New Sony DT 16-80mm F2.8-3.5 G SSM patent spotted?

[alphaomega]

Did any of you see this rumour on Sonyalpharumors.com?

We from SonyAlphaRumors already told you that Sony plans to update many of their lenses. One of the lenses that could be update soon is the Sony 16-80mm f/3.5-4.5 Lens. Sonydslr.com found a patent of a new version which is a half stop faster f/2.8-3.5. The question now is….how long do we have to wait for the lens? Photokina in September?

If that is true I shall have one if it beats my early CZ model for IQ. Not too bothered about AF as the CZ is fast enough for my usage.

[KevinBarrett]

It's certainly an exciting idea; an APS-C standard zoom of such exclusive utility. I've been excited to see Sigma offering similar concepts, such as the 17-70/2.8-4, though they haven't been quite enough to convince me to replace my perfectly good Tamron.

I noticed the specification of this lens was to offer the f/2.8 aperture from 16mm to 50mm, then offer f/3.5 all the way to 80mm. Wasn't there another rumor/patent floating around some time ago with a similar concept?

[Dr. Harout]

I'm interested in that lens too

[Dusty]

I'm interested in that lens too

I'm interested in all the bargain 16-80CZ's that will go on sale when that one comes out!

Dusty

[NIKO_007]

I'd like to have this lens too if indeed it is with SSM. Obviously the aperture is plenty bright for its range. Also, regardless that it is an APS-C lens I think that it would be a great new addition (or replacement) to the Zeiss 16-80 f3.5-4.5.

What I'd like to know is if this lens is a modified design of the Zeiss 16-80 or not. I always felt that the Z16-80 could have had an aperture of f2.8-4 if not f2.8-3.5 due to the fact that it is of a Vario-Sonnar design. This type of design typically allows an aperture of up to f2 if I remember my facts correctly from an article I read in "Amature Photographer - UK." This rumor might confirm my guess/theory.

[Dr. Harout]

Hi and welcome Niko-007.
Indeed a nice lens to have but I'm afraid it will cost a fortune.

[NIKO_007]

Hi and welcome Niko-007.
Indeed a nice lens to have but I'm afraid it will cost a fortune.

Thanks Dr. Harout! I never realized that Photo Club Alpha had a forum section. Goes to show how little I pay attention.

Anyway, maybe the lens would cost a fortune and maybe not. Sure, I'd expect it to cost more than the current Zeiss 16-80, but how much more? Honestly, I couldn't see it cost more than $1000-1200 U.S. dollars. However, I would rather see it at $900 so that it would match the price and directly compete against the current Sigma 24-70 f2.8 EX DG HSM lens. Not to mention it is an APS-C sized lens in which I believe it shouldn't command a price over $1000 anyway and the aperture is not a constant f2.8 either. Less materials than full frame and a whole world lighter as well. It would also blow away the 3rd party competition: Sigma 17-70 f2.8-4 or 18-50 f2.8, Tamron 17-50 f2.8. A lens like this one would be the best newest one lens solution for wide angle through modest telephoto use sacrificing only 1/2 stop from 50mm through 80mm. It could be a killer lens. The only problem; will it ever be made?

[bossel]

Can I have one as well? Could they make it in E-mount?

[ctyankee]

Now that I've ordered an A33 (to compare against a NEX-5 (ordered together) I've been considering lenses for video. One of the appealing things about the SLT vs NEX is that my 16-80 isn't *that* much bigger than the NEX kit zoom (ok, a couple inches longer in total and slightly bigger around) but with much better range. But I've seen some video samples on youtube and really, only the HSM/SSM lenses are quiet during video recording. The 16-80 is noisy in a quiet environment (never mind an old Maxxum like a 28-85 !) But the SAMs are noisy in their own way. One tester compared the 16-80 to 18-55 in two videos shot in the same environment. The SAM lens focused more quietly except for annoying clicks at the start & stop. A new SSM lens would be nice for APS-C ... the 24-70 is overkill and lacks WA for APS-C. It was disappointing to see Sony redo the 28-75 as a SAM lens. The other intriguing option, though, is Sigma. HSM is smooth & quiet on the 70-200. And the new OS variants seem to be pretty good lenses based on tests. There are 17-70 and 18-125 lenses that would both be interesting all purpose lenses for SLTs. Optical stabilization means you can turn off IBIS to avoid overheating, too.

[bossel]

It's just a few mm in each direction, but the 18-55 on the NEX feels definitely smaller than the 16-80, is half weight and it focusses completely silently. But of course the 16-80 is the better lens.

[alphaomega]

ctyankee wrote

A new SSM lens would be nice for APS-C ...

I noticed in current UK Amateur Photographer that they also listed a new standard zoom to be released concurrent with the A77 next year. Don't know if AP has inside information but I could imagine that the only appropriate "standard zoom" to be released with a camera such as an A77 would be the 16-80 I referred to in the opening insert above. Let's hope then that it is SSM rather than SAM as this seems to be the best solution for Video.

[pakodominguez]

It was disappointing to see Sony redo the 28-75 as a SAM lens.

I don't find anything disappointing with the SAM 28-75, I think it is a wonderful lens and the one I had for a couple of weeks early this year was replaced for the 24-70 not because SAM vs SSM or quality, but because I got a really good deal on the 24-70 (otherwise I'll happily keep the SAM 28-75)
I think the 28-75 is not optically extraordinary (just "very good") and that's why we won't see a SSM version.

Regards