What does the lens name mean?

The lens name indicates the focal length, F-value, features of the lens and so on.

For A-mount lenses.

1. This indicates the focal length. When this value is a range, the lens is a zoom lens. When this value is a single number, the lens is a single focus lens.
2. This is the F-value which indicates how fast the lens is.
3. The name of an A-mount lens starts with SAL (e.g. SAL55300).

The typical codes used at the beginning of a A-mount lens’ name:

• DT denotes a lens for a camera with an APS-C size image sensor. A lens whose name has no DT at the beginning is compatible with a camera with a 35 mm full-frame image sensor.
• Sonnar T* is inserted at the beginning of a Carl Zeiss® lens’ name.

The typical codes used at the end of a A-mount lens’ name:

• G stands for a G lens.
• ZA stands for a Carl Zeiss lens.
• Macro stands for a macro lens.
• Fisheye stands for a fisheye lens.
• SSM stands for a Super Sonic wave Motor.
• SAM stands for a Smooth Autofocus Motor.

NOTE: SSM and SAM are types of auto focus drive control system.

For E-mount lenses.

1. This indicates the focal length. When this value is a range, the lens is a zoom lens. When this value is a single number, the lens is a single focus lens.
2. This is the F-value which indicates how fast the lens is.
3. The name of an E-mount lens starts with SEL (e.g. SEL2870).

The typical codes used at the beginning of an E-mount lens’ name:

• E denotes a lens for a camera with an APS-C size image sensor. When the lens has been mounted on a camera which is equipped with a 35 mm full-frame image sensor, the angle of view is cropped to APS-C size.
• PZ stands for power zoom.
• FE is a code for a lens compatible with a camera with a 35 mm full-frame image sensor.
• Sonnar T* is inserted at the beginning of a Carl Zeiss lens’ name.

The typical codes used at the end of an E-mount lens’ name:

• G stands for a G lens.
• ZA stands for a Carl Zeiss lens.
• Macro stands for a macro lens.
• OSS stands for in-lens optical camera-shake compensation function.
• LE stands for Light Edition. Lightening and downsizing have been done for these lenses.

The F-value or the aperture  indicated by the name of a lens is the F-value when the lens is wide open (the minimum F-value). The smaller the value, the faster the lens is.

NOTE: The following may be considerations depending on the combination of lens and camera body:

• Firmware of the lens or camera body needs to be updated.
• Some functions are not available.
• Some precautions or limitations apply when using the products.