Sony has announced its FE 50mm F1.2 GM (G Master) lens. The lens gives photographers an extra 1/2-stop of light in a body the same size and weight as the Planar T* 50mm F1.4 ZA that has been on the market for several years.

The optical construction comprises 14 elements in 10 groups, and includes three ‘extreme aspherical’ (XA) elements that minimize aberrations while allowing for high resolving power across the frame wide open. The ‘Nano AR II’ coating helps to reduce flare and ghosting. Two floating focus groups allow for close focusing distances, and are driven by four ‘extreme dynamic’ linear motors that make the 50mm F1.2 GM the fastest-to-focus lens of its type, based on our initial impressions. The lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.4m (15.8″) and a maximum magnification of 0.17x.

The XA elements have enhanced surface precision (0.01 µm) to suppress onion ring bokeh, and according to Sony, spherical aberration has been carefully controlled at the design and manufacturing stage to ensure ‘smooth, natural bokeh’ both in the foreground and background. An 11-blade aperture ensures circular out-of-focus highlights even as you stop down.

As you’d expect from a G Master lens, the 50mm F1.2 has a solid build and weather-sealing, including a fluorine coating on the front element to repel dust, water and fingerprints. There’s a manual aperture ring that can be ‘clicked’ or ‘de-clicked’, as well as two focus hold buttons whose functions can be customized. The manual focus ring is smooth and well damped, and the linear focus response will be appreciated by video shooters.

The Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM will be available in mid-to-late May for $1999.

Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM specifications

Principal specifications
Lens type Prime lens
Max Format size 35mm FF
Focal length 50 mm
Image stabilization No
Lens mount Sony FE
Aperture
Maximum aperture F1.4
Minimum aperture F16
Aperture ring Yes
Number of diaphragm blades 11
Optics
Elements 14
Groups 10
Special elements / coatings 3 ‘extreme aspherical’ elements, Nano AR II coating
Focus
Minimum focus 0.40 m (15.75)
Maximum magnification 0.17×
Autofocus Yes
Motor type Linear Motor
Full time manual Yes
Focus method Internal
Distance scale No
DoF scale No
Physical
Weight 778 g (1.72 lb)
Diameter 87 mm (3.43)
Length 108 mm (4.25)
Materials Magnesium alloy
Sealing Yes
Colour Black
Filter thread 72 mm
Hood supplied Yes