The Zeiss Vario-Tessar T* FE 24–70mm f/4 ZA OSS is a high-end compact medium-range zoom lens made specifically and exclusively for Sony E-Mount mirrorless digital camera bodies. It's designed to cover full 35mm frame imaging sensors and is also useable on APS-C size sensors. The lens produces extremely good images over a popular range of focal lengths without weighing the user down.
On full 35mm frame bodies the convenient 24mm to 70mm focal length zoom range goes from fairly wide angle with a 84° angle of view all the way in to the starting edge of portrait/telephoto focal lengths with a 34° angle of view. It's a great general purpose zoom well suited as a primary walk-around lens for travel, landscapes and indoor photography. When used on an APS-C sized sensor the lens looses much of it's wide angle capabilities but becomes even more of an all in one people photography lens equivalent to a 36-105mm 35mm focal length just wide enough for small groups without distortion and narrow enough for flattering portraits.
Optically the lens is designed to meet notoriously high Zeiss standards. The optical formula of 12 elements in 10 groups makes use of five (yes five) aspherical elements as well as one ED (Extra Low Dispersion) glass element to produce superb images. Carl Zeiss® T* anti-reflective multi-coating ensures maximum contrast and superb color rendition. The lens maintains a constant f/4 maximum aperture throughout the entire zoom range. The lens produces beautiful background blur thanks in part to rounded aperture blades.
The Vario-Tessar T* FE 24–70mm f/4 ZA OSS also features Sony's Optical SteadyShot image stabilization system that detects and counteracts the negative optical effects of lens/camera vibrations in real time. The OSS system allows you to shoot handheld with greater stability and slower shutter speeds than would otherwise be practical.
Focussing is provided by a fast quiet Sony linear stepping motor well suited for a range of applications including video and the lens features a manual focus input ring which can be utilized in different ways depending on camera settings.
The construction Vario-Tessar T* FE 24–70mm f/4 ZA OSS is solid and designed to resist dust and moisture infiltration.
Sony introduced the Vario-Tessar T* FE 24–70mm f/4 ZA OSS in late 2013 as a major step-up from the 28-70mm F/3.5-5.6 OSS FE. In 2016 Sony introduced the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM as another high end option with an extra stop of aperture, but it will not replace the popular FE 24–70mm f/4 ZA OSS.
The Sony Zeiss Vario-Tessar T* FE 24–70mm f/4 ZA OSS is compact, convenient, contrasty and sharp. It is the ideal general purpose or travel lens perfect for anyone using a Sony full frame FE body. It's also a great special event or wedding lens for APS-C Sony owners.
Key Features
- Outstanding general purpose lens for Sony E-Mount digital cameras
- Covers full 35mm frame sensors
- Constant f/4 maximum aperture
- Carl Zeiss optic
- Five Aspherical elements
- One ED (Extra Low Dispersion) glass element
- T* antireflective mult-coating
- OSS Optical SteadyShot
- Linear stepping motor delivers fast quiet autofocus for stills & video
- Close fociuses to 0.4m (1.32ft)
- Dust and moisture resistant design
- Weighs less than a pound
Available accessories include the ALC-SH130 flower shaped lens hood and 67mm filters.
