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The first E-mount medium telephoto macro lens with built-in image stabilization delivers outstanding G Lens quality: Stunning resolution at up to 1:1 magnification, plus gorgeous background bokeh when required, even when shooting handheld. A floating focus mechanism ensures that consistently superior optical performance is achieved at all focusing distances.
Beautiful background bokeh is synonymous with the G Lens name, and it can really make the subject stand out. Individual calibration of each lens ensures optimum compensation for spherical aberration, resulting in smooth rendering of edges without a trace of ugly "nisen bokeh." A nine-blade circular aperture also contributes to great looking bokeh.
Macro lenses are often used over a wide range of focusing distances, so a floating focus mechanism has been implemented for optimum suppression of close-focus aberration. The floating system reduces the size of the lens while maintaining outstanding clarity throughout the image area, from infinity to the closest focusing distance.
Two focus groups in a floating focus configuration are driven by an innovative DDSSM (Direct Drive Super Sonic wave Motor) system for smooth, precise positioning of the relatively heavy lenses that make full frame macro magnification possible. This system is remarkably quiet, and is ideal for animal or insect photography as well as movies.
Although a tripod is usually considered necessary for sharp macro photography, built-in OSS (Optical SteadyShot) image stabilization makes it possible to shoot sharp macro images handheld. The heavy stabilization lens is driven by a responsive linear motor for fast, precise stabilization.
If you have to remove your eye from the viewfinder to switch between auto and manual focus, you’re likely to lose the shot. With this lens the focus ring, where your hand normally rests while shooting, simply slides back and forth to switch between manual and auto focus. A non-slip surface ensures reliable operation.
Pressing the focus hold button, conveniently located on the lens barrel, instantly locks focus at the current setting and keeps it there until the button is released. The focus hold button can be used to lock focus even when shooting in the continuous AF mode.
The Focus Range Limiter selector can be set for near and/or far focusing, depending on the subject, limiting focusing range and thereby maximizing autofocus speed. Selections are ∞ ~ 0.5 meters for distant focusing, 0.5 ~ 0.28 meters for close focusing, and FULL for full-range focusing.
In an inner-focus design, only internal lens elements move when focusing, so the total length of the lens does not change. In addition to making handing easier, that means faster autofocus and shorter minimum focusing distance. The filter thread at the front of the lens does not rotate, which is an advantage when using a polarizing filter.
The medium telephoto focal length of this lens gives it an ideal working distance at macro magnifications, making it easier to capture impressive macro images of insects and other subjects that cannot be approached too closely.
In some ways, lens requirements for movie-making are more demanding than for stills. Sony goes the extra mile to ensure that lenses that will be used with movie-capable cameras will deliver the necessary performance. Minimal focus breathing and quiet operation, for example, are essential for movie shooting.
Reliable operation in a variety of conditions is ensured by a design that prevents dust and moisture from entering the lens.
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