Sony RX10 III camera, Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS and 50mm f/1.8 lenses announced
Sony is getting pretty good at preventing any leaks - they just surprised us with a new RX10 III camera (replacement for the RX10II) with newly-developed extended super-telephoto 24-600 zoom lens:
- Featuring newly developed ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* 24-600mmF2.4-4 large-aperture high-magnification zoom lens
- High-fidelity capture of image detail and fast readout with 20.1MP 1.0-type stacked CMOS sensor with DRAM chip and BIONZ X processor
- 4K recording with full pixel readout and no pixel binning and extensive video functions including S-Gamut/S-Log2 for compatibility with professional movie editing workflow
- Ultra telephoto super slow motion recording at up to 1000fps
- Fast Intelligent AF achieves 0.09-second fast autofocus to capture decisive moments
- The price of the new RX10 II went up to $1,498 (!)
- Additional info including sample photos can be found here
Two new lenses were also announced: Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS (price: $1,198) and 50mm f/1.8 (price: $248). Here are the details:
The new FE 70-300mm F4.5-F5.6 G OSS zoom lens represents the first Sony α E-mount lens to reach a 300mm focal length, featuring high resolution and excellent overall optical performance throughout the entirety of its range. The new 50mm F1.8 prime lens is extremely compact, lightweight and affordably priced, making it an ideal choice for those looking to explore the benefits of a large aperture prime lens at a reasonable cost.
New FE 70-300mm F4.5 – 5.6 G OSS Telephoto Zoom Lens
Sony’s longest reaching E-mount lens to date, the new FE 70-300mm F4.5 – 5.6 G OSS telephoto zoom lens (model SEL70300G) features a state-of-the-art optical design including four aspherical glass elements, two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements and Sony’s Nano AR coating, which all work together to effectively suppress spherical aberration, distortion, and chromatic aberration. This ensures beautiful high-resolution results for both still and video shooting.
The new telephoto zoom lens also features class-leading close-up performance, with a minimum focusing distance of less than 3 feet (0.9m) and a maximum magnification of 0.31x, making it an ideal choice for tele-macro photography. This outstanding close-up performance also factors into the lens’ excellent corner-to-corner sharpness.
The versatile zoom lens includes built-in Optical SteadyShot image stabilisation that helps to reduce camera shake, making it easier to capture clear images when shooting handheld. Additionally, the new SEL70300G model has a linear actuator that allows it to achieve fast, smooth and quiet autofocus and is also dust and moisture resistant1 to ensure reliable operation in harsh outdoor conditions.
New FE 50mm F1.8 Prime Lens
Weighing in at less than 7oz (192g), the new lightweight FE 50mm F1.8 “normal” prime lens (model SEL50F18F) delivers an outstanding blend of performance, compactness and value, making it a perfect choice for hobbyist photographers and videographers looking to experience the benefits of a wide aperture prime lens at an attainable cost.
The lens features a new optical design with an aspherical element that effectively compensates for all forms of aberration, resulting in beautiful, crisp imagery. Additionally, it has a circular aperture with a maximum of F1.8, producing beautiful ‘bokeh’ in images that allows the subject to stand out against a smoothly defocused background. For extended durability, the new prime lens is built with a solid metal mount.
The new FE 70-300mm F4.5 – 5.6 G OSS telephoto zoom lens will be available in Europe in April for approximately €1450.
The new FE 50mm F1.8 prime lens will also be available in Europe in April for approximately €300.