Aimed squarely at hybrid imagers and vloggers, the three newest Sony E-mount lenses offer very wide fields of view in incredibly tiny frames. Whether you’re using the vlog-monster ZV-E10 or capturing 4K video on an α1 in Super-35, these lenses are small enough and light enough that you can tell your stories anywhere you want to go.
All three feature fast, reliable autofocus systems driven by twin linear motors, dust and moisture resistance, intuitive focal controls (AF/MF switch, customizable function button), and technology designed to noticeably reduce focus breathing when recording video. They are also all scheduled for a July 1st, 2022 availability, but you can pre-order yours online or at a Mike’s Camera near you starting today!
E PZ 10–20mm f/4 G
Weighing in at 20% lighter than the E 10–18mm f/4 OSS, the E PZ 10–20mm f/4 G is the smallest and lightest lens in its class, enabling incredible creative freedom. A combination of three aspherical elements and two ED (extra-low dispersion) elements ensures a clear, distortion-free image from corner to corner at all focal lengths; plus, a carefully crafted circular aperture with a constant maximum of f/4 adds Sony’s signature G lens bokeh to your artistic toolbox. You’ll even find reasonably good close-up capabilities—a minimum focal distance of 8″ and max magnification of 0.14x, which improve to 5″ and 0.18x in manual focus.
The PZ in the name of this sharp zoomer indicates the presence of a highly versatile power zoom, a powerful tool for on-the-move recording. Sony didn’t skimp on ways to take control of your frame: the focal length can be adjusted with the zoom ring, on-lens zoom lever, zoom controls on compatible cameras (e.g. the rocker on the ZV-E10 and customizable controls on numerous Alpha bodies), the GP-VPT2BT vlogger grip, or even via the mobile remote app. And no matter how you adjust it, the E PZ 10–20mm f/4 G maintains a constant length, so you won’t have to worry about stability on a gimbal or significant changes in field of view.
Sample images
Resized for web view. Contact me for full-res samples.
E 11mm f/1.8
The E 11mm f/1.8 is the tiniest among these tiny lenses, but is no slouch when it comes to image quality. Three aspherical elements prevent distortion even at this ultra-wide angle and three ED elements head off chromatic aberration so you can focus on filming. This little guy can focus as closely as 4.7″, with a very useful 0.2x maximum magnification, while the 11mm focal length (16.5mm full-frame equivalent field of view) makes it a breeze to vlog selfie-style or capture stunning interior frames that never feel cramped. It’s also worth noting that this lens (as well as the E PZ 10–20mm f/4 G and E 15mm f/1.4 G) accepts front filters, something not always a given when working at this wide of an angle.
Sample images
Resized for web view. Contact me for full-res samples.
E 15mm f/1.4 G
Offering a mind-blowing f/1.4 aperture with length and diameter both below 3″, the E 15m f/1.4 G teases one with limitless creative possibilities. While not as wide-angled as the E 11mm f/1.8 nor capable of quite as close focusing (MFD 6.7″, max magnification 0.15x), the wider aperture combined with the improved bokeh and resolution signified by the G designation may be a worthwhile trade-off. The 15mm also offers more tactile control than its simultaneously announced brethren, adding an aperture control ring with optional detent (clickiness). Linear manual focus response assures the pinnacle of accuracy when you want to take control.
Like the others, the E 15mm f/1.4 G suppresses wide-angle distortion with three aspherical elements, while chromatic aberration is obliterated by not only one ED element but also one Super-ED element. Check out the sample images below—the quality therein speaks for itself!
Sample images
Resized for web view. Contact me for full-res samples.
