Sony’s Official List of E-mount Licensed Partners

By Louis Ferreira | Published: August 5, 2026


Sony released a list of its E-mount partners that might surprise you.

“The E-mount Basic Specifications have been disclosed to the partners that satisfy the qualification criteria predefined by Sony. License partners are as follows (as of July/2026). The E-mount Basic Specifications are disclosed for compatibility. It does not guarantee the compatibility or quality of all functions. For quality assurance, please contact the license partner.”

via Photorumors

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Sony FE 100-400mm f/5.6-8 OSS Announced

By Louis Ferreira | Published: August 4, 2026


Sony FE 100-400mm f/5.6-8 OSS: B&H Photo / Amazon

Sony announced the Sony FE 100-400mm f/5.6-8 OSS today

Press Release

Key Features
  • Full-Frame | f/5.6-8
  • Lightweight & Compact Telephoto Lens
  • Optical SteadyShot Image Stabilization
  • Continuous AF/AE Tracking up to 120 fps
  • Zoom Lock Switch Prevents Extension
  • One Aspherical Element & Two ED Elements
  • Dust and Moisture-Resistant Construction
  • Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm

Reviews / Hands-on / Previews / Etc…

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Sony FE 100-400mm f/5.6-8 OSS Press Release

By Louis Ferreira | Published: August 4, 2026


Sony FE 100-400mm f/5.6-8 OSS: B&H Photo / Amazon

Sony Electronics Launches SEL100400 – FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS, The Perfect Hobbyist’s Super-Telephoto Zoom Lens
08/04/2026

Delivering Outstanding Mobility and Excellent Image Quality Across the Entire Zoom Range

Sony Electronics introduces SEL100400 – FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS, a super-telephoto zoom lens for 35mm full-frame Alpha™ E-mount cameras. Despite its super-telephoto reach of up to 400mm, the lens stays compact and lightweight, weighing just 654g (approx.). Its latest optical design incorporates two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements and two aspherical elements, delivering excellent image quality and clear rendering across the entire zoom range no matter how far away the subject is. The lens also features fast, precise AF (autofocus) and built-in optical image stabilization to support handheld shooting, letting you quickly capture moving subjects such as birds, sports, trains, and aircraft.

“With the needs of a large set of hobbyist photographers in mind, from birders to parents, we used our expertise in professional lens technology to create a high-quality, affordable super-telephoto zoom lens that will go the distance,” said Yang Cheng, Vice President of Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics.

Pricing and Availability:
The SEL100400 – FE 100-400MM F5.6-8 OSS will be available for a suggested retail price of $849.99 USD / $1,079.99 CAD from September 2026.

Key Features of SEL100400 – FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS:

Compact, Lightweight Design for Easy Handling, Even for First-Time Super-Telephoto Users
The lens delivers a 100-400mm super-telephoto zoom range in a compact, lightweight body weighing approximately 654g, making it easy to carry. That portability also eases handling during handheld shooting and speeds up framing. You can capture powerful images of subjects that are hard to approach, such as birds and sports scenes, and use the ‘compression effect’ (which makes the distance between nearby subjects and distant background elements appear shorter) for landscape work unique to super-telephoto lenses. With an optional SEL20TC teleconverter*1, you can double your reach, up to 800mm, or up to 1,200mm in APS-C mode.

Sharp Detail Through the Entire Zoom Range Means You Can Capture the Details That Matter
Excellent image quality holds whatever the shooting distance, thanks to an optical design with two ED glass elements and two aspherical elements that suppress color bleeding and distortion for clear rendering across the entire zoom range. The subject stands out against natural, soft bokeh, helped by a 9-blade circular aperture and optimization of spherical aberration. Its close-up performance is strong too: a minimum focusing distance of 0.86 m at the telephoto end and 1.13 m at the wide end, with a maximum magnification of 0.41x, lets you shoot flowers, insects, and other nearby subjects as easily as distant ones.

Fast, Precise AF and Built-In Optical Image Stabilization for Moving Subjects
The linear motor drive delivers fast, precise, and quiet AF (auto focus) to track moving subjects. The lens also supports high-speed continuous shooting with AF/AE (auto exposure) tracking at up to approximately 120 frames per second*2 with the full-frame mirrorless α9 III camera.

Built-in optical image stabilization suppresses camera shake during handheld shooting and keeps framing stable, even with distant subjects. The lens also works with the camera body’s Active Mode image stabilization and coordinated image stabilization control*3, for high-quality stills and movies with reduced blur when shooting handheld. It also supports the camera body’s breathing compensation function*4, which corrects changes in angle of view caused by shifts in focus position during movie recording.

Usability and Reliability Built for Outdoor Adventures with Dust and Moisture Resistance
A customizable focus hold button, focus mode/range switching dial, and zoom lock switch give you quick operation across shooting scenes and comfortable ultra-telephoto handling. A dust and moisture resistant design*5 helps you keep shooting with confidence when the weather changes unexpectedly. The supplied lens hood helps prevent flare and ghosting that can degrade image quality.

The SEL100400 – FE 100-400MM F5.6-8 OSS product video can be viewed here:

For more information, visit:
https://electronics.sony.com/imaging/lenses/all-e-mount/p/sel100400
https://www.sony.ca/en/electronics/camera-lenses/sel100400

Exclusive stories and exciting new content shot with the new SEL100400 – FE 100-400MM F5.6-8 OSS and Sony’s other imaging products can be found at www.alphauniverse.com, a site created to inform, educate, and inspire content creators.

*1. When the 2x teleconverter ‘SEL20TC’ is attached. Sold separately.
*2. Based on Sony test conditions. Continuous shooting speed may decrease depending on shooting conditions. When focus mode is set to AF-C, continuous shooting speed varies depending on the lens attached. Please check the lens compatibility information support page for details.
*3. Please refer to support information for compatible cameras.
*4. Please refer to support information for compatible cameras. When this function is set to [On], angle of view and image quality may change slightly. Depending on the lens, compensation may not be fully effective even when this function is set to [On].
*5. Not guaranteed to be 100% dust and moisture resistant.

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New Microphone Registrations Found

By Louis Ferreira | Published: August 3, 2026


A registration in China was found on weibo for two new microphones. The WW38427 and WW81782 are both microphones that support 32bit float audio. These mics are most likely the next generation of ECM-W mic, and it should be coming soon.

Posted in Accessories| 1 Comment

Sony Q1 FY2026 Financial Results: Sony Confirms Tamron Acquisition Offer

By Louis Ferreira | Published: August 1, 2026


IT’S OFFICIAL: Sony Confirms Tamron Acquisition Offer in Latest Financial Results! Plus, A Deep Dive into Sony’s Imaging Performance

Earlier today, Sony released its Q1 FY2026 financial results (for the three months ended June 30, 2026). While the big headline numbers were incredibly strong—consolidated sales up 8.2% to JPY 2,837.8 billion and operating income surging 40% to JPY 476.5 billion—the biggest takeaway for the Alpha community was the formal confirmation we’ve all been waiting for: Sony has formally submitted a proposal to acquire Tamron.

But this acquisition isn’t happening in a vacuum. Let’s dive into the financial reality of Sony’s imaging divisions to understand exactly why this is happening now, and how Sony’s camera business is actually performing.

Entertainment, Technology & Services (ET&S) – Holding Steady

The ET&S segment, which houses Sony’s still and video camera division, reported stable, but not explosive, numbers for Q1. Sales in this segment increased by 2% year-over-year to JPY 543.9 billion, while operating income remained essentially flat at JPY 42.6 billion.

According to Sony’s earnings call transcript, the overall imaging market remained stable globally, with one major exception: China, which continued to experience negative year-over-year growth.

However, despite a softening Chinese market, Sony’s camera division managed to hold its ground. How? By selling higher-end, more expensive cameras. Sony explicitly highlighted the strong sales performance of two key bodies:

  • The a7 V: Which recently won the Grand Prize at the Camera Grand Prix 2026.
  • The a7R VI: Launched in June, this high-resolution body is clearly driving massive revenue.

The success of these two premium full-frame bodies helped raise average selling prices and allowed Sony to expand its overall market share in the critical full-frame market. This strategy of pushing higher-margin bodies is exactly what kept the imaging business sales on par with the same quarter last year.

Why the Tamron Buyout Makes Perfect Financial Sense

When you look at the stable-but-flat profitability of the ET&S segment, the Tamron acquisition becomes an obvious strategic necessity.

Sony already owned a roughly 15% stake in Tamron, and their manufacturing relationship has been deeply intertwined for years. But as Tamron’s E-mount lenses exploded in popularity—becoming the go-to choice for enthusiasts and working pros who want near G-Master performance without the G-Master price tag—Tamron was essentially eating into Sony’s own native lens sales.

Lenses like the 28-75mm f/2.8 G2, the 35-150mm f/2-2.8, and the 50-400mm have been absolute cash cows. By acquiring Tamron outright, Sony absorbs 100% of those incredible lens margins and eliminates their biggest, most competent low-cost competitor on the E-mount platform. If camera body sales volume is flattening globally, the best way to increase profits is to capture a larger percentage of the lens attach rate.

Imaging & Sensing Solutions (I&SS) – The Real Profit Engine

While the camera body division held steady, Sony’s sensor division absolutely crushed it in Q1.

The Imaging & Sensing Solutions segment was a massive standout performer. Sales surged 26% to JPY 512.7 billion, and operating income more than doubled, showing a staggering 125% increase to JPY 122.2 billion.

This confirms what we already knew: Sony’s dominance in manufacturing the actual image sensors that power modern devices (both their own cameras and practically every major smartphone on the planet) is the true bedrock of their imaging empire.

What Does This Mean for the E-Mount?

The financial results show a company that is aggressive, highly profitable (raising full-year guidance), and laser-focused on securing its dominance in the mirrorless market.

For Sony shooters, the Tamron acquisition is potentially huge. Tamron essentially becomes Sony’s official “enthusiast” or “budget” tier, operating securely alongside the premium G and G-Master lines. This guarantees that we will continue to get incredible, perfectly optimized glass that takes full advantage of Sony’s AF algorithms.

The real question is what Sony plans to do with Tamron’s development for other mounts. Now that Tamron has been branching out into Fujifilm X, Nikon Z, and Canon RF mounts, Sony has the power to either keep reaping the profits from competing systems, or lock Tamron down as an E-mount exclusive brand—striking a massive blow to the competition.

What do you guys think of the Q1 financial results and the official Tamron confirmation? Is an officially Sony-owned Tamron a dream come true for the E-mount, or do you prefer them staying completely independent? Let us know in the comments below!


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via Sony

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Venus Optics Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x & 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Parfocal Ultra Macro APO

By Louis Ferreira | Published: July 31, 2026


Venus Optics announced the Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x & 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Parfocal Ultra Macro APO, which can be purchased directly or through B&H Photo below:

Venus Optics Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO Lens (Sony E)
Create extreme close-ups in tack-sharp detail with the Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO Lens from Venus Optics. This compact ultra macro lens boasts a 1:1 to 5:1 magnification ratio, allowing you to photograph subjects larger than life. It offers a fixed 1.6″ working distance from the front of the lens and maintains sharp focus throughout the magnification range thanks to the internal parfocal zoom design. Thanks to the compact form factor, this lens is easy to use whether shooting handheld or on a motorized focus stacking rig.

Apochromatic Correction
The Aksen series is engineered to eliminate chromatic aberration, even at higher magnifications. The apochromatic correction effectively prevents color fringing, allowing you to capture more details and texture without distortion in your final image.

Parfocal Internal Zoom
Adjust your magnification without moving your camera or subject thanks to the innovative parfocal zoom design. The Aksen maintains sharp focus across the entire magnification range, while the internal zoom allows you to shift magnification without disturbing your lights or hitting your subject. Because the weight distribution also remains identical, this lens is ideal for videography as well as macro photography. Exposure changes are the only thing that needs to be compensated for as you magnify your subject.

Additional Details

  • Eleven-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing focus falloff when using shallow depth of field.
  • Standard focal length benefits the high magnification design by providing greater depth of field compared to telephoto or long lens designs.
  • When adapting the Aksen to medium format cameras, there will be varying levels of vignetting depending on the magnification.
  • Lightweight physical design makes the lens easier to use handheld and offers more room for illuminating subjects.

Venus Optics Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO Lens (Sony E)
Capture tiny subjects in tack-sharp detail with the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO Lens from Venus Optics. This compact ultra macro lens boasts a 5:1 to 10:1 magnification ratio, allowing you to photograph subjects larger than life. It offers a fixed 0.9″ working distance from the front of the lens and maintains sharp focus throughout the magnification range thanks to the internal parfocal zoom design. Thanks to the compact form factor, this lens is easy to use whether shooting handheld or on a motorized focus stacking rig.

Apochromatic Correction
The Aksen series is engineered to eliminate chromatic aberration, even at higher magnifications. The apochromatic correction effectively prevents color fringing, allowing you to capture more details and texture without distortion in your final image.

Parfocal Internal Zoom
Adjust your magnification without moving your camera or subject thanks to the innovative parfocal zoom design. The Aksen maintains sharp focus across the entire magnification range, while the internal zoom allows you to shift magnification without disturbing your lights or hitting your subject. Because the weight distribution also remains identical, this lens is ideal for videography as well as macro photography. Exposure changes are the only thing that need to be compensated for as you magnify your subject.

Additional Details

  • Eleven-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing focus falloff when using shallow depth of field.
  • Wide-angle design benefits the high magnification design by providing greater depth of field compared to telephoto or long lens designs.
  • When adapting the Aksen to medium format cameras, there will be varying levels of vignetting depending on the magnification.
  • Lightweight physical design makes the lens easier to use handheld and offers more room for illuminating subjects.








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