Designed to achieve 50 line pairs/mm resolving power

It is not easy to achieve spatial frequency of 50 lines pairs per millimeter at a lens's widest aperture, but that is Sony's baseline for G Master design. Unprecedented resolution and other demanding design parameters yield outstanding reproduction of the most detailed subjects and scenes with super

Previously unattainable surface precision

Built with three aspherical elements including a newly developed and essential ingredient for astonishing resolution - is a new XA (extreme aspherical) lens element with better that 0.01-micron surface precision. The extremely precise XA element reduces aberration and delivers the ultimate resolution throughout the entire zoom range and aperture range, as well as from corner to corner of all image files.

Constant F1.4 max aperture maintains exposure and depth of field

Constant F1.4 max aperture maintains exposure and depth of field regardless of the focal range you choose to zoom to. When changing your aperture to defocus the background, the areas out of the focal plane appear blurred. This ‘bokeh’ effect of the blurred background can be enhanced with circular aperture blades used in this lens.

11-blade circular aperture contributes to gorgeous bokeh

Complementing the performance of the XA element are the first 11-blade circular aperture ever implemented in an α lens, and exacting spherical aberration adjustment for each individual lens. The result is enchantingly soft-edged bokeh that is a hallmark of the Sony G Master series.

When changing your aperture to defocus the background, the light sources appear blurred. This ‘bokeh’ effect of the blurred background can be enhanced with circular aperture blades used in this lens. Conventional aperture blades have flat sides creating unappealing, polygonal shaped defocussed points of light. α lenses overcome this problem through a unique design that keeps the aperture almost perfectly circular from its wide-open setting to when it is closed by 2 stops. Smoother, more natural defocusing can be obtained as a result.

SSM (Super Sonic Wave Motor) for fast, quiet and precise focusing

Focus precision is vital when working with high-resolution images and a narrow depth of field. A ring SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor) yields the power and precision necessary to accurately and swiftly position one of the heaviest focusing groups in any interchangeable lens for mirrorless cameras, and a new multi-sensor system plus high-speed data processing provides the instantaneous feedback required for flawless autofocus precision.

Nano AR Coating

Sony’s original Nano AR Coating technology minimizes flare and ghosting, for dynamic range that achieves lifelike detail and gradation with advanced camera sensors. This precisely defined regular nano-structure allows accurate light transmission, contributing to high-quality images, even more so than with lenses that use coatings with an irregular nano-structure. The reflection suppression characteristic of the Nano AR Coating is superior to conventional anti-reflective coatings, providing a notable improvement in clarity, contrast, and overall image quality.

Dust and moisture resistant for robust reliability

Sony’s standard lens sealing is augmented by a lens mount seal that maximizes resistance to dust and moisture for reliable operation in challenging environmental conditions.* Additional details like rubberized rings that are easy to operate in low temperatures, a zoom lock that prevents unwanted lens extension during transport, and a hood lock button, all add up to professional control and convenience.

ED and Super ED glass reduces flare and ghosting

ED (Extra-low Dispersion) and Super ED glass elements take axial chromatic aberration and chromatic aberration due to differences in magnification out of the picture, maximizing resolution and bokeh while leaving precisely rendered edges with no fringing or unnatural coloration.

Advanced simulation techniques control bokeh right from design

The G Master series elevates resolution to unprecedented heights thanks to new technology specifically developed to accommodate the more exacting tolerances required in the face of continually evolving camera body performance. Sony has applied the most advanced optical technology available in innovative lens elements, optical path design, simulation, testing, and calibration, achieving image detail and sharpness that reveal the essence of every scene and subject.

Instant auto/manual focus selection

Instantly and quickly switch between auto and manual focus via an AM/MF switch on the side of the lens. This makes operation faster and easier as you let the camera and lens focus for you, or decide to take control and manually focus on the precise point you chose.

Legal and Footnotes

2016 Sony Electronics Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Sony is not responsible for typographical and photographic errors. Features and specifications are subject to change without notice.

1 Although the design is dust and moisture resistant, absolute protection from dust and moisture is not guaranteed.