Sony extends full-frame lens lineup, announces new OSS Super-Telephoto lens

Sony today announced the latest addition to its full-frame E-mount lens lineup, the FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS Standard Zoom (model SEL24105G). 

Source: Sony. The new FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS lens.

The new full-frame lens covers the commonly-used 24 to 105mm focal length range, delivering outstanding G Lens imaging performance with the most lightweight design in its class*.  The FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS lens also features fast, precise and quiet autofocus capabilities in both still and video shooting, making it an ideal complement for Sony’s E-mount cameras. 

High optical performance

Sony’s new FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS lens delivers excellent corner-to-corner sharpness throughout the entirety of its zoom range, while also producing beautifully rendered bokeh at all focal lengths. 

This high image quality is made possible thanks to its advanced optical design featuring four aspherical lens elements, two of which are high precision AA (advanced aspherical) lenses.  There are also three ED (extra-low dispersion) glass elements that work in combination with the aspherical lens elements to minimise chromatic aberration and ensure the ultimate resolution is captured.   

The lens also has Sony’s original Nano anti-reflective (AR) coating to minimise flare and ghosting, and utilises a circular aperture to ensure it delivers high quality bokeh that is consistent for all Sony’s G series.   

Shooting flexibility 

The new FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS lens weighs in at approximately 663g, making it the lightest lens in its class*.  When combined with one of Sony’s compact E-mount bodies, it gives photographers and videographers a far more mobile, manageable camera system that greatly increases their shooting flexibility.     

The new lens has a minimum focus distance of 1.25ft, allowing for detailed closeups. It also includes built-in optical image stabilisation to make it easier to produce sharp, blur-free images for handheld shooting.   

Advanced, accurate autofocus

The new standard zoom lens features a DDSSM (Direct Drive SSM) system that is capable of rapid positioning of the lens’ focus groups with high accuracy and minimal noise.  This advanced system combined with a constant F4 aperture at all focal lengths makes the SEL24105G an excellent choice for both still and video shooting, Sony said. The new standard zoom lens also features a customisable focus hold button, a dust- and moisture-resistant design** and a fluorine coating on the front element to help minimise dust, water, oil and other contaminants.   

                               

Sony separately announced the development of the FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS Super-Telephoto lens, with a target launch date in mid-2018.

The new lens will feature the high-resolution and bokeh effects of Sony’s flagship G Master series lenses, while also offering a 400mm focal length and f2.8 large aperture. Sony says this combination will deliver an elevated shooting experience for professional sports, news and wildlife photographers.

Details:

The Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS lens (model SEL24105G) will be available at all Sony stores, Sony Centres and selected Sony authorised dealers from November 2017. 

Additional details and specifications for the new FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS Super-Telephoto Lens will be released at a later date.

*Compared to currently available full-frame 24-105mm F4 standard zoom lenses (25 October 2017, Sony research) 

**Not guaranteed to be 100% dust and moisture proof 

Essilor launches new Varilux progressive lenses for instant focusing and sharper vision

· Presbyopia, often called long-sightedness, will be an increasing concern in Singapore as the population’s median age hits 40

· Varilux, the progressive lens brand, introduces patented new technology to rejuvenate vision

· The new Varilux lenses enable instant focusing and natural, sharper vision even in low light

Source: Essilor Singapore. Singapore welcomes the launch of the latest Varilux range of progressive lenses. From left: Peter Tan, Managing Director, Essilor Singapore and Malaysia; Francois Bes de Berc, Vice President, Asean, Essilor AMERA; Ivan Chuavon, Vice President, Marketing, Essilor AMERA; and Dr John Ang, Vice President, Education & Professional Services, Essilor International. 

As Singapore’s population ages from a median* age of 39 years old (2015) to a projected 47 years old in 2030, presbyopia is likely to be a growing health concern. More than 500 million people globally are suffering from presbyopia today, with an estimated 714 million people worldwide over 65 forecast to have this condition by 2020**.

The natural change in vision can occur as early as in the 30s, though mostly when people are in their 40s. Over time, the flexibility of the lens in our eyes harden, making it difficult for the eyes to adapt the lens shape to focus on near objects, and to switch between focusing between near and far objects. It can disrupt daily activities, as people with presbyopia may not be able to read alerts on smart devices or menus in low-lit restaurants.

The correction options available in the market include reading glasses, which correct vision up to about 40cm away, requiring a second pair of glasses for distance viewing. Progressive lenses remain the most convenient and non-invasive method to correct one’s vision instantly. “As more people are doing intense near work, they are more dependent on optical corrections for presbyopia,” said Dr Koh Liang Hwee, President of the Singapore Optometric Association. 

Source: Essilor Singapore. Varilux 3.0 is the latest generation of Varilux progressive lenses. 

Essilor says that progressive lenses like those just launched by Varilux, are the optimum solution to achieve natural, sharper vision at any distance. Instant focus is now achievable for wearers with the new Varilux Physio; while the new Varilux Comfort enables sharper vision in all light conditions, and Varilux Liberty allows the ease of access of the right vision zone.

“The latest Varilux progressive lenses are sophisticated, bespoke creations designed to be a perfect fit according to the optical and facial profile of the wearer – the physiology of the pupils in both eyes, the shape and contours of the face and even the position of the ears. We use the finest craftsmanship to create a premium product that provides sharpness and clarity even in low light, delivering truly effortless vision every day,” said Dr John Ang, Vice President of Education & Professional Services of Essilor International.

Source: Essilor Singapore. Every lens undergoes the touch of a master craftsman.

Sharp vision even for smaller frames

The latest generations of Varilux Physio, Comfort, and Liberty are designed to offer an ultra-short corridor for more accessible near vision. This means all three versions of progressive lenses can fit stylishly into any frame, including smaller ones.

Path Optimizer facilitates access to the right vision zone

One of the most challenging parts of progressive lens design is managing the in-between viewing zone. The new technology takes into account the wearer’s characteristics to generate a precise and optimal viewing path, from far to near and everything in between, so that each and every part of the viewing path matches wearer’s eyesight.

Sharper vision even in low light 

Varilux uses patented W.A.V.E 2.0 lens technology for both Varilux Physio and Varilux Comfort to successfully create progressive lenses that engage the eyes as naturally as possible. Using a proven technique, the lenses are designed to better adapt to the pupil size and the light passing through in order to deliver the best resolution.

By emulating what the eye can do naturally, they provide the wearer with postural comfort and optimum clarity of vision that feels natural across any distance.

Synergy between eyes for instant focus

Varilux Physio lenses are made using Binocular Booster lens technology that simultaneously analyses the prescriptions of both eyes, taking into consideration that a person’s vision is at its best when both eyes are working together in sync. This allows Varilux Physio lenses to provide effortless vision at all light levels and instant focus at any distance, whether it is looking out for street signs and then reading a smartphone immediately after.

Try before you decide

Potential customers can try out the latest generation of Varilux lenses with the use of virtual reality (VR) via the Nautilus VR headset. Via an interactive 360-degree experience of different options from lens design and coatings to the effects of dust and fog, the Nautilus gives the wearer a glimpse of improved vision offered by the latest Varilux lenses. This technology by Varilux will be available in Thailand, mainland China, Taiwan, and in the Middle East in 2016.

Interested?

Varilux Physio 3.0 lenses have a recommended retail price (RRP) of S$540. Varilux Comfort 3.0 lenses have a RRP of S$420. Varilux Liberty 3.0 lenses have a RRP of S$300. The lenses are available in all major optical shops in Singapore. Selected Varilux Experience Authorized Dealers can offer a free firsthand experience of how vision can be rejuvenated by progressive lenses with the use of virtual reality via the Varilux Experience.

*The median age is the age which divides the population into two equal halves.

**http://visionimpactinstitute.org/download-stats/2/

New Olympus super telephoto lens ideal for fast-moving subjects

Source: Olympus.

Olympus has launched the new M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm F4.0 IS PRO super telephoto lens designed for high mobility nature, wildlife, motorsport and reportage photography. This professional-grade lens sets a new image stabilisation benchmark of six¹ shutter speed steps through the use of Olympus’ newly-developed synchronised five-axis stabilisation technology.

With a very long 600mm* equivalent focal length, the M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm F4.0 IS PRO is the highest resolution lens in the Olympus Zuiko lens system, and works with all Micro Four Thirds system compatible still and video cameras. The M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm F4.0 IS PRO uses Olympus’ new Sync Image Stabilisation (IS) technology to achieve a world’s first six¹ shutter speed steps of stability. It is also the first Olympus Zuiko system lens with optical stabilisation.

Used with an Olympus OM-D E-M1² or E-M5² Mark II camera body, the in-lens IS system combines with the camera body’s in-built stabiliser to achieve a level of stabilisation that is greater than either component. Sync IS, the name given to this new ‘cooperative’ image stabilisation technology, counteracts camera movements along five axes. This extremely high level of stability promotes handheld super-tele photography; especially beneficial to field photographers and videographers who require their equipment to be extremely portable.

Source: Olympus. The new M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm F4.0 IS PRO super telephoto lens with focus limiter, IS on/off switches and customisable function button in view.

Large diameter, yet relatively thin optical elements are used for compactness and weight. The seventeen-elements in ten-groups optical arrangement contains three Super ED (super extra-low dispersion) lenses, three HR (high refractive index) lenses, and one E-HR (extra-high refractive index) lens. Combined, they help achieve very high resolution levels with minimal colour aberration. Z Coating Nano, a new anti-reflective material with optical properties similar to that of high-refractive index glass, significantly reduces lens flare and ghosting.

The M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm F4.0 IS PRO focuses quickly, ensuring that fleeting nature and wildlife subjects, or fast-moving sport action, can be readily photographed with high accuracy. The lens requires 400ms³ to achieve an accurate focus from infinity to a five meter focus distance with the OM-D E-M1. With a minimum focus distance of just 1.4m⁴ (maximum magnification of 0.24x), it also provides close-shooting capability.

To guarantee reliable operation in severe climactic conditions, a seventeen-point hermetic sealing system protects internal components against dust and moisture. Combined with the professional OM-D E-M1 or enthusiast E-M5 Mark II weather-sealed camera bodies, the M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm F4.0 IS PRO can be confidently used in wet, desert, or extremely cold environments. The compact weather-proof M.Zuiko MC-14 tele-converter (1.4x magnification) can be used with the new M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm F4.0 IS PRO to attain a combined 420mm focal length (840mm⁵).

Interested?

Read the WorkSmart Asia blog post about Olympus' new Tough TG-870 camera

1 Measured using the standardised CIPA testing methodology
2 OM-D E-M1 with firmware v4.0; E-M5 Mark II with V2
3 Based on Olympus in-house testing condition
4 1.15m measured from front of lens
5 Equivalent angle of view in the 35mm full-frame format