As much we love a nifty fifty, we also realize the significance of adding a pancake lens to our arsenal. Photographers, especially those who want to carry light, often choose a 28mm f2.8 or 28mm f1.8 to capture bright and stunning photos. Due to the size and the build, it is also a perfect companion for street photographers, who prefer to be discreet. In a way, a 28mm lens is also ideal for hobbyists who do not want to carry extra burden. However, there are very few options out there today, with Sony’s 28mm f2 full-frame lens being released in 2018. It wasn’t too long ago when we were wondering when Sony would release another 28mm, but now, after six years, there is a report about its possible release.
Is Sony 28mm F2.8 Really in the Making?
The report first appeared on the Sony Alpha Rumors website, so it must be taken with a pinch of salt. According to the author, a new source close to the publication said that the company will launch a new full-frame 28mm f2.8 lens, which will “finally compete directly with the Canon 28mm f2.8 and Nikon 26mm f2.8 pancake lenses.” However, it will not be in the G lineup; rather, it will be “priced very aggressively.” The reason the company has decided to venture into this design is that third-party lens manufacturers such as Viltrox and Samyang launching their own versions. Another reason is the popularity of pancake lenses with the Sony Alpha community and their high demand online.
Some of the features the source said that it will have is a manual focus ring and an aperture range of f2.8 to f22. The lens is also said to include “high-quality optics, sharp from f2.8 with minimal vignetting.” There is also an alleged image leak of the same, which makes the report appear somewhat convincing. However, since this is a new source, the author is unsure whether it is even true. They are awaiting confirmation from some known individuals who could give a better idea about the new Sony 28mm F2.8 lens.
It’s High Time We Get a Sony 28mm Lens
Pancake lenses are the best options for multiple reasons. For starters, they are now a sought-after option for hobbyists and professionals. Nikon and Canon have their offerings, and as the report states, third-party manufacturers are truly working towards various options. For instance, Viltrox has a 28mm with a fixed f4.5 aperture, while Samyang recently teased the launch of a new 28mm f2.8 FE AF pancake lens. So, Sony fretting over their loss is nothing new.
However, as we mentioned, if Sony is indeed working on new lenses, they need to consider a few things. They need to have better weather sealing, not just against water but also dust. Another change should be a better AF speed. In our last review of the Sony 28mm f2, it was slightly slow. In fact, it fell behind the Zeiss 35mm f1.4. So, a new 28mm f2.8 needs to change this.
In addition, it would be great if Sony could perhaps work on different apertures. For instance, 28mm f1.8 or 28mm f1.4 G Master version. Why? In our previous articles, we mentioned how there aren’t too many good options, including some third-party lenses that may lack autofocus. A pancake lens could also be a great option for women photographers who want a small lens to go with Sony’s compact mirrorless body.
Sony has the best opportunity not only to surprise its users but also to create a lens that third-party creators can’t achieve. Perhaps we can get an idea of their direction in a couple of weeks.