The standard zoom with a focal length range of 24 to 70 millimeters has been established for years as part of the “holy trinity” of zoom lenses. With the newly announced full-frame zoom, Sony is now expanding the focal length in the wide-angle range to 20 millimeters. The FE 20-70 mm f/4.0 G offers a continuous aperture of f/4.0.
This is one stop slower than the FE 24-70 mm f/2.8 GM II, but it is significantly smaller in size, lighter in weight and ultimately results in a lower price. This should be around 1600 euros, around 800 euros less than the 24-70. The FE 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* ZA OSS, which is also available, costs around 630 euros.
With the FE 20-70mm f/4.0 G, Sony extends the wide angle of its standard zoom.
As is usual with high-quality lenses, the zoom is sealed against dust and splash water. The optical design consists of 16 lenses in 13 groups with six special lenses that minimize image errors and ensure high imaging performance right into the corners. Programmable buttons and a manual aperture ring are located on the lens barrel. The focus ring works electronically and with a linear translation, which accommodates videographers. This also applies to the aperture ring, which can be switched from 1/3 clicks to continuously.
The FE 20-70mm F4 G will be available in stores from the end of February for 1600 euros.
Probably with a view to the Summer Olympics next year, Sony has announced the development of another lens. More than the name of the optics is not known. The 300mm f/2.8 G Master is due out in early 2024.
Voigtländer lenses for Nikon Z and Leica M
The 15 mm f/4.5 Super Wide Heliar aspheric is already in the Voigtländer portfolio, the Z bayonet is new.
Two real exotics from Voigtländer’s portfolio should also be available for Nikon’s Z-Mount from the beginning of March. The extremely wide-angle 15 mm f/4.5 Super Wide Heliar aspheric is designed to deliver a largely distortion-free image and comes without autofocus or electronic aperture control. The close-up limit is 12.6 centimeters. With a little manual skill, the lens hood can be removed in order to use rectangular filters, for example. Provided that the camera has up-to-date firmware, the lens also makes contact with the camera and transmits the selected aperture, for example. The wide angle should be available from the end of February for 850 euros.
The second lens for the Nikon Z mount is also extreme. The 50 mm standard lens offers an open aperture of f/1.0. A front lens with a high refractive index should ensure good imaging performance, twelve aperture blades make the blurring pleasant and realize a largely round aperture. This lens also has data contacts to the camera. The Voigtländer 50 mm f/1.0 Nokton aspherical should also be available from the end of February for 1800 euros.
The 75 mm f/1.9 Ultron is said to be available in two variants with two different finishes. Here the MC version with matt finish.
For Leica’s M-Mount, Voigtländer announces the 75 mm f/1.9 Ultron in two variants. The model with MC (Multi Coated) in its name has a multi-layer coating, which is intended to reduce the effects of scattered light in a wide variety of conditions. The SC variant (single coated), on the other hand, relies on a single coating, which deliberately tends to light reflections, so-called flares, in backlit shots. Some photographers like to use these as a stylistic device. The two lenses for Leica M cameras should also appear at the end of February and cost 750 euros.
(tho)
