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Sony is expanding its series of G lenses for full-frame cameras to include three fixed focal lengths: the Sony FE 50mm F2.5 G (model name SEL-50F25G), the FE 40mm F2.5 G (model name SEL-40F25G), and the FE 24mm F2 .8 G (model name SEL-24F28G). All three Sony lenses have the same compact size and are light and handy – intended for photographers and videographers who value equipment that is as compact as possible and high mobility.
In combination with a full-frame or APS-C camera from Sony, the new lenses offer high resolution, intuitive operation, and fast and quiet autofocus. The Sony 50mm lens is best suited for portraits, the Sony 40mm lens is well suited for snapshots or film recordings, and the Sony 24mm lens is ideally designed for landscape shots, among other things.
All three sony lenses have the same size (68 mm diameter and 45 mm length), the same filter diameter of 49mm, and almost the same weight (FE 50mm F2.5 G: 174 grams, FE 40mm F2.5 G: 173 grams, and the FE 24mm F2.8 G: 162 grams) and an internal focusing. All three lenses deliver the excellent image quality of the G lenses and are compact and light. The optical design with aspherical elements and ED (extra-low dispersion) glass elements provides high resolution and prevents color fringing. The aspherical elements ensure high resolution over the entire image area, even with the largest aperture and shallow depth of field.
Furthermore, the three new G lenses should be characterized by a particularly balanced bokeh, which is achieved by optimizing a circular aperture and is achieved with the widest aperture in each case. This is F2.5 with focal lengths 50 and 40 mm, while the 24mm lens opens to F2.8. All three lenses can be used with a full-frame or APS-C camera with E-mount; whether portraits, landscapes, or snapshots are to be photographed or videos are to be recorded.
In addition to the focal length of 50mm, which is perfect for portraits, snapshots, or filming, the FE 50mm F2.5 G offers a minimum focus distance of 0.35 meters with autofocus and 0.31 meters with manual focus, which is a maximum Magnification of 0.18x (AF) and 0.21x (MF) results. With the FE 40mm F2.5 G, the minimum focus distance is 0.28 meters (AF) / 0.25 meters (MF) with a maximum magnification of 0.20x (AF) / 0.23x (MF), while with the FE 24mm F2.8 G the shortest distance is 0.24 meters (AF) / 0.18 meters (MF) and the maximum magnification of 0.13x (AF) / 0.19x (MF).
All three lenses have a focus hold button, a focus adjustment switch, an aperture ring, and an aperture click switch for quick operation. Using the camera menu, the user can customize the focus hold button and assign it to the desired function. The aperture ring gives a more direct and intuitive feel when taking photos or filming than when setting the aperture via the camera. Also, the aperture ring is equipped with a switch that can be used to activate or – for video recordings – deactivate notches. The linear, responsive manual focus setting responds directly and precisely, which makes it easier to focus intuitively on the subject in many critical situations.
The housing parts are made of aluminum and are therefore very hard-wearing. Practical is the identical filter diameter of the lens hood and the lens barrel of 49mm so that the same filter can be attached to both the lens hood and the tube. Besides, the lenses are protected against dust and moisture and can therefore be used in all outdoor conditions.
All three Sony lenses are equipped with two linear motors, which enable fast and precise autofocus (AF) with good tracking behavior, which is maintained even with sudden changes in movement. This makes them ideal for capturing moving subjects. AF operation is quiet so that movie recording is not disturbed.
Price and availability
- Sony FE 50mm F2.5 G : $598 on Bhphotovideo.com
- Sony FE 40mm F2.5 G : $598 on Bhphotovideo.com
- Sony FE 24mm F2 .8 G : $598 on Bhphotovideo.com
Earlier this month, Sony has introduced a new G Master full-frame prime lens, the FE 50mm f1.2 GM (model name SEL-50F12GM). The compact, lightweight lens offers high resolution and expressive bokeh, combined with efficient autofocus functions and professional control options. Priced at $1,998.
