Zeiss 50mm, Sony 70-400mm and 18-55mm lenses revealed

Sony has announced three new lenses for its A-mount, respectively APS-C cameras, like the newly-introduced Alpha SLT-A58.

Sony decided to reveal a slew of new digital imaging products today, in anticipation of the PlayStation event, where the PS4 will be revealed. The new NEX-3N mirrorless camera and SLT-A58 have been already leaked several times, along with these three new lenses, prior to their announcement.

The new optics are the Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50mm F1.4 ZA SSM, the 70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM II telephoto zoom, and the DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM II standard 3x zoom lens.

Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50mm F1.4 ZA SSM is a prime lens with quiet autofocus system and dustproof design.

Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50mm F1.4 ZA SSM

This new lens completes the A-mount range of prime optics released under the Carl Zeiss brand. It offers a very fast aperture of f/1.4 and it is made out of eight elements (two aspherical) divided into five groups. Sony claims it delivers very quiet autofocusing and a system that preserves its body length while focusing.

It is based on a dustproof and moisture-resistant design, meaning the Zeiss 50mm f/1.4 lens will be very appealing to outdoor photographers. It will become available in March 2013 for full-frame A-mount cameras, though they are compatible with APS-C cameras as well.

Sony 70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM II is a super telephoto zoom lens with fast and responsive autofocus system.

Sony 70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM II

The telephoto zoom lens finds itself at the second generation. It carries over the premium performance and build quality, while delivering improved autofocus speed. The 70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM II lens boasts Nano AR Coating, which is five times better than regular anti-reflection coating, says Sony.

It features a new LSI drive circuit and new autofocus system, which can focus four times faster than before. The improved AF tracking technology allows photographers to capture fast-moving object. This lens will be released in March 2013, too, for A-format and APS-C shooters.

Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM II standard zoom lens provides a 35mm equivalent range of 27-82.5mm.

Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM II

Last but not least, this lens has been redesigned to take the place of the former 18-55mm lens, which has been released in 2011. It is a lightweight 3x zoom lens which offers a 35mm equivalent of 27 to 82.5mm.

It features the same SAM autofocus motor found in the previous generation, but it comes packed with new rear lens elements, which cut down ghosting and flaring. It will be released in Europe by the end of March for APS-C cameras.

The three new lenses will be joined by a couple of new accessories for cameras and camcorders. The first is an on-camera flash, codenamed HVL-F20M, while the second is a wired remote commander, called RM-VPR1, that includes zoom controls, and shutter lock / start / stop buttons.