Sony 12-24mm F2.8 GM arrives in August for $3000
(Digital Photography Review)

Sony has announced a new member of its high-end `G Master` full-frame lens series: the 12-24mm F2.8. It`s currently the widest F2.8 constant zoom offered for full-frame, with a hefty price tag to match: $3000. The 12-24mm is dust and moisture-sealed and weighs in close to two pounds (847g / 1.9lb to be precise). It`s a bit larger than Sigma`s 14-24mm F2.8, measuring 97.6 x 137mm. Optical construction includes three XA Extreme Aspheric elements (including the largest that Sony`s ever made), two Super ED and three ED elements, as well as one aspherical lens element. Nano AR Coating II is used, along with a fluorine coating. Four XD linear motors move two focus groups – either together or independently – and focusing is silent. The lens uses a nine-blade aperture. The Sony 12-24mm F2.8 GM is slated to arrive mid-August and will sell for $3000.