Pixiq

Use a Sony dSLR? Fancy splashing out on some new glass? Sony have just announced that three fantastic new prime lenses will be available for European shoppers this autumn. (Sorry USians – Sony hasn’t given any release details for the other side of the pond.) What’s more: two of these babies are part of what Sony has called its ‘Easy Choice’ range, so they won’t be breaking the bank.

The Distagon T* 24mm F2 ZA SSM lens

Coming in first, though is the Distagon T* 24mm F2 ZA SSM lens (SAL-24F20Z). (Please don’t ask me to repeat that; some days my own name is more than I can handle.) Sony have aimed this wide angle, large aperture lens at ‘experienced photographers’; maybe because it weighs 550g, but more likely because the price tag is expected to be in the region of £1,100 (or roughly €1,250). And it was developed in conjunction with Carl Zeiss.

Put it on an APS-C sensor camera and it is the equivalent of a 36mm general use lens. It uses a super sonic wave motor, so its autofocus should be quiet and responsive. I get the impression that Sony are pretty proud of this one.

Sony's 35mm 1.8 SAM. Their 'go-to' lens?

The ‘Easy Choice’ range of lenses are relatively inexpensive and to help out people who might be new to this interchangeable lens business, Sony have designated each lens for a particular purpose, for example portraits or macro.

First up in the ‘Easy Choice’ range is the 35mm 1.8 SAM (SAL35F18). It has a smooth autofocus motor, weighs 170g, and has a minimum focus of 23cm. Put it on an APS-C sensor camera and its 35mm focal length becomes the equivalent of 50mm. Seems to me as if Sony are marketing this one as their go-to lens: it’s light, it does close-ups and low-light shots, and it will probably set you back about £175 (€200).

Portrait lens? The 85mm F2.8 SAM.

The 85mm F2.8 SAM (SAL85F28) lens is the first full-frame lens in the ‘Easy Choice’ series and Sony reckons it’s perfect for portraits. Put it on an APS-C sensor camera and you have a 127.5mm telephoto lens. Not bad for £220 (€250).

If you own an NEX mirrorless camera, you can use any of these lenses with it. You’ll just need an LA-EA1 adapter and have to shoot in manual focus mode all the time.

Want to know more? Sony can help you out.