Sony pivoted to mirrorless cameras well over a decade ago, and the company has expanded its alpha series portfolio in myriad ways. The A7 series had three variants, each designed to meet the needs of different photographers. While Sony has already updated to the a7 VI, the question remains about the aging a7R V, which still does not have a successor. But it appears that is about to change soon.
According to a report from Sony Alpha Rumors, the Sony a7R VI will be launched on May 13, along with the 100-400mm f4.5 GM lens. In fact, the a7R VI is also said to be a fully stacked sensor camera, and is likely to join the ranks of the a1 II.
The Sony 100-400mm is an odd choice, but it is also said that the lens is not a successor to the existing Sony 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 GM. In fact, it is said to have the following, which will set it apart from the current 100-400mm:
- internal zoom
- faster constant aperture
- super lightweight construction
- extreme high optical quality
At the same time, it is also priced around $4000 to $5,000, which is twice the amount of the original lens. The 100-400mm is an important lens, but a hefty price tag, along with an almost eight-year delay since the original launch, will only rb photographers the wrong way. From 2017 to now, a lot of companies have improved, with third-party lenses providing similar options at half the price. This includes companies like Sigma and Tamron, which are often used by serious enthusiasts and professionals. A 100-400mm f4.5 lens will certainly be welcome change for those who want a bigger aperture, but the price tag will make most people reconsider.
As for the a7R VI, we have already revealed the specs in our other article. The Sony camera will not just have a stacked sensor of 67MP, but also a new body, and is likely to be around the price range of $5,000. The a7R V was introduced in 2022 and was introduced for $3,900, and the price since then has been reduced. A new a7R VI at $5,000 seems quite plausible, given how camera components have become more expensive over the years and the tariffs have shaken the camera market. Either way, for those who are waiting since 2022, this could be just the camera that they need. In fact, if the camera gives you similar features to the a1 II, which costs around $7,000, then people will be willing to save that $2,000.
Either way, both Sony’s upcoming camera and lenses are targeted at professionals, and only those who can afford it will think of buying it. But a thought that one must be left with: If every camera and lens maker has already peaked in terms of technology since 2020, is the $5,000 really signaling a worthy upgrade?