Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM Lens

Selling a like-new Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 lens (full-frame). Brand new these currently go for $1900, and mine has only been used a few times.

Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM Lens—a masterpiece of optical engineering that combines speed, sharpness, and creative versatility.

Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM: The Ultimate Low-Light Companion

1. Introduction:

   • The Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM is Sony's first lens with an ultra-wide f/1.2 aperture.
   • It's part of the esteemed G Master (GM) series, designed for professional photographers who demand uncompromising image quality.
   • Whether you're shooting portraits, street scenes, or astrophotography, this lens delivers exceptional results.

2. Specifications:

   • Diameter: 87 mm
   • Length: 108 mm
   • Weight: 778 g (without hood or caps)
   • Field of view: 47° (diagonally)
   • Filter diameter: 72 mm
   • Aperture blades: 11 (rounded)
   • Elements/groups: 14/10

3. Optical Design:

   • The lens features three special "extreme aspherical" elements. These elements minimize aberrations, ensuring edge-to-edge sharpness even wide open.
   • A Nano AR II coating reduces flare and ghosting, maintaining contrast and color fidelity.
   • The 11-blade circular aperture produces creamy, pleasing bokeh.

4. Autofocus and Motors:

   • Dual "extreme dynamic" linear motors drive the two floating focus groups.
   • Autofocus is fast, accurate, and virtually silent.
   • Eye-AF tracking works seamlessly, making it ideal for portraiture.

5. Low-Light Performance:

   • At f/1.2, this lens is a low-light ninja. It thrives in challenging conditions.
   • Whether you're capturing candlelit dinners, dimly lit concerts, or moody cityscapes, the FE 50mm f/1.2 GM shines.

6. Close Focusing Distance:

   • The lens can focus as closely as 40 cm (15.6 inches).
   • This allows for creative compositions, especially when you want to emphasize foreground details.

7. Maximum Magnification:

   • The maximum magnification ratio is 0.17x.
   • While not a macro lens, it still lets you get up close and personal.

8. Build Quality and Weather Sealing:

   • The lens feels substantial in hand. It's built to withstand professional use.
   • Weather-sealing ensures it can handle rain, dust, and tough shooting conditions.

9. Aperture Ring:

   • The aperture ring is de-clickable, making it perfect for video work.
   • Smooth adjustments allow seamless transitions during shooting.

10. Sample Images:

    • Sewer Cover: Shot at f/8, 1/100 sec, ISO 100. The lens delivers sharpness and clarity even stopped down.
    • Tile Staircase: Captured at f/11, 1/160 sec, ISO 100. Excellent detail across the frame.
    • Sam's Place: Wide open at f/1.2, handheld at 1/60 sec, ISO 250. Beautiful bokeh and subject isolation.
    • Welwood Murray Library: Also at f/1.2, handheld at 1/60 sec, ISO 100. Perspective corrected in post-processing.

11. Overall Impressions:

    • The Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM is a lens for artists. It invites creativity, blurs backgrounds into dreamy oblivion, and captures moments with precision.
    • Whether you're a portrait photographer, a documentary filmmaker, or simply a lover of beautiful imagery, this lens deserves a spot in your bag.

In summary, the Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM is more than a tool—it's an instrument for visual storytelling.