Sony has added the two new models to its list of Carl Zeiss and G Series lenses: the Vario Sonnar T* 16-35mm f/2.8 ZA Carl Zeiss Series and the 70-400mm f/4-5.6 G Series.

The 16-35mm f/2.8 ZA lens features a wide-angle 16-35mm f/2.8 constant aperture zoom lens, constructed of 17 lens elements in 13 groups, including an extra-low-dispersion (ED), a super ED glass element and three aspherical lens elements. Its Carl Zeiss T* coating technology provides higher light transmission and minimizes flare.

The 70-400mm f/4-5.6 G Series is a 5.7x super-telephoto zoom lens and the latest addition to Sony's G-series line of premium lenses. It is built out of 18 elements in 12 groups, including two ED glass lenses. The lens also features a minimum focus distance of 1.5m and maximum magnification of 0.27x. A focus-mode/range switch and three focus-hold buttons have been added to the lens barrel.

The focus drive for both lenses is provided by the Super Sonic Wave Motor (SSM) system. For both models, when attached to the flagship Alpha 900 camera body, the AF hold buttons can be customized to activate the intelligent preview function.

The Vario-Sonnar T* 16-35mm f/2.8 ZA and 70-400mm f/4-5.6 G lenses will ship in January 2009 for about $1,800 and $1,500, respectively.