Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM Lens

Sony’s Impossible FE 50mm F1.2 GM 

There’s no denying that the Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM Prime Lens is going to be this year’s hot lens release. Sony GM glass has a reputation for being at the peak of the high-quality lens game. Fortunately, the FE 50mm F1.2 GM prime lens is no exception to this, as it delivers so much in such a compact body. Plus, with an f/1.2 aperture, fans of gorgeous bokeh have much to celebrate. 

Sony’s tagline for the FE 50mm F1.2 GM Prime Lens is that everyone said an f/1.2 lens of this quality could NOT be made to fit their small mount. But, never one to back down from a challenge; Sony has done just that. The new E-mount lens is well suited to enthusiasts or professionals in both photography and videography genres. Plus, if you’re a prime lens shooter, this could be the lens that never leaves you Alpha. Expected to be released early in May 2021, the Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM prime is sure to fly off the shelves. 

Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM Specifications:

• 50mm Full Frame Focal Length
• f/1.2 Maximum Aperture
• f/16 Minimum Aperture
• 14 Elements in 10 Groups
• 11 Blade Circular Aperture
• 0.4m Minimum Focus Distance
• 0.17xMaximum Magnification Ratio
• 72mm Filter Diameter
• Φ87x108 mm Dimensions
• 778 g Weight
• Fluorine Coating
• Nano AR II Coating

Sony FE 50mm F1.2 - Feature-Packed Little Lens

The Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM Prime is incredibly compact and fits in the palm of your hand. Due to its solid build quality and premium grade features, it’s a heavier prime lens at 778g. However, Sony still claims it to be the lightest and the smallest lens in its class. The hybrid metal and engineering-plastic housing deliver a dust and moisture resistant lens. There is ample sealing around all the rings, mount and buttons to face the harshest conditions. Pair it with a Sony digital mirrorless camera such as the Sony a7R IV, and you have a weather-sealed kit. 

In terms of external features, there’s plenty to touch and play with. Starting with the focus ring, it is incredibly smooth and responsive with fine linear focus control. The aperture ring is broad and clearly marked, with each f-stop also engraved into the ring. Thanks to the aperture control ring On/Off switch, you can opt for audible clicks at each ⅓ step or opt for entirely smooth and silent aperture control. The Sony FE 50mm F1.2 also sports a Focus Hold button to lock in the desired focus - this can be further customised via the camera menu. Finally, the focus control switch provides a seamless transition between Manual and Auto Focus. 

Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM - Extreme Performance 

If you think a lot is going on with the outside of the Sony 50mm F1.2 GM, wait till you see it’s internal performance. Thanks to an 11-bladed circular aperture control unit, the lens delivers exquisite bokeh with smooth and soft fall off. To further enhance this, Sony has done considerable work on eliminating spherical aberration. Plus, they’ve managed to squeeze in 14 ED glass lens elements in 10 groups, with three being XA (Extreme Aspherical) elements. These boast 0.01-micron surface precision for precision performance and quality. Combined with the AR Nano coating, the lens delivers outstanding resolution and contrast performance. 

All of that glass needs to move in response to Sony’s industry-leading focus performance. Fortunately, the Sony 50mm F1.2 GM incorporates four Sony XD (Extreme Dynamic) Liner Motors to adequately deliver fast, accurate and silent autofocus regardless of shooting video or still photography. Sony has constructed the 50mm with a 40cm minimal focus distance for beautiful close-up work.

Sony’s Unparalleled Focusing Performance 

The Sony 50mm F1.2 GM prime lens delivers autofocus performance to perfectly match their best Alpha series cameras' abilities. Driven by the four XD (Extreme Dynamic) Linear Motors, it achieves accurate focus in all lighting conditions, even wide open at f/1.2. While the motors do the grunt work, the built-in algorithms deliver hyper-responsive control response without any hint of vibration - critical for video recording. When shooting video, the Linear Response MF function allows responsiveness to even the most subtle of focus changes. If you’re capitalising on Sony’s eye and face tracking, the 50mm F1.2 GM will never miss a moment. 

Unparalleled Image Quality

So what do you get when you cross the fastest autofocus performance in the industry, extreme precision quality glass and Sony’s faultless build and feature qualities? The answer is straightforward. The Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM delivers unparalleled image quality with edge-to-edge sharpness and stunning resolution. Plus, with the f/1.2 wide aperture, low light performance and subject separation are guaranteed. And for those that love to achieve dreamy bokeh in portrait shots, the FE 50mm F1.2 is sure to delight. 

Final Thoughts on the Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM Lens