Lens assessment: Sony 50mm f/1.2 GM

It’s humorous that not so way back, I wrote an article on probably not needing a 50mm lens. I even bought my Sony E 50mm f/1.8 OSS nifty-fifty and my 55mm Zeiss lenses and by no means actually regretted it. However then, I borrowed a buddy’s Sony 50mm f/1.2 GM and located it superb. I imply, AMAZING! I then borrowed one other from one other buddy and properly, I purchased one that very same week. Issues typically go full circle, don’t they?

I’ve repeatedly mentioned one in all my favourite lenses is my Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM. Nevertheless, I can solely shoot headshots in my little studio. The 50mm GM offers me the vary I would like and essentially the most superbly flattering portraits. Going again to a 50mm lens has challenged me creatively and I can’t wait to make use of it increasingly more. However not simply portraits. Nonetheless-life, within the gardens, with the animals and a lot extra.

Be aware: Whereas I bought this product myself, I’m blissful to provide a very unbiased assessment of my first few weeks with my new lens.

Execs

• Tremendous shallow depth of subject at f/1.2
• Stunning delicate bokeh
• Quick, exact, quiet AF and monitoring
• 0.4m minimal focal distance
• The linear response in Guide Focus mode feels clean and responsive
• The main target ring is a few finger width and ribbed for good grip

Cons

• Just a little massive and ponderous in comparison with my previous 50mm f/1.8 (778 grams vs 202 grams), however is smaller than the 85mm

Sony 50mm f/1.2 GM – Technical specs

All technical specs have been taken from Sony’s website. Please see the web site for full particulars.

• Mount: Sony E-mount
• Format: 35mm full-frame
• Focal Size: 50mm
• Focal Size (35mm APSC): 75mm
• Lens teams/components: 10-14
• Angle of View (35mm): 47⁰
• Most Aperture: f/1.2
• Minimal Aperture: f/16
• Aperture blades: 11
• Round aperture: Sure
• Minimal Focus Distance: 0.4m
• Filter Diameter: 67mm
• Dimensions (D x L): 87 x 108mm
• Weight: 778 grams

Sony 50mm f/1.2 GM – Ergonomics and construct high quality

• Excessive grade of construct
• High quality climate sealing
• Good options and normal dealing with
• Quick, quiet, and correct autofocus
• Wonderful wide-open sharpness throughout the body
• Superbly delicate bokeh
• Low chromatic aberrations
• Good flare resistance

Sony 50mm f/1.2 GM – Within the subject

Regardless of the cumbersome dimension of the lens, when used with my new Sony A7RV, it really feels very comfy in my palms. I am keen on the delicate creamy bokeh and the fabulous give attention to this lens (akin to the 85mm model). The main target ring is clean and well-positioned. The picture stabilization is generated by the digicam physique. There’s a spotlight maintain button, aperture ring on the lens, in addition to aperture click on change (clean or click on by way of when altering aperture). These are helpful for figuring out when you will have unintentionally modified the aperture as a substitute of the main target. Stunning creamy bokeh and so tack sharp the place it issues.

Sony 50mm f/1.2 GM – Autofocus efficiency

I beloved the quick autofocus and superb depth of subject. Even at f/1.2 the monitoring hit the mark and gave me tack sharp focus. I did discover the candy spot at f/2.8, particularly for portraits and animals. Granted it’s nonetheless early days, however I can’t wait to get into some extra portraits within the studio.

Sony 50mm f/1.2 GM – Picture high quality and traits

As beforehand talked about the candy spot appears to be round aperture f/2.8, the sharp focus, delicate bokeh and creamy delicate photographs, even at ISO640 had been chic. I significantly wish to seize portraits and my favourite fashion for the time being is Cinematic Movie Noir.

Distortion management and vignetting

I discovered there was a slight pincushion impact, which is definitely nice for portraits and provides a slimming impact. The lens correction in Lightroom added a slight barrel impact, which I used to be not a fan of. No actual vignetting as such on the sting of photographs, however I do typically shoot for the blur, so if there’s a vignette I didn’t actually discover it.

Chromatic aberrations, flares and ghosting

When capturing high-contrast areas (ie vivid skies and shady bushes), I discovered some blue chromatic aberration on the fringes. Straightforward repair generally. No actual ghosting or flares.

Sharpness and bokeh

You get stunning spherical bokeh when capturing into the sunshine. Just a little on the small facet. I actually just like the bokeh from the 85mm which is bigger and softer. Maybe that boils right down to capturing kinds and preferences. I discovered within the studio with synthetic lighting it didn’t actually make that a lot distinction. Tack sharp, particularly on the eyes. I am keen on the AF and eye monitoring with this lens and my Sony A7RV too.

Shade rendition

I discovered the whole lot I captured was true to paint, no concern there. A terrific lens is all the time a pleasure to work with. Though for some purpose I am keen on Black and white photographs with this lens.

Sony 50mm f/1.2 GM – Finest for nifty-fifty lovers

In case you love portraits, and even simply capturing with a 50mm lens, I truthfully don’t assume you’ll be able to beat this 50mm f/1.2 E-mount Lens from Sony. Sure, it’s a little on the dear facet, however in my view completely definitely worth the cash.