Earlier this evening, Sony launched the FE 50mm F1.4 GM lens, a second GM lens with a focal length of 50 mm after the FE 50mm F1.2 GM that was launched about two years ago. The new model is smaller, lighter and of course also cheaper.
Sony FE 50mm F1.4 GM
Sony has quite a few 50mm lenses with different apertures in different sizes and prices. Why then launch another lens? For Sony, it was important to allow those looking for a fast 50mm lens a modern option with all the company’s advanced technologies and features at a more accessible price, and the FE 50mm F1.4 GM is the result.
So what does the FE 50mm F1.4 GM bring to the table? Let’s start with the fact that this is a very compact lens compared to f/1.4 lenses with a weight of only 516 grams (however, the new Samyang 50mm F/1.4 is lighter), a difference of more than 200 grams compared to its faster sister. It is also slightly shorter and has a smaller front filter – 67 mm.
Both have 11 aperture blades and fast and quiet XD-type focus motors, although the FE 50mm F1.2 GM model has four such motors and the new lens has two (the reasons for this are probably the weight of the optical elements in the faster model that require more power).
Official Sony video about the FE 50mm F1.4 GM
The optical design is also obviously different between the two lenses – the FE 50mm F1.2 GM model and the new model have 14 elements, but the new model has 11 groups (compared to 10) and it includes 3 XA type elements and one ED element (the FE 50mm F1.2 model GM includes three elements of type XA). The coatings are similar between the two lenses – Nano AR Coating II and Fluorine.
There is a lot of similarity in the features of the two lenses and in the control with 2 programmable buttons, an aperture ring (including a locking option) and the option to change the aperture with or without clicks as well as an AF/MF switch.
The lens is water/dust resistant and according to Sony an effort was made to reduce its breathing (change of frame when changing the focus) and in any case it supports breathing compensation with the new Sony cameras.
The new Sony FE 50mm F1.4 GM
FE 50mm F1.4 GM – key data
Below are the main data regarding the new lens:
- general: 50mm f/1.4 lens with FF cover.
- optical structure: 14 elements in 11 groups including two elements of type XA and one of type ED.
- Focus system: Two silent linear XD motors.
- Aperture blades: 11.
- Minimum focus distance: 41 cm (macro magnification ratio 1:6.2).
- filter: 67 mm.
- Weight: 516 grams.
- properties/structure: 2 programmable buttons, aperture ring (with A mode), smooth or clickable aperture ring mode selector, AF/MF mode selector.
FE 50mm F1.4 GM – availability and prices
Abroad, the lens will start to be sold around April 2023 for about 1300 dollars.
We will update availability and prices in Israel when we receive official information from the importer.
FE 50mm F1.4 GM – reviews and critiques from around the web
As usual, Sony handed out several lenses for testing and reviewers from around the web have already had time to test them. We have put together some reviews for you – enjoy:
DPR’s Chris Nichols with the new Sony and Sigma 50mm
Gerald Enden comparing the new Sony to the new Sigma
Tony and Chelsea Northrup with the new Sony 50mm in front of several parallel lenses
Photographer Manny Ortiz with the new Sony 50mm
Ido Gnot Ido Gnot is the editor and founder of the Megapixel photography website. He has been covering technology news since the late 1990s and has written and edited for a number of leading international magazines. He has been involved in the field of photography since 2009. Ido is also a co-founder of the production company Shooteat.co.il which is engaged in creating visual content for commercial companies.