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Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM · Photo source

Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM
Photo 1 of 4

Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM · Photo source

Sony

FE 50mm F1.2 GM

Released April 2021

A full-frame E-mount standard prime with an F1.2 aperture, four XD linear autofocus motors and aperture-ring controls.

Mount
Sony E
Focal length
50 mm
Max aperture
f/1.2
Stabilisation
No
Weight
778 g

What reviewers say

Both praise sharp images, attractive background blur and quick quiet autofocus. Amateur Photographer finds it well balanced on newer bodies but front-heavy on older grips, with occasional close-focus misses. Photography Blog notes its bulk and high price. Their uncorrected distortion findings differ: Amateur Photographer reports pincushion, while Photography Blog reports barrel distortion. Both observe wide-aperture corner darkening.

From amateurphotographer.com, photographyblog.com, photographyblog.com and photographyblog.com

Optics

Lens type
Prime
Focal length
50 mm
Maximum aperture
f/1.2
Minimum aperture
f/16
Optical construction
14 elements in 10 groups
Special elements
Three XA extreme-aspherical elements
Coatings
Nano AR Coating II; fluorine coating on front element
Diaphragm
11 rounded blades
Angle of view
47° full frame; 32° APS-C

Mount and compatibility

Mounts
Sony E
Image circle
Full frame
Image circle detail
Full-frame coverage; 75 mm equivalent field of view on APS-C
Teleconverter support
Not compatible with SEL14TC or SEL20TC

Focus and stabilisation

Autofocus
Yes
Minimum focus distance
0.4 m
Maximum magnification
0.17×
Optical stabilisation
No
Autofocus detail
Four XD linear motors and a floating-focus mechanism
Focus distance detail
Minimum focus 0.4 m; Linear Response MF
Magnification detail
Maximum magnification 0.17×
Stabilisation detail
No lens stabilisation; compatible bodies provide stabilisation

Design

Dust and moisture resistant
Yes
Filter diameter
72 mm
Maximum diameter
87 mm
Length
108 mm
Weight
778 g
Controls
Aperture ring with click on/off, AF/MF switch and two customisable focus-hold buttons
Weather resistance
Dust- and moisture-resistant design; not guaranteed completely dust- or moisture-proof
Weight detail
Approximately 778 g lens; separate hood and caps excluded
Lens hood
ALC-SH163 round bayonet hood
In the box
ALC-SH163 hood, ALC-F72S front cap, ALC-R1EM rear cap, soft case and case strap
Release detail
Sony UK announced on 16 March 2021 and specified April 2021 availability. Photography Blog gives May 2021; the maker's earlier month is retained. UK launch price omitted because the actual Sony UK press page lists only a euro price

Pros and cons

Pros

  • F1.2 maximum aperture
  • Four XD linear autofocus motors
  • Aperture ring with switchable clicks

Cons

  • No optical stabilisation
  • No teleconverter support

Closest rivals

Model
MountFocal lengthMax apertureStabilisationWeightReleased
Sony E50 mmf/1.4No516 gMar 2023
Sony E50 mmf/1.4No778 gJul 2016
Sony E50 mmf/2.5No174 gApr 2021

Sources

  1. sony.jp/ichigan/products/SEL50F12GM/spec.html
  2. sony.co.uk/presscentre/sony-strengthens-its-alpha-system-with-the-introduction-…
  3. amateurphotographer.com/review/sony-fe-50mm-f1-2-gm-review
  4. photographyblog.com/reviews/sony_fe_50mm_f1_2_gm_review

Photo: sony.jp

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