Sony Launches Several New E-mount and A-mount Lenses Alongside New Camera Offerings

New cameras and accessories go hand in hand, and Sony has announced several appealing lenses and accessories to go along with their new NEX and Alpha products that were announced first thing this morning.

Starting with the NEX E-mount system, we have a new 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 power zoom lens (SELP1650), which is the first of its kind in the E-mount lineup. Sony claims that this is a powerful, yet lightweight lens, which boasts features like Optical SteadyShot image stabilization, a dual function ring (control focus and/or zoom), and a smooth and quite zoom sequence that is great for video. This one will retail for about $349 USD by itself, of it will be bundled with the NEX-6 at $1000 USD for the pair.

Next up is a super-wide zoom lens, which is a welcomed addition to the E-mount's growing ranks. The 10-18mm f/4 zoom lens boasts a constant maximum aperture of f/4 throughout the focal range, along with Sony's proven Optical SteadyShot image stabilization and ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements. They claim this lens is, "capable of producing dramatic perspective effects and is ideal for shooting landscapes and interiors.". The SEL1018 will retail for about $849 USD.

Last, but certainly not least is the new fast 35mm f/1.8 prime lens (aka the SEL35F18). Sony boasts that the SLE35F18, "offers excellent optical sharpness, clarity, and background defocus in both still images and HD video", along with offering excellent low-light capabilities thanks to is super fast f/1.8 wide open aperture. The lens still offers their Optical SteadyShot image stabilization built-in, which further adds to the lens' low-light performance. This sweet new prime lens is quite affordable too, with a MSRP of $449 USD.

Along with these three new lenses, Sony launched two soft cases for their NEX models, the leather LCS-ELC6 Soft Carrying Case for the NEX with either the SELP1650 or SEL16F28 lens attached, as well as the LCS-EJA Soft Carrying Case that's made for all E-mount cameras with the same lenses mentioned above mounted. These cases will sell for $99 and $39 USD, respectively.

Moving to their new Alpha mount, or A-mount offerings, Sony has unveiled two new powerful lenses designed for use on their new full-frame offerings, as well as some new flash units and other appealing accessories; especially if you are a movie buff.

First off, they've announced the development of the Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50mm F1.4 ZA SSM, a wicked fast prime lens that's being designed specifically to take advantage of the SLT-A99's 35mm full-frame sensor. We don't have all the details on this baby yet, however they are claiming that we should see this lens next spring.

For those who are serious telephoto shooters (whether for sports or nature), Sony has unveiled the new 300mm F2.8 G SSM II (SAL300F28G2). This unit replaces the recently discontinued SAL300F28G, and adds, "significantly improved optical design and handling compared with its predecessor.". It offers Optical SteadyShot image stabilization, their Nano AR Coating to reduce ghosting and lens flare, as well as dust and moisture resistance and a new a new LSI drive circuit for faster more accurate autofocus. The SAL300F28G2 will start shipping in November for $7499 USD.

Last but not least, Sony introduced two new flash units, the new HVL-60M external speedlite and HVL-RL1 ring light, a new battery grip for the A99 that allows use of three batteries instead of the typical two, the RMT-DSLR2 Remote Commander wireless remote control, and a new XLR-K1M XLR Adaptor Kit for those who want to include high-quality audio with their movies. These products will be available this October, with pricing ranging from $20 USD for the RMT-DSLR2 to $800 USD for the XLR -K1M XLR adaptor.