Sony has officially announced the launch of its new standard zoom lens, the FE 24-50mm F2.8 G (SEL2450G), adding it as the 72nd entry to its full-frame E-mount lens series.
This lens is designed to be compact and light, while still delivering high-resolution imagery. It features a constant F2.8 aperture across its zoom range, allowing for artistic flexibility and the ability to achieve beautiful background blur.
Compact Alternative with Quality Performance
The FE 24-50mm F2.8 G lens is presented as a smaller, lighter alternative to the existing 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II lens, albeit with a slightly reduced zoom range. Sony’s intent with this design was to offer a middle ground in terms of size and weight, positioning it between the larger 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II and the lighter 20-70mm f/4 G. Although its zoom range is modest, it’s suggested that some users may have preferred a lens with a wider aperture, such as F2 or F1.8, even if it meant a larger size similar to the 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II.
Key Specifications Highlighted
- Compatibility: Full-Frame Cameras
- Aperture: Constant f/2.8
- Weight: 439g (15.5 oz)
- Size: 9.14cm (3.6″) in length
- Autofocus: Linear AF Motors with Internal Focusing
- Usability: Comes with an Aperture Ring, De-Click Switch for the Aperture, Focus Hold Button, and a Mode Switch
- Durability: Designed to be Dust and Moisture Resistant
- Bokeh: Features a Rounded 11-Blade Diaphragm for smoother background blur
Design and Durability for Professional Use
The lens incorporates an intuitive control scheme, including a customizable focus hold button, an aperture ring with an ON/OFF click switch, and a focus mode switch. It also has a fluorine-coated front element to repel contaminants such as fingerprints, dust, water, and oil, ensuring durability and reliability in various conditions.
Comparing Size and Weight
Weighing approximately 439g (15.5 oz) and measuring 9.14cm (3.6″) in length, the FE 24-50mm F2.8 G is notably compact. Its design features a 67mm filter diameter, a maximum diameter of 74.8mm, and maintains exceptional image quality across all focal lengths. This is achieved through the use of four aspherical lenses and two Extra Low Dispersion (ED) glass elements, which reduce chromatic aberrations.
Advanced Optics and Autofocus
The lens’s optical system is designed to offer excellent close-up performance and beautiful bokeh, thanks to its 11-blade circular aperture. It has a minimum focus distance of 0.19m at the wide end and a maximum magnification of 0.30x. For autofocus, it uses two linear motors for fast, accurate, and quiet operation, suitable for both still photography and video recording. The lens supports continuous shooting with AF/AE tracking up to 120 frames per second and is compatible with high frame rate video recording, including 4K 120p or FHD 240p. It also supports in-camera Active Mode Image Stabilization and Focus Breathing Compensation, with Linear Response MF for precise manual focus adjustments.
News source: https://alphauniverse.com/stories/sony-announces-new-highperformance-compact-fe-2450mm-f2-8-g-lens/