What do all the letters and numbers in the lens names mean?

The letters and numbers in the lens name indicate the focal length, F-value, lens features, and more.

E-mount lens names

• 1: 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 prime/single focus lens.
• 2: F-value: This is the aperture of the lens.
• 3: E-mount lenses start with SEL.

Typical codes used at the beginning of a lens name:

E

Denotes a lens for a camera with an APS-C size image sensor. When mounted on a camera with a 35 mm full-frame image sensor, the angle of view is cropped to APS-C size.

PZ

Denotes power zoom.

FE

Denotes a lens compatible with a camera that has a 35 mm full-frame image sensor.

Sonnar T (etc.)

Inserted at the beginning of a Carl Zeiss lens name.

Typical codes used at the end of a lens name:

G

Denotes a G lens.

GM

Denotes a Sony Premium G Master Series lens.

ZA

Denotes a Carl Zeiss lens.

Macro

Denotes a macro lens.

OSS

Denotes an in-lens optical camera-shake compensation function.

LE

Denotes a Light Edition lens. This edition achieves lighter weight and downsizing.

II, 2

The number 2 at the end indicates that it is the second generation.
Examples:

• FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II (SEL2470GM2)
• E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II (SELP16502)

A-mount lens names

• 1: 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: F-value: This is the aperture of the lens.
• 3:A-mount lenses start with SAL.

Typical codes used at the beginning of a 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 that has a 35 mm full-frame image sensor.

Sonnar T (etc.)

Inserted at the beginning of a Carl Zeiss lens name.

Typical codes used at the end of a lens name:

G

Denotes a G lens.

ZA

Denotes a Carl Zeiss lens.

Macro

Denotes a macro lens.

Fisheye

Denotes a fisheye lens.

SSM

Denotes a Super Sonic wave Motor.

SAM

Denotes a Smooth Autofocus Motor.

II, 2

The number 2 at the end indicates that it is the second generation.
Examples:

• 300mm F2.8 G SSM II (SAL300F28G2)
• 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G SSM II (SAL70300G2)

Note: SSM and SAM are types of autofocus drive control systems.

The F-value indicated by the name of a lens is the F-value when the lens is wide open (i.e., the minimum F-value). The smaller the value, the faster the lens is. For more information, refer to Aperture (F-number) and A-Mode.

Note: The following depend on the combination of lens and camera body:

• The firmware of the lens or camera body may need to be updated.
• Some functions may not be available.
• Some precautions or limitations apply when using the products.

Refer to the Lens - Compatibility Information page for additional lens and compatibility information.