Sony has shown its A7 series cameras with full frame and lenses plenty of affection recently, but the company has released new lenses that are designed to be used on its APS-C body models such as the ZV-E10 and the A6600. The announcement consists of three new wide-angle lens options, all of them are extremely compact and lightweight. These lenses, E 15mm f/1.4, E 11mm f/1.4 and E 10-20mm f/4 take the aim at hybrid photographers who can capture motion as well as stills using mirrorless cameras.
Sony’s APS-C cameras are popular with creators of content for a long time as well as the firm claims that an increasing percentage of its customers are capturing stills and video. In reality, Sony claims that roughly 80 percent of the content creators they surveyed use their camera’s photo and video modes.
I’ve had some initial experience with Sony’s latest wide-angle glass. Although I haven’t done enough to provide a complete review, I’m able to give some initial impressions based on using the lenses on a ZV-10–mixed with the specs and other details below.
Sony E 15mm f/1.4
With a crop-sensor camera the 7.3-ounce lens provides approximately the same view angle you’d expect from an 23mm lens on the full-frame model. It’s got three aspherical elements within which helps maintain sharp bright corners. It can be difficult with lenses this big. It features seven blades and is tough resistance to moisture and dust because of the weather seal inside the body.
Sony designed these lenses specifically for film shooters, so it has added specific features that are useful for filming motion. Sony promises to minimize focus breathing, which is a condition where the view field changes when the lens is focused. It is a major distraction when you shoot motion, and Sony appears to have controlled it with this lens.
The lens is equipped with an aperture ring that I personally like and would add to every lens in the world if I were in the position of directing. The ring is clicked at every setting, however it is also able to be de-clicked.
Two linear motors in the interior aid in focusing quickly and quietly. The drive system lets you make predictable and repeatable adjustments to focus, which is particularly useful when setting video settings. There’s a button on either right side of the lens to keep focus in place.
I haven’t conducted a full examination of the quality of images yet, but my initial impressions are very positive. The bokeh is nice and the focusing feels soft and quiet. There is some distortion, however that’s normal for the lens’s size. The corners appear bright and sharp but this is especially true at apertures that are smaller.
I am really impressed with how this lens feels in the back of the ZV-10. It’s compact and light, yet it doesn’t feel cheap. It also has a focus range of 6.7 inches and is great to shoot close-up.
Sony E 11mm f/1.4
If you think 15mm isn’t enough wide You can expand it all the way up to 11mm using Sony’s ultra-wide prime. The 6.3-ounce lens is shorter than it’s slightly bigger sister, even though its maximum aperture is a bit smaller. It offers a comparable field of view as 16mm lenses on the full-frame camera, which is incredibly broad. When I put it at near the top of my arms to record a walk-and talk video, I felt more distant than I’d like. Being close to the camera created excessive distortion of perspective.
Despite its wide area of coverage, the lens at 11mm f/1.8 features three aspherical elements to improve sharpness in the corners and vignette-free. Similar to the 15mm lens the lens also has the seven-blade aperture as well as two linear motors as well as a dust and moisture resistance and the focus hold button that is in the lens. In contrast to the 15mm lens it doesn’t have an aperture ring of any type.
The wide angle of view can be useful when shooting indoors and for capturing expansive landscapes. Also, Sony has done a excellent job in preventing breathing in the lens and making sure that it is able to focus smoothly and quietly.
While the corners seem relatively sharp, you will notice tangible distortion around the edges and vignetting–especially when shooting wide open.
Sony E 10-20mm f/4 PZ
The sole zoom in Sony’s new lens lineup has the same view angle as a 15-30mm lens the full-frame camera. Although it’s a zoom that weighs 6.2 grams, making it the lightest among Sony’s new lenses. Sony declares it to be the “world’s most compact ultra-wide APS-C zoom” and it’s tough to disagree with that claim.
Like the rest of our range, this lens is equipped with two linear focus motors, and comes with the option of a focus hold button in the barrel. It is equipped with a constant maximum aperture of f/4 however, it isn’t with an aperture-ring. The zoom ring on the lens could alter the focal length, however cameras like the ZV -E10 can also regulate the zoom via electronic.
Inside the lens, you’ll find two extra-low dispersion elements, as well as one extra-low dispersion aspherical. With a lens this large there is a chance of distortion, particularly at the wide end and this is the case. At 20mm, it’s fairly easy to manage, but it becomes quite obvious when you get to 10mm. It’s part of the issue.
First impressions
Although we’ve had a few minutes to take pictures with this lens, we’re developing our full review to provide a thorough analysis of the quality of images as well as overall efficiency. This approach of light and small makes sense for Sony’s APS-C cameras as a distinct feature from its fully-frame models in its A7-series. On the ZV-10, each lens connected to the DJI RSC 2 gimbal, which is heavy by itself. The fact that lenses are this light and compact is an exciting variation. From the three lenses, I find the fastest 15mm to be the most practical of the group. It not only offers an angle that is manageable and a wide range of angles, it also has the most efficient aperture as well as the built-in aperture ring. I love.