Sony launches $2,599 FE 50mm F1.4 GM lens

Sony has added a new 50mm to its pro-level GM lineup, with the overnight announcement of the FE 50mm F1.4 GM lens.

The new lens has an 11-blade circular aperture, two XA (extreme aspherical) elements and one ED (extra-low dispersion) glass element that suppresses chromatic aberration. In addition, Sony’s Nano AR Coating II will help suppress reflections.

The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 0.41 meters and a maximum magnification of 0.16x. Autofocus is driven by a high-thrust XD (extreme dynamic) linear motor, and Sony says AF is as much as 1.9x faster than the Zeiss Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA lens. In addition, the lens supports the breathing compensation function offered in a number of Sony’s Alpha cameras. 

The lens also features Sony's Linear Response MF,  for direct, repeatable and subtle control when focusing manually. Additionally, the lens features an iris lock switch, the first to ever to be offered on a Sony prime lens.

A 67 mm thread mount allows for a filter to be interchangeable with the FE 24mm F1.4 G Master and FE 35mm F1.4 G Master lenses. 

Finally, the FE 50mm F1.4 GM’s front lens element features a fluorine coating that repels and allows for easy removal of fingerprints, dust, water, oil, and other contaminants, and the overall build is both dust and moisture resistant.

The FE 50mm F1.4 GM is 80.6mm in diameter, 96mm in length, and weighs 516 grams. It'll set you back $2,599, and will be available in Australia from late March 2023. You can find out more at Sony.com.au.