Sony FE 50 F1.4 GM Lens Announced

Sony has announced the FE 50mm F1.4 GM lens, providing a slightly more affordable alternative to its 50mm F1.2 GM (B&H).

As with many of Sony’s more recent lenses, this lens has been designed for shooting both stills and video. The aperture ring is clickable but it can also be de-clicked for a smoother transition for video work.

The new lens features a pair of XD linear focus motors that drive the focus that Sony claims is 1.9x faster than the older Sony/Zeiss 50mm F1.4.

The 50mm F1.4 GM lens is constructed of 14 elements in 11 groups, including two ‘extreme aspherical’ elements and one extra-low dispersion (ED) element.

It features an 11 rounded-blade diaphragm and has a minimum focussing distance of just 0.38m (15″) when in manual focus and a maximum magnification of 0.18x.

The 50mm F1.4 measures 81 mm (3.19″) in diameter, 96 mm (3.78″) in length, and weighs in at 516g (18.2oz).

The lens should be available from late April or early May 2023 for a recommended retail price of $1299 in the US, £1,499.00 in the UK or €1,700 in Europe.

Early Reviews

If you are thinking about buying this lens then here’s a collection of early reviews worth watching.

Gerald Undone

Mark Galer

DPReview

Gordon Laing

Arthur R

Jason Vong

Christopher Frost

Tony & Chelsea Northrup

Julia Trotti

Manny Ortiz

Sidney Diongzon

Terry Warfield

Key Specifications

Lens type	Prime lens
Max Format size	35mm Full-frame
Focal length	50mm
Image stabilization	No (relies on camera IBIS)
Lens mount	Sony FE
Maximum aperture	F1.4
Minimum aperture	F16
Aperture ring	Yes
Number of diaphragm blades	11
Elements	14
Groups	11
Minimum focus	0.38m (15″)
Maximum magnification	0.18x
Autofocus	Yes
Motor type	XD linear
Filter size	67mm
Weight	516g (18.2oz)
Diameter	81 mm (3.19″)
Length	96 mm (3.78″)
Weather Sealing	Yes
Colour	Black
Hood supplied	Yes

A sample gallery can be found over at DPReview and further details can also be found on Sony’s website.