agree that is unlikely to happen.

            By the sounds of it we might get an announcement next year January but for a lot of people that is too little too late.

            I’m annoyed, SAR_admin is tired & annoyed & other a-mount users are really hacked off. Good going Sony. Maybe having a pause from SAR might be a good idea.

          3. Neil. The source who gave me A-mount info was always correct in the past. I am very surprised to not see any A-mount lens yet!

          4. It’s really sad for all the disappointed A-Mount users that weren’t offered any new lenses that they would never buy. The should all dump their gear at ridiculously low prices and buy M43.

        4. It a rumor site ar$ wipe. Geese, I cant come here to see rumors, because every time I do, there are useless, overfed, gimme gimme cry babies complaining about info they’re getting for free. If you don’t like it, do your own research, and I thought todays kids were needy.

          Reply

      2. Hello. I’m not having a go at you Andrea but the SR5 rumor you gave was:

        (SR5) No other new camera from Sony at Photokina! (SR5) New generation sensor and camera(s) release in January!

        http://www.sonyalpharumors.com/sr4-no-other-new-camera-from-sony-at-photokina-sr5-new-generation-sensor-and-cameras-release-in-january/

        That gave me the impression that something was going to be released in January. I didn’t realise that this was a SR5 rumor for an announcement in January – so a rumor for a rumor in January.

        I’m not having a go & I’m definitely not criticizing you but it is hard to know what Sony are doing with a-mount – if anything at all.

        Reply

    5. The thing is that we seem to be in the queue for a lot of time. 2014 was earlier rumored to be the “year of the A-mount”. Well, it wasnt. Now we are told that perhaps in january. There is no guarantee that in January we get something. So far my bet is in January we get the info, perhaps at Photokina 2015. Sony is virtually unable to even give some hint of anything in the pipeline, no roadmap, no nothing. Sony itself is making a self fulfilling prophecy out of the a-mount is dead rumors.

      Reply

    6. Sony’s gone crickets on the a-mount just like CES. I think there’s unfulfilled expectations for a-mount lens announcements. Yeah, sure hang around until next year to see if anything’s announced for sometime in 2015 if it fits your needs. Personally, I scrape better stuff of the souls of my shoes than SAR a-mount rumors. ;^)

      Reply

  100. Oh, sweet. ANOTHER 35mm Zeiss! No fewer than three choices now between the FE 2.8, Loxia, and FE 1.4. Meanwhile, I’m still waiting for a good wide angle.

    Reply

    2. serious, unless they get a good wide angle I’m not making the jump from Emount. Sticking with my Touit 12mm for now thanks.

      Reply

  101. I’m not switching yet, but I’m certainly not buying anymore A mount lenses. I also think the used market will stay stable in terms of prices. If you have some of the Zeiss or G series lenses you should be good to go. They still hold a ton of value, and I’m still almost certain we’ll get an A99II. After that though….who knows.

    Reply

        1. Of course they’re not. This is about making money to them. They’re not here to be our friend. If people get hurt in the process of dropping A-mount – that’s the cost of doing business.

          Reply

  107. Surprised to see something faster than f/1.8 for FE. That wasn’t expected. Another 35mm is going to feed the flamers on here though no doubt. Can’t help but think it looks like a DSLR design adapted for FE.

    Reply

  108. I’ve had enuf of this horse s–t
    I’m headed out with my dead A77II and dead70-400G,I think I’ll take along my dead 850 and dead 100″D” macro, damn my Metz ring flash isn’t dead yet.
    I’ll leave my dead A77 at home.
    Headed to golden gate park in San Francisco
    When I get back ill edit the birds in flight and macro shots I took with my
    DEAD A MOUNT GEAR.
    If anyone cares to join me I’ll start off at stow lake at 10:30
    I’ll tune into the SAR,s funny papers tomorrow
    Have to go there’s a Downey wood pecker at the feeder
    Photo taken with ipad

    Reply

  109. Ouch – so the 35/1.4 was FE?! Very bad news for the a-mount, even if they do announce a new body I’m January 🙁 At this rate I could see me picking up an a7 with the 28, 55 and 90…

    Reply

    1. Yes indeed, that release by itself, is the strongest validation to the death of the A-Mount. BTW, I can’t go back to Leica as I mentioned. The same lens I used to have is now more than double from what I paid for it in 2008.

      Reply

    2. That’s exactly what they want – you, picking up new E-mount at high prices, rather then staying with already owned or buying second hand A-mount gear.

      Reply

      1. If I will jump the ship for Canikon cheap FF and 85 1.8, I’ll not buy any E-mount or RX for a travel camera… if Sony would “steal” money from me, I wont give them back that pennies they left me… LX100 looks great, Samsung cameras also…

        Reply

    4. Yes, that was one lens that was in desperate need of an update on A-mount. You can still go with the Sigma but even as large as the FE lens looks, it is going to be significantly smaller and lighter and I’m betting on stellar performance. Very excited to match it with the A7s.

      Reply

      1. It looks like Sony’s only too happy to let Sigma fill the gaps in the a-mount lineup. My 35/1.4 and 70/2.8 always give very pleasing results, but I know an a7 + 55/1.8 would be half the weight of what I typically lug around…

        Reply

      2. Yes, a-mount doesn’t need any urgent lenses (like e-mount – yes, buy the Sigma if you need 1.4 35), they only need the A99r and A99s pronto.

        Reply

  110. I guess I’m the only one excited for the 24-240 and 28-21-16 combo? If the optics are adequate, having these two and any fast prime would likely cover 100% of my needs.

    Reply

      1. You are planning on doing wedding photography with 24-240??
        Dang, I’ll make sure not to hire you on my wedding…
        Something like a 105 or 135 at the long end i can understand, but a superzoom that is usually worse than a kit lens…
        Thanks for posting that. Now I’m actually going to ask my photographer what gear he plans on using at my wedding…

        Reply

    4. I’m not excited for the 24-240 only think I would use it for would to out it on the 6000 to get 34-340 around there but I’m getting the 90macro and the 35f1.4

      Reply

  111. I think sony decided to merge a-mount with e-mount, and in future Sony will release only e-mount lenses … and proffessional series of e-mount body. if you want to use a-mount lenses buy converter …

    Reply

    2. Looks like they saw new pro Samsung NX1 and decided to go this way right now… big dslr-like e-mount with adapter… no new A-mount body, or lenses…
      It remembers waiting for a700 replacement… and news from sar, that they had prototypes, but they abandoned them and they are working on something new.

      Reply

    3. I agree with you. I just called Sony and cancelled my order for the ZA24 that I made on Friday. Sony would not have released this many new format lenses if they any intention of continued support for the ‘original’ A-mount.

      Reply

          1. Now why say that? Actually, they called and it’s too late to cancel because it already shipped. Again, I would LOVE to be WRONG and just party on! When it arrives I’ll try it out but it’s still a roll of the dice till’ the next big news.

          1. Exactly. Even if your not going to sell all of your A mount gear after this announcement- you sure as heck aren’t going to be buying more. Sony should want people purchasing their A-mount gear- not staring at it while it collects dust. There’s just no marketing presence at all going on.

      2. So you returned the ZA24 because Sony didn’t announce a new A-mount lens? Did Sony put some kind of degradation technology in their A-mount lenses that makes them lose their IQ at certain periods of time if they don’t make new announcements? I don’t understand?

        Reply

        1. No, they put a “this lens has to last the rest of your life because parts will become scarce” sticker on it. It also has a sticker that says “losing lots of value every passing day, good luck trying to get anything for it when you sell it.”

          Does that make it clear?

          Reply

    1. No because it can’t work like that. The sensor needs to be adapted to the focal length of the lens. I can only see RX1-style cameras working realistically with curved sensors. Also, anything above 50mm the curve is pointless.

      Reply

  114. Just remember that when you print FE on a lens, it means STUPID! It means FUCK YOUR CLIENTS UP THE ASS WITH A SHOVEL! It’s all just a pile of incredibly over-priced fucking garbage that won’t even fit my A99 without a fucking adapter, and I will NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER buy another Sony camera.

    Reply

    1. It was on life support. As of very recently, the plug has been pulled. It’s still not dead, but it’s beginning to wheeze and stats are dropping. At least, that’s what we can surmise from the sound coming from the ER. We can’t SEE anything due to the thick Sony curtain they’ve put up.

      Reply

      1. Its a self fulfilling prophecy by not releasing anything for the a-mount. And we are not talking about releasing refreshes of old lenses. They need to create a wow factor for the A-mount in order to sell something.

        I am still waiting for an R or S option for any a-mount camera. Its not coming. No 400mm f4, no 200G macro, no tilt shift lenses…. Sony will not grow their A-mount sales by releasing a 70-300GII!!! Its that simple.

        Reply

      2. It just doesn’t make sense. As a company, you can’t have to systems competing against each other for market share in a market that is shrinking. It’s like two wild dogs going at it for the last bone on earth. One has to die.

        Reply

      2. If you’ve got to make a huge reinvestment in native lenses anyway why hang around for Sony DSLR styled mirrorless support? Sorry, Sony has stopped making sense for DLSR fans. Probably one of the better ways to go compact mirrorless depending on your needs.

        Reply

  120. 16-35/f4 very nice
    Maybe a 85/1.8 very cool.

    So if you have a A7….
    16-35/f4
    55/1.8
    70-200/f4

    Isn’t that a real nice lineup for 90% of the users?

    Reply

  121. Sony sent a-mount a Photokina memo: Shift to e-mount or rush the door with the red lit “Exit” sign over it to the competition. Hang onto faint hopes 2015 gets better but really what do you expect? To all the e-mounters gloating down the road Sony won’t treat you any better than how they treat the worst of us.

    Validates for me my shift to Nikon FF for now, maybe forever if they continue their virtual abandonment of that 25-30% of their ILC business.

    Reply

    1. Exactly. Sony knows they can keep cycling out new FE lenses for at least another two years. Then, when that market dries up with all the slow lenses out there, they can begin to “adapt” A-mount lenses over to FE. We’ll see another cycle of truly fast glass and larger FE bodies. Wammo- transition complete (Sony wins and A-mount users loose).

      Reply

      1. Slow lenses?

        For the classic photographer’s bag setup 28-35-50-90, you have FE lenses now at 2.0, 1.4, 1.8, 2.8 respectively – plus quite possibly an 85/1.4 on the way in 2015.

        In the A-mount collection, the only lens faster is the 50/1.4 and I would rather own the 55mm FE lens for various reasons.

        In terms of pure speed, the only thing that A-Mount still offers that FE does not (yet) are stabilized fast (2.8) zooms and tele lenses such as a 70-200mm G lens. And if I was an A-Mount birder or Sports photographer needing long and fast, wouldn’t my needs already be met by the A77II and the existing SSM tele/zooms?

        For most creative photography applications the FE lineup is looking stellar.

        Sounds like sour grapes.

        Reply

    2. I’m definitely thinking about a switch too… I’ll see what January brings, but I’m not putting much trust in Sony’s long term commitment to the a-mount…

      Reply

    3. Funny thing is that these lens announcements are just going to swell the number of Canon and Nikon shooters heading Sony’s way. Anecdotally, even before today’s announcement, several of my friends in the concert photography / music portraiture space switched to the A7s with more expressing a desire to. This lens announcement, specifically the 35/1.4 for smaller venues, is going to open the door to more switchers.

      Reply

      1. Like me buying into Nikon over Sony’s a88/a99II foot-dragging? The problem with your use case is it’s a specific argument for picking the a7S as a high ISO niche camera.

        Reply

  123. Just like I predicted, there’s always something to whine about, regardless what was announced, or if anything was announced at all.

    Reply

    2. I see your point. Since Sony didn’t announce anything a-mount there’s absolutely nothing for a-mount fans to complain about. ;^)

      Reply

  124. Why the 35mm hype? It’s like a fever rush…as if it could ever be “the new 50mm.” You say, “but oh, it’s wider so you could do some like…almost landscape work…but close enough for portrait or street photography..blah blah.” It’s neither. It falls into that class of cars such as the Infinity G37 and most muscle cars. You know what class that is???! It’s called the class of compromise- neither a sports car or a plush luxury ride. If I want wide I’m going wide. If I’m doing street photography give me the 50mm. STOP THIS 35MM MADNESS.

    Reply

    1. You act like your opinion is fact? I personally love the 35mm FL. I agree they should release a 20-24 prime though instead of this many 35s.

      Reply

    2. People are buying it, and that’s all they care about as a seller. The reasons (hype, love for the FL, etc) are irrelevant.

      Reply

    3. To many professionals, there is nothing compared to 35 focal length, it’s doing best in both street and portraits because of its PERSPECTIVE and same as natural human eye angle, you may not need it, but because of that, you think it’s not needed. do some more research, most photography master pieces were created by 35mm lenses.

      Reply

      2. I am confused. Doesn’t “same as natural human eye angle” equal 50 mm on ff and 35 on aps-c. Are you talking about the same, a normal lens, but with a different context (ff vs. aps-c)?

        Reply

  125. Looks like Sony is pulling a four-thirds on us. Then again, the Olympus OM-D EM1 apparently works very well with what they now call “legacy lenses”, so it is possible to combine systems. But now: back to work with my A77 with its Sony A-mount “legacy lens”. 😉

    Reply

  126. Sony plans to phase out E mount in 4 years.
    The new curved sensor will be used in all compact interchangeable lens cameras and will require new lenses with curved focal plane.
    A specis

    Reply

    1. Why do you care? 4 years is a long time. The way photography is done would have changed by then (except for Nikon who would still be issuing boring new DSLRs with OVF and AF alignment problems. 🙂 )!

      Reply

      1. Due to thier shorter flange distance E mount lenses require an optical element in the converter resulting in a .15x increase in focal length and a very slight degradation of image quality.
        The older a mount lenses that were discontinued 4 years earlier have a longer flange distance and can be used without the aditional .15x optical magnifier.
        Sony regrets the inconvienience but did not anticipate switching to a mount and making Rockor obsolete …nor did they anticipate swithing to E mount and making A mount obsolete…but rather than make the same mistake this time Sony DOES ANTICIPATE swithing mounts again and making all E mount lenses obsolete.
        This comment is fictional…I think.

        Reply

    2. That’s of course a problem but innovation require sacrifices. Instead we could also have the same sensor with just minor updates and no big innovation at all.. then I believe Sony wouldn’t even create the E-Mount and mirrorless cameras in first place.

      Reply

    3. Curved sensor doesn’t work with interchangeable lenses. The curvature needs to be adapted to the focal length of the lens…

      Reply

      1. Minolta killed Rockor
        When Sony kills A mount how long do you think E mount will survive.
        E mount has the shortest flange distance of any lens system….they will never be usable on any other mount except with a teleconverter ehich will degrade the image.

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  127. Time to face facts, people.

    Up to this point, it could be rationalized that all those cheaper f/4 zooms A-mount folks asked for for years ended up on E-mount because A-mount was being reserved for the pro end of the market. But with the development of a 35/1.4 Zeiss for FE — a lens A-mount users have been clamoring for to fill in a gap in the ZA line-up — there really shouldn’t be any more doubt what the strategy is. Sony is transitioning to E-mount as the primary mount, for both amateurs AND professionals. That’s why it didn’t make sense to release one for A-mount. They want people buying the FF E-mounts, not one that is reaching end of life.

    So what about those recent A-mount lenses, like the 50/1.4ZA? Well, Sony’s transition plan is the LA-EA4. With that adapter, you can use the A-mount lenses to fill in the fast aperture gaps in the FE line-up at least until Sony catches up and fills in the gaps with native FE fast aperture lenses. The 35/1.4ZA proves that is the case. Between the existing A-mount lenses and the current and upcoming E-mounts, you can have one complete system with both enthusiast and pro options.

    In a few years as new lenses are released, you’ll all be on E-mount and slowly selling off your A-mount lenses to buy native E-mount equivalents.

    It makes sense, from a business perspective. Sony gets to sell you new lenses, and you aren’t completely left out in the cold during the transition. You will lose IBIS and the focusing block may not be that great, and you have to endure adapters and less battery life, but you can still use your gear until you’re ready to buy the next generation. And in 5 years, that’s all that will be around, including DSLR-sized E-mounts to help support the larger lenses. All of this is coming.

    It makes sense, and I get it. I do. I just don’t have to like it.

    Reply

    1. >In a few years as new lenses are released, you’ll all be on E-mount and
      slowly selling off your A-mount lenses to buy native E-mount equivalents

      In a few years most of A-Mount users will have sold off their A-Mount lenses to buy Canikon lenses for their new systems.
      Had they been interested in mirrorless, they could have switched to mirrorless already.
      Most of those who bought Sony DLSR will buy Canikon DLSR, not E-Mount.

      Reply

      1. Not True. For some of us, its the camera size/egronomics, that keeps us away. Mirrorless has nothing to do with it and while IBIS is a nice to have feature, Canikon dont have it either. EVF on the other hand is a must for lots of people.

        Reply

        1. Fast AF, ergonomics, f/2.8 zooms, battery life etc. etc. – it all comes together.
          Granted, when mirorrless is going to have all of that, there will be no use for A-Mount anymore. And EF mount. And F Mount.

          Reply

      3. I think anyone who’s already made the EVF transition (a la A77 or A99) *might* be willing to make the FE transition, especially if larger and more ergonomic bodies become available. I mean, otherwise you’re going backward in technology. I personally would rather not give up the EVF and focus peaking now that I have it in a FF camera. And there’s no one else out there who offers that.

        Though I agree that anyone who is a true DSLR (not DSLT) holdout might not want to make the leap to FE. But then it’s not like Sony’s had any future for them for years, anyway.

        I personally have been with Minolta and Sony for 15 years now. I made the EVF leap, but this next one — to FE — is going to be a lot more difficult transition for me. Still, I’ve grown really accustomed to the ease of use of the modern Sonys, and they’re the only game in town for those. (For now.)

        Reply

        1. IF they make larger bodies, IF the AF speed catches up, IF they release a 24-70 f/2.8… etc, you get the idea.
          Even Canikon users might be tempted to switch to a system like that.
          But until then…

          Reply

          1. “Until then” is absolutely right. But Canikon users have less incentive to switch on the hopes of that potential system than A-mount users do right now. Reason being you can use your existing A-mount lenses with fast AF and aperture control through an adapter. That includes a stellar 24-70/2.8, if you already have one. So really the only thing you’d be waiting on is the larger body, which would be really easy for Sony to make next. Hell, they’ll probably make one in the next round and throw in the A6000 AF on sensor at the same time. Then really it’s just about using your existing lenses through an adapter until they get around to making that 2.8 lens that works with the new PDAF on sensor.

            Point being, it’s still a much easier transition to go from A-mount to E-mount than to jump ship. It’s still not fun at all — who likes spending money they’ve already spent? — but at least you can transition over slowly.

    2. You’re basically rehashing already known facts and speculations. It could be true, or not. Anyway, I don’t like it if true but I also realize that everything is temporal. In addition, I doubt this is true, but time will tell.

      Reply

      1. In the absence of a statement from Sony — or better, proof in the form of new products — we only have their actions to go on. So yes, I admit it: I’m rehashing speculation. But sometimes you have to do that to try to make sense of what’s going on. And I don’t like it, either, but if you really stop and think about it, do you see any other possibility? Will they really ever release a 35/1.4 ZA in A-mount now? Why would they ever do that?

        Reply

        1. You are right; I could not think of another possibility, other than that Sony is temporarily prioritizing E-mount and will continue A-mount updates thereafter.

          When you think of it, the E-mount is kind of an adventurous move, but consciously backed up by professional E-mount video cameras. The early NEXes were very succesful, as they still are looking at sale rankings of e.g. the NEX-6 and A6000. Quite possibly, the A7 series is a hit but desperately needs a decent lens line-up to make sense and be attractive to most people. So Sony cannot ignore succes and even greater future potential, but shifts resources to E-mount lens design and manufacture. The A-mount 50 f1.4 ZA project dates probably from before and during the E-mount offensive. I think that the 35 f1.4 ZA is eventually in the pipeline but its sales potential is grossly reduced by the introduction of the superb Sigma 35 f1.4 ART. Therefore, I doubt its release is going to happen at all, since every marketeer will agree that Sony cannot exceed the Sigma’s quality at a similar price.

          Reply

          1. Ah, the Sigma ART 35mm f1.4 is out for a-mount?!!! Why are people then complaining about a-mount lens line… Do people really need the blue badge?

          2. Well, Sigma isn’t known for their reliability regarding compatibility. And they use other lens id’s which can make micro focus adjustments problematic.

            Regardless, many favor native lenses above excellent third party options.

    4. Of course all of the A-Mount users will have already transitioned to either Canon, or Nikon mounts which makes more sense than investing in a A7 from a company that has already screwed its users.

      Reply

      1. I am not so sure about that. A-mount users have already proofed their stupidity by investing in A-mount in the first place.

        Reply

          1. There were none. You were too stupid to consider the A-mount as a sustainable system while it was never used by any pro and/or hobbyist. It’s like buying Samsung’s shit.

        3. People had good reason to invest in A-mount at the start. When Sony took over the cost and access to legacy lenses made it a fantastic bargain. It continued that way up until SLT with cheap bodies that offered great performance outside of noise. However, the market isn’t the same anymore. Full frames have dropped in price for DSLR’s and Sony is playing second fiddle. They also have zero selection for cheaper FF bodies. There was and is a lot to like. It’s just a different market now.

          Reply

          1. Well, my argument is Sony and I have a fundamental marketing disagreement on competent marketing strategy. Certainly, Sony has ineptly squandered many opportunities with their DSLRs since buying out Minolta with their consumer electronics mindset. I hardly think all is lost since the high margin a-mount still is very profitable and last time I checked the “meh” a77II refresh was selling well on Amazon.

            I suspect Sony is not abandoning a-mount but taking us for granted to fully exploit FEs while there’s no competition in the space but by the time they get around to the a-mount probably no earlier than spring they may find too many like me have already walked away so they can’t keep it viable.

        4. When you see how a company treats the least important customer you know what you’re in for some day. If I were an e-mount fanboy I wouldn’t be so smug. If I were thinking mirrorless right now I’d probably bypass Sony unless I had a specific need for the hi-res a7R or a7S which, IMHO, aren’t very well-rounded for my specific needs and interests.

          Reply

      2. Yep, what I did. Sony is certainly making Canikon happy because I’m sure they’d like the bump in their DSLR user base Sony is handing them.

        I’m keeping my Sony APS-C stuff for now. Down the line may pick up an a77II used or even new when Sony does the inevitable 18 month body discount move. If Sony puts out FFs in 2015 may still eventually pick one up to primarily play with my old Minolta lenses. The good news is I have a future with Nikon and can enjoy using Sony’s sensors in that line. After a couple of test shot outings with my D800 I’m getting a real sense of what a great camera the a99/a99Ii would have been with the 36mp sensor.

        Reply

      3. So why does making transitioning to Canon make sense? If it is for the lenses, you would have done so a long long time ago. For the sensor? Nope. Sheer weight? Hmm. Nikon? Yes, they have good sensors and if you like the lens collection (curious about the new 20mm f1.8). Future progress? Well, their cameras have Sony sensor, not.

        Reply

  129. It seems like when they separated the announcements for A and FE mount lenses and cameras. When they announce the A99II they will also announce the A glass.

    Reply

    1. guess what, the A99 successor will be the A9, which will be an e-mount camera. ***But don’t worry***, A99II will be there too, A99II will actually be an A mount to E mount adapter, for use on the A9…

      Reply

  131. sounds to me like a successful campaign, people will run and buy FE systems, thinking A-mount is dead. Then they release A-mount upgrades. My question is that is the current a-mount full frame lenses really that bad that you need new ones? or you hoping that they will take the pictures for you?

    I am just a noob, but i have been able to reproduce some great pictures with a57 with better attention to detail, light, settings and composition. My a99 does turn out some great pictures with just a click none the less. Maybe focus on what you have and not what you don’t.

    AR

    Reply

    2. You are right; current A-mount gear is still close to spectacular for most uses. However, some armchair professionals argue otherwise.

      Reply

      1. If you play to its strengths and use 3rd party lenses to plug the gaps, it’s still an excellent system. It certainly deserves more love than Sony gives it (which makes it all the more disappointing that the a77ii hasn’t got a 2 big brothers).

        Reply

    5. Most of the a-mount lenses are great, some could use an SSM update (85mm & 135mm). The 35 G lens features an old optical design and should be revamped. There also no ultra wide rectilinear prime (14 or 15mm).

      Reply

      1. Yes, the 35mm G doesn’t seem too spectacular – too bad they don’t have the Zeiss Distagon in a-mount, but 85mm and 135mm even in their current incarnations are fantastic lenses. For 14mm there is the external Samyang 14mm which is just fine IMHO.

        Nowadays I think you buy the lens(es) you really like and need, and then get some body for it. Bodies get old and replaced anyway. The times where you chose a brand and then stick with it are over IMHO. That’s that’s what is the big strength of the e-mount.

        Reply

  132. That 35 1.4 looks huge. What is the point? I did not buy the A7 to use A mount size glass. What is next? a dslr sized FE camera? We just switching mounts and buying all the same lenses over again? contax g had auto focus, so don’t tell me it’s not possible.

    Reply

    1. Contax G is film, and that’s a different story. If you didn’t buy the A7 to use A-mount size glass, buy the $5000 Leica Summilux-M 35 f1.4 ASPH, or if you are low on cash the Voigtlander Nokton 35 f1.4 at $629. But if you want AF, yes, it’s gonna be that big in any mount.

      Reply

      1. Unhun yeah and that was also 20 years ago. So if they going to make a ff small make ff lenses small. Not expecting f1.2 miracles but f2 is just fine….like the rx1?

        Reply

        1. RX1 got a sensor tailored to the lens with special microlenses pattern. You’ll never see RX1 with E-mount. It was build as a compact to achieve highest possible quality in the small package. Digital interchangeable lens cameras aren’t really suitable for that. Especially with bigger sensors.

          Reply

    3. You can buy the 35mm 2.8 instead if size matters. I prefer a light body and fast lenses. I still save on weight just using a different body. If you want an even smaller & lighter lens maybe ask Sony to give you a 35mm f4 😉

      Reply

      1. F 2.8? I will buy apsc 1.4 instead. Just want some fast small glass for FE. Looks like sony never meant to go down that road. Just a leica body replacement, fine. And yeah I also want light body fast lens wasn’t that the whole point of FE? Not light body heavy fast lens.

        Reply

        1. I completely agree with your points on this. This A7 feels very well balanced with the 35mm 2.8 lens attached. The 55mm 1.8 is probably as large as I would want to go before you start unbalancing the handling with larger lenses necessary for faster glass. For me it defeats the whole purpose of the A7.

          Reply

          1. True, but once you attach the battery grip larger lenses feel very balanced as well like the FE 24-70/4 or the Mistaken 50/0.95. Sony should just offer the choice of both type of lenses. I would for sure use both.

    4. If it performs at least as good as Zeiss’ aging design slightly modified from the Contax era, and manages good colors, they still have my money.

      Reply

    5. They didn’t go double gauss, probably because this allows them to attain the same level of correction without using too much exotic glass and complex apsh. elements. It goes easy on the designer too allowing more elements to be used. They really could’ve come up with something like Leica just with AF, but then it could cannibalize the 35/2.8’s sales, and would take more work to design and produce. This isn’t the way of Japanese designs. They’ve started upping the element number in lenses like the 135/2 when Contax still managed a 5 element design.

      Reply

  134. I really like that aperture ring on the 35/1.4. Well done! Hope its (optionally) clickless! My money is on the 35 and macro for sure!

    Reply

  135. Sony is reallocating its marketing investments to maximize its return. In other words, it’s looking at FE for the highest profit and growth potential. FE also gives the unique advantage of working off the weaknesses of the big two- it’s small and offers universal lens support with adaptors.

    The issue is that Sony is not exploring options to grow A-mount market share in a similar vein. Even if it became a niche market that’s fine. Yet, it’s neither- doesn’t focus on video, high ISO performance, on and on. It’s not even a pure stills beast (a.k.a. D810). Lastly, if your really that desperate to grow your market you offer new products and services.

    The only hope is if Sony makes groundbreaking announcements in January. I mean, 46MP full frame, cheap A88, class leading AF. Neither of those products are truly niche though. Why can’t we get a monochrome A-mount anyway? Point is, Sony has really upped the ante today. To convince loyal fans to stick around they have no choice- there next announcement must be huge and it must be A-mount!

    Reply

    1. I’m tired of fighting city hall on this one. I get why others hang onto thin hope Sony does something with a-mounts in 2015. Everyone’s situation is a bit different. I think it’s safe to say a-mount SAR rumors are far less dependable than e-mount one’s so I wouldn’t even hang my hat on an SR5 at this point. It’s time for Sony itself to show me something.

      Reply

  136. Sony steals the Alpha name to repurpose marketing for toy camera lineup. Meanwhile the legacy that brought us here is abandoned and insulted.

    Patent is up on A-Mount. My dollars go to any company that relaunches the Mind of Minolta.

    Reply

  137. Wow, the 28 with the 2 adapters’ quite a surprise! It’s not even a G so it shouldn’t be too expensive, so I won’t have to handle it with care and could put it in the bag without the cap on for quick shooting, and clean it with tissue paper and my shirt like I do with the e16 and its ultrawide adapter!
    The 35/1.4 should also be interesting, too bad it doesn’t have an aperture ring.
    —————
    Sorry that’s actually a faint shadow of an aperture ring…
    I’ll probably be getting this, along with the first FE body with EFC, 7fps+ burst, and 24mp+ AA-less.

    Reply

    1. Indeed, those adapters are almost the most interesting items!

      It will be fascinating to see how they measure up in terms of quality as I really love my 16mm fisheye A mount. If they get close it will be a no brainer.

      Reply

    2. Yes, the fast 28 with 2 adapters is a real surprise, and no one saw it coming here on SAR!

      35 1.4 is nice, but including the RX1 Sonar this is the fourth (2.8 and Loxia) non a-mount 35mm.. If it is good, that should have been the first and only one..

      Reply

      1. I’m checking but so far, its’ a ‘MINT’ A850 w/600 clicks and the price keeps going up!!! Like a dummy I could have bought one unopened a few months back but I mentioned it on-line and it was gone in a flash!

        Reply

  141. I can’t say I’m surprised by the lack of A Mount lenses. I am surprised that once again we have a news conference to announce lenses that won’t be on store shelves for six months at least.

    Reply

    1. Screams marketing telling them to get out there and show people something to stop them complaining about the lens lineup. Keeps people interested, but I can’t see anyone buying an FE body on the strength of unreleased and untested lenses.

      Reply

  142. for those that claim Sony kills A mount…. it clearly is a business decision. DSLR sales is dropping/going flat while mirrorless is gaining momentum. If they keep their resources in DSLR/DSLT they are helping canikon to stay afloat more than helping themselves…. instead investing in mirrorless may lose some of their DSLT customer but they can continue to pick up more mirrorless customer while helping to tank the DLSR/DSLT ship more (even its only a small small small percentage) so why would they do that?

    Reply

    1. There not really dropping. They’ve been pretty consistent over last year. The past few months they’ve remained practically flat. I’d be more worried about mirror less sales continuing to cut into that smallish pie though.

      Reply

  143. There are already two 35mm FE lenses – the Sony Zeiss 35mm f2.8 and Loxia 35mm f2.0. I really don’t see the need for a 35mm f1.4 right now. How about an 85mm f1.8?

    Reply

    2. Made by two different companies. Loxia specs are chosen by Zeiss, not Sony. When the f/2.8 was launched, many said they would wait for a f/1.4. You can’t please everybody it would seem. An 85mm will come.

      Reply

  145. Is A-mount dead? The bodies may well be, but as far as the lenses…Just ask the Leica R people.

    Though a fast 35mm Zeiss A-mount lens was a glaring omission from the Alpha series, I did very well with the 24-70 Vario Sonnar on the a900. It is a spectacular lens, especially at 35mm. I sold it, along with my a900 bodies in favor of the A7r, and my back is thankful for it. I can fit it and 4 lenses into a tiny inconspicuous bag (D800 eat your heart out). I’m still keeping the Zeiss 85mm f1.4 and 135mm f1.8, though.

    Reply

    2. My other thought is that old gear is old gear and you will generally sell it at a loss, so it doesn’t matter if you’re forced to switch to another brand for a traditional DSLR – whether you own sony or a predecessor of the brand you’re moving to, you’ll lose money when you upgrade. If you’re a professional, that’s really inconsequential because you’re already passing the cost of your overhead to your clients.

      Reply

      1. Yeah, people make a big fuss over nothing. I’ve had a lot of sony lenses- have sold over a dozen and bought even more lenses in the past year. I usually take barely a loss or sometimes even make money. I’m not worried about it. There still is no replacement for the 135mm 1.8. It’s a bargain even compared to the Zeiss 135mm F2 APO for Canikon- especially on the used market.

        Reply

  146. As camera shops are few and far between nowadays. especially near me, it has been a long time waiting for me to try an A7, always wondering how they compare to my A99s.

    Today was the day and I now know that Sony will let the A mount slowly die. The truth is that the A7 is more than a match in every area other than the current range of fast lenses. That will slowly be addressed.

    Consequently, within a very short time, my kit will be swapped over for the much lighter A7 and I doubt I will give a backward glance. When I had the KM 7D they were fantastic and I loved them. I got the A900 and they shattered the 7D. I loved them too. Then came the A99 and it was again no contest in terms of superiority over the A900. I still think they’re fantastic and much underestimated.

    Now evolution will lead me to the A7 and I am certain to be as equally impressed every day.
    If they prove as reliable as all my others, which never missed a beat in hundreds of thousands of shots, I will be a happy man and shed no tears for the A mount.

    They have all been great, but technology moves on!

    Reply

    1. Another well-written eulogy. Perhaps I’m just resistant to change but if and when I do switch, it sure as heck won’t be for another new system by Sony. They’re simply too unpredictable and not trustworthy.

      Reply

    2. “The truth is that the A7 is more than a match in every area other than the current range of fast lenses.”

      For you. For me its pedestrian CAF in low light is useless!

      Reply

      1. True, but by the time A-mount is completely outdated there will be E mount options with matching autofocus. We’re just maybe in the awkward transition and you’re welcome to stay with A-Mount till E Mount is ready, or be an early adopter. All of this assuming the A-mount is closing up.

        Reply

    1. The macro looks very interesting – OSS, mechanical focus (unless I’m very much mistaken) and a 28cm mfd. Looks like it might be better suited to a battery grip though. Can’t see the 28mm…

      Reply

        1. Doesn’t look very different in size to any other 90-105mm f/2.8 AF OSS FF lens to me. Have a look at the Canon equivalent.

          Reply

  148. Having options is an absolutely new feeling as an A7 shooter. Im looking forward to a bright future. Ah sorry, that little word-play just had to be.
    This is for all the “E-Mount.. Bla.. Only slow lenses.. Blabla.. Compact.. Bla.. Destroys purpose of small bodies.. Blabla”-Folks

    Reply

    1. E mount has no future. ..they will discontinue it just like everything else…and your short flange lenses cannot be converted.

      Reply

    2. E mount has no future..it will be discontinued just like Rokor and A mount.
      And E mount lenses with short flange distance cannot be converted except eith a teleconverter that degrsdes the image.

      Reply

  149. Ha, glad you like your e-mount hope you get some native faster lenses since adapters are always lacking something, but I will stay with A, um a-mount (have to be specific given Alpha is meaning less or means everything whatever). Please put your a-mount goodies up for sell at ridiculously low prices so you can be cutting edge and I can be laughed at for using a dying technology, Yipee!.

    Reply

    1. I can’t wait to get my hands on this cheap redundant A99 and CZ stuff, from the amount of whiners here you’d think that the second-hand market is going to go through the floor to the basement. Bring it on!

      Reply

  151. No imagination people! While everyone seems so keen on declaring A-mount dead, I believe Sony has remained quiet for a completely different reason…

    I suspect the next A-mount camera will house a 44x33mm sensor.

    E-mount -> FF
    A-mount -> MF

    Reply

    1. Well, before I even read your post I placed myself on the 645Z waiting list of ‘interested’ on the B&H website. Not sure I would trust Sony with MF as they no doubt would make it complicated.

      If death falls upon us A-Mount lovers’ then Pentax can count on me. I already tried to go back to Leica but they out-priced me.

      Reply

  152. The reason A-mount has no rumors is because it’s to big to announce. It’s so completely awesome that they are having a hard time finding words to translate it. They also can’t figure out how to fit the awesome 50MP sensor into the A99II because it simply defies the laws of physics. It’s like a heart transplant and the A99 is rejecting its much needed medicine.

    HOLD OUT A-MOUNT USERS…THE VOLTRON OF A MOUNT TERROR IS ON ITS WAY!

    Reply

    1. Yeah. See, what they’re up to is….shhh…quiet now, we have to be quiet….

      [In a whisper] Sony is actually in the process of putting A-mounts on all the F and EF mount lenses out there. Literally. People will wake up tomorrow and find all their Nikkors and L-lenses have an A-mount on them and will no longer fit on their bodies. Then the big camera reveal will happen once the buzz on social media is at maximum volume.

      The Sony A1.

      Made out of pure platinum with diamond inlays. A 500mp sensor with lower noise than that of the A7s. It’s gonna rock everyone’s socks off. They’ll then announce the discontinuance of E-mount. In their words, it was “just a diversion”.

      Then you wake up in a cold sweat and realize E-mount really does exist and A-mount is still giving off a death smell.

      Reply

    2. Funny Stuff

      I thought it was part of Sony’s misdirection. In the year of the A-mount, the majority of announcements are E-mount. Just Sony keeping us on our toes. Now if they can combine what is good with all the FF e mounts and get rid of the negatives, we would have a great FF E mount camera. I would consider getting one. But next year is the year of the E-mount, I plan on getting the A-mount then.

      Reply

  154. 72mm filter thread on 35 1.4
    I hope it is a sign that Sony not compromising optical quality to size.
    Any info/rumors about the price?

    Reply

  155. this is quite exciting it kind of makes me want to buy a A7 again…. but i still don’t like the styling/ergonomics of the shutter button placement and how its not angled

    Reply

      1. I sold it. I first got a RX1 and absolutely loved that camera. I purchased the A7 hoping that it would be able to replace the RX1 as a FF camera with interchangeable lens, but sadly, I was rather disappointed by the A7 so I sold it and opted to keep my RX1 which I still love. I was hoping to see a RX1 mark II which address some of the short comings of the original RX1 (such as better AF and smaller profile EVF) but I really do miss shooting with the fisheye/ultra wide attachments on an interchangable system

        Reply

    2. In my opinion the shutter button placement is overblown by the Internet Amplification Effect. Yes it definitely isn’t optimal but it also isn’t a problem and you get used to it in a few minutes. It’s in the same spot as most film cameras of a generation ago.

      Reply

      1. I got use to it, but I still would have preferred an angled one like like NEX 5 series. There were a number of times when I kept pressing the front dial expecting something to happen before I realised I wasn’t pressing the actual button.

        Its much easier to get use to on my RX1 because it doesn’t have as big of a grip as the A7. its not THAT bad, more of a minor annoyance to be honest

        Reply

  157. Well, for those of us wishing for a new A-Mount prime, remember the ZA85 had a $200 price drop a few months back, and that sure seems like an indication of a new model (SSM) to me. Okay, I’m just speculating but still.

    Reply

  158. Well Sony – they shoot themselves in the foot. Not a single word about A mount, let alone new announcement.
    I bet many of A mount users will start serious thinking about moving to other brands, good luck with E mount and “PRO Service”, yeah right.

    Reply

        1. Well, I just ordered an A-Mount metal lens hood from the SonyStore and the price has dropped a little from the same item a few months back.

          Also, since they already shipped the ZA24 I ordered last week, I decided to give it a try before throwing it out with the bathwater. Besides, it was a refurbished unit and a very good price. Sometimes you get lucky, plus I added the 2yr Accident/Extended warranty. Oh well, I have 30-days to return it so maybe things will work out.

          As for switching systems I really can’t do right now, due to costs. However, I doubt I’ll stay with Sony as they’re just too flaky and unpredictable.

          Reply

      2. Do you have evidence to show that there is a net loss of A-mount users to other systems as a result of a perceived lack of A-mount support?

        No. Thought not!

        Reply

        1. Read the comments below. Many die-hard A-Mount fans saying in this very thread that they’re putting all of their gear on ebay

          Reply

          1. What they say and what they actually do are two different things, most are just blowing off steam or just trolls feeding the frenzy.

            Monitoring this blog for the last year I’ve noted a “Death Of A-Mount” thread started every week, and all the monkeys join in and run it to ground. This has happened over and over again. I put no more credence in this latest prediction than in the last 50 or so. And would think others would start to wise up and stop acting like lemmings, but I guess that’s asking too much. Just sell all your A mount gear to someone that will use it for its intended purpose, and blog your gloom and doom somewhere else.

          4. They always say that, and in the end no-one actually follows through with their threats. Sony rumours will eventual get the goods on the 46mp A-Mount, and we’ll all be happy again.

        2. What are you talking about. Who said anything about “net loss”. I said “some”. That includes me (sold > 20 a-mount lenses, 2 alpha bodies and bought elsewhere), 1 or 2 others that post here and others that post elsewhere. Granted, I did keep the a77 and 2 lenses though because of the nifty swivel screen for rarely used video. If you don’t think SOME people can be that unhappy with Sony, then continue to enjoy life in la-la land.

          Reply

  159. A mount users can at least be happy that Sony unified the camera foot across the lines so all of those new developments (such as the flash and smaller XLR adapter) benefit a mount and e mount users alike.

    Reply

      1. Yes, that’s another issue for sure. The older and so-called inferior hot shoe and self-locking flash units were truly better. It was and still is, the most secure fastener made. In this case, Sony had it right and the other’s had it wrong. IMHO or course ~

        Reply

        1. For all intensive purposes the minolta hotshoe is indeed a superior flash mount. Compared to the standard it’s physically overkill. Regular hotshoes can be stretched over time. But the Minolta shoe? Nope bridge isn’t going to bend.

          Reply

    2. Hi Christopher,
      Yes, but we’ll have to overlook the overheat issue with the F60 flash unit. I ended up buying another older, but superior F58 flash. I think Sony gets confused with what an update is intended to mean.

      Reply

  161. I really like the call they made on the 35mm. Release a small-form, “reasonable cost” with the launch, then hit us this the HUGE but awesome fast, optical quality monster with (YES!) manual aperture.

    Reply

  163. Those who will suffer from switching most are those few who are invested in long bright teles like 300/2.8, 500/4 or older Minolta ones. Also the amateurs with 2k$ lenses and no photography income.

    Personally I will wait until Jan/Feb to see whats coming.

    Best case – Sony gives us another FF A-mount, to buy them more time to work on mirrorless AF speed, battery life, ergonomics or to revive A-mount.

    Worst case – there is no new FF A-mount and there is no mirrorless body with AF speed, ergonomics and battery life on par with the competition. I will just get one or two used or discounted A99’s, to give myself some time to decide and for Sony to sort out mirrorless issues.

    Either way I will be set for at least 3 years of photography income and that is plenty of time to consider all options and start investing in different system if needed.

    P.S. Already sold the least used glass in the spring, so only have lenses which I absolutely require for paid work I do. Still, thats bit over 5k$ of glass.

    Reply

    1. A camera with EVF and full time live view will never have battery life equal to a camera with an old style OVF. The single battery life on the A77 & A99 is more than adequate for most shoots and when using the vertical grip, sufficient for a full day of shooting. Taking battery life off the table, the rest is easily doable. 5K in lens investment is nothing for a pro, and only represents a couple good lenses.

      Reply

      1. As I said – I already sold the lenses which are not critical for the work. Still have Zeiss 24-70, Sony 70-200, Zeiss 135, Sony 50/1.4 and Sigma 12-24. Do not need long teles for what I shoot. Still have some redundancy with the remaining lenses, if I completely break one during a shoot.
        AF speed in mirrorless is NOT easily doable. I have played with A6000 in store, have tried A7 on a shoot. AF is nowhere near that of A99. I am not even sure it is better than my backup A850. And i low light it gets even worse.

        Reply

    2. Hoping for the best case 🙂

      I’ve stopped buying camera accs since last year (only hobby for me) and will wait for at least 2-3 years to see where Sony and other makers are going…

      Reply

    3. 5K is still a lot. I have gotten down to around 4000. I sold my a900 thinking I’d be buying an a99II this month- guess not. So in the meantime I bought a minolta 7000 that just arrived today. Looks super sweet with my Zeiss 50mm 1.4. Nothing like a 1500 dollar lens and a 15 dollar body. Meh, I have multiple systems so no big deal. Still, I want that next A-mount FF.

      Reply

    5. I have about the same amount in ZA glass, and that doesn’t go very far. If I were to change systems it would cost a whole lot more. I’m really hoping the A-mount will last at least a few more years but if not, I’m out of here. No more Sony for me and that’s for sure!

      Reply

    6. I agree 100%. I see another A-Mount product cycle or two then its pretty well lights out for the A-Mount (5 to 6 years). Its 30 years old, and due for retirement, I’ll miss it but, I’m probably going to buy two copies of its last FF A-Mount cameras when its on its way out.

      I figure if I can squeeze another five of six years out of the A-Mount I’ll be happy. Plus It’ll give me plenty of time to transition to either Canon or Nikon’s future mirror-less full frame.

      Cause the one thing I have learned about this ordeal is to not invest heavily into a camera line designed by Sony.

      Reply

        1. No need for dumbbells dude, callisthenics is the way to fitness. Anyway, I have an FE-mount camera and I have no problem lifting heavy stuff like a Nikon D800. I just don’t like doing it when its not necessary like when I’m photographing.

          Reply

    2. One year ago…

      “35mm f/2.8?! Oh my God, what were you thinking Sony? We want f/1.4!!”

      Now…

      “Oh my God, look at the size of that thing! Too big Sony, too big!!”

      Reply

      1. My girlfriend said something similar to me last night. These lenses are designed for a full frame sensor. That’s why they are bigger then lenses for other systems like APSC or MFT. If you want smaller lenses, use one of the other systems (if you can live with the inferior image quality). People will always find something to complain about or be afraid of. It’s in our nature. Most of us are simpletons that can do only one thing; reproduce. Like a virus.

        Reply

        1. Did you hear a whoosh sound when you read my comment?

          Read it again and have a good old think about what I could possibly be inferring…

          Reply

      2. Why can Canon make the 50mm 1.8 EF lens, compatibple with APS-C and FF a small, light, fast and visually great lens also very cheap.

        Yet Sony can’t get anywhere close to that offering.

        Reply

  166. Sony/Zeiss make compact lenses- People complain they are too slow.

    Sony/Zeiss make fast lenses- People complain they are too big.

    Photography. Is. Compromise.

    Reply

    1. London, UK – September 16, 2014 – At ‘Photokina 2014,’ the leading international trade fair for the photography and imaging sector in Cologne, Germany, Sony Corporation (“Sony”) is showcasing the PXW-FS7 XDCAM™ memory camcorder with interchangeable lens system alongside its range ofα interchangeable-lens cameras, and the full range of α mount system lenses, including the new high-performance range of ‘α’ lens products compatible with full-frame 35mm sensors. Sony is also showcasing the “4D FOCUS,” auto focus system which consists of a wide horizontal/vertical coverage area, rapid autofocus (AF), and a unique AF system that achieves high predictive precision, all of which are incorporated in products such as the ‘α6000’ and promote as one of its leading technologies for cameras.

      This event will also introduce prize-winning works from the ‘Sony World Photography Awards 2014’, which Sony has been supporting since 2007.

      ‘α’ Interchangeable-lens Camera

      E-mount series

      Sony is showcasing its α7 series, which incorporate a full-frame 35 mm CMOS sensor in compact, lightweight interchangeable-lens camera bodies, as well as the α6000.

      α7S

      Combining an Exmor® CMOS 35mm sensor, with approximately 12.2 million effective pixels, and the BIONZ X™ image processing engine, the α7S facilitates photography with high sensitivity and low noise, for both still photographs and video, with an extremely wide range of sensitivity and dynamic range.

      α5100

      Equipped with an Exmor CMOS sensor, the α5100 delivers approximately 24.3 million effective pixels and an in-built 179 focal point image plane phase detection AF sensor that covers almost the entire screen. Adoption of the evolved fast hybrid AF has achieved excellent dynamic body tracking and high-speed AF in just 0.07 seconds*1.

      *1: CIPA guideline-compliant, internal measurement methods, when pre-AF is switched off. When the E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6

      OSS is worn.

      A-mount series

      The A-mount camera line-up boasts leading technologies and an abundant range of high-performance interchangeable lenses to enable users to enjoy the pursuit of emotion and expression by taking photographs.

      α77 II

      The latest model in the A-mount range is equipped with an Exmor CMOS sensor with approximately 24.3 million effective pixels and a 79 focal point phase detection AF sensor (15 cross points)*2; the world’s highest*3. The α77 II achieves high picture quality and tracking performance, as well as excellent AF precision, thanks to its new AF algorithm. Even with a moving target, the AF continuously tracks the subject for high-speed continuous burst shooting (up to 12 frames per second*4 burst of up to 60 full-resolution frames*5) to capture the desired moment in time.

      *2： The supported number of range points varies depending on the lens.

      *3: In a digital camera with interchangeable lens, equipped with dedicated phase difference AF sensor.

      (As of May 16, 2014).

      *4： In Continuous Advance Priority AE mode. The aperture is F3.5 to prioritize continuous shooting, while the aperture

      value is controlled for lenses with aperture smaller than F3.5.

      *5： When picture quality is set to ‘FINE’ and image size is set to ‘L.’

      XDCAM™ Memory Camcorder with Interchangeable Lens System

      PXW-FS7

      Utilising α E-mount lenses, and equipped with a 4K Exmor Super 35 mm CMOS sensor (approx. 11.6 million total pixels, and 8.8 effective pixels), this model supports recording in 4K XAVC*6. The new ergonomic design*7 ensures that superior maneuverability is possible, even for one-man operation, in any shooting style whether on-the-shoulder, handheld, or held in a low position.

      *6： QFHD (3840 x 2160) resolution will be supported at the time of launch. Recording in 4096 x 2160 resolution will be supported in the future with a firmware update.

      This firmware update is scheduled for release during the fourth quarter of FY 2014.

      *7： Ergonomic design: This refers to design that has been optimized to enable people to move more naturally, effortlessly, and efficiently, based on the field of research known as human engineering (ergonomics).

      α Lenses

      SEL1635Z ZEISS® wide-angle zoom lens Vario-Tessar T* FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS (E-mount)*8:

      The SEL1635Z delivers extremely high resolution that enables the sharp depiction of objects, right to the very edge of the screen, and reduces distortion and field curvature to the absolute minimum. In addition, the use of ED (extra-low dispersion) glass allows chromatic aberration to be suppressed. The ZEISS T* (“T-star”) coating provides high-contrast representation capabilities to control reflected light on the lens surface. The excellent optical performance is well-suited to authentic landscape photography and makes full use of the wide angle lens.

      SELP28135G motorized zoom G Lens™ FE PZ 28-135mm F4 G OSS (E-mount)*8:

      The world’s first*9 standard lens that supports a 35 mm full-frame sensor, while also equipped with a motorized zoom lens. It was designed to deliver optimized operability and optical performance for shooting high-quality video, such as 4K, and to be compatible with the α7 series, and the PXW-FS7 professional-use camcorder, which was announced at IBC 2014. Sony has incorporated SSM (Super Sonicwave Motor) as the zoom lens drive, to facilitate smooth, quiet operation. This is the first time an α lens has been equipped with the three-faceted operational ring of “zoom-focus-aperture,” to enable a wide range of zoom speed controls and zoom direction reversal*10.

      *8: This model was announced in Europe.

      *9: As a lens for digital cameras with interchangeable lens systems. * Current at the time of this press release; as investigated by Sony.

      *10: Determined by the body settings when mounted on the ‘α7S’ or the ‘PXW-FS7.’

      Sony is exhibiting 4 lenses (FE 24-240mm F3.5-6.3 OSS, FE 28mm F2, Distagon T* FE 35mm F1.4 ZA, FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS) and 2 converters (FE Ultra Wide Converter and FE Fisheye Converter) supporting 35 mm full-frame sensors under development for reference.

      Including these lenses, Sony is introducing its lens development roadmap, which shows that Sony aims to release a total of over twenty α E-mount lenses supporting 35 mm full-frame sensors in 2016.

      ‘Cyber-Shot’ Digital Still Camera

      Sony is showcasing the highly acclaimed RX series, which are equipped with 35 mm full-frame Exmor sensors and 1.0-inch backlit Exmor R CMOS sensors, and continue to deliver superior picture quality without compromise, despite their compact size.

      RX100 III

      This compact, pocket-sized model is equipped with a 1.0-inch backlit Exmor R CMOS sensor, newly-developed 24-70mm*11 large aperture ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar T* (“T-star”) lens, and the OLED Tru-Finder™, a bright, viewer-friendly stowable high-definition finder, to achieve high resolution and excellent texture depiction.

      *11: 35 mm size conversion.

      Lens-style Camera

      Sony will display its series of Lens-style cameras. These cameras can be connected to the user’s smartphone*12 via Wi-Fi to enjoy shooting when attached to the smartphone, or to shoot handheld selfies, or stills or videos*13 from any angle, when detached from the smartphone.

      ILCE-QX1

      This is the first model in the series with an interchangeable lens option, and offers the same large-sized APS-C sensor as an interchangeable lens camera. Enjoy high picture quality with beautiful bokeh effects, shoot clear night scenes with high sensitivity and low noise, or attach α mount system*14 lenses to explore an even wider range of creative options.

      DSC-QX30

      Equipped with a Sony G lens (an optical 30x zoom lens) and optical image stabilization. Distant subjects that are hard to capture using the built-in camera on a smartphone can now be shot with greater accuracy.

      *12： Requires smartphone or tablet that supports the dedicated application “PlayMemories Mobile.”

      Refer to the following website for details: http://www.sony.net/pmm/

      *13: Some types of photography, such as shooting videos or continuous shooting, require a memory card to be used with the camera.

      *14: An adapter is required to attach an A-mount lens. Some features may be restricted when the adapter is attached.

      Action Cam

      HDR-AZ1VR Action Cam Mini:

      Weighing just 63g*15, this model can be attached to the user’s body or, for example, to bicycle handlebars, to enable easy shooting while enjoying sports such as snowboarding, mountain biking, or surfing. By equipping the new Live View Remote (bundled accessory) with GPS recording functionality, Sony has succeeded in delivering a camera that is approximately 1/3 more compact and lightweight than the current model (HDR-AS100V). In addition to the aforementioned sporting scenarios, this camera will enable powerful, high-quality experiential footage to be photographed in an even wider variety of situations, from travel through to leisure activities.

      *15: Weight including the battery. (weighs approx. 48g without the battery)

      ‘Handycam’ Camcorder

      FDR-AX100

      Equipped with a 1.0-type back-illuminated Exmor R™ CMOS Sensor, image-processing engine, and newly-developed lens optimized for high-definition 4K video. It successfully depicts texture exactly as you see it, with high-definition perspective. This model is more compact and lightweight than its predecessor, the FDR-AX1, with approximately 1/4 less surface area and 1/3 less mass, enabling easy shooting in 4K*16/30p*17.

      *16： QFHD （3840 x 2160）

      *17： 429.97p

      Capture One Express (for Sony) RAW converter and image editing software

      The ‘Capture One’ RAW converter and image editing software from Phase One has been newly adapted for Sony. ‘Capture One Express (for Sony)’ will be provided at no extra charge to users who purchase an α interchangeable-lens camera or Cyber-shot RX digital still camera. This image processing tool incorporates an advanced RAW image processing engine to enable delicate images to be finessed to deliver a high-quality finish.

      Refer to the following website for details: http://www.phaseone.com/en/Imaging-Software/Capture-One-for-Sony.aspx This website will go live at 10:00 CET on 16/09/14

      * Any company names and/or product names mentioned in this document are trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective corporations.

      Reply

        1. Ah the new A77 II. I checked out the sample images on dpreview and I am seriously happy that I went full frame with the a7r last year. It might be sad, but nothing else seems good enough. There’s just so much detail in the a7r shots and the dynamic range is awesome. Once you had a taste of that…

          Reply

      2. “α77 II… The latest model in the A-mount range”.

        Hey, at least it didn’t say “last model in the A-mount range”. I guess that’s strong support right there.

        BRWAT, I can’t work you out. You post an absolute load of guff about upcoming A-mount models, then actually dare to show yourself on this board. Now you claim Sony is showing strong support for A-mount, having only made a passing comment about the A77II in its press release. Either you’re genuinely seriously deluded and/or live in fantasy land, or you’re trolling the board.

        Reply

        1. I got my information from one of my oldest friends who works in the camera industry, and is normally knows ALL of the inside information on Sony imaging products.

          So, I just tore a huge strip off his A$$, and he’s still claiming a new body before christmas.

          So, I’ve just given up on him. If he doesn’t know then the A-Mount may be in serious poop.

          Reply

      3. Too much information. You seriously need to give your off line life some attention. Shut down your computer/tablet/phone/watch/implant and go outside, now!

        Reply

  168. Seriously underwhelmed by this announcement. I wonder what they were thinking when they came up with the wide angle adapters?

    Nonetheless, it is good to see new lenses coming for the E/FE mount.

    Reply

    1. What’s wrong with wide-angle adapters if they are optically good (like for example the Fuji x100 adapter)? I think 28mm FE + 21mm converter could be a cheaper alternative to 16-35.

      I think this announcement was great, much more than I expected.

      Reply

    2. What’s wrong with adapters? If optically excellent, they can be an interesting alternative for a completely new lens.

      Reply

  170. Really disappointed by the lack of replacement for the HVL-F60M Flash. Sony is aware of the overheating issue and a GN 32 replacement is not in the same ballpark. Bring back the 58 or fix the 60. We need TTL and HSS for the A7r.

    Reply

    1. We need? Please speak for yourself. I don’t need a flash with my a7r. What we need, is to stop complaining about so many things. Be happy with what you got right now. You are younger today then you will ever be again.

      Reply

  172. That 28mm f/2 sure looks sweet! If its optical performance is anything like the 35mm f/2.8 (minus the colour banding) and the 55mm f/1.8, I definitely want one in my bag!

    Reply

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