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Sony has just announced the FE 28-60mm F4-6.3 collapsible kit zoom, a lens its calling “the world’s smallest and lightest full-frame zoom lens.” It weighs in at just 167g (5.9oz) and measures 45mm (1.8″) long in its retracted setting. Meant to be a go-to everyday lens for the photographer that wants to travel light, Sony claims a degree of dust and moisture resistance, and a reasonable max magnification ratio of 0.16x will add to its versatility.
The new 28-60mm accepts 40.5mm filters and uses a linear AF motor to keep up with Sony’s latest AF tracking technology. It also includes three aspherical elements, with Sony promising high resolution corner-to-corner; we’ve been shooting it on an a7R IV to see what it’s capable of.
The FE 28-60mm is slated to be available on its own in early 2021 for $ 499. It will also be available as a kit with the a7C in late October 2020, for $ 2099.
Preliminary sample gallery
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Press release:
Sony Electronics Introduces Alpha 7C Camera and Zoom Lens, the World’s Smallest and Lightest[i] Full-frame Camera System
New HVL-F28RM Compact Flash is also Announced
SAN DIEGO, CA – September 14, 2020 – Today, Sony Electronics Inc. announced several additions to an already impressive imaging lineup — the Alpha 7C full-frame camera (model ILCE-7C), the FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 (model SEL2860) zoom lens and HVL-F28RM flash.
The Alpha 7C is the world’s smallest and lightest[ii] full-frame body with uncompromising performance, featuring advanced AF (autofocus), high-resolution 4K video[iii] capabilities and more. When paired with the world’s smallest and lightest[iv] FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 standard zoom lens, this versatile combination delivers an experience unlike any other, maximizing portability and versatility without sacrificing any of the power of full-frame imaging. The HVL-F28RM flash allows users to broaden their photo expressions with outstanding compactness, and an intelligent light intensity control linked to camera face detection[v].
“We are committed to creating the best tools possible, based on the needs of our customers,” said Neal Manowitz, deputy president of Imaging Products and Solutions Americas, Sony Electronics. “The new Alpha 7C camera and FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 zoom lens pack many of our most advanced imaging technologies in a brand new design that is the smallest and lightest full-frame camera and lens system in the world. This opens up a new world of possibilities for creators, giving them the uncompromised power of a full-frame system in the palm of their hand.”
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New FE 28-60mm F4-5.6: The World’s Smallest and Lightest[iv] Full-frame Zoom Lens with High Image Quality
The new FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 offers the world’s smallest and lightest[iv] form factor in a standard zoom lens, delivering high optical performance that achieves the high-resolution depiction of full-frame everywhere in the image. Optimal arrangement of the three aspherical lens elements effectively suppresses aberrations throughout the zoom range and realizes high resolution from corner to corner. A minimum focus distance of 0.99 foot (0.3m) (wide-angle) to 1.48 feet (0.45m) (telephoto) delivers close-up capability, making it perfect for everyday use or vlogging with a gimbal or grip.
At 5.9oz (167g) and 2.6 inches dia. x 1.8 inches length (66.6 mm dia. x 45 mm length), along with its mechanical and optimal optical design that features a retracting structure, the FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 achieves unrivaled compactness and lightness, allowing users to easily carry it all the time. From everyday shooting to scenery, portraits and travel, it’s the ideal lens for any type of on-the-go shooting in a wide variety of environments. When combined with the Alpha 7C, the combination achieves uncompromising full-frame performance with the world’s smallest and lightest full-frame camera and lens system[i]. Even with its compact size and light weight, the FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 is dust and moisture resistant[xxii] and accepts a variety of 40.5mm filters.
The FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 delivers high-speed, high-accuracy AF allowing for Real-time Tracking and Real-time Eye AF, using a linear motor. In addition to Sony’s advanced AF capabilities, the FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 features an internal focus design which leaves the lens length unchanged with focus motion and close-up shots, enabling users to easily capture a wide variety of content from regular movie shooting to comfortable vlogging.
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Pricing and Availability
The FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 zoom lens will be available in early 2021 and will be sold for approximately $ 499.99 USD and $ 649.99 CAD. It will be sold at a variety of Sony’s authorized dealers throughout North America.
A new kit featuring the Alpha 7C compact full-frame camera and FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 zoom lens will also be available in late October and will be sold for approximately $ 2,099.99 USD and $ 2,699.99 CAD. It will be sold at a variety of Sony’s authorized dealers throughout North America.
Exclusive stories and exciting new content shot with the new camera, lens and Sony’s other imaging products can be found at www.alphauniverse.com, a site created to educate and inspire all fans and customers of Sony ? – Alpha.
[i] An Alpha 7C with an FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 lens mounted. Among full-frame interchangeable-lens digital cameras, in combination with an interchangeable zoom lens. As of Sept. 2020. Sony survey.
[ii] Among full-frame interchangeable-lens digital cameras with optical in-body image stabilization mechanism, as of Sept. 2020. Sony survey.
[iii] A Class 10 or higher SDHC/SDXC card is required for XAVC S format movie recording. UHS speed class 3 or higher is required for 100 Mbps recording.
[iv] Among interchangeable zoom lenses for 35mm full-frame format digital camera bodies, as of Sept. 2020. Sony survey.
[v] This function is only compatible with Alpha 7C as of Sept. 2020
[xxii] Not guaranteed to be 100% dust and water resistant.
Sony FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 specifications
| Principal specifications | |
|---|---|
| Lens type | Zoom lens |
| Max Format size | 35mm FF |
| Focal length | 28–60 mm |
| Image stabilization | No |
| Lens mount | Sony FE |
| Aperture | |
| Maximum aperture | F4–5.6 |
| Minimum aperture | F22–32 |
| Aperture ring | No |
| Number of diaphragm blades | 7 |
| Optics | |
| Elements | 8 |
| Groups | 7 |
| Special elements / coatings | 3 aspherical elements |
| Focus | |
| Minimum focus | 0.30 m (11.81″) |
| Maximum magnification | 0.16× |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Motor type | Linear Motor |
| Full time manual | No |
| Focus method | Internal |
| Distance scale | No |
| DoF scale | No |
| Physical | |
| Weight | 167 g (0.37 lb) |
| Diameter | 67 mm (2.64″) |
| Length | 45 mm (1.77″) |
| Materials | Composite |
| Sealing | Yes |
| Colour | Black |
| Zoom method | Rotary (extending) |
| Power zoom | No |
| Filter thread | 40.5 mm |
| Hood supplied | No |
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
