Sony announces FE 50mm F1.2 GM lens

Sony has announced its 13th G Master lens, and 60th E-Mount lens, the FE 50mm f/1.2 GM prime.

A popular focal length in portraiture, the 50mm f/1.2 GM weighs just 778g, and is actually the same weight and length (108mm) as Sony's existing Planar T* 50mm f/1.4 ZA lens, despite being half a stop faster. 

Inside, there's an 11-blade circular aperture designed for smooth bokeh, while the optical construction is said to be optimised to reduce spherical aberration.

The lens also features three XA (extreme aspherical) lens elements, that 'contribute to high resolution across the entire image' and is maintained even when fully opened at F1.2. The new lens also ensures clear images in backlit scenes thanks to Sony’s Nano AR Coating II, that minimises internal reflections to reduce flare and ghosting.

Four XD (extreme dynamic) Linear Motors enable fast focusing and tracking for stills or 4K video with human Eye AF. In addition, the lens’ floating focus mechanism, which is controlled by a dedicated lens drive algorithm, will help achieve high resolution over the entire focus range.

The lens has a closest focusing distance of 40cm.

The FE 50mm F1.2 GM has a Linear Response MF (Manual Focus), aperture ring with a click on/off switch, focus mode switch, and two customizable focus hold buttons. It 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.

Pricing & Availability

The new FE 50mm F1.2 GM will be available in Australia from May 2021 for a pretty healthy SRP of $3,399. You can find out more about the new lens at Sony.