When I originally read Becca Farsace’s review over at The Verge, I was somewhat underwhelmed with Sony’s 24mm, 40mm and 50mm prime lenses for their Alpha series full frame cameras.
Though the new lenses are sleek and sexy new additions to the Sony line of prime products, I was initially turned off by the minimum f-stops on the entire series, with many of my personal e-mount lenses being capable of going below f/2.0. For a moment, even, it might have crossed my mind that these lenses aren’t worth it. While the lowest f-stops on all of these are f/2.8 for 24mm and f/2.5 for 40mm and 50mm, this tradeoff is largely due to the differences in size. If you are already a full-frame photography enthusiast, then you know that the solid construction of full-frame cameras and lenses makes them remarkably heavy pieces of equipment for their size. Part of Sony’s solution to this problem is by making a smaller lens–which explains its appeal, as well as its cost picture.
All of these lenses are very compact, uniform in size, and their prime configuration allows for them to produce some remarkably sharp photographs. At the end of the day, for the weight-conscious creative that is ok with making a few minor concessions in aperture, this new lens will serve their needs well. The Sony 24mm f/2.8, 40mm f/2.5, and 50mm f/2.5 will begin retailing in mid-may for $600 at B&H Photo Video. To read Becca Farsace’s review, as well as see more images of Sony’s new prime lenses, be sure to visit The Verge for more information.
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