Legendary Carl Zeiss optics
A great camera starts with a great lens and Sony has collaborated with Carl Zeiss to create a series of high-quality interchangeable lenses for digital SLT and NEX cameras. Precision lenses by Carl Zeiss are prized by serious photographers and film-makers around the world and the company's precision optical instruments have helped document some of the most iconic moments in human history and ensure for the best in image quality.
A new optical design for top-end image quality
The luxurious new optical design features 8 elements in 5 groups, with two aspherical elements for ultimate performance despite being a standard 50mm lens. The design is extremely effective at correcting various aberrations and realizes flat reproduction characteristics (minimal field curvature) befitting the renowned "Planar" name. Moreover, the combination of a rear-focus system and aspheric surfaces achieves high contrast from infinity to close distances for clear, sharp images even when the aperture is wide open.
Circular Aperture
With its 9-blade circular aperture, a design said to produce the most beautiful bokeh, this lens realizes beautiful defocusing unique to Sony and meets the stringent demands of advanced-class users who are serious about photographic expression.
SteadyShot INSIDE image stabilization
The SteadyShot INSIDE image stabilization system built into Sony A-mount cameras provides image stabilization without affecting image quality, an advantage that supports the high depiction performance of top-class lenses.
Quiet and smooth AF operation thanks to SSM
Autofocusing is smooth and quiet, courtesy of a Super Sonic wave Motor (SSM). Excellent focusing performance is complemented by features including a focus hold button, a focus ring that doesn't rotate during AF operation, a DMF (Direct Manual Focus) function, and a rear-focus system that maintains the same lens body length during autofocusing.
Dust and drip resistant design
The lens offers dust and drip resistance that meet the standards of mid-range models like the a99 and a77. The main drive unit is sealed with rubber packing, etc., to realize ample dust and drip resistance as a system when mounted on a camera to withstand tough usage in harsh environments.
High-grade metal body
The high-grade lens body is constructed of aluminum that offers both high rigidity and an attractive finish that contributes to pride of ownership.
Carl Zeiss Planar Lens
The Carl Zeiss Planar lens first became synonymous with high-performance lenses by realizing a large aperture, flat reproduction characteristics, and the successful removal of astigmatism. Once the T* coating was introduced to dramatically reduce internal reflection from its progressive double Gauss design (with front-back symmetry), Planar became one of the most renowned lenses in the Carl Zeiss lineup, which is synonymous with high-performance standard lenses.
Carl Zeiss T* Coating
Coated optics were pioneered by Carl Zeiss -- and this superb lens features T* (T-Star) coating that virtually eliminates the lens flare, internal reflection and light scattering that can otherwise occur at glass-to-air surfaces.
Superior Large-Aperture Performance
Like other large-aperture Carl Zeiss lens designs, this f1.4 lens is simply magnificent in its ability to capture brilliant high-resolution images in low-light conditions requiring fully open aperture.
SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor)
Designed for fast, smooth, silent automatic focusing, this unique technology achieves high torque at low speed with rapid start/stop response. It operates through the ability of a piezoelectric device to reshape itself quickly when voltage is applied.
Glass-Molded Aspherical Lens Elements
These precision lens elements correct distortion for sharper, more visually accurate images.
ED (Extra-low Dispersion) Glass
Because light of different wavelength (or color) bends at different angles when it passes through a lens, ED (Extra-low Dispersion) Glass is used in Carl Zeiss lenses to eliminate chromatic aberration by correcting certain wavelengths of light for sharp, clear images with well-defined colors.
Features:
- A new optical design for top-end image quality
- Quiet and smooth AF operation thanks to SSM
- Dust and drip resistant design
- High-grade metal body
- Superior Large-Aperture Performance
- SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor)
- Two Glass-Molded Aspherical Lens Elements
- ED (Extra-low Dispersion) Glass
Specifications:
Optics/Lens
- Lens Type: Normal
- Aperture (Max.): f/1.4
- Aperture (Min.): f/22
- Filter Diameter: 72 mm
- Lens Groups-Elements: 8 elements in 5 groups
- Minimum Focus Distance: 1.6" (.45 m)
- Aspheric Elements: 2 elements
- Distance Encoder: Yes
- Aperture Blade: 9 blades (circular aperture)
- Focal Length (35mm equivalent): 35mm equivalent focal length (APS-C) 75mm
- Magnification: x 0.14
Weights and Measurements
- Dimensions (Approx.): 3-1/4 x 2-7/8" (81 x 71.5mm)
- Weight (Approx.): 1 lb 2.3 oz (518 g)
Service and Warranty Information
- Limited Warranty Term: 1 year parts and labor
