Sony has enhanced its line-up of A-mount interchangeable lenses with the introduction of the Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 ZA SSM II and Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 ZA SSM II Lenses
Both lenses deliver significant improvements in image quality, ghost reduction and AF performance, together with a new dust and moisture- resistant design. The SAL2470Z2 and SAL1635Z2 are ideal partners for Sony’s A-mount family of interchangeable lens cameras, including the highly acclaimed α99 and α77 II. With the addition of an optional mount adaptor they’re also compatible with E-mount cameras such as the α7 series.
Uncompromising image quality is a hallmark of every ZEISS Vario-Sonnar lens. It’s taken to new levels with the SAL2470Z2 and SAL1635Z2 that feature a ZEISS T* coating on optical surfaces that achieves even greater reduction in ghosting, especially with tricky against-the-light shots.
Autofocus performance of the SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor) system in both lenses has also been uprated significantly. Faster, more powerful processing in the lens LSI increases AF accuracy, delivering approximately 4x the subject tracking speed of each lens’s predecessor – a perfect partner to the 4D Focus system in the α77 II – making it ideal for shots of fast-moving action subjects like wildlife, sports and active children.
Both models also feature a new dust and moisture-resistant design that makes the SAL2470Z2 and SAL1635Z2 even more appealing options for challenging outdoor assignments.
Covering a popular 24-70mm range of focal lengths, this high-performance full-frame zoom delivers imaging quality you’d expect from a prime lens.
Aspherical and ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements are combined in a precision optical design that’s highly effective at suppressing aberration. You’ll appreciate the difference with high contrast and faithful reproduction of delicate gradations.
This large aperture, wide angle zoom is equally capable of capturing spectacular scenery or bustling street scenes. With a bright F2.8 maximum aperture at all zoom settings, it’s also ideal for handheld shooting at twilight or in dimly-lit interiors.
The precision optical design features aspherical lens elements that minimize distortion. In addition, ED (Extra-low Dispersion) and Super ED glass elements provide superior contrast, resolution, and color fidelity.
The new SAL2470Z2 and SAL1635Z2 A-mount ZEISS lenses from Sony are available to pre-order now:
(USA Pre-orders expected to begin shipping Tuesday, June 16th – Subject to availability)
Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 ZA SSM II Vario-Sonnar T* Lens
Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 ZA SSM II Vario-Sonnar T* Lens (Pre-order for $2,098 at B&H) is a fast and versatile wide-angle to short telephoto zoom that is designed for Sony and Minolta full-frame or APS-C A-Mount cameras. Users of compatible 35mm full-frame cameras can obtain an 84 to 34° angle of view, making this lens suitable for landscape, street, travel, portrait, or sports photography. When on an APS-C A-Mount camera, this lens’s wide angle of view becomes narrowed, while its telephoto capabilities are enhanced.
Two extra-low dispersion and two aspherical elements are incorporated within the lens to maintain low distortion and corner sharpness while minimizing chromatic aberrations. Carl Zeiss T* (T-Star) lens coatings provide high contrast and uniform image resolution while helping to eliminate lens flare, internal reflection, and light scattering. Silent Super Sonic Wave autofocus motor and aperture mechanisms contribute to fast lens operation and the suppression of unwanted noise when capturing still photos as well as video clips.
Filter Thread: 77 mm
Dimensions: (DxL) 3.27 x 4.37″ (8.3 x 11.1 cm)
Weight: 34.4 oz (975 g)
Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 ZA SSM II Vario-Sonnar T* Lens (Pre-order for $2,098 at B&H)
Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 ZA SSM II Vario-Sonnar T* Lens
Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 ZA SSM II Vario-Sonnar T* Lens (Pre-order for $2,248 at B&H) is a fast and versatile wide-angle zoom that is designed for Sony and Minolta full-frame or APS-C A-Mount cameras. Users of compatible 35mm full-frame cameras can obtain a 107 to 63° angle of view, making this lens suitable for fitting subjects ranging from landscapes to large groups into your frame. Wide-angle photography on a APS-C A-Mount camera is supported, as well as the ability to replicate the narrower angle of view provided when a 50mm lens is placed on a full-frame 35mm film camera or DSLR which is a useful combination for street and travel photography.
An extra-low dispersion, a super extra-low dispersion, and three aspherical elements are incorporated within the lens to maintain low distortion and corner sharpness while minimizing chromatic aberrations. Carl Zeiss T* (T-Star) lens coatings provide high contrast and uniform image resolution while helping to eliminate lens flare, internal reflection, and light scattering. Silent Super Sonic Wave autofocus motor and aperture mechanisms contribute to fast lens operation and the suppression of unwanted noise when capturing still photos as well as video clips.
Filter Thread: 77 mm
Dimensions: (DxL) 3.27 x 4.49″ (8.3 x 11.4 cm)
Weight: 30.8 oz (873 g)
Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 ZA SSM II Vario-Sonnar T* Lens (Pre-order for $2,248 at B&H)
9 thoughts on “Just Announced: Sony A-Mount 16-35mm & 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSM II lenses”
now all is missing is a Fullframe A-mount camera body capable of competing against the 1DX/D4S with 10~12fps, max. ISO 409600 and a great AF module, a D750 competitor with 6~7fps, a good AF module like the A77M2 and FF 24Mpx And a D810 Competitor with either 36 or 50Mpx and at least 4~5 fps AF-C.
And of course, a new set of F4 lenses for A-mount to bring high end lenses at a cheaper price point. (14-24/4, 24-105/4 or 24-120/4, 70-200/4 and 300/4)
Let’s hope enough people buy these lenses and current A-mount bodies to justify that sort of investment by Sony.
the problem with that is that Sony is burying themselves by not transmitting enough confidence on their existing A-mount customers with less and less product development on the A-mount camp. Updating a few expensive lenses doesn’t make people interested on the system. Giving A-mount users F4 alternatives should be a good option too. And none of current E-mount Fullframe cameras are capable of competing against the D4S and 1DX neck to neck.
Sony only has to research and develop a high performance shutter. Aside from that, they got all the components ready for such a camera capable of competing against the 1DX and D4S..They got the sensor,.the EVF, the AF module, the know-how. It’s up to Sony to create and renew confidence in their existing customer base. But by not updating the a99 with several new fullframe A-mount models just like Sony is doing with the a7 series is making A-mount future look dark and cold.
Sony’s high-end A-mount line has always been on a 3-4 year cycle – just like Canon and Nikon. Copying what the other guys are already doing is much less interesting than doing what they can’t…
Dear Brian, to your opinion how would the 24-70 SSM II lens + EA3 compete against canon EF 24-70 USM II + metabones adapter on a A7R II body? I’m keen to discard the OSS 4.0 one…please help 🙂
Thanks in advance
I’m all in on Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 ZA SSM II + Sony LA-EA3. Great Combination on a7RII!!!
Thank you very much! My decision process is now completed! Have a great day.
Dear Brain,
How does this compare to the Gmaster. Does this works well with sony a7ii
If you already have a 24-70 2.8 ZA, the LA-EA3 adapter will do a descent job with a7RII. If you don’t, go all in on G Master.