This week, it’s all about the new, and much anticipated, Sony A7 mark IV. We also have a F2.8 zoom lens from Sigma and a few updates.
Sony A7 IV
The successor of the very popular A7 III has landed, and it looks like an interesting upgrade that includes better ergonomics, multi-angle LCD, better autofocus, more settings for video and a few unique features you won’t find on other Sony cameras (for now).
I’m not going to write more about the A7 IV here, because I’ve prepared several comparison previews with other models. Just click on the ones that interest you the most!
A7 III vs A7 IV – A7 IV vs A7R IV
A7 IV vs A7S III – A7 IV vs A7R III
A7 IV vs A9 II – A7 IV vs A7C
Sony has also announced two new flashes:
- HVL-F60RM2: GN 60, 20–200mm coverage, 200 continuous flashes at up to 10fps (1/32 output level), can fire up 240 times with a 1.7 second recycle time
- HVL-F46RM: GN 46, 24–105mm coverage, 60 continuous flashes at up to 10fps (1/32 output level), can fire up 320 times with a 2 second recycle time
Both flashes are compatible with wireless radio communication and feature improved metering and communication with the camera, as well as enhanced build quality (with dust and moisture resistance). They are priced at $550 and $400 respectively.
Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN
A few years back, I was complaining about the lack of choice for Sony APS-C lenses. Now, thanks to the efforts of Tamron and Sigma, the catalogue looks much better and the latest lens announced, the Sigma 18-50mm, gives you even more possibility if you’re looking for a constant F2.8 zoom.
The zoom is really compact (75mm long when not extended, 65mm wide, 290g) and gives you an equivalent 27-75mm range. The price is also good at $550.
- 13 elements in 10 groups
- 1 super-low dispersion and 3 aspherical elements
- 7-blade aperture
- Stepping motor AF
- 55mm filter thread
- No optical stabilisation
- No weather sealing (except for the mount)
- Also available for L-mount (even if there are not a lot of APS-C L-mount camera at the moment)
Tokina APS-C lenses for Sony E-mount
You might be already familiar with the trio lenses from Tokina (23mm F1.4, 33mm F1.4 and 56mm F1.4), which were released last year for Fujifilm X-mount. Now, unsurprisingly, Tokina is making an E-mount version and they should be available in November. Prices have not been confirmed yet.
Samyang / Rokinon AF 24-70mm F2.8 FE
I’ve already talked about this lens last week, but I can now add that it is available for pre-orders worldwide.
It is a $1000 F2.8 constant aperture zoom designed for video-makers in mind, with a parfocal design and low focus breathing (according to Samyang).
Firmware update for the Viltrox 23mm F1.4, 33mm F1.4 and 56mm F1.4
Version 1.1.4 fixes a problem where the camera might fail to power on properly.
You can download the new software on the Viltrox Website.
