Sony has announced the FE 50mm F1.2 GM. This is actually Sony’s 60th E-mount lens and its first F1.2.
According to Sony, the FE 50mm F1.2 GM features the latest optics, including three XA (extreme aspherical) lens elements and Nano AR Coating II that is claimed to minimize internal reflections so that flare and ghosting do not occur. The lens also features a 11-blade circular aperture.
Key features
- E-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
- Minimum Focus Distance: 15.7″
- Three XA Extreme Aspherical Elements
- Four XD Linear Motors
- Internal Focusing, Floating Focus Design
- Two Focus Hold Buttons
- Clicked or Seamless Aperture Control
- Weather-Sealed Construction
- Rounded 11-Blade Diaphragm
As far as the AF is concerned, Sony claims that even when used a wide-open at F1.2, the AF is fast and precise. The AF on the lens is claimed to be quiet and responsive thanks to the use of four XD (extreme dynamic) Linear Motors. The lens also uses a floating focus mechanism, controlled by its dedicated lens drive algorithm. The minimum focus distance is 1.32 feet / 40cm. The front filter diameter is 72cm.
The lens has Linear Response MF (Manual Focus), a dedicated aperture ring with a click on/off switch, focus mode switches, and two customizable focus hold buttons. Like other G Master lenses, a focus mode switch is included on the side of the lens barrel for quick toggling between focus modes. New is the addition of a second focus hold button on the lens barrel, which can be customized to your preference. Familiar to G Master veterans is the inclusion of a de-click switch for the aperture, a useful feature when recording video.
Hopefully, the focus breathing is better than with the 35mm F1.4, because on that lens it is horrendously bad for video use.
The FE 50mm F1.2 GM also features a dust and moisture resistant design and a fluorine front element coating that protects the lens from fingerprints, dust, water, oil, and other contaminants.
The lens weighs in at 27.5 oz / 779.6g. Sony was able to maintain the same size and weight as its f/1.4 model while adding 36% more optical surface to achieve an extra ½ stop of brightness.
How does it compare to the competition?
The FE 50mm f/1.2 GM is a direct competitor to Canon’s RF 50mm f/1.2L USM and Nikon’s NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S lenses. The Sony matches the length and weight of Canon’s RF 50mm F1.2L USM. Both the Canon and Sony options are lighter and smaller than the Nikon.
Above you can see the key differences.
Pricing & Availability
The new FE 50mm F1.2 GM will be available in May and will retail for $2,000.00 USD.
How does that compare to the competition?
- Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM $2,000 USD
- Canon RF 50mm F1.2L USM $2,299 USD
- Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm F1.2 S $2,096.95 USD
