High-resolution - advanced optical design

A new optical design that adheres to demanding G Master standards places XA (extreme aspherical), Super ED (extra-low dispersion), and ED glass elements in the front group to effectively suppress all common telephoto lens aberrations, while a floating focus system works with these correction measures to ensure that the highest possible resolution is maintained from center to periphery of the image edge, throughout the lens’s focus range.

G Master Bokeh

The extremely high surface precision of the XA (extreme aspherical) elements carefully control spherical aberration, combining with an 11-blade circular aperture mechanism to produce spectacularly smooth and elegant G Master bokeh that maximizes the creative potential of the narrow depth of field available with this 135mm F1.8 lens.

XA (Extreme aspherical) element for high resolution and soft bokeh

The extremely precise XA (extreme aspherical) lens element, with better than 0.01-micron surface precision, reduces aberration and delivers the ultimate resolution throughout the entire focus and aperture ranges. Using newly developed bokeh simulation techniques, spherical aberration and unsightly onion ring bokeh can be minimized during both design and manufacture of the large-diameter XA lens element, resulting in exquisitely soft and smooth bokeh.

Super ED and ED glass elements

One Super ED (extra-low dispersion) glass element and one ED glass element are strategically positioned to compensate for axial chromatic aberration that is often a problem in large-aperture telephoto lenses, achieving impressive sharpness. In addition to improving resolution, this configuration minimizes color fringing that can occur in background and foreground bokeh.

11-blade circular aperture contributes to gorgeous bokeh

The 11-blade circular aperture mechanism maximizes the beauty of this large-aperture prime lens, contributing to impressive images in which the subject stands out against a smoothly defocused foreground and background, producing the large, perfectly round points of defocused light (bokeh) that is a desirable characteristic of telephoto lenses, even when stopped down by one or two stops. Soft, natural bokeh provides a beautiful backdrop for the main subject, especially in portraits.

Four XD linear motors for AF speed

Four innovative XD (extreme dynamic) linear focus motors drive two precisely synchronized focus groups in a floating focus mechanism, offering outstanding speed, precision and tracking that contribute directly to fast, precise, quiet AF operation with low vibration. This also prevents aberration variations that can occur as the camera-to-subject distance changes, maintaining optimum resolution throughout the lenses focus range. The camera’s speed potential is put to full use to capture decisive moments in dynamic portraits, sports, and other action scenes with impressive speed, precision, and reliability.

Nano AR coating suppresses reflections, flare and ghosting

Sony’s original Nano AR Coating technology minimizes flare and ghosting, for dynamic range that achieves lifelike detail and gradation with advanced camera sensors. This precisely defined regular nano-structure allows accurate light transmission, contributing to high-quality images. The reflection suppression characteristic of the Nano AR Coating is superior to conventional anti-reflective coatings, providing a notable improvement in clarity, contrast, and overall image quality.

Close focus

An advanced floating focus mechanism prevents aberration variations that can occur as the focusing distance changes, providing a minimum focus distance of just 27.5” (0.7 meters) and a maximum magnification of 0.25x for impressive close-up capability. High resolution and exquisite G Master bokeh are maintained even in close-up shots.

Manual aperture ring with switchable click stops

A manual aperture ring provides the responsive control required for professional still and movie shooting. Click stops can be switched on for tactile feedback that tells the user how many stops the ring has been rotated when shooting stills, or OFF for seamless, silent aperture control when shooting movies. The focus ring features Linear Response MF (manual focus) that responds directly to focus ring rotation and feels similar to mechanically coupled systems, allowing precise control and instantaneous response when focusing manually for stills or movies.

Two customizable focus hold buttons

Two customizable focus hold buttons are provided on the side and top surfaces of the lens for easy access and convenient control when shooting in horizontal or vertical orientation. The focus hold buttons not only perform their primary function to lock focus when recomposing, but can be customized to a number of other functions depending on your needs.

Lightweight durable design

The lens barrel chassis is constructed of a durable, lightweight magnesium alloy. The hardness of the alloy helps to maintain optimum optical precision and reliability. Together with the state-of-the-art optical design reduces the overall size and weight of the lens to just 950 grams.

Dust/moisture resistant design1

The dust and moisture resistance design makes this lens appropriate for heavy-duty outdoor use, especially when combined with a camera that employs weather resistant measures1.

1 Not guaranteed to be 100% dust and moisture resistant