Hot on the heels of the recently released Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM lens is Sony's new FE 50-150mm F2 GM.
Weighing in at 1,340g, the lens features a constant aperture of f2.0 and constant barrel length – meaning that it is an internal zoom design.
The lens is designed to capture fast-moving, low-light subjects, with purportedly ultra-fast autofocus tracking that can keep up with the α9 III’s 120 fps maximum burst speed — even while zooming.
On the negative side – it doesn't have IS and relies on in-body IS – and it does lack the ability to use teleconverters to extend the focal length.
Is it time to ditch your 85mm f/1.4 prime – or do you need that extra stop of light?
Image: Sony
As for the internal lenses themselves – there are two precision XA (extreme aspherical) elements, which help maintain high resolution across all apertures, including F2. Additionally, two Super ED (Extra-low Dispersion) and three ED glass elements reduce chromatic aberration, while Nano AR Coating II helps to minimise flare and ghosting. Also focus-breathing is kept to a minimum – which will help when shooting video.
Operability is enhanced by an aperture ring with click ON/OFF and lock switches, three assignable focus hold buttons, and a DMF switch that enables temporary switchover to manual focus while using AF. And although it is a relatively large lens, ample clearance is provided for the camera grip.
The removable tripod foot has 1/4” and 3/8” screw holes, and a dust/moisture resistant design ensures it will survive rain if shooting outdoor sport, or champagne spills at a wedding. Don’t expect the lens filters to be cheap – the filter diameter at 95mm is the size of a small pizza.
Is it goodbye to our trusty 24-70mm and 70-200mm f/2.8 zoom lenses?
It's great to see camera companies wanting to push the envelope when it comes to lens designs – and it's exciting to see a new focal length that many event photographers will no doubt find incredibly useful.
Most professionals have been seemingly content with the 24-70mm and 70-200mm f/2.8 zoom lenses for so long; and have used prime lenses to accompany them if the light is too low, or if they need that extra sweet shallow depth of field and bokeh. Now with these f/2.0 zooms, many photographers may be thinking – do I still need to own prime lenses?
But the elephant in the room with these new f/2.0 zooms is that, along with the hefty price tag, they also come with substantial increases in weight and size – making these spectacular lenses a bit of a challenge for long shooting days.
If you are thinking of going the f/2.0 route, price-wise, the Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM is $4,100 - $5,299 (original RRP), while the new FE 50-150mm F2 GM launch price is $6,799.00.
The lens is available for pre-order, and you can find out more about the lens on the Sony AU website.
Or you can watch this comprehensive review by Gordon Laing.