The Sony 50mm f/1.4 GM is a full-frame, large-aperture prime lens that Sony says is perfect for portraits, travel, and street photography as well as video applications.
Optimized for capturing both still images and movies, this compact and lightweight lens features 14 glass elements in 11 groups, including two XA (extreme aspherical) elements and one ED (Extra-low Dispersion) element designed to reduce aberrations.
The lens elements also feature Sony’s Nano AR II coating to help minimize both internal flare and ghosting and the 11-bladed aperture helps to produce the soft background defocus that is a mainstay of wide-aperture portrait lenses.
Auto Focus allows for a minimum focusing distance of 41cm (16.1”) with a maximum magnification of 0.16x while manual Focus allows for a minimum focusing distance of 38cm (15”) with a 0.18x maximum magnification, providing extra flexibility for shooting stills and movies.
View Sony 50mm f/1.4 GM Lens Pricing and Availability at Vistek
The lens barrel features two programmable focus hold buttons in addition to a manual/autofocus toggle switch. There is also a linear response ring for focus pulling and dedicated aperture ring (with an iris-lock switch) that can be set for de-clickable silent operation when shooting video.
The lens’s extreme dynamic linear motors utilize an advanced control algorithm to offer smooth, responsive and most importantly for video, quiet focus.
When shooting video, subjects will be smoothly captured and tracked even when shooting at 120 fps or other high frame rates.
The breathing compensation function as well as Active Mode image stabilization found on compatible a Series cameras is also supported by the lens.
In terms of size and weight, the lens measures 80.6mm x 96.0mm (3.1in x 3.7in) and weights in at just 516 grams (18.2 ounces).
Finally, the lens is dust and moisture-resistant, featuring sealed seams, buttons, and switches fitted with rubber gaskets as well as a rubber ring that seals the lens mount against dust and moisture.
Image Credits: Sony