New 50mm Macro Lens for Sony NEX Cameras - Coming in October!

MUST READ for NEX Shooters: Zeiss Touit 50mm f/2.8 Lens Coming Soon

By Brent Durand, Scott Gietler and Shane Spring

July 17, 2013

This announcement is big news for Sony NEX shooters, especially macro lovers. The 30mm Sony NEX DT f/2.8 macro lens is currently the only macro lens available for the camera, and while a great lens on paper, the focus distance is uncomfortably close to the lens for use underwater behind a port. The issue arrises when trying to light the front of your subject - there's not much space for positioning strobes. Many NEX shooters are using the 18-55mm kit lens with a strong wet diopter for macro photography.

The Zeiss 50mm macro lens will likely become a very popular lens since it will provide that needed focal distance. This is an e-mount lens, and will work on all Sony NEX mirrorless cameras. Zeiss is well-known for high-quality glass & excellent resolution and contrast, but also for premium prices - so be prepared to spend a lot on this lens. We don't know what the price will be, but I would not be surprised to see a price of $900 - $1,100.

Although not officially announced yet, the expected release date is early October 2013. Make sure to check back for a complete review of the lens on the Underwater Photography Guide once released.

Highlights

• Designed for Sony E-Mount (NEX Cameras)
• Zeiss Outstanding Optical Quality Lens
• 50mm focal length, which is equivalent to 75mm on a full-frame camera
• Floating Elements Design
• Carl Zeiss T* Anti-Reflective Coating
• Expected Availability:  Early October, 2013

Learn more about Zeiss lenses on the Zeiss Website.

Sony NEX macro underwater photos

Bluewater Photo's Shane Spring took these underwater photos with lenses that delivered better results than Sony's 30mm E-Mount lens. See the photos below.

Further Reading

• Sony RX-100M2 Announced

• Call for Entries - Yap Pacific World Shootout

• Canon Announces EOS 70D

Where to Buy

Please support the Underwater Photography Guide by purchasing your underwater photography gear through our sister site, Bluewater Photo & Video. Click, or call them at (310) 633-5052 for expert advice!