Sony supports A900 launch with new high performance lenses

In conjunction with today’s launch of the flagship Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 full-frame body, Sony has announced the release of two new high performance zoom lenses: the Sony/Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar T* 16-35mm f/2.8 ZA and the Sony 70-400mm f/4-5.6 G.

The 16-35mm f/2.8 is an ultra wide angle, constant aperture zoom designed to provide wide field-of-view versatility for landscape, architectural, and general shooting.

Constructed of 17 elements in 13 groups (including ED and super ED glass), the lens provides an exceptionally wide field of view on Sony’s new full-frame DSLR. Sony’s built-in Super Sonic-wave Motor (SSM) technology provides fast, quiet, and precise auto focus control.

The 16-35mm f/2.8 will be available in January 2009, with an estimated street price around $1,800.

The 70-400mm f/4-5.6 is the newest offering in Sony’s G series of premium, high performance lenses.

SSM focus drive powers the 70-400mm, which features a circular aperture for smooth focus transitions and an 18 element/12 group construction with two extra-low dispersion elements.

On-lens controls perform range lock, focus mode shift, and focus hold operations without having to take your hands from the barrel.

Like the 16-35mm, the 70-400mm will be available in January. Expect to pay around $1,500.