Sony 85mm ƒ/1.4 Carl Zeiss is a great lens for portraits, low light and midrange telephoto shooting. It takes on Minolta’s 85mm ƒ/1.4 model, but features an additional element in it s structure.

The lens is compatible with both full-frame and sub-frame cameras, delivering on the latter ~128mm equivalent focal length. It offers 0.13x magnification, and a relatively long close focusing distance of 2.8 feet.

Its optical construction combines 8 elements in 7 groups. The elements features advanced T* coatings to reduce flare and increase contrast. A nine-bladed aperture provides smooth out-of-focus backgrounds (bokeh) to add extra dimension of beauty to portraits and close-ups.

The 85mm ƒ/1.4 Zeiss uses an older mechanical focusing system, and a very smooth manual focus ring that gives you a solid feel in Manual Focus mode and doesn’t rotate in Auto focus mode. This function is called an Auto Clutch Function. There’s also a Focus Hold Button with the help of which you can lock auto-focusing even in continuous advance mode.

The lens’s front element doesn’t rotate, so it easily takes 72mm filters. It also comes with a circular-style hood.

Lens Reviews:

Slrgear.com:
This is an excellent lens, offering excellently sharp images at very wide apertures. It offers great performance and image stabilization.

Sony Carl Zeiss Planar T* 85mm f/1.4 – Specifications:

• Image Circle: 35mm
• Focal Length: 85mm
• Focal Length APS Equivalent: 127.5mm
• Maximum Aperture: f/1.4
• Minimum Aperture: f/22
• 9 Diaphragm Blades
• Lens Construction: 8 Elements / 7 Groups
• Diagonal Angle of View: 19 degrees
• Focus: Auto Clutch; Focus Hold
• No Front Element Rotation
• Closest Focus: 0.85m / 2.8 ft.
• Magnification Ratio: 0.13x / 1:7.8
• Filter Size: 72mm
• Length x Diameter: 72.5mm x 81.5mm / 2.9 in. x 3.3 in.
• Weight: 560g / 19.8 oz
• Included Accessories: Circular-Style Lens Hood
• Typical Price: US$1,300

The Sony DT 55-200mm F4.5-5.6 SAM is a new versatile 3.6x telephoto zoom lens which delivers 82.5-300mm focal length on a 35mm-format camera. It is housed in a light, compact and easy-to-carry package, which makes it perfect all-round lens. It is ideal for shooting portraits, sports, wildlife and more.

It is designed exclusively for use with APS- C sized digital SLRs. Also please note that DT lenses - this one as well - are not recommended for use with the DSLR-A900.

The lens delivers 29-degree angle of view and closest focus distance of 0.95m. Its circular aperture at the wide gives a pleasing defocused effect.

The 55-200mm’s optical construction includes ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements to minimize chromatic aberration at telephoto end, and also to correct certain wavelengths of light. It results in sharp, clear images with well defined colors.

There’s a built-in Smooth Autofocus Motor (SAM) in the lens that’s why there’ no need of a mechanical coupling system in the camera body to transfer auto focus (AF) drive power to the lens. The lens-mounted SAM unit receives AF control signals from the camera body and drives the focusing lens group. This helps to achieve smooth AF response as well.

The lens benefits from SteadyShot INSIDE in-camera image stabilization which is built into every a (alpha) DSLR camera. It enables it to eliminate the extra weight at the expense of in-lens stabilization mechanisms.

Alternatives/Rivals: Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR Zoom Lens.

Sony DT 55-200mm F4.5-5.6 SAM – Specifications:

• Lens Type: Telephoto
• Focal Length: 55mm-200mm
• Focal Range: 3 feet
• Focal Length Equivalent: 82.5-300mm
• Aperture Range: F/4.0-5.6
• Circular Aperture
• Maximum Magnification Ratio: 0.29x
• Closest focus distance: 0.95m
• Focus: Auto, Manual
• Angle of View: 29 Degrees
• Built-in SAM motor
• Weight: 0.68 pounds
• Display Diameter: 2.8 inches
• Length: 3.4 inches
• Mounting Type: Minolta A-type

In May 2009 Sony replaced its 18-70mm ƒ/3.5-5.6 DT with a new 18-55mm ƒ/3.5-5.6 as a standard kit lens featuring the SAM in-lens autofocus motor. It is ideal for a wide range of snapshots, portraits, and general-purpose photography.

This compact and lightweight lens was designed to fit only the APS-C sensor, and will show distinct vignetting if used on a Sony full-frame dSLR camera. It produces an effective field of view of 27-83mm similar to that of the human eye.

The 18-55mm offers minimum focusing distance of 0.25m and a maximum magnification ratio of 0.34, so it can be as well used for macro shooting. Quick and quiet AF operation is assured by a newly developed Smooth Autofocus Motor (SAM) that responds instantly to AF drive control signals from the camera.

As to its optical construction the lens incorporates two aspherical elements and one ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass element are to assure high image quality with excellent contrast and resolution. In addition, a circular aperture produces smoother and more beautiful background defocusing.

Lens Reviews:

SLRgear.com:
For a kit lens, the Sony performs quite well - sharp wide open at 18mm, reaching its best performance when stopped down to ƒ/5.6 or ƒ/8.

Rivals/Alternatives: Sony 18-70mm ƒ/3.5-5.6 DT, Sigma 17-70mm ƒ/2.8-4.5 DC Macro, Tamron 17-50mm ƒ/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical IF SP AF.

Sony 18-55mm ƒ/3.5-5.6 DT - Specifications:

• Image Circle: APS-C
• Type: Standard Zoom
• Focal Length: 18 - 55mm
• Focal Length APS Equivalent: 27 - 82.5mm
• Max Aperture: ƒ/3.5 - 5.6
• Min Aperture: ƒ/22 - 36
• Diaphragm Blades: 7 (circular)
• Lens Construction: 8 elements in 7 groups, including 2 aspheric and 1 ED glass elements
• Diagonal Angle of View (Based on image circle): 76 to 29 degrees
• Front Focusing
• Smooth Autofocus Motor (SAM)
• Front Element Rotation
• Rotary Zoom System
• Closest Focus: 0.25m / 9.8 in.
• Magnification Ratio: 0.34x / 1:2.9
• Filter Size: 55mm
• Dimensions (L x D): 69mm x 69.5mm / 2.7 in. x 2.7 in.
• Weight 210g / 7.4 oz
• Typical Online Price: US$200

What’s new: the lens was reviewed by Dpreview!

Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 G is a fast telephoto lens compatible with APS-C format and 35mm sized sensor cameras, covering a focal length range of 105-300mm with the former. It is one of the last to be based on the original Minolta designs.

The letter “G” is the title means that this lens belongs to so-called ‘Gold’ series lenses, which represent professional quality. The lens’s f/2.8 maximum aperture is available at all focal length settings, with the minimum aperture of f/32.

As to its optical construction, the 70-200mm f/2.8 G contains 19 elements in 16 groups with four ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements to correct chromatic aberrations and provide high resolution across the full zoom range.

The lens offers a built-in SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor) similar to the USM motors on Canon lenses or Nikon’s SWM motors. It provides fast, almost silent and accurate auto focusing. The 70-200mm also features internal focusing that allows the use of angle-critical attachments like polarizers and graduated filters.

The lens is a perfect match to ‘full-frame’ cameras like the A850 and the A900, where its 1.34 kg weight is better balanced. It is housed in the solid metal body. Unfortunately, no environmental sealing has been included.

Lens Reviews:

Photoreview.com.au:
This is fast, professional quality telephoto zoom lens for Sony’s A850 and A900 DSLR bodies and match the capabilities of ‘full-frame’ Exmor sensor. But be prepared to carry this really heavy device. And you won’t find close focusing and macro capabilities in it.

Dpreview.com:
The lens delivers excellent image quality on full frame, very good on APS-C, as well as fast and silent autofocus with manual override. Nut there’s some softness wide open at the telephoto end on APS-C.

Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 G Telephoto Zoom – Specifications:

• Picture Angle: 34 to 12 Degrees (On DSLR-A850 Body)
• Maximum Aperture: F/2.8
• Minimum Aperture: F/32
• Lens Construction: 19 Elements in 16 Groups
• 4x ED Elements
• Diaphragm Blades: 9 (Rounded)
• Focus Drive: SSM Super Sonic Wave Motor
• Minimum Focus: 1.2 Meters
• Maximum Magnification: 1:5
• Filter Size: 77 mm (Non-Rotating)
• Dimensions (Diameter X L): 87 X 196.5 Mm
• Weight: 1.34 Kilograms

What’s new: The lens was reviewed by Photoreview.com.au!

The Sony DT 50mm F1.8 SAM is a compact and lightweight lens with a 50mm focal length. It is designed for α digital SLRs with APS-C type image sensor so on a 35mm format camera it will give focal length of 75mm. This lens boasts excellent portability and operability.

The DT 50mm F1.8 SAM is an ideal choice for first-time fixed focal length lens buyers. It is said to deliver excellent color balance, crisp, natural imaging with high contrast and resolution.

It features a large, bright F1.8 maximum aperture and a circular aperture mechanism for smooth background defocusing that is ideal for portraits and. Such a fast aperture can be used in tandem with your camera body’s integrated SteadyShot™ image stabilization to assure excellent low-light shooting performance.

The DT 50 mm F1.8’s aperture range extends from F1.8 to F22 to provide you with expanded control over depth of field and dynamic expression. As a result, it offers a valuable of range of photographic expression that goes beyond what you can experience with standard zoom lenses.

The lens features Sony’s newly-developed Smooth Autofocus Motor (SAM). It responds instantly to AF drive control signals from the camera and delivers power with smoothness and precision.

Lens Reviews:

Slrgear.com:
While the lens is just slightly soft at ƒ/1.8, but when stopped down to ƒ/2.8 it provides sharp images indeed. Chromatic aberration is very well-handled, though when used wide open there is a bit of corner shading. Distortion is also very slightly noticeable. Only it could be better if it were full-frame compatible.

Photoreview.com.au:
This is an affordable, fast lens for available light photography offering superior depth-of-field control for portrait photography. It shows good performance with backlit shots and produces distortion-free images. Though it is not recommended to use with’ full frame’ sensor.

Alternatives: Sigma 50mm f/1.4 HSM Lens,

Sony 50mm ƒ/1.8 SAM - Specifications:

• Image Circle: APS-C
• Type: Standard Prime
• Focal Length: 50mm
• Focal Length APS Equivalent: 75mm
• Max Aperture: ƒ/1.8
• Min Aperture: ƒ/22
• 7 Circular Diaphragm Blades
• Lens Construction: 6 elements in 5 groups
• Diagonal Angle of View (Based on image circle): 32 degrees
• Front focus; Smooth Autofocus Motor (SAM)
• Front Element Rotation
• Closest Focus: 0.34m / 1.1 ft.
• Magnification Ratio: 0.2x / 1:5
• Filter Size: 49mm
• Dimensions (Length x Diameter): 45mm x 70mm / 1.8 in. x 2.8 in.
• Weight: 170g / 6.0 oz
• Included Accessories: Lens Hood
• Typical Online Price: US$150