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Tag: Hybrid Phase Detection AF

  • Sony A99II Hybrid Phase Detection AF system compatible lenses

    Sony A99II Hybrid Phase Detection AF system compatible lenses

    Sony A99II Hybrid Phase Detection AF system compatible lenses

    Introduction

    The ILCA-99M2 is equipped with a Hybrid Phase Detection AF system simultaneously driven by a focal plane phase detection AF sensor and a dedicated phase detection AF sensor.Hybrid Phase Detection AF system compatible lenses include several A-mount lenses such as full Frame A-mount lenses (with exceptions), etc. Furthermore, they can be used with Converters as well. Please refer to the following table for compatible lenses.

    Hybrid Phase Detection AF compatible lenses

    Prime lenses

    SAL135F18Z Sonnar T* 135mm F1.8 ZA
    SAL24F20Z Distagon T* 24mm F2 ZA SSM
    SAL300F28G 300mm F2.8 G
    SAL300F28G2 300㎜ F2.8 G SSM II
    SAL35F14G 35mm F1.4 G review
    SAL35F18 *1 DT 35mm F1.8 SAM
    SAL500F40G 500mm F4 G SSM
    SAL50F14 50mm F1.4
    SAL50F14Z Planar T* 50mm F1.4 ZA SSM
    SAL50F18 *1 DT 50mm F1.8 SAM
    SAL85F14Z Planar T* 85mm F1.4 ZA
    SAL85F28 85mm F2.8 SAM

    *1: The number of focus points: 221 points

    Macro lenses

    Model name Product name
    SAL100M28 100mm F2.8 Macro
    SAL30M28 *1*2 DT 30mm F2.8 Macro SAM
    SAL50M28 50mm F2.8 Macro

     

    *1: The number of focus points: 221 points

    *2: The number of focus points: 61 points in the dedicated phase detection AF area.

    Zoom lenses

    Model name Product name
    SAL1635Z Vario-Sonnar T* 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM
    SAL1635Z2 Vario-Sonnar T* 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II
    SAL1650 *1 DT 16-50mm F2.8 SSM
    SAL1680Z *1 Vario-Sonnar T* DT 16-80mm F3.5-4.5 ZA
    SAL18135 *1 DT 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 SAM
    SAL1855 *1*2 DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM
    SAL18552 *1*2 DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM II
    SAL2470Z Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSM
    SAL2470Z2 Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSM II
    SAL2875 28-75mm F2.8 SAM
    SAL55200-2 *1*2 DT 55-200mm F4-5.6 SAM
    SAL55300 *1*2 DT 55-300mm F4.5-5.6 SAM
    SAL70200G 70-200mm F2.8 G
    SAL70200G2 70-200mm F2.8 G SSM II
    SAL70300G 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G SSM
    SAL70300G2 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G SSM II
    SAL70400G 70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM
    SAL70400G2 70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM II

    *1:The number of focus points: 221 points
    *2:The number of focus points: 61 points in the dedicated phase detection AF area.

    Converters

    Converters are compatible with the following lenses:

    SAL14TC 1.4x Teleconverter
    Model name Product name
    SAL300F28G 300mm F2.8 G
    SAL300F28G2 300㎜ F2.8 G SSM II
    SAL500F40G 500mm F4 G SSM
    SAL70200G 70-200mm F2.8 G
    SAL70200G2 70-200mm F2.8 G II

    SAL20TC 2.0x Teleconverter
    Model name Product name
    SAL300F28G 300mm F2.8 G
    SAL300F28G2 300㎜ F2.8 G SSM II
    SAL70200G 70-200mm F2.8 G
    SAL70200G2 70-200mm F2.8 G II

    Non-compatible lenses

    Fixed focal length lenses

    Model name Product name
    SAL16F28 16mm F2.8 Fisheye
    SAL20F28 20mm F2.8
    SAL28F28 28mm F2.8
    SAL135F28 *3 135mm F2.8 [T4.5] STF
    SAL500F80 *4 500mm F8 Reflex

    *3: The lens is dedicated for manual focus.

    *4: The number of focus points: One single point at the center. [Only Cross-Type AF] cannot be set.

    Zoom lenses

    Model name Product name
    SAL1118 *2 DT 11-18mm F4.5-5.6
    SAL16105 DT 16-105mm F3.5-5.6
    SAL18200 DT 18-200mm F3.5-6.3
    SAL18250 DT 18-250mm F3.5-6.3
    SAL1870 DT 18-70mm F3.5-5.6
    SAL24105 24-105mm F3.5-4.5
    SAL55200 *2 DT 55-200mm F4-5.6
    SAL75300 *2 75-300mm F4.5-5.6

    *2: The number of focus points: 61 points in the dedicated phase detection AF area.

    How to check Hybrid Phase Detection AF compatibility

    You can check if the lens is compatible with the Hybrid Phase Detection AF system from the camera screen by attaching a SONY A-mount lens to the camera.

    How to check:

    1. Attach the lens to the camera.
    2. Select MENU → (Camera Settings1) → [AF System] → [Auto].
    3. Select [Selectable AF Area] → [Auto].
    4. Select [Focus Area] → [Wide].
    5. If the following A line is displayed on the shooting screen, the lens is compatible with the Hybrid Phase Detection AF system.

    Auto focus area settings

    The ILCA-99M2 is equipped with a Hybrid Phase Detection AF system simultaneously driven by a focal plane phase detection AF sensor and a dedicated phase detection AF sensor. With a Hybrid Phase Detection AF system compatible lens, you can use Hybrid Cross AF Points that measure the range using these 2 AF sensors.

    Hybrid Phase Detection AF system

    AF when using a compatible lens

    By setting [AF System] of (Camera Settings1) to [Auto], and switching [Selectable AF Area] to [Auto] or [Only Cross-Type AF], you can set to an AF area that suits your preference.

    [AF System]: When set to [Auto]
    Selectable AF Area AF Area (Conceptual diagram) Features
    Auto In addition to Hybrid Cross AF Points, this setting uses a focal plane phase detection AF sensor positioned in the wide range and high density. It is possible to measure a wider area in high density and multiple points compared to the dedicated phase detection AF sensor.
    Only Cross-Type AF A setting that uses only Hybrid Cross AF Points. By limiting to the AF area that simultaneously detects both horizontal detection and vertical detection, it is less affected by the subject pattern and is superior in focusing performance.

    Refer to the following for the features of each Focus Area depending on the [Selectable AF Area] settings when [AF System] is set to [Auto].

    Wide
    Selectable AF Area AF Area (Conceptual diagram) Features
    Auto Automatically selects which area will be used for focus of 399 AF points at maximum. Effective for scenes with intense movement in a wide range.
    Only Cross-Type AF Focuses with 79 Hybrid Cross AF Points at maximum. Uses only the Hybrid Cross AF Points in the center of the monitor and is superior in focusing performance.

     

    Zone
    Selectable AF Area AF Area (Conceptual diagram) Features
    Auto Select a zone on the monitor on which to focus. You can choose among 15 zones. The area for focus in the chosen zone is automatically selected.
    Only Cross-Type AF Select a zone on the monitor on which to focus. You can choose among 9 zones. The area for focus in the selected region is automatically selected.The selectable AF area only uses Hybrid Cross AF area, so it is superior in focusing performance.

    Center
    Focuses automatically on a subject in the center of the monitor. Use together with the focus-lock function to create the composition you want.

    Flexible Spot

    Allows you to move the focusing frame to a desired point on the AF area and focus on an tiny subject or a narrow area.
    Selectable AF Area Flexible Spot Points AF Area (Conceptual diagram) Features
    Auto All Selectable from 323 AF points at maximum. Useful for shooting landscape scenes with a composition of your preference or portraits.
    63 Points Of the 323 AF points at maximum, the AF point is selectable from the limited 63 AF points, and by positioning the subject entirely on the monitor, the AF points can be swiftly switched. Useful for shooting subjects that mainly change positions on the screen such as airplanes, birds, etc.
    15 Points Selectable from the 15 Hybrid Cross AF Points limited to the center area and can swiftly switch the AF points to the subject in the monitor. Effective for shooting soccer matches, motor sports, etc. where subjects move rapidly left and right. The selectable AF area only uses Hybrid Cross AF area so it is superior in focusing performance.
    Only Cross-Type AF All Since you can select from 79 Hybrid Cross AF Points at maximum, it is recommended to shoot scenes composed that suit your preference by placing the subject in the center and performing detailed adjustments of the AF points.
    15 Points Selectable from the 15 Hybrid Cross AF Points limited to the center area and can swiftly switch the AF points to the subject in the monitor. Effective for shooting soccer matches, motor sports, etc. where items move rapidly left and right. The selectable AF area only uses Hybrid Cross AF area, so it is superior in focusing performance.

    Expand Flexible Spot
    If the product cannot focus on a single selected point, it uses AF points around the flexible spot as a secondary priority area for focusing.
    Expand Flexible Spot Points can be selected as with Flexible Spot above. Please refer to the description of Flexible Spot.

    Lock-on AF
    [Lock-on AF] is recommended to shoot while staying focused on a subject and while freely changing framing. (This setting is available only when [Focus Mode] is set to [Continuous AF].) Press the shutter button halfway to start tracking. To specify where to start tracking, choose among Focus Area selections. [Center] or [Flexible Spot] (both have a narrow focus area) for subjects moving slowly when tracking starts; [Expand Flexible Spot] for normal subject movement; and [Zone] or [Wide] for higher focusing performance when the subject moves intensely within frame. After lock-on, focusing is not dependent on the selected Focus Area and keeps focusing in the same area as the [Wide] tracking range.

    AF when using a non-compatible lens

    If a Hybrid Phase Detection AF system non-compatible lens is attached or [AF System] is set to [Ddc Phase AF Only], the AF areas become the following.

    [AF System]: When set to [Ddc Phase AF Only]
    AF Area (Conceptual diagram) Features
    Uses only 79 dedicated phase detection AF points at maximum.

    Refer to the following for the features of each Focus Area.

    Wide
    AF Area (Conceptual diagram) Features
    Automatically focuses from 79 AF points at maximum.

    Zone
    AF Area (Conceptual diagram) Features
    Select a zone on the monitor on which to focus. You can choose among 9 zones. The area for focus in the selected zone is automatically selected.

    Center

    Center focuses automatically on a subject in the center of the monitor. Use together with the focus-lock function to create the composition you want.

    Flexible Spot

    Allows you to move the focusing frame to a desired point on the AF area.Flexible Spot Points can be selected from the following two methods.
    Flexible Spot Points AF Area (Conceptual diagram) Features
    All Since you can choose from 79 AF points at maximum, it is recommended to shoot scenes composed that suit your preference by placing the subject in the center and performing precise adjustments of the area.
    15 Points Selectable from the 15 limited AF points of the dedicated phase detection AF points and is effective when positioning subjects, and you want to switch areas swiftly.

    Expand Flexible Spot
    If the product cannot focus on a single selected point, it uses AF points around the flexible spot as a secondary priority area for focusing.
    Expand Flexible Spot Points can be selected in the same two methods (All/15 Points) as Flexible Spot described above. Please refer to the description of Flexible Spot.

    Lock-on AF
    [Lock-on AF] is recommended to shoot while staying focused on a subject and while freely changing framing.(This setting is available only when [Focus Mode] is set to [Continuous AF].)Press the shutter button halfway to start tracking. To specify where to start tracking, choose among Focus Area selections. [Center] or [Flexible Spot] (both have a narrow focus area) for subjects moving slowly when tracking starts; [Expand Flexible Spot] for normal subject movement; and [Zone] or [Wide] for higher focusing performance when the subject moves intensely within frame.After lock-on, focusing is not dependent on the selected Focus Area and keeps focusing in the same area as the [Wide] tracking range.

    Autofocus during continuous shooting

    For the first shot of continuous shooting, all of the focus points are available if the Hybrid Phase Detection AF system is active, and the dedicated phase detection AF area are available if the Hybrid Phase Detection AF system is not active. Focus points available from the second shot onward are described in the table below.

    To make autofocus track during continuous shooting, set [Focus Mode] of the camera to (Continuous AF) or (Automatic AF).

    Points for using autofocus during continuous shooting:

    • If the Shooting mode is set to [A] or [M] mode, the area where AF can be utilized changes depending on the set aperture value.
    • If the Shooting mode is set to [P] or [S] mode, the camera selects the aperture value that AF can be used in all areas as much as possible.
    • Continuous Shooting: In [Hi ] mode, when the aperture squeezes more than F3.5 even if the Shooting mode is set to [P] or [S] under an extremely bright environment, lower the ISO value or use the ND filter and reduce the aperture value to 3.5 or below to perform AF in all areas using 2 AF sensors.

    Hybrid Phase Detection AF system

    When the lens is compatible

    AF from the second shot onward
    Continuous Shooting Minimum F value* – F3.5 F4 – F8 F9 or more
    Hi
    (Hybrid Cross AF Points: 61 Points)    		 AF in all AF areas*1
    Maximum AF points:399 Points    		 Only focal plane phase detection AF sensor of all AF areas is active*2
    Maximum AF points:399 Points    		 Focus is locked when the first shot is taken*3
    Hi/Mid
    (Hybrid Cross AF Points: 79 Points)    		 AF in all AF areas*4
    Maximum AF points:399 Points    		 Only the dedicated phase detection AF area is active and focal plane phase detection AF area is locked to the focus of the first shot.*5
    Maximum AF points:79 Points
    Lo
    (Hybrid Cross AF Points: 79 Points)    		 AF in all AF areas*4
    Maximum AF points:399 Points

    Minimum F value* : For lenses with a Minimum F value of F3.5 and over when set to Minimum F value, they correspond to the aperture of the above table.

    Note :
    Even if the lens is compatible with the Hybrid Phase Detection AF system, AF of the first shot is limited to the dedicated phase detection AF area as with non-compatible lenses in the following case.

    • [AF System] is set to [Ddc Phase AF Only].
    • [Selectable AF Area] is set to [Only Cross-Type AF].

    *1:
    The red frame in the diagram below is an effective AF area after the second shot. If you are measuring the range with Hybrid Cross AF Points, a rectangular green focusing frame is displayed. If you are measuring the range using only the focal plane phase detection AF sensor, a small square green focusing frame is displayed. Furthermore, when tracking focus during continuous shooting, the focus display on the bottom left area of the screen becomes .
    (Conceptual diagram)

    A：focal plane phase detection AF points
    B：Hybrid Cross AF Points

    *2:
    The red frame in the diagram below is an effective AF area after the second shot. If you are measuring the range using only the focal plane phase detection AF sensor, a square green focusing frame is displayed. Furthermore, when tracking focus during continuous shooting, the focus display on the bottom left area of the screen becomes .
    (Conceptual diagram)

    A：focal plane phase detection AF points

    *3:
    Focus after the second shot is locked to the focus of the first shot and the focus display on the bottom left area of the screen becomes .
    (Conceptual diagram)

    *4:
    The red frame in the diagram below is an effective AF area after the second shot. If you are measuring the range with Hybrid Cross AF Points, a rectangular green focusing frame is displayed. If you are measuring the range using only the focal plane phase detection AF sensor, a small square green focusing frame is displayed. Furthermore, when tracking focus during continuous shooting, the focus display on the bottom left area of the screen becomes .
    (Conceptual diagram)

    A：focal plane phase detection AF points
    B：Hybrid Cross AF Points

    *5:
    The red frame in the diagram below is an effective AF area after the second shot, and there, a square green focusing frame is displayed when measuring the range using only the dedicated phase detection AF sensor. In other areas, focus is locked when the first shot is taken with the focal plane phase detection AF sensor. Furthermore, when tracking focus during continuous shooting, the focus display on the bottom left area of the screen becomes . When [Focus Area] is set to [Flexible Spot], [Expand Flexible Spot], and [Zone], focus tracks during continuous shooting when the focus area of the first shot in continuous shooting is selected with the following red frame.
    (Conceptual diagram)

    A：Dedicated phase detection AF points

    When the lens is non-compatible*

    *The same applies when [Ddc Phase AF Only] is selected for [AF System].

    AF from the second shot onward
    Continuous Shooting Minimum F value* – F3.5 F4～
    Hi AF in the dedicated phase detection AF area*6
    Maximum AF points:61 points    		 Focus is locked when the first shot is taken in the dedicated phase detection AF area*7
    Hi/Mid/Lo AF in the dedicated phase detection AF area*6
    Maximum AF points:79 Points

    Minimum F value* : For lenses with a Minimum F value of F3.5 and over when set to Minimum F value, they correspond to the aperture of the above table.

    *6:
    The red frame in the diagram below is an effective AF area after the second shot. A square green focusing frame is displayed when measuring the range using only the dedicated phase detection AF sensor. Furthermore, when tracking focus during continuous shooting, the focus display on the bottom left area of the screen becomes .
    (Conceptual diagram)

    A：Dedicated phase detection AF points

    *7:
    Focus after the second shot is locked to the focus of the first shot and the focus display on the bottom left area of the screen becomes .
    (Conceptual diagram)

    A：Dedicated phase detection AF points