Images via ePhotozine!

Surprise! Today Sony announced the release of the two new “updated” A-mount lenses! They now have 4x faster Tracking AF, improved image quality and ghost reduction. Below you can read the press text (via ePhotozine). Preorder links:
Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 ZA SSM II at BHphoto (Click here) and at Adorama (Click here).
Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 ZA SSM II at BHphoto (Click here) and at Adorama (Click here).

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Sony has enhanced its line-up of α A-mount interchangeable lenses with two enhanced versions of its full-frame ZEISS Vario-Sonnar large-aperture standard zoom and wide-angle zoom lenses.

Photo professionals and discerning enthusiasts will welcome the addition of the Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSM II (SAL2470Z2) standard zoom and Vario-Sonnar T* 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II (SAL1635Z2) wide angle zoom, both delivering significant improvements in image quality, ghost reduction and AF performance, together with a new dust and moisture- resistant design.

The SAL2470Z2 and SAL1635Z2 are ideal partners for Sony’s A-mount family of interchangeable lens cameras, including the highly acclaimed α99 and α77 II. With the addition of an optional mount adaptor they’re also compatible with E-mount cameras such as the α7 series.

Uncompromising image quality is a hallmark of every ZEISS Vario-Sonnar lens. It’s taken to new levels with the SAL2470Z2 and SAL1635Z2 that feature a ZEISS T* coating on optical surfaces that achieves even greater reduction in ghosting, especially with tricky against-the-light shots.

Autofocus performance of the SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor) system in both lenses has also been uprated significantly. Faster, more powerful processing in the lens LSI increases AF accuracy, delivering approximately 4x the subject tracking speed of each lens’s predecessor – a perfect partner to the 4D Focus system in the α77 II – making it ideal for shots of fast-moving action subjects like wildlife, sports and active children.

Both models also feature a new dust and moisture-resistant design that makes the SAL2470Z2 and SAL1635Z2 even more appealing options for challenging outdoor assignments.

Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSM II

Covering a popular 24-70mm range of focal lengths, this high-performance full-frame zoom delivers imaging quality you’d expect from a prime lens.

From everyday snapshots to handheld portraits, landscapes and wildlife, you’ll enjoy legendary ZEISS® sharpness and contrast at all focal lengths. With a bright constant F2.8 maximum aperture right across the zoom range, the SAL2470Z2 is a dependable partner for low-light portraits, dim interiors and night-time scenes.

Aspherical and ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements are combined in a precision optical design that’s highly effective at suppressing aberration. You’ll appreciate the difference with high contrast and faithful reproduction of delicate gradations.

Vario-Sonnar T* 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II

This large aperture, wide angle zoom is equally capable of capturing spectacular scenery or bustling street scenes. With a bright F2.8 maximum aperture at all zoom settings, it’s also ideal for handheld shooting at twilight or in dimly-lit interiors.

The precision optical design features aspherical lens elements that minimise distortion. In addition, ED (Extra-low Dispersion) and Super ED glass elements provide superior contrast, resolution, and colour fidelity.

The new SAL2470Z2 and SAL1635Z2 α A-mount ZEISS lenses from Sony are available to pre-order now.

Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 ZA SSM II at BHphoto (Click here) and at Adorama (Click here).
Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 ZA SSM II at BHphoto (Click here) and at Adorama (Click here).

Todays Sony press event in London only showed the two new 30x zoom cameras (X90V and the WX500) to European Journalists. So these were the two “new” cameras Sony “introduced” today. I am surprised they gathered all those journalists for such a small (non-)announcement. UPDATE: Sony just announced two new A-mount lenses. Hurray! :)

And as rumored previously the new E-mount cameras will be announced around mid-May. And we can expect the new RX cameras to come along that announcement too. I am 99% sure that announcement is not a “Bogus” like we had today.

What to expect to be announced by Sony in 2-3 weeks:
A7rII, A6100 and Rx100m4. Yet unconfirmed is the release of a RX1X (don’t know what exactly that is yet).

Personal note: I know some readers are upset with me. But Sony did indeed invite plenty of journalist to have a touch and try session with two “new” cameras. It was legit to hope to see some really new camera announced today just like it was last year. So please don’t blame me if Sony invited all those people for nothing :(
And please keep in mind that the new A7, A6xxx and RX cameras will be announced soon anyway!!! Today mis-announcement doesn’t invalidate them :)

Pentax announced a new K-3II camera featuring the Sony 24MP sensor inside. And they also add one feature I hope Sony will add on the current A7II and all future on sensor stabilized Sony cameras: Pixel Shift Resolution mode. Pentax writes:

The K-3 II is the first camera in the PENTAX line to incorporate Pixel Shift Resolution® for capturing still life subjects with ultra-high resolving power. Pixel shift technology uses the camera’s in-body Shake Reduction mechanism to move the image sensor at single pixel increments, capture 4 separate images, which are subsequently combined into a single high definition image. Benefits include higher resolving power, reduced false color and improved overall image quality of non-moving subjects. 

Please Sony…copy such good features! :)

The new BATIS 85mm and 25mm lenses have an OLED display on lens!

Preorder links:
Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 lens at Adorama (Click here), Bhphoto (Click here).
Zeiss Batis 25mm f/2.0 lens at Adorama (Click here), Bhphoto (Click here).
Lens shade for 85mm at Adorama (Click here), Bhphoto (Click here).
Lens shade for 25mm at Adorama (Click here), Bhphoto (Click here).

New Zeiss Batis key info and specs:
Chapeau Zeiss! The new BATIS lens announcement just added a huge value to the FE system. Those are the key points of the new lenses:
1) They are the first Full Frame Zeiss lenses with autofocus
2) Those are the first worldwide lenses with OLED display on lens to show aperture and dpeth of field info. And at startup it reminds you what you spent $$$ for with a “ZEISS” writing :)
3) The 85mm f/1.8 is the first Zeiss with optical stabilization.

The lenses are also weather sealed!
And here are the specs:

Technical specifications Zeiss

Full press release and more images can be seen on that SAR post. And here are the Adorama preorder links (Click on the image):

Reminder: Tomorrow (April 23) big Sony announcement! Follow live on SAR at 12,00 London time.

Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 lens at Adorama (Click here), Bhphoto (Click here).
Zeiss Batis 25mm f/2.0 lens at Adorama (Click here), Bhphoto (Click here).
Lens shade for 85mm at Adorama (Click here), Bhphoto (Click here).
Lens shade for 25mm at Adorama (Click here), Bhphoto (Click here).

Preorder links:
Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 lens at Adorama (Click here), Bhphoto (Click here).
Zeiss Batis 25mm f/2.0 lens at Adorama (Click here), Bhphoto (Click here).
Lens shade for 85mm at Adorama (Click here), Bhphoto (Click here).
Lens shade for 25mm at Adorama (Click here), Bhphoto (Click here).

Amazing! Zeiss just announced a new lens line for Sony FE mount! it’s the autofocus BATIS line and the two first lenses will be the 25mm f/2.0 and 85mm f/1.8. Here is the press text:

The new ZEISS Batis 2/25 and 1.8/85 lenses are the first full-frame autofocus lenses with an OLED display for the mirrorless Sony α series and therefore the pioneers of a new era. As professional tools, they enable outstanding outcomes with optimal image performance, impressive contrast and maximum resolution down to the very last detail.
The innovative OLED display shows the distance of the focal plane from the camera system and the depth of fields, therefore ideally supporting creative image composition. For the demanding photographer, the OLED display is an absolute highlight – an innovation that is currently unparalleled in camera lenses.  ZEISS Batis lenses are available in a wide-angle and portrait focal length and are the perfect match for the existing lenses offered for the system. The ZEISS Batis 2/25 and Batis 1.8/85 lenses will be available for purchase from July 2015 – place your order now!

Her eis the official trailer:

This from Zeiss:
ZEISS Batis 2/25:
The ZEISS Batis 2/25 wide-angle lens has ten lens elements in eight groups and draws on the ZEISS Distagon optical design. Four of the lens elements are aspheric on both sides and five are made from special types of glass. The aspheric lens design ensures consistently high image quality over the whole image field and a sharpness that extends right to the edges of the frame. The moderate 82 degree image angle combined with a minimum focusing distance of 0.2 meters makes this wide-angle lens the perfect choice for architecture and landscape photography and many other applications besides. It encourages the user to make creative use of depth of field which can often yield surprising results, particularly in close-up photography.

ZEISS Batis 1.8/85:
The ZEISS Batis 1.8/85 is a moderate tele lens which offers 11 lens elements in eight groups and features the ZEISS Sonnar optical design. The lens elements are made from special types of glass and designed to ensure superior image quality. The ZEISS Batis 1.8/85 is a particularly good choice for wedding photography and portrait shots, offering the high speed which provides plenty of creative scope to bring out the main subject. Thanks to its optical image stabilization, the ZEISS Batis 1.8/85 can capture outstanding images even under difficult, shifting light conditions.

“The Batis family of lenses is the first time we have launched autofocus lenses for Sony’s full- frame E-mount cameras which are ZEISS through and through – in other words exclusively developed and distributed by us,” says Dr. Michael Pollmann, Product Manager at ZEISS Camera Lenses. The Sony alpha full-frame E-mount system, which currently consists of the α7 family of cameras, is one of the most innovative camera systems on the market and is becoming an increasingly popular choice for professionals and people considering switching from DSLRs. “The ZEISS Batis lenses are our way of acknowledging this trend and providing creative and ambitious photographers with the expert tools they need,” says Pollmann. The lenses are easy to use yet offer professional performance, so they are a sound investment for amateur photographers, too: “Camera sensors are constantly evolving, and so are photographers. Our Batis lenses are the perfect answer to these changing trends and herald a new era of professional photographers using mirrorless full-frame cameras,” says Pollmann.

The ZEISS Batis 2/25 and ZEISS Batis 1.8/85 lenses offer an initial choice of two focal lengths which have proved to be the most popular among users of the system: a moderate wide-angle focal length and a tele portrait focal length. The lenses make optimal use of the camera sensors, capturing every last detail with impressive contrast and high resolution. As well as offering fast and reliable autofocus, the lenses also support manual focusing, allowing users to choose the best option for each individual situation. The sleek, modern design – with smooth surfaces reminiscent of the high-end ZEISS Otus lenses – emphasizes the superior quality of this new lens family and gives the Batis lenses an unmistakable look and feel.

Preorder links:
Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 lens at Adorama (Click here), Bhphoto (Click here).
Zeiss Batis 25mm f/2.0 lens at Adorama (Click here), Bhphoto (Click here).
Lens shade for 85mm at Adorama (Click here), Bhphoto (Click here).
Lens shade for 25mm at Adorama (Click here), Bhphoto (Click here).

Adobe announced both the cloud and standalone version of the new Lightroom 6! Here are the preorder links (only Adorama now working):
Lightroom CC at Adobe (Click here).
Lightroom 6 at Adobe (Click here), Adorama (Click here), BHphoto (Click here).

New features:
Facial Recognition, new panorama, new brushes for graduated and radial filters, more slideshow options, HDR (high dynamic range), as well as significant speedups (up to 1000% faster!). Also the mobile APP of Lightroom got improved with segmented view, easier rating method, improved crop and copy and paste modus. Lightroom CC will be available as part of the Adobe Creative Cloud Photography subscription ($9.99 per month) or as a standalone for $149.

Video of the Facial Recognition in Lightroom CC:

via 43rumors:

The Reasons Why Gary Fong Switched From Canon and Nikon To Sony

Gold BOx on the Rx100m2 in Germany (via DL).
Lossless RAW petition on Change.
Zeiss Loxia 2/35 review on Fstoppers.
16-35mm review at Mirrorlessons.
Kathmandu, Nepal with the Sony A7s and the Mitakon 50mm f.95 by Judd Weiss
Pics with Zeiss Distagon FE 35mm f/1.4 (SonyAlphaForum).
35mm Distagon review by Jorge Torralba.
Fog gallery taken with A7 II and X-T1 (Mirrorlessons).

Jerry: “I have now owned both a Sony a7 and an a7II.
One of the very few shortcomings, as noted in practically all reviews on these cameras though, is the fact that if you want to use its LCD finder on the back, and hold the camera down at waist level, which in many cases shades the camera’s eyepiece sensor heavily, the sensor within the EVF’s rubber hood thinks the camera is being held to your eye and turns the LCD completely off in favor of the EVF only. Of course, there’s the menu setting on the camera to set one or the other SOLELY, but this is a hassle when you need to switch back and forth frequently .
I finally discovered a simple fix to remedy this very aggravating situation using a product called Light Dims, which are little  inexpensive, stick-on pre-cot pieces of a neutral gray shading material actually made for putting over glaring, bright LED’s that are overly bright and irritate you at night or in dark places.
By simply cutting a 3mm X 5mm piece of this material and applying it over the left half of the EVF sensor window, the sensor functions perfectly and the LCD remains on even in very low light, plus the EVF still switches on again automatically when the camera is held up to your eye! This is an incredibly simple fix that many Sony a7 users have wrestled with for months and have hoped and hoped that Sony would correct via a firmware update! It seems to work for all the Sony a7 models including the a7, a7R, a7II and a7S. These little gadgets are available on Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/LightDims-Original-Strength%C2%AE-Minimal-Packaging/dp/B00CLVEQCO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1428490110&sr=8-1&keywords=lightdims) or directly from the company at: www.lightdims.com
I am in no way affiliated with the company and have no vested interest. I just discovered this from another post on a Sony a7 forum, tried it and was super impressed.”

Peter: “i Tried SONY a6000 + HOYA 28mm F2.8 reverse for macro shooting. This is probably cheapest alternative for macro lens. Work perfectly on Full Frame A7R as well.
http://www.izzino.sk/hoya-28mm-f2-8/
http://www.izzino.sk/hoya-28mm-f2-8-sample/“