San Diego, CA—The Sony FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM (model SEL1224GM) is a new large-aperture, ultrawide zoom lens. Furthermore, the compact lens is an option for shooting landscapes, astrophotography and architecture. However, it also provides the necessary mobility for active sports shooters who want to capture ultrawide perspectives.
In Sony’s flagship G Master series, the lens provides an ultrawide 12mm angle of view and F2.8 constant aperture, able to produce bokeh effects. In addition, it makes it possible to emphasize distance and create dynamic perspectives beyond the scope of the human eye.
The signature bokeh effects of Sony’s G Master series lens are achieved through the fine tuning of spherical aberration characteristics during the design and manufacturing process.
“We are excited to introduce the new FE 12–24mm F2.8 GM as the 57th lens in Sony’s E-mount lineup,” said Neal Manowitz, deputy president, Imaging Products and Solutions Americas, Sony Electronics. “It is important for us to continue to push boundaries in the industry to develop the best tools for our customers. By extending our range of G Master constant F2.8 zoom lenses out to 12mm, we are excited to see how these new innovations will help our customers create like never before.”
Sony FE 12-24mm G Master Specs
The FE 12–24mm F2.8 GM is constructed for corner-to-corner image quality throughout the zoom range. It employs three XA (extreme aspherical) elements, including the largest XA element ever made for an α – Alpha lens. Moreover, the XA elements, with an additional aspherical element, suppress astigmatism, coma and field curvature out to the image edges.
In addition, the high surface precision of the XA elements suppresses spherical aberration; in combination with a 9-blade circular aperture, they enhance its bokeh effects.
Furthermore, three ED (extra-low dispersion) glass elements plus two super ED glass elements control chromatic aberration. They also minimize color fringing.
Also featured is an effective floating focus mechanism that divides the lens’s focus group into two independently controllable groups. As a result, it ensures close-up performance and maximum sharpness at any distance. The two independently controlled groups also realize a constant 11-inch minimum focusing distance throughout the zoom range. 
What’s more, because it is an internal focus lens, its length remains constant. Consequently, its center of gravity varies very little.
Additionally, the lens employs four original high-speed, high-thrust XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors. This makes it compatible with the speed performance of current and future camera bodies. New control algorithms also maximize the response of the system while achieving synchronization between the two focus groups. Further benefits include quiet operation with minimal vibration and lower power consumption.
The lens also uses brand-new Nano AR Coating II; it is evenly applied to large lens elements and highly curved element surfaces. Subsequently, the coating suppresses internal reflections and minimizes flare and ghosting, despite the lens’s wide angle of view.
Moviemaking Features
The lens’s constant F2.8 maximum aperture at all focal lengths means exposure is stable when zooming. As a result, shutter speed and ISO sensitivity can remain constant while shooting movies.
Sony adds that the “creative opportunities afforded by shooting movies at a 12mm angle of view with F2.8 constant aperture in full-frame are boundless.” Additionally, when used on cameras with APS-C or Super 35 sensors, the wide end of the zoom range becomes equivalent to 18mm.
Weighing 1.87 pounds, the lens also offers features for professional control of shots. These include a customizable focus-hold button; focus-mode switch; zooming ring; as well as focusing ring—all positioned for easy operation.
Linear response MF also helps ensure the focus ring responds directly to subtle adjustments when focusing manually. What’s more, the lens is dust and moisture resistant; its front lens element has a fluorine coating that repels water, oil and other contaminants. Plus, a rear filter holder accommodates standard sheet-type ND, color correction and other filters. A cutting template for sheet filters is also supplied.
Sony’s FE 12–24mm F2.8 GM reaches retail in August 2020. It will have a suggested retail price of $2,999.99.
