San Diego, CA—Sony Electronics added to its G Master full-frame lens series with the Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM (model SEL50F12GM). The lens delivers “excellent resolution and dramatic bokeh known to Sony’s G Master line,” the company announced.
In addition, it offers professional control in a compact and lightweight body. Moreover, the lens’s maximum f/1.2 aperture combines an impressive shallow depth of field for maximum creative expression with light-gathering capabilities. As a result, photographers can shoot at faster shutter speeds and lower ISO in low light. Consequently, the new 50mm lens is a tool for portraiture, wedding photography as well as video.
“We’re excited to introduce our 60th E-mount lens—the FE 50mm f/1.2 GM—which delivers a new level of expression and usability for still images and video as an f/1.2 lens,” said Neal Manowitz, who assumes the roles of president and chief operating officer for Sony Electronics Inc. North America on April 1.
“We’re always listening to our customer to deliver the best imaging technology. The FE 50mm f/1.2 GM, our first f/1.2 lens for the α brand, was designed without compromise to meet the changing needs of today’s content creators.”
Sony FE 50mm F1.2 G Master Features
The FE 50mm f/1.2 GM features the latest optics; this includes three XA (extreme aspherical) lens elements that contribute to high resolution across the image. Moreover, the resolution is maintained even when the lens is fully opened at f/1.2. The new lens also ensures clear images in backlit scenes thanks to Sony’s Nano AR Coating II; it minimizes internal reflections so flare and ghosting do not occur.
What’s more the 50mm lens creates “G Master bokeh” at the maximum f/1.2 aperture to provide dimensionality to every image. Using a newly developed 11-blade circular aperture unit and optical design with minimal spherical aberration, it achieves smooth, deep bokeh in the foreground as well as background.
In addition, the lens keeps subjects in sharp focus even at an extremely shallow depth of field with fast, precise, quiet AF and tracking. That’s thanks to its four XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors that provide high thrust efficiency. Moreover, when precise focusing is required, especially when shooting 4K video with human eye tracking, users are able to focus on composition because of the lens’s response with minimum delay and low vibration. Also, a floating focus mechanism, controlled by a dedicated lens drive algorithm, achieves high resolution over the entire focus range, with a minimum focus distance of 1.32 feet.
For the Pros
Additionally, for professional content creators, the FE 50mm f/1.2 GM features convenient controls and functions. For example, it has a linear response MF (manual focus) aperture ring with a click on/off switch; a focus mode switch; and two customizable focus hold buttons. 
The lens also features a dust and moisture resistance. Plus, a fluorine front element coating protects the lens from fingerprints, dust, water, oil and other contaminants.
Developed using Sony’s latest simulation technologies and optical design, the portable lens measures 3½x4⅜ inches and weighs 27.5 ounces.
The Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM will reach retail in May. It will have a suggested retail price of approximately $2,000.
