Image Quality and Optical Design
Featuring 16 elements in 13 groups, this zoom's optics have been optimized to provide greater resolution, clarity, and bokeh quality.
- Bright f/2.8 constant aperture allows users to capture images in dim lighting conditions and with a shallow depth of field. Combined with its 11-blade circular aperture, the lens yields a large and smooth bokeh.
- Four aspherical elements help minimize spherical aberrations, distortion, and also reduce 'onion ring' bokeh, while two extra-low dispersion elements effectively suppress chromatic aberrations and color fringing for greater clarity and color fidelity.
- The lens boasts strong close-up performance thanks to a minimum focusing distance of 7.1" and a maximum magnification of 0.33x.
Autofocus
Faster focusing performance, improved close-up shooting, and enhanced control are all benefits of the redesigned focusing system.
- The autofocus system's linear motors contribute to improved focusing performance, resulting in a faster, quieter, and more precise AF ideal for both video and stills.
- Faster AF means improved focusing when working with fast-moving subjects; support is available for shooting at up to 120 fps with the Sony a9 III, full AF is maintained even when shooting stopped down, and focus tracking is possible even when in shooting slow motion 4K 120p and Full HD 240p.
Improved Control and Video Capabilities
Just as camera design has grown to appeal to both photo and video shooters, this lens has also been updated with attributes that specifically appeal to the needs of video shooters.
- The lens supports Dynamic/Active Mode image stabilization in compatible cameras.
- Supports the Breathing Compensation function in select cine-line and Alpha cameras.
- Manual aperture ring can be de-clicked for silent operation, and the zoom smoothness can be adjusted depending on the desired torque.
Compact, Lightweight, and Robust Design
Bringing a bright, f/2.8 maximum aperture to a compact and lightweight optic, the lens is primed for a broad spectrum of use cases and remains a weather-sealed, durable lens for use in trying working conditions.
- Fit with a manual aperture ring, tactile exposure control is possible. This ring can be de-clicked for smooth and silent iris pulls, or it can be locked in the 'A' position for camera-based aperture switching.
- One programmable focus hold button and a focus mode switch for intuitive focus control.
- Dust- and moisture-resistant design for use when working in inclement weather conditions. The front lens element has a fluorine coating that repels water, oil, and other contaminants and makes the lens easier to clean.
- Included lens hood has been redesigned to complement the lens's sleek design by reducing both its diameter and length.