Sony SupportDSC-T700

Article ID : 00095458 / Last Modified : 23/04/2025Print

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

    Image indicating Focal length (1), F-value (2) and the name of an E-mount lens (3) 

    • 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

    Image indicating Focal length (1), F-value (2) and the name of an A-mount lens (3)

    • 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.