The Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 G Master

The oft misinformed opinion that the smaller diameter (as compared to Canon or Nikon) of Sony’s E mount for mirrorless cameras, especially for full frame sensors, would limit the maximum aperture possible with lenses, has now been quite easily debunked with the release of the Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 G Master. With the existing, rather excellent Sony Planar T* FE 50mm f/1.4 ZA already available, one might assume that the new 50mm GM was developed and released by Sony more to prove a point. But using the lens tells a whole different story.

SONY FE 50 MM f/1.2 G Master

Features:-

sony lens 50mm

Essentially, this is a 50mm prime lens with a ‘normal’ field of view, same as normal human vision. The most striking, immediately apparent feature is its maximum aperture of f/1.2, which is a little more than half a stop larger than f/1.4.

This is a significant difference in some shooting situations. The 50mm GM uses 14 elements in 10 groups, including three XA, or extreme spherical lens elements to control distortion and aberrations. Sony’s Nano AR Coating II eliminates flare and ghosting. A fluorine coating on the front lens element repels oils and water.

Aperture is enabled by 11-blade circular diaphragm that promises smoother, more circular bokeh. Generally, large aperture lenses use larger glass elements, which also means the AF motors need to move all that glass. The 50mm GM uses four XD (Extreme Dynamic) linear motors for higher thrust to enable fast, quiet, accurate AF. The close focus distance of 0.4m or about 15.7 inches, delivers a maximum magnification of 0.17x.

The lens features a physical aperture ring with an ‘A’ position. Significantly, the ring can be declicked with a switch, for smooth rotation, primarily benefiting video users.

A second switch toggles between AF and MF, quite useful to have with a lens of this nature.

Focus is internal. The front lens element does not rotate or move, ensuring a consistent overall lens length during operation. There are two focus hold buttons positioned for easy access in the vertical or horizontal orientation. They can be customised to a variety of settings via the camera menu.

The lens is robustly weathersealed with a gasket at the mount, and seals at the rings and buttons. It features a 72mm filter thread.