Sony has just launched the FE 35mm F1.4 GM, the 39th full-frame E-mount lens in the lineup. Users of Sony’s mirrorless cameras have been able to use the FE Zeiss 35mm F1.4 for years, but this new lens is meant to improve on it; it’s also smaller and lighter, coming in at 524g (1.16lb) to the Zeiss’ 630g (1.39 lb). The Zeiss will remain on the market alongside the GM.
The FE 35mm F1.4 GM comes with a complex optical formula of 14 elements in 10 groups, including two XA (extreme aspherical) elements, a single ED (extra-low dispersion), and Nano AR Coating II.
We found that the lens produces sharp images, reasonable control of longitudinal chromatic aberration (green and purple fringing at wide apertures), and a solid 27cm (10.6″) minimum focus distance with a max magnification of 0.23x. But don’t just take our word for it: check out our sample gallery to see for yourself how it performs.
Moving those lens elements around are twin XD (extreme dynamic) linear autofocus motors, and autofocus is impressively swift. If you’re more of a manual-focus kinda person, the manual focus ring operates ‘by wire’, but does at least give linear response. This means turning the focus ring by the same amount, even at different speeds, will drive focus the same every time. This is handy for focus pulls while shooting video.
Rounding out the feature set on the FE 35mm F1.4 GM are the option to click or de-click the aperture ring, a customizable focus hold button and a high degree of build quality including claimed weather-sealing.
The lens will have a recommended price of $1400, and will begin shipping mid-February 2021.
Sony Electronics Launches Newest Addition to G Master™ Full-Frame Lens Series with the Lightweight and Compact 35mm F1.4 G Master™
SAN DIEGO, CA – January 13, 2020 – Sony Electronics Inc. today announced the FE 35mm F1.4 GM (model SEL35F14GM) – the newest addition to its acclaimed G Master full-frame lens series– delivering first-class image quality and beautiful bokeh in a compact and lightweight design. When paired with an E-mount camera body, the lens offers Sony’s industry-leading AF (autofocus) capabilities – perfect for a wide range of uses such as shooting landscapes, portraits and street photography, for both stills and video.
“At Sony, our purpose is to fill the world with emotion through the power of creativity and technology so we designed the FE 35mm F1.4 GM to perfectly capture the moments that need to be saved forever,” said Neal Manowitz, deputy president for Imaging Products and Solutions Americas at Sony Electronics. “With exquisite resolution and intelligent focusing technology, all in a small, lightweight design, this is an indispensable lens that does not compromise on image quality.”
Outstanding Resolution in a Compact Lens
Sony’s advanced optical design and manufacturing technology brings extraordinary resolution, beautiful bokeh, and precise focusing performance to a compact lens that fits comfortably in the palm of your hand, weighing just 18.5 ounces (524 grams) and measuring 3 inches dia. x 3 ⅞ inches (76 mm dia. x 96 mm) with a filter diameter of Φ67mm. The FE 35mm F1.4 GM features advanced optical technology that delivers stunning contrast and superb resolution. Two XA (extreme aspherical) elements effectively maintain excellent resolution throughout the image area. Thanks to an ED glass element and other optical refinements, the new FE 35mm F1.4 GM performs well in difficult lighting by effectively suppressing chromatic aberration and purple fringing for breathtaking results.
Beautiful Bokeh
The FE 35mm F1.4 GM delivers an almost circular aperture thanks to its 11-blade construction – a rare level of quality for a compact lens. Spherical aberration control at both the design and the manufacturing stages contributes to beautiful bokeh – a signature characteristic of Sony’s G Master lens lineup.
Two innovative XA elements contribute to impressive close-ups with smooth, creamy background bokeh. The combination of F1.4 maximum aperture and the flexibility to choose the perfect shooting distance (minimum focusing distance of just 10.6 inches (27cm) with a maximum magnification of 0.23x in autofocus mode) allows for ultimate control and stunning bokeh when shooting both stills and video.
Advanced Focus for Enhanced Imagery
Two of Sony’s XD (extreme dynamic) Linear Motors provide the high thrust efficiency needed for precise AF (autofocus) and tracking – resulting in outstanding resolution at any distance. State-of-the-art control algorithms, developed specifically for the XD Linear Motors, improve control response and precision while minimizing vibration and noise for fast, smooth and silent AF performance.
Advanced focusing can also be achieved when shooting at a high frame rate.
Linear Response MF ensures the focus ring responds to subtle control when focusing manually and is ideal for creative focusing effects when shooting video. The focus ring rotation translates directly to a corresponding change in focus, so control feels immediate and precise.
Professional Control and Reliability
The FE 35mm F1.4 GM offers full professional control including an aperture ring with switchable click stops, a customizable focus hold button and a focus mode switch that all support smooth, efficient operation. The focus hold button can be assigned to several other functions via a camera body menu, providing direct access to functions that are vital to both photographers and videographers.
When mounted to an APS-C or Super 35 camera, the compact and lightweight FE 35mm F1.4 GM can be used as a standard lens equivalent to 52.5mm full-frame equivalent angle of view, making the it the perfect choice for creating videos. Additional video advantages include the de-clickable aperture, fast linear AF and linear response manual focus.
The FE 35mm F1.4 GM features a dust and moisture resistant design and a fluorine front element coating that repels water, oil and other contaminants.
Pricing and Availability
The new FE 35mm F1.4 GM will be available in February and will be sold for approximately $1,399.99 USD and $1,899.99 CAD. It will be sold at a variety of Sony’s authorized dealers throughout North America.
Source: dpreview.com
