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Sony Announces FE 50mm f1.4 GM Lens
21 February 2023
Sony has announced the FE 50mm f1.4 GM lens as a lighter, more compact replacement for its Planar T* FE 50mm f1.4 ZA and FE 50mm f1.2 GM.
Autofocusing speed shows a 1.9x boost over the older Planar lens, enabled by a pair of XD linear motors. Focusing pairs seamlessly with Sony's subject and Eye-AF modes and follows a moving model when used with an a7R IV and FX3.
The lens can also manage bursts up to 30 fps, as well as high-frame-rate video recording. Videographers will note the new lens does a better job managing focus breathing than its predecessor, the company added.
HIGHLIGHTS
Highlights of the new 50mm include:
- Full-frame
- f1.4 to f22
- Rounded 11-blade diaphragm
- G-Master design with advanced optics
- Two XD linear af motors, internal focus
- Focus hold buttons, iris lock switch
- Physical aperture ring, de-click switch
- Nano AR II and fluorine coatings
- Dust and moisture-resistant construction
SPECIFICATIONS
Specifications for the new prime lens include:
SONY FE 50mm f1.4 GM LENS SPECIFICATIONS Mount Sony E Focal Length 50mm Aperture f1.4 to f22
11 rounded diaphragm bladesMinimum Focus 16.1 inches Magnification 0.16x Optical Design 14 elements in 11 groups Autofocus Yes Image Stabilization No Filter Thread 67mm Dimensions 3.2 x 3.8 inches Weight 18.2 oz. PRICE, AVAILABILITY
Sony said it expects to ship the 50mm in late April or early May for the $1,298 lens but Adorama and B&H have started notification lists.
Sony Announces FE 50mm f1.4 GM Lens
The Sony FE 50mm f1.4 GM lens brings G Master highest quality optics to a beloved all-purpose prime.
NEW YORK -- Sony has announced the FE 50mm f1.4 GM lens. Delivering Sony's highest level of optical performance from a surprisingly compact build, this fast prime excels at still and video capture. From fashion to food, weddings to picnics, the new lens is sure to become a centerpiece in Sony's G Master lineup and a favorite among amateurs and professionals alike.
Sony has upgraded its all-purpose prime for a new generation of hybrid creators with the FE 50mm f1.4 GM lens. Delivering Sony's highest level of optical performance from a surprisingly compact build, this fast prime excels at still and video capture. From fashion to food, weddings to picnics, the new lens is sure to become a centerpiece in Sony's G Master lineup and a favorite among amateurs and professionals alike.
The Sony FE 50mm f1.4 GM effectively replaces the Planar T* FE 50mm f1.4 ZA and serves as a significantly lighter, more compact alternative to its predecessor and Sony's more recent FE 50mm f1.2 GM. At 18.2 ounces, it is also five ounces lighter than the recently announced Sigma 50mm f1.4 DG DN Art lens for Sony E-mount. Its size and weight are truly surprising to anyone accustomed to the typical heft of fast prime lenses. This makes it easier to use handheld, to mount on a gimbal or carry around all day.
Autofocusing boasts a 1.9x speed boost over the older lens, enabled by a pair of XD linear motors. Focusing is fast and reliable whether shooting with the aperture opened up or closed down. It pairs seamlessly with Sony's advanced subject and Eye-AF modes. It easily kept up with a moving model when used with an a7R IV and FX3. Speaking of dynamic subjects, it can also manage bursts up to 30 fps, as well as high-frame-rate video recording. Videographers will appreciate that the new lens does a better job of managing focus breathing than its predecessor.
Key Features
- Full-Frame
- f1.4 to f22
- G-Master Design with Advanced Optics
- Two XD Linear AF Motors, Internal Focus
- Focus Hold Buttons & Iris Lock Switch
- Physical Aperture Ring & De-Click Switch
- Rounded 11-Blade Diaphragm
- Nano AR II & Fluorine Coatings
- Dust and Moisture-Resistant Construction
For close-ups, you can frame from up to 15 inches from subjects when manual focusing and 16 inches when using AF. As one would expect from a G Master lens, the new 50mm f1.4 leans on an impressive optical design (14 elements, 11 groups). This includes extra-low dispersion and two extreme aspherical elements, promising sharp, accurate imaging. A Nano AR coating minimizes ghosting and flare.
As you open the aperture, focus melts away naturally, producing compositions with organic subject-environment separation. While admittedly not as fast as the 50mm f1.2 GM, its smaller overall build makes it equally, if not more, suited for handheld usage when working in low-light environments or at slower shutter speeds. Indoors, using only window light, it provided usable handheld images all the way down to 1/8-second. I wouldn't recommend it, but it's possible in an emergency.
Typical of the G Master series, the lens barrel incorporates a variety of tactile controls, including two customizable focus hold buttons, a de-clickable aperture ring with iris lock switch and an AF/MF switch. The entire construction is dust and moisture resistant and a fluorine coating protects against water and oil. The lens accepts a 67mm front filter, making it swappable with other G Master lenses, including the Sony 24mm f1.4 GM and 35mm f1.4 GM.