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Sony FE 50-150mm F2 GM: two-minute evaluate
Sony‘s lens division is on a roll. Its superb FE 85mm F1.4 GM II bagged our 2024 lens of the 12 months award; the latest FE 28-70mm F2 GM picked up a five-star ranking; and now we have now the FE 50-150mm F2 GM, which is the world’s first telephoto zoom with constant f/2 most aperture – and it is one other gorgeous flagship optic.
When I was first presented with the 50-150mm lens in April, I wasn’t satisfied by its distinctive focal size. Particularly when you think about the 28-70mm F2 GM, plus a string of different professional 70-200mm lenses from down the years, which incorporates the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II.
Nevertheless, following prolonged use, I am satisfied the 50-150mm might be the only most versatile lens for the kind of images I typically do – occasions, grass-roots sports activities, weddings, candids – and it is simply one of many best Sony lenses ever.
The 50-150mm lens is a part of Sony’s skilled G Grasp (GM) vary, which implies dealing with, sturdiness, autofocus efficiency and optical high quality are all top-drawer. Add its bag-of-primes-in-one-lens credentials, and the result’s an eye-watering record worth.
The true kicker, although, is the 50-150mm’s heft – it weighs a wrist-tugging 1,340g. It was nice over the course of a soccer match, however all day at a marriage can be a correct exercise. It is chunky, too, measuring 102.8 x 200mm – that is a very large diameter that can stretch the compartments of a daily digital camera bag.
Having what’s successfully a number of quick aperture primes in a single versatile optic is sensible for a sure sort of person. It is the telephoto zoom flexibility and vivid most f/2 aperture at any focal size that make the 50-150mm the goat for occasions images, the place pace, low-light efficiency, fast autofocus, pin-sharp element, shallow depth of subject and buttery bokeh are wants, not needs. The 50-150mm ranks extremely throughout the board.
Earlier than the 50-150mm lens was introduced, my go-to lens mixture for occasions was a 24-70mm f/2.8 and a 135mm f/1.8. Nevertheless, having put Sony’s spectacular telephoto zoom by way of its paces, I am now reconsidering this setup – and even the digital camera system I’ve spent years build up. I can not consider any increased reward for a lens.
Sony FE 50-150mm F2 GM: specs
Sort: |
Normal to telephoto zoom |
Mount: |
Sony E-mount |
Sensor: |
Full-frame |
Focal size: |
50-150mm |
Max aperture: |
f/2 |
Minimal focus: |
0.4(W)-0.74(T) m / 1.32(W)-2.43(T) ft |
Filter measurement: |
95mm |
Dimensions: |
102.8 x 200mm (4-1/8 x 7-7/8 in) |
Weight: |
47.3oz / 1,340g (excluding tripod mount) |
Sony FE 50-150mm F2 GM: worth and availability
- $3,899 / £3,799 / AU$6,799
- Obtainable for pre-order
Past its measurement and weight, if there’s one factor that the FE 50-150mm F2 GM lens has going towards it, it is the record worth – which at the perfect a part of $4,000 / £4,000 / AU$7,000, is eye-watering.
To place that into context, you could possibly choose up each Sony’s 24-70mm F2.8 and 135mm F1.8 G Grasp lenses and have change left over – or, for a bit further, the 24-70mm with Sony’s 70-200mm F2.8 GM II.
Put merely, you must really want the utmost f/2 aperture over f/2.8 to justify the additional outlay, and to place up with that further weight. I am going to get onto the advantages of the brighter aperture later within the reivew.
Naturally, the 50-150mm lens is billed as a great pairing with the 28-70mm F2 to cowl an enormous vary of situations that might in any other case require a military of primes. I truly assume the 50-150mm is the extra compelling of the 2 f/2 lenses.
I would fortunately choose up the 50-150mm and a large prime such because the (cheaper) 24mm F1.4GM as a substitute of the 28-70mm to cowl the occasions when the telephoto zoom is not vast sufficient – I am unsure 28mm is vast sufficient for me.
Sony introduced the 50-150mm lens in April, and on the time of writing it is out there for pre-order, with the anticipated gross sales begin date a while in June, 2025.
Sony FE 50-150mm F2 GM: Design
- Huge and heavy
- Strong, weather-sealed construct
- Inner zoom and focusing
The larger the utmost aperture, the larger the lens, so it ought to come as no shock that the Sony FE 50-150mm F2 GM is a considerable optic – a cumbersome 47.3oz / 1,340g, excluding the tripod mount.
For context, Sony’s second-generation 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II lens weighs 36.9oz / 1,045g – that is 20-25% lighter. The pair are an identical in size, measuring 200mm, however the diameter of the 50-150mm lens is wider at 102.8mm.
Such is the diameter of the lens, I discovered it struggled to suit into the padded dividers of quite a few digital camera luggage, requiring a reconfiguration of the dividers in most situations. Naturally, the 50-150mm lens’ filter thread is greater than most, too, accepting expensive 95mm lens filters.
Paired with the a7R V, I felt the mixture was a bit front-heavy and wished for Sony’s vertical grip, which might make for a extra comfy setup. With out the grip, I fortunately photographed a soccer match, whereas supporting the lens with my second hand.
I’d hesitate utilizing the lens for weddings, however the motion on such days may be in bursts, so weight may not be a difficulty. For lengthier, sustained shoots, the 50-150mm is not too far off the dimensions and weight of professional lenses benefiting from a monopod help.
The dealing with of the lens is in any other case excellent – each G Grasp lens I’ve examined is. Right here, in the identical mould of the FE 28-70mm F2 GM, you get a full complement of controls; rings for focus, zoom and aperture; plus customizable focus maintain buttons, AF/MF, iris (aperture) lock and full time DMF switches – the latter enables you to manually override autofocus.
Nevertheless, optical stabilization is absent, which I discover a bit stunning. Extra on this later.
Aperture may be modified on the lens by way of {smooth} or clicked changes. Typically, photographers go for the tactile clicked suggestions, whereas videographers choose the sleek motion by way of f-stops, for whom the ridged ring might be appropriate with follow-focus techniques.
Zoom is inner, which implies the lens barrel stays the identical size regardless of the focal size. That is one much less level of potential weak point on this a totally weather-sealed lens constructed to face up to the trials {of professional} use and inclement climate.
Put merely, no corners have been reduce right here – it is a top-quality lens. I’d simply advise getting hands-on before you purchase to verify that its measurement and weight be just right for you.
Sony FE 50-150mm F2 GM: Efficiency
- Quick f/2 most aperture at each focal size
- Robust heart sharpness throughout the zoom vary
- 4 XD linear motors for fast, correct autofocus
In lots of respects, the FE 50-150mm F2 GM lens is a duplicate and paste of the superlative FE 28-70mm F2 GM – it is also outfitted with 4 XD linear motors that drive autofocus. Collectively, these motors make mild work of the sizable lens components, for a really fast, dependable and remarkably quiet autofocus.
Autofocus pace and accuracy are paramount for high-pressure occasions and sports activities images, and I have been persistently impressed by the 50-150mm. That is particularly the case with the a7R V’s subject-tracking capabilities – when taking pictures grass-roots soccer, particularly. There is not the slightest trace of hesitation.
As talked about, what’s lacking is optical stabilization (OIS). Nevertheless, Sony’s flagship mirrorless cameras, that are the pure selection for such a lens, are outfitted with in-body picture stabilization (IBIS). Armed with IBIS and the intense most f/2 aperture, I have not given OIS a second thought.
Just like the Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM, the FE 50-150mm F2 GM delivers unbelievable picture high quality throughout the board. And of the 2, it is the telephoto possibility that enhances the utmost f/2 aperture with {smooth} focus fall-off and buttery-smooth bokeh, even when its shaping may be cat’s eye.
The collection of the identical picture, above, is shot in sequence with the aperture set to f/2, f/2.8. f/4 and f5.6. Bokeh at f/2 is notably greater and smoother than f/2.8 – that is one of many causes to splash out on a vivid aperture lens.
A distinction of 1 cease between f/2 and f/2.8 lenses may not sound like a lot, however bokeh is far greater at f/2, and also you’re gathering an additional cease of sunshine that is supremely helpful in low mild – as is usually the case in skilled work.
The 50-150mm’s qualities aren’t all about bokeh, both – the lens is persistently sharp from heart to edges throughout the zoom vary and aperture settings, in addition to the pure focus fall off when taking pictures at wider apertures with shallow depth of subject.
Having shot all footage throughout my check in RAW and JPEG, I additional assessed high quality by way of Adobe Digital camera Uncooked by instantly evaluating like-for-like recordsdata, eager to know the extent of in-camera correction at play.
Minor pin-cushion distortion throughout your complete zoom vary shocked me – I would usually anticipate it simply on the telephoto finish of this zoom vary, not at 50mm. JPEGs are notably sharper than in RAW, too. Nonetheless, neither pin-cushion distortion nor relative lens softness are a difficulty – corrected RAW photographs are spectacular.
As for vignetting and colour fringing, each are saved underneath tight management, as are ghosting and flare artifacts when taking pictures into direct daylight. Optically, the 50-150mm F2 GM is just about flawless, save for simply corrected pin-cushion distortion.
When pairing the lens with a high-resolution full-frame sensor, like I did with the 61MP Sony a7R V, there is no hassle cropping in on stills to successfully additional lengthen attain. I shot a strong set of soccer photographs, capturing gamers throughout the pitch largely from one place on the touchline with the 50-150mm lens.
And it is this cropping flexibility that has satisfied me the 50-150mm’s wider focal size is way more versatile than 70-200mm.
Sony FE 50-150mm F2 GM: pattern photographs
Do you have to purchase the Sony FE 50-150mm F2 GM?
Purchase it if…
Do not buy it if…
How I examined the Sony FE 50-150mm F2 GM
- I had the lens and the Sony a7R V digital camera for a three-week mortgage
- I’ve shot portraits, sports activities and extra
- I’ve additionally taken a number of collection of an identical photographs with the lens at completely different settings
I had a good size of time with the Sony FE 50-150mm F2 GM lens – nearly a month, throughout which era I used to be in a position to check it in a number of situations, together with sports activities and for portraits.
Sony loaned me the a7R V to pair the lens with. With the digital camera’s 61MP sensor and excellent autofocus, the lens has felt much more versatile – giving better scope for cropping into photographs corresponding to distant gamers in soccer (soccer) match.
To essentially present the advantage of the f/2 aperture, I’ve made certain to make use of it commonly, and to take like-for-like photographs at completely different apertures to match dealing with and high quality.