Sony FE 14mm F1.8 GM Lens Announced

[Tim Mayo]

Sony has announced another lens and this time it’s the FE 14mm F1.8 GM lens.

The lens will cost $1600 in the US, £1400 in the UK and €1600 in Europe. It should start shipping in May.

Further details in the blog post here:

Sony Announces FE 14mm F1.8 GM Ultra-wide Lens - Alpha Shooters

Sony has introduced yet another lens to their E-mount line-up and this time its the ultra-wide FE 14mm F1.8 GM lens (SEL14F18GM). The Sony FE 14mm F1.8 GM has 14 elements in 11 groups, including one aspherical and two ‘extreme’ aspherical elements, as well as ED (extra-low dispersion) and...

www.alphashooters.com

Does this appeal to you?

 

[Jeff A]

Grrrrrrr. I DON'T need another lens. Really!

 

[avalon27]

In case anyone hasn't seen these - https://www.albertdros.com/post/sony-14mm-f-1-8-in-the-field

I might finally let go of my 12-24 f4 which I have had since launch and I use mostly for Historic Buildings/Cathedrals etc for this lens, I think for me the fast aperture will make it a little more versatile too. I have pre-ordered anyway - something I very rarely do. we will see.

 

[Amor Lucis]

I already have it on pre-order! I've been waiting for Sony to put out their much rumoured top-notch ultrawide, and this looks like it. Early indications are that it is a match for the jaw-dropping (in price and quality) 12-24mm GM - and may even better it at the edges. To be honest, I was really hoping for a 15mm or 16mm with a filter thread, as I was trying to avoid the extra baggage of a dedicated filter holder (when one becomes available), but the optics on this lens seem so dazzling that it may finally be worth it to take on that burden.

 

[avalon27]

I think it comes with a template for rear filters Martin for cutting out ones own - this might bode well for future developments in that area from Sony or others ?

 

[Amor Lucis]

I think it comes with a template for rear filters Martin for cutting out ones own - this might bode well for future developments in that area from Sony or others ?

Yeah. I've tried using rear filters and didn't like the experience, though I would try the more robust looking Haida rear filters - they have them for the 12-24GM and it looks to be the same shape. I've also tried Kase filters that fit into the camera just in front of the sensor - no joy there, either, as I always introduce dust onto the sensor every time I try to fit it. The main issue is that I use circular polarizers rather a lot, and sometimes an ND grad, and you need a front filter for that.

 

[Nancy Grinberg]

Wowwwwww, Nice! GM always the best!

 

[avalon27]

Yeah. I've tried using rear filters and didn't like the experience, though I would try the more robust looking Haida rear filters - they have them for the 12-24GM and it looks to be the same shape. I've also tried Kase filters that fit into the camera just in front of the sensor - no joy there, either, as I always introduce dust onto the sensor every time I try to fit it. The main issue is that I use circular polarizers rather a lot, and sometimes an ND grad, and you need a front filter for that.

Hmm - never tried them - yet!. I use my 12-24 mostly for internal shots - some outside but usually a specific building so have not had a great need for CPL or ND - whereas I might use them on a longer lens in a more landscape situation. Now if I use the 14 more broadly then I may well come up against the same issue as you - looking forward to getting it though!!

 

[pointreyes]

As of today I have traded in my 12-24 G and Tamron 17-28 for the 14 GM. I no longer need those lenses and I think the 14 paired up with the 16-35 will be better for me. There have been times in the past were a fast 14 would have been really helpful. Now it is the waiting game for me - which will come first the Alpha 1 or the 14 GM.

 

[Jeff A]

I have no Alpha 1 coming but I am looking forward to the 27th as the 14mm G Master orders begin shipping.

 

[Amor Lucis]

As of today I have traded in my 12-24 G and Tamron 17-28 for the 14 GM. I no longer need those lenses and I think the 14 paired up with the 16-35 will be better for me. There have been times in the past were a fast 14 would have been really helpful. Now it is the waiting game for me - which will come first the Alpha 1 or the 14 GM.

Since I'm getting the 14mm GM I'm now toying with getting either the 20mm G or the 24mm GM and deploying a couple of primes to cover (with cropping readily afforded by the a7r4) the ultra wide range. I'm wondering whether the sharpness of those primes will compensate for the loss of the convenience of a my Tamron 17-28 zoom.

 

[Amor Lucis]

I have no Alpha 1 coming but I am looking forward to the 27th as the 14mm G Master orders begin shipping.

Really? Cool! I might even have it in time I head out for my summer escapades (Iceland, UK, Canadian Rockies).

 

[Jeff A]

Since I'm getting the 14mm GM I'm now toying with getting either the 20mm G or the 24mm GM and deploying a couple of primes to cover (with cropping readily afforded by the a7r4) the ultra wide range. I'm wondering whether the sharpness of those primes will compensate for the loss of the convenience of a my Tamron 17-28 zoom.

Interesting. I'm waiting for the 14mm GM and I have the 20mm G. A friend of mine suggests that once I get the 14mm, I won't use the 20mm. What say you?

 

[pointreyes]

Since I'm getting the 14mm GM I'm now toying with getting either the 20mm G or the 24mm GM and deploying a couple of primes to cover (with cropping readily afforded by the a7r4) the ultra wide range. I'm wondering whether the sharpness of those primes will compensate for the loss of the convenience of a my Tamron 17-28 zoom.

All three of the lens are considered the sharpest lenses on Marc's chart. https://sonyalpha.blog/2019/11/10/which-lenses-to-maximise-the-potential-of-the-sony-a7riv/
The Tamron 17-28 can supposedly only resolve to the power of the A7Riii but not the A7Riv. An interesting option to see is that the Tamron 24 is at the same level of sharpness as the 20 G and 24 GM. The Tamron 24 can also be a 1:2 macro lens.

 

[Amor Lucis]

Interesting. I'm waiting for the 14mm GM and I have the 20mm G. A friend of mine suggests that once I get the 14mm, I won't use the 20mm. What say you?

Well I'm thinking the 14mm will cover me very nicely up to to 21mm equivalent using an APS-C crop, and then the 20mm could do likewise to 30mm equivalent crop, without dropping resolution below 26MP. For at least 95% of the images I create, 26MP is plenty enough. I also find that I'm shooting about 60% of the images I take on the 17-28 Tamron at the 17mm end, with my second most (on the Tamron) at 20mm. Whether the 14mm would leave the 20mm G unused really depends on whether one is producing images that go beyond Instagram post resolutions. I print up to 17x22, so would prefer to not drop my resolution lower than about 26MP. Since I need something that cover me to at least 28mm equivalent and keeps my resolution at or above about 26MP, the 14mm would not be enough and I'd carry another lens in almost all cases. At present, that second lens would be the Tamron 17-28. But if I'm resigned to carrying a second lens, then it would be better that it be the 20mm since it leaves the Tamron in the dust so far as pure IQ is concerned. I think I'd still use the 20mm to maximize resolution for potentially bigger prints and would not get away with just the 14mm, but ones milage may vary. Of course if the 14mm could carry me to 24mm with still adequate resolution (what would the MP be for a 24mm equivalent crop on the a7riv using the 14mm?) then that might be even better and I could get the 24mm GM. But my instinct is I'd regret it if I tried to make a larger print at 24mm equivalent crop using the 14mm.
(And now I see there is a 28mm G coming from Sony! I seem to be on the slippery slope to primes and away from zooms!)

 

[Amor Lucis]

All three of the lens are considered the sharpest lenses on Marc's chart. https://sonyalpha.blog/2019/11/10/which-lenses-to-maximise-the-potential-of-the-sony-a7riv/
The Tamron 17-28 can supposedly only resolve to the power of the A7Riii but not the A7Riv. An interesting option to see is that the Tamron 24 is at the same level of sharpness as the 20 G and 24 GM. The Tamron 24 can also be a 1:2 macro lens.

When I got the Tamron 17-28 I pixel-peeped it extensively alongside the Sony 16-35 for a week to decide which to get. The Sony had the edge wide-open, with a bit more pop overall, but once stopped down a little there was negligible difference for me in real world images. I shoot mostly landscape, so am very rarely wide open - I'm mostly at f9 or smaller. The Tamron, in my view, handled flare a bit better than the Sony 16-35 GM, was lighter, and half the price. There's no question that the Tamron does not get everything out the a7riv, at least at the edges and wide open, and that's part of the reason why I see myself moving on from it and embracing the 14mm GM prime and possibly other primes. There is, of course the magnificent 12-24 GM, and that was very tempting, but it is big and heavy and very expensive. I also like being able to use regular (magnetic) front filters whenever I can because it is so much more convenient.
Now I'm starting to drift in the direction of primes -- is the 14mm GM my gateway lend to a life of addiction to primes?! -- I'm thinking 14mm GM, 20mm G, and 28mm - (the upcoming 28mm f1.8 G?) and skipping 24mm entirely.

 

[pointreyes]

Did anyone receive notification of the lens in stock? Seems that mid-June or later for the Sony gear I'm waiting on.

Just got notification from my local store that it appears to be coming next Tuesday. It would be a nice surprise if the A1 came at the same time. Been waiting since the last Wednesday in April.

 

[Jeff A]

Did anyone receive notification of the lens in stock? Seems that mid-June or later for the Sony gear I'm waiting on.

Just got notification from my local store that it appears to be coming next Tuesday. It would be a nice surprise if the A1 came at the same time. Been waiting since the last Wednesday in April.

No notification from B&H but I called them today and the shipment is large and on the way. They expect to be able to fill their Back orders.

 

[Amor Lucis]

Did anyone receive notification of the lens in stock? Seems that mid-June or later for the Sony gear I'm waiting on.

Just got notification from my local store that it appears to be coming next Tuesday. It would be a nice surprise if the A1 came at the same time. Been waiting since the last Wednesday in April.

Damn - I had it pre-ordered at B&H but see today that it won't ship to Canada, where I live! Very odd - I'm pretty sure I would have noticed that when I pre-ordered it. Adorama is saying it ships to Canada, so it can't be a general Sony embargo on international shipping. Adorama also say: "Manufacturer will start shipping this item on 05/27/2021."

 

[pointreyes]

Damn - I had it pre-ordered at B&H but see today that it won't ship to Canada, where I live! Very odd - I'm pretty sure I would have noticed that when I pre-ordered it. Adorama is saying it ships to Canada, so it can't be a general Sony embargo on international shipping. Adorama also say: "Manufacturer will start shipping this item on 05/27/2021."

I noticed that Amazon had the A1 in stock and when I looked at it, it was stated that it could not be shipped to my address. Very strange. The camera store so far thinks that the 14 should be at their store next Tuesday. The owner mentioned he will ask the Sony rep about the status of the A1. I said that if a longer delay would provide an A1a (the A7Riva has 2.3 million dots LCD) that I would gladly wait. Hope you get the lens soon.

 

[Amor Lucis]

My Precious!!

I now have the 14mm f1.8 GM and... wow! Sharpness to the corners is quite stunning! Colours are opulent and gorgeous and it really pops.

In line with my thoughts about combining this lens with (perhaps) the Sony 20mm G and putting aside my Tamron 17-28mm I did a little test. The 14mm GM is obviously a far superior optic, but how far can I crop the 14mm images on the a7riv and still get superior images compared to the 17-28mm Tamron?

I cropped the 14mm GM to equivalents at 17, 20, 24, and 28mm on my Tamron and compared the higher resolution Tamron images alongside the cropped 14mm images at f2.8, f11, and f16 - all at the same size. (I shoot mostly landscape and tend to be between f11 and f16, although at 14mm I will not have to close down as much to get acceptable depth of focus compared to what I'm used to at 17mm.) The results bore out my general intuitions. At 17mm (1.21x crop) the Tamron is bested by the cropped 14mm more or less across the board, although it gets fairly close at f16 in the centre. At 20mm (1.42x crop) the 14mm cropped is still better in the corners at every tested aperture. In the centre the greater resolution of the Tamron compensates more or less exactly for the higher image quality of the 14mm, at least to my eye when viewed on a 4K monitor. Which I'd choose depends on whether I expect to print large and how crucial edge sharpness was. At 24mm (1.71x crop) the cropping starts to outweigh the higher IQ of the 14mm in the centre, but it remains a lot closer in the corners - overall, the Tamron has the edge now. At 28mm (2x crop) cropping the 14mm leaves it behind the Tamron except in the corner at the wider aperture, where it is almost equal.

Conclusion: If I combined this stunning lens with the very highly regarded Sony 20mm G I'd benefit overall in image quality across and beyond the range offered me from the Tamron 17-28mm, with a minor loss of convenience of the single zoom, and just so long as I'm not making extremely big prints.

 

[pointreyes]

Thank you Amor Lucis for posting on what you have found.
Sounds like the 14 GM will be a good pairing for me then. For my wide angle lenses: 14, 16-35, and 35 - all GM lenses.

Hopefully will have the 14 tomorrow.

 

[Jeff A]

Thank you Amor Lucis for posting on what you have found.
Sounds like the 14 GM will be a good pairing for me then. For my wide angle lenses: 14, 16-35, and 35 - all GM lenses.

Hopefully will have the 14 tomorrow.

As one who have had this lens on order since the day after it was announced, how do you feel you'll have it tomorrow? Where did you order it from?

 

[pointreyes]

As one who have had this lens on order since the day after it was announced, how do you feel you'll have it tomorrow? Where did you order it from?

Local privately owned camera store. Owner says it shows coming in the Tuesday shipment.

 

[Amor Lucis]

Locally privately owned camera store for me as well. I had it pre-ordered from B&H, then they decided after taking my money that it was not for shipping to Canada for some unknown reason, and so I phoned around a couple of local stores last Friday and discovered there was one in town. They had it in three days. The front filter system from Nisi (also just released) with adaptor for this lens arrives tomorrow with a polarizer and I already have rear ND filters from Haida I'm going to try out.

 

[Reciprocum]

Did anyone receive notification of the lens in stock? Seems that mid-June or later for the Sony gear I'm waiting on.

Just got notification from my local store that it appears to be coming next Tuesday. It would be a nice surprise if the A1 came at the same time. Been waiting since the last Wednesday in April.

Deliveries happening in Portugal since May28

 

[Jeff A]

Locally privately owned camera store for me as well. I had it pre-ordered from B&H, then they decided after taking my money that it was not for shipping to Canada for some unknown reason, and so I phoned around a couple of local stores last Friday and discovered there was one in town. They had it in three days. The front filter system from Nisi (also just released) with adaptor for this lens arrives tomorrow with a polarizer and I already have rear ND filters from Haida I'm going to try out.

OK, just keep rubbing it in now!

 

[pointreyes]

The owner of the camera store sent me an email early this afternoon. I have the lens now.