Stunning F1.4 resolution in a mobile prime lens

Unsparing application of leading-edge technology achieves refined G Master performance with consistently high resolution and soft, natural bokeh even at the widest F1.4 aperture setting. The lens is both compact and the lightest in its class¹, maximizing the E-mount portability advantage. It also offers fast, precise AF drive, plus top-level control and reliability that make it an outstanding choice for professionals.

 

Excellent corner-to-corner resolution

Two XA (extreme aspherical) elements in an optical design that meets stringent G Master requirements contribute to consistently high resolution throughout the image area. Three ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements are also included to effectively suppress chromatic aberration. This innovative optical design minimizes sagittal flare so that point light sources are accurately reproduced.

 

ED glass elements control color aberration

Three ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements are carefully incorporated in the optical path of the lens to minimize axial and lateral chromatic aberration, maintaining optimum sharpness throughout the image.

 

State-of-the-art optical design faithfully reproduces point sources

State-of-the-art optical design incorporating two precision XA elements suppresses sagittal flare, a common aberration in large-aperture lenses. Sagittal flare is a phenomenon that results in an unnatural spreading of point light sources that looks a little like a bird spreading its wings, and becomes more pronounced toward the image periphery. Natural reproduction of point sources is particularly important for scenes that include stars or city lights at night, for example.

 

Nano AR Coating enhances flare resistance

Our original Nano AR Coating technology provides an effective solution, suppressing internal reflections that can lead to flare and ghosting so that optimum contrast and clarity are achieved in the widest possible range of shooting conditions. (1. Nano AR Coating / 2. Glass / 3. Transmitted light).

 

Compact and lightweight design

A new optical design that reduces the overall lens diameter by employing two XA elements (one for the front lens) combines with a newly developed DDSSM (Direct Drive SSM) focus drive system to achieve a remarkably light total weight of just 15.7 oz (445 g). The reduced size and weight of this lens makes it an ideal match for compact E-mount bodies.

 

11 blades enhance bokeh beauty

The aperture mechanism of the lens features 11 blades, the most used in any α lenses, and a circular design that maintains an almost perfectly circular aperture even when the lens is stopped down by up to 1 or 2 stops so that beautiful, round bokeh is easy to achieve. This contributes to soft, smooth background bokeh that really makes the subject stand out.

 

High-power DDSSM redesigned and optimized for the lens

A redesigned high-power DDSSM (Direct Drive SSM) focus drive system contributes to reduced size and weight while delivering approximately three times greater thrust than the previous system. The increased power of the new DDSSM system provides faster, more precise, quieter autofocus drive capability, for outstanding performance when shooting stills and films.

 

Easy de-click for movies

An aperture ring provides the type of immediacy and response that professionals need for both still photography and videography. A Click ON/OFF switch allows the aperture ring click stops to be engaged or disengaged as required. Engaging the click stops provides tactile feedback that can make it easier to gauge how much the ring has been adjusted by feel, and is therefore a good choice for still photography. When the click stops are disengaged the aperture ring moves smoothly and quietly, providing seamless, silent control for moviemaking.

 

Smooth, versatile operation

A focus hold button is customizable from body menu. The user can directly access a secondary function assigned to the focus hold button, such as "Grid Lines" to check composition when shooting landscapes, or "White Balance" to adjust white balance to match current lighting conditions or create a specific atmosphere.

High reliability in harsh conditions

The focus ring features a rubber material that makes control easy even in low temperatures, a lens hood lock button prevents unwanted detachment of the hood during transportation, and a dust- and moisture-resistant design enhances reliability for outdoor use.².

 

Versatile fingertip focus control

A focus mode switch makes it possible to quickly select auto or manual focus to match changing shooting conditions.

 

Fluorine coated front element

A fluorine coating on the front element resists fingerprints, dust, water, oil, and mud, and allows easy cleaning if such contaminants do become attached to the lens surface.

 

Excellent response and fine linear focus control

The focus ring features Linear Response MF for fine, responsive manual focus control. Focus changes linearly in response to focus ring rotation, giving the user the control immediacy needed for fast, accurate manual focusing.