It’s been some time since I’ve used a lens that felt like vital. That’s as a result of maximum lenses have merely been upgraded variations of previous choices. But this lens is other.
The first reason why this lens is other is just because it is the first of its type—the first actual 50-150mm f/2 lens to ever be presented. And whilst the Sony 50-150mm f/2 GM lens has no direct comparability, there are nonetheless many lenses that it may be in comparison to—particularly, the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD lens. While the construct high quality and function of those two lenses are other, and the Tamron technically provides a much broader focal period, I would like to give an explanation for why, for me, that is if truth be told a foul factor. But first, let’s dive into one of the main points of the Sony 50-150mm f/2 GM lens.
I do not wish to get a ways into the weeds with the technicalities of this lens, however for a fast flyby, this lens has the whole thing you could be expecting from a contemporary, designed, and top class telephoto-style lens. There is an aperture ring with a click on/declick transfer, AF/MF transfer, DMF transfer, customized buttons, and an iris lock. The lens has totally inner zooming and focusing components, in addition to a detachable foot for mounting to tripods/monopods. The simplest factor truly lacking when it comes to design is the loss of optical stabilization, and you can not use this lens with any form of teleconverter. But for me, the loss of optical stabilization and teleconverter toughen is beside the point for the best way I might ever use this lens.
Optically, this lens outperforms some high-end primes that fall inside its zoom vary. So it is superb when it comes to sharpness, distinction, distortion, and flare keep watch over all through the entire vary of the zoom. Add in that it’s a continuing f/2 aperture, and this is a perfect lens for portraits, sports activities, and a few flora and fauna—particularly paired with its blazing-fast autofocus.
The simplest drawbacks I discovered when it comes to the construct and design is that the lens is day-to-day massive and heavy. When in comparison to one thing just like the Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 GM II, this new lens is strictly the similar period, however has a noticeably wider profile because of the f/2 aperture. In phrases of weight, this lens is heavier than the Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 GM II however is lighter than the model one of the vital Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 GM. But when it got here to real-world use, this new lens used to be utterly manageable, and I by no means felt love it used to be too heavy or bulky—even if I used it for a 12-hour wedding ceremony day.
From right here, I would like to give an explanation for why this lens is the best selection for me and the best way I shoot—particularly when in comparison to the Tamron 35-150mm. Because I’ve and do benefit from the Tamron 35-150. And seeing that I used to basically be a 35mm and 85mm high lens photographer, the 35-150mm turns out love it can be a super selection for me over the 50-150mm. The factor for me, even though, is that I have a tendency to {photograph} nearly all of an afternoon at 35mm. So when the use of the Tamron 35-150mm, I finished up protecting a far greater and heavier lens for almost all of the day when I did not if truth be told want to be doing so. In addition, for the reason that Tamron 35-150mm is slower and no longer as optically talented as one thing like my Sony Distagon T* FE 35mm f/1.4 ZA lens, I felt like I used to be creating a sacrifice in each efficiency and my agility all through the day.
So why I think the Sony 50-150mm is the very best lens for my wishes is as a result of it’s not simplest optically greater, whilst additionally being a continuing f/2, nevertheless it additionally cuts off the 35mm finish of the zoom vary, permitting me to proceed the use of my lighter and better-performing 35mm high lens for almost all of the day. Then the 50-150mm can soar in for the whole thing else I would like.
And in case you are questioning why one thing just like the Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 GM II cannot have compatibility the mould—it completely can and has. In reality, it’s the lens I recently have at the shelf to accomplish this very function. But in use, there are occasions once I need one thing longer than 35mm however wider than 70mm. So, having the 50mm finish be a part of the zoom vary is a really nice factor to have and saves me the will/need of sporting round but every other lens to fill the function of 50mm. I additionally in finding that 150mm offers me sufficient achieve that I do not truly pass over with the ability to get to 200mm. So the 50-150mm vary is simply extra preferrred for me and my equipment. From there, the additional prevent of light-gathering skill is a huge bonus—each for low-light wishes in addition to the facility to get that additional shallow intensity of box, particularly when at that 150mm vary.
The final thing price speaking about is the associated fee, as a result of that is the largest problem for this lens and what I believe would be the simplest factor that holds folks again from including this to their buying groceries cart. Coming in at $3,898 (recently), the associated fee tag is a troublesome tablet to swallow. But objectively, this lens may just change no less than 3 high-end high lenses (50mm, 85mm, 135mm) whilst nonetheless giving the entire focal lengths between and as much as 150mm. So if all 3 of the ones high lenses are a part of your equipment, it is advisable get by way of with only one lens to hide all the ones bases. But even then, you’d be left with one thing larger and heavier. So even supposing your total bag can be lighter and no more complete, the equipment to your palms can be larger and heavier.
What I Like
What I Didn’t Like
Conclusion
I feel the Sony 50-150mm f/2 GM lens is a perfect selection for me and the best way I take on a marriage day. Whether the lens is best for you is a wholly other query. But on the finish of the day, I’m simply excited that Sony has made up our minds to push the bounds of what is imaginable and be offering us the facility to select. It’s additionally superb to peer that they had been ready to offer this type of new lens design such nice efficiency all through all of the zoom vary, whilst nonetheless keeping up a continuing f/2 aperture.
If you’ve your eye in this lens, what do you intend to {photograph} with it, and why do you assume it will make an ideal have compatibility inside of your bag?