Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM Lens Announced

Lens News

by Jürgen MoorsFebruary 22^nd, 2023

Sony has just introduced a new member of the G Master line up, a standard 50mm autofocus lens with a fast f/1.4 aperture, built for Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras. The Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM lens is already available for pre-order at $1,298. So let’s take a closer look at this new Sony glass!

If you are already familiar with the Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM, there is a big difference in size and weight between those two lenses. The new Sony FE 50mm F1.4 GM is a more versatile glass, since it is a smaller, lighter and also more affordable lens compared to the much bulkier and heavier design of the Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM, which is a more specific lens for portraits or studio work.

Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM: lightweight and compact design

The new Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM lens only weighs 516 g/18.2oz, therefore the lightweight lens feels very well balanced on a compact Sony mirrorless body. The lens measures 7.9cm/3.1″ in length and is 9.4cm/3.7″ wide, so its weight and size make it a good choice for run-and-gun shooters who have to carry their gear with them all day long. You will hardly feel this lens in your backpack.

The 50mm lens has very similar size and weight as the 24mm and the 35mm G-Master lens, so you can easily swap the lenses when your camera is mounted on a gimbal. Like the 24mm and the 35mm, the 50mm has also a 67mm diameter for switching filters between those lenses.

Resolution and bokeh

Two aspherical elements minimize aberrations and distortions while also providing resolution and sharpness. One extra-low dispersion glass element eliminates chromatic aberration and color fringing. A Nano AR Coating reduces reflective light to decrease ghosting and flare, for increased contrast and color accuracy.

The f/1.4 maximum aperture provides a very shallow depth of field for pleasing background blur which is ideal for portraits, when you want a nice and soft bokeh. Beyond depth of field control and a pleasing bokeh, the lens’s f/1.4 aperture also allows for handheld shooting in low-light conditions.

Lens controls and functions

The new iris lock switch prevents the aperture ring from being accidentally moved. This switch can also be unlocked allowing the aperture ring to rotate seamlessly and silently. An easy-to-read aperture ring with f-stop engravings can be de-clicked on the lens, for smooth and silent aperture control shooting videos.

Two focus hold buttons are located on the lens for intuitive control and quick access to select settings. A Linear Response manual focus ring provides fine linear focus control.

Autofocus

The two XD linear motors provide quick, quiet, and fast autofocus and also a subject tracking function. To improve control for both still photography and video, this design also provides natural manual focus control when needed. Located on the lens barrel, an autofocus and manual focus switch enables the control for the focus settings. The minimum focusing distance from your subject is 41cm/16″ when using autofocus or even only 38cm/15″ when focusing manually.

Key features

• Popular 50mm focal distance
• f/1.4 maximum aperture
• G-master lens quality and resolution
• 67mm filter diameter
• Lightweight and compact with just 516g/18.2oz.
• Two XD linear motors for accurate and fast auto-focus
• Minimized focus breathing
• De-click button for smooth aperture ring control
• Iris lock button
• Two focus hold buttons
• Nice and soft bokeh
• Dust and moisture resistant design
• 14 lens elements in 11 groups
• 41cm/16″ close-up performance with auto-focus
• 38cm/15″ close-up performance with manual focus
• Nano AR coating to reduce flare and ghosting

Pricing and availability

The Sony FE 50mm F1.4 GM is already available for pre-order for $1,298 or € 1.490, but it’s expected to ship only start around mid to late March. For more information with sample images, please visit Sony’s website here.

So what do you think about the new Sony FE 50mm F1.4 G-Master? Do you think it is fairly priced? Have you used the Sony FE 50mm F1.2 before? Please let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!