Veterans in the mirrorless world! Sony’s E-mount lens system is well-rounded and plentiful. What more could be added to it? In 2022, Sony took the time to update some classic APS-C-format lenses, optimizing them for the new crop of vloggers out there, as well as releasing a PZ iteration of a versatile full-frame zoom and a version II of one of the most popular lenses in Sony’s entire lineup.
FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G
In what will prove to be a common theme for most of the lenses from Sony this year, the release of the FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G wide-angle zoom signaled the brand’s intentions to make lenses purpose-built for content creators, vloggers, and other shooters primarily working in video. Not that this lens can’t be used by photographers, but the inclusion of Power Zoom and an optical design that prioritizes reduced focus breathing are among the key features in this lens, which is perfect for use on cameras like the FX6, FX3, a7S III, and FX30. It also has internal zoom and internal focus, making it great for gimbal use, and the manual aperture ring can be de-clicked for smooth, silent iris switching.
FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II
The 24-70mm f/2.8 is a key component to any manufacturer’s lens lineup, so you know it has to be a big deal when Sony decided to update its version with the FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II. Similar to what we saw happen in 2021 with the version II 70-200mm f/2.8, this update to the fast standard zoom is all about making it smaller and lighter while also improving performance. The optics have been updated for greater sharpness and clarity, the focusing has been improved to be faster and quieter, and the lens is now 22% lighter and 18% smaller than the first iteration. And, following the theme for the year, the lens offers minimized focusing breathing, supports the Breathing Compensation function on select cameras, and has a de-clickable manual aperture ring for smooth and silent iris transitions.
E 10-20mm f/4 PZ G
Announced alongside the next two lenses, the E 10-20mm f/4 PZ G was the standout lens of the trio of new APS-C lenses released in the middle of 2022. An impressive update to the popular 10-18mm f/4 lens, this new wide-angle zoom has a form and feature set that’s optimized for vlogging and single-shooter creator needs. Chief among the updates is the Power Zoom mechanism, which enables making smooth zooms from either the lens body or from select camera bodies with built-in zoom rocker switches. The lens also sports internal zooming and focusing, for easier balancing when working with a gimbal, and updated optics also mean sharper performance and a lighter, more compact form factor.
E 15mm f/1.4 G and E 11mm f/1.8
The other two lenses from Sony’s mid-year announcement were a pair of compact APS-C-specific primes: the E 15mm f/1.4 G and E 11mm f/1.8. The 15mm f/1.4 represents the fastest lens Sony has made for its APS-C system, yet the lens remains impressively small and compact for everyday handheld use. The wide-angle focal length pairs well with the bright optics for arm’s-length shooting, while still achieving some separation between subject and background. Also, as a G lens, it has notable optical performance and is weather sealed.
Wider still, the 11mm f/1.8 is a super-petite prime that’s equally well suited for vlogging as it is for architectural and interior subjects. Compared to the other two APS-C lenses, this one is the smallest and lightest, for those focused on portability, and still keeps internal focusing and Linear AF motor for reliable performance and stable use with a gimbal.
What do you think about Sony’s 2022 lens releases? Which lens was the standout of the year? And what are you hoping to see in the next year or two? Do you like this move into making lenses that benefit vlogging and video shooting needs? Let us know your thoughts, in the Comments section, below.
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