San Diego, CA—Sony expanded its E-mount lens lineup with the Sony FE 14mm F1.8 G Master (model SEL14F18GM). The compact, large-aperture, ultrawide angle lens allows users to capture images with new perspectives.
Sony engineered the prime lens to deliver sharp resolution from corner to corner with little to no distortion; this is especially relevant when shooting landscapes, architecture, starry skies and interiors.
“Sony continuously strives to meet the needs of our customers with the most advanced tools possible. We’re excited to share the newest member of our G Master series, the FE 14mm F1.8 G Master,” said Yang Cheng, vice president, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc.
“This lens sets a new standard for 14mm primes; it delivers extraordinary corner-to-corner resolution and advanced autofocus capabilities in a compact design that has never before been realized in this focal length.”
Sony FE 14mm F1.8 G Master
The compact FE 14mm F1.8 G lens measures 3⅜x4 inches and weighs 16.3 ounces. Moreover, two XA (extreme aspherical) elements and one aspherical lens element maintain resolution throughout the image area.
They also contribute to its compact, lightweight form factor. In addition, two ED (extra-low dispersion) glass elements and one super ED glass element suppress chromatic aberration to deliver contrast and precise rendering at all apertures.
Sony also announced that the new prime lens is suitable for all types of low-light situations, for both still and movie shooting, thanks to its maximum F1.8 aperture. And with a 9.8-inch minimum focus distance, the FE 14mm F1.8 G Master offers expanded possibilities for close-up still and video shooting.
What’s more, photographers can render point light sources with the lens, like stars for astrophotography, without using extremely slow shutter speeds.
A common problem when using wide-angle lenses is light entering at extreme angles that could reflect internally. However, this lens uses Sony Nano AR Coating II technology to subdue flare and ghosting.
Another feature is the lens’s ability to produce pleasing bokeh at F1.8, even with the ultrawide 14mm focal length. In addition, its XA elements, a 9-blade circular aperture mechanism and controlled aberration contribute to the lens’s capability to achieve background bokeh without the undesirable “onion-ring” effect.
Pro Features
Furthermore, the lens utilizes two XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors to accurately acquire focus and maintain it even when shooting with narrow depth of field at F1.8. Moreover, the FE 14mm F1.8 G Master enables quiet AF with minimal vibration for smooth focus transitions, make it a solution for video content creation. 
The new lens also features several advanced control options for pros. They include a focus hold button; a focus mode switch; and also a focus ring to ensure smooth, operation in various environments.
For customization, photographers may assign a number of functions to the focus hold button from the camera body interface. The lens also features linear response MF for direct manual focusing. In addition, an aperture ring permits intuitive aperture control; it also has click stops that photographers can switch “on” for still photography or “off” for quiet iris transition when capturing video.
Other features are a rear filter holder that accepts standard sheet-type filters for ND, color correction and soft filter; a dust- and moisture-resistant body; a fluorine coating on the front lens element to repel water, oil and other contaminants; and a fluorine coating on the rear element to keep that surface clean when changing the rear filter. It also has a built-in petal hood to block extraneous light that can cause flare and ghosting.
The Sony FE 14mm F1.8 G Master will reach retail in May. It will have a suggested retail price of $1,600.
