Sony 50mm f/1.2 GM Lens Assessment

The 50mm lens is such a traditional lens in pictures and I’m so excited that Sony has launched the quickest model but for E-mount.

As knowledgeable photographer for over a decade, I’ve used loads of 50mm lenses, however I’ve to say, I’m impressed with the Sony 50mm f/1.2 GM lens.

This lens is phenomenal for individuals who need stunning bokeh or excessive low-light efficiency.

For those who shoot occasions, portraits or weddings, this lens is certainly value contemplating. 

Scroll down for extra ideas on the Sony 50mm f 1.2 gm lens evaluate and why it is likely to be probably the most fascinating lens Sony has ever made.

Sony 50mm f/1.2 GM Specs

• Stabilized: No
• Weight: 778 g (1.7 lb)
• Dimension (Diameter x Size): 3.4 x 4.3″ / 87 x 108 mm
• Filter Diameter: 72mm
• Minimal Focus Distance: 0.4m (1.3 ft)

Construct & Ergonomics

Once you decide up the Sony 50mm f/1.2 GM lens, the very first thing you’ll discover is the sturdy construct. It feels substantial in your palms.

The rubberized focus ring and aperture ring provide you with a pleasant grip on the lens. Some may name this lens heavy at 778 grams, however what do you anticipate from a lens with a most aperture of f/1.2?

The very fact is, a wide-aperture lens goes to be heavy. You’re not choosing up the Sony 50mm f/1.2 GM due to its svelte construct. You’re selecting it since you need an aperture vary that permits as a lot gentle as potential.

Sony GM prime lenses often max out at f/1.4, however the Sony 50mm f/1.2 GM permits an additional 1/3 cease of sunshine. That interprets to just a little larger shutter velocity within the darkest environments.

As you may anticipate on G Grasp lenses, the Sony 50mm f/1.2 GM has a handbook focus ring, a devoted aperture ring, an aperture de-clicking change, two focus maintain buttons, and an auto/handbook change focus.

Though which will sound like loads of controls, this Sony lens could be very simple and comfy to make use of.

I not often use handbook aperture controls, though it’s good to have whenever you need to have tactile management. Solely video-focused creators will make the most of the aperture de-clicking change. 

Whereas testing this lens, I appreciated the climate sealing. I used to be out within the snow, and even whereas my digicam was getting moist, I knew the climate sealing would hold my digicam dry on the within.

The one function I like to make use of is the main focus maintain button. I wish to customise my digicam to have this change set to Sony’s eye autofocus. This lets you lock onto a topic’s eye and get sharp pictures.

That is particularly helpful for an f/1.2 lens as a result of it has such a slim depth of subject.

There was a time when folks questioned if Sony may create an f/1.2 lens that may match the Canon and Nikon equivalents. This lens proves that it may be performed!

Apart from the lens itself, you’ll additionally get a high-quality lens hood and a storage bag within the field. Though I not often use them, having a storage bag include this lens is a pleasant contact for a GM lens.

Focus Efficiency

Sony A7IV + Sony 50mm f/1.2 | 1/2500 f/1.2 ISO 100

In the case of focus efficiency, this lens is phenomenal. It locks focus within the darkest environments and tracks properly even with such a shallow depth of subject. Sony prime lenses are identified for having wonderful autofocus.

As with a number of the current Sony lenses, the Sony 50mm f/1.2 GM has 4 linear xd focus motors, which give it excellent efficiency even in contact conditions. 

In order for you a lens for pulling focus, this lens can do it. At f/1.2, you’ll have the shallowest depth of subject, and a handbook focus-pull video can look very nice. The focal size is lengthy sufficient to get out-of-focus backgrounds even with topics at average distances.

One other concern for videographers is focus respiratory (when the lens modifications focal size barely when focusing). Due to Sony’s new focus respiratory compensation on their digicam our bodies, this received’t be a difficulty.

If manually targeted photographs are difficult, one other different is direct handbook focus. This digicam menu setting lets you lock in your focus with autofocus after which bounce again to handbook focusing.

On the closest focusing distance of 0.4m (1.3 ft), you’ll get an unimaginable background blur.

In fact, longer focal lengths would give extra bokeh, however that’s what is especially nice concerning the Sony 50mm f/1.2 is that it nonetheless has a medium focal size that’s versatile and helpful.

Few lenses are going to carry out in addition to the Sony 50mm f/1.2 GM. You possibly can rely on this g grasp lens sequence to focus shortly whether or not you’re stopped down or utilizing a really giant aperture vary. 

Picture High quality

Sony A7IV + Sony 50mm f/1.2 | 1/1600 f/2 ISO 100

The picture high quality is the primary cause why you’ll have an interest within the Sony 50mm f/1.2 GM. At f/1.2 that is the quickest lens within the Sony lineup.

You’ll get optical efficiency that exceeds that of different large aperture lenses due to the additional 1/3 cease of sunshine. Moreover, this lens may have a really shallow depth of subject which supplies it the bokeh folks love.

Different lenses at this focal size simply can’t compete with the f/1.2 aperture. A full body lens at f/1.2 goes to actually emphasize out-of-focus areas. 

There are crop sensor lenses with an f/1.2 minimal aperture designation, however they received’t present practically as a lot easy bokeh on the similar focal size. 

For my part, this lens provides higher bokeh at f/1.2 than my Sony 85mm f/1.8 does large open. The longer the focal size, the extra out of focus the backdrop can be.

For those who actually need the most effective bokeh, I’d take a look at the Sony 135mm f/1.8 GM lens, however the Sony 50mm f/1.2 GM is a detailed second.

Whereas bokeh is enjoyable, the actual fantastic thing about this lens is its sharpness. Even on the excessive corners, this lens will provide you with very sharp pictures. 

As a brand new lens, the FE 50mm f1.2 GM is pushing the boundaries of the utmost aperture whereas retaining sharpness. Mirrorless cameras are actually exceeding what is accessible to DSLR cameras with the event of recent lenses. 

The sharpness of the Sony 50mm f/1.2 GM lens will enhance as you cease all the way down to f/2.8, however the beneficial properties are minimal after that. I actually wouldn’t hesitate to shoot large open at f/1.2 as a result of the sharpness remains to be top-notch.

By way of colour and distinction, this lens outperforms any others I’ve used. These qualities are typically a bit extra subjective than qualities that may be examined, however I actually respect the look of the pictures from this digicam.

By way of chromatic aberration, this lens is well-controlled. The lens parts are designed to cut back pincushion distortion and spherical aberration making this a top-quality lens. 

Shade fringing can also be not a difficulty, as you’d anticipate with a brand new GM lens. There are nearly no points with this lens which is why it holds the GM designation.

Nano ar coating ii additionally provides the entrance aspect the power to reduce lens flare so that you don’t get any distracting parts in your backlit pictures.

General, the picture high quality of this lens is spectacular, and I like how properly it performs. Merely unimaginable picture high quality! 

Sony 50mm f/1.2 GM Pattern Photographs

Listed below are some pattern pictures taken with the Sony 50mm f/1.2 GM and the Sony A7IV.

Options

The complete-frame Sony e-mount is changing into a crowded house for 50mm lenses. Whereas the Sony 50mm f/1.2 GM is the reigning champion in terms of high quality and aperture vary, it does come at a value.

For those who don’t need to spend round $1900 on the Sony 50mm f/1.2 GM, you may take a look at the Sony 50mm f/1.4 GM. This lens is just one/3 cease slower and presents most of the similar spectacular qualities.

Alternatively, the Sony 55mm f/1.8 is cheaper and has nice efficiency. This lens can also be tremendous compact/light-weight, one thing the f/1.2 model isn’t.

Though some folks want to stick with the native Sony model, you may think about the Sigma 50mm f/1.4. This just lately launched lens has nice efficiency for round $850. 

Lastly, I might keep away from the Sony 50mm f/1.8 lens. Regardless of being solely $250, this lens is an underperformer, and I consider you can be dissatisfied with the picture high quality, focus efficiency, and general really feel of this lens.

Worth for Cash

For round $1900, the Sony 50mm f/1.2 GM is a dear lens. In order for you the highest quality and aperture vary, that is the lens for you. If value is a priority, you may think about one of many alternate options above.

For me, this lens is a superb addition to my package. Positive, $1900 is quite a bit to spend on a 50mm lens, however if you’re capturing in tremendous darkish situations, the additional gentle will make getting sharp pictures accessible.

Once I can’t add gentle with off-camera strobes, having a brilliant large aperture is important. I additionally love the look of the pictures with this lens.

For those who’re simply beginning out, this isn’t the lens for you. Once you’re working professionally and want fine quality, this lens is superior!

FAQ’s

Is the Sony 50mm f/1.2 GM value it? 

Briefly, sure. This lens has distinctive high quality should you can afford it!

When was the Sony 50mm f/1.2 GM launched?

This lens was introduced in March 2021.

What does the GM on Sony lenses imply?

GM stands for G-master, Sony’s highest designation of high quality of their lens lineup.

How a lot does the Sony 50mm f/1.2 GM weigh?

This lens weighs 778g (1.5lbs)

Sony 50mm f/1.2 GM Assessment | Conclusion

To summarize, this record-setting lens could be very enjoyable to shoot with. Having an aperture setting all the way in which to f/1.2 is enjoyable when it comes to bokeh and really helpful for darkish capturing environments.

This lens is heavier and costlier than the typical lens in my package, however it serves a goal and has earned its place amongst full-frame large-aperture lenses in my bag.

To the minimalist light-weight photographer, this isn’t the lens for you. There are such a lot of good selections on this focal vary that you must most likely search for one thing cheaper, extra compact, and higher suited to your type.

For those who’re capturing on high-end full-frame Sony e-mount cameras just like the Sony A1, get top-quality GM lenses just like the Sony 50mm f/1.2 GM. You received’t remorse it!