Sony’s 50-150mm f/2 Lens: Worth the Weight and Price?

Sony’s newest lens, the FE 50-150mm f/2 GM, raises some attention-grabbing questions on equipment priorities and lens personal tastes. Is it best for you?

Coming to you from Dan Watson, this nice video assessment takes a take a look at the Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM lens. Watson issues out the rarity of continuous f/2 zoom lenses, bringing up the new Sony 28-70mm f/2, which hints Sony could be creating a flexible lineup on this distinctive aperture vary. He compares the brand new 50-150mm f/2 to the preferred Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD, a lens he enjoys however admits does not see common use regardless of its strengths. Interestingly, Watson stocks that despite the fact that the Sony feels lighter and higher balanced in hand than the Tamron, it is about 200 grams heavier—one thing to imagine in case you are incessantly at the transfer.

Watson additionally supplies a simple evaluation of the lens’ sensible {hardware}. For instance, its inner zoom mechanism removes weight shifts whilst zooming, making hand-held use more straightforward. Although hefty with its considerable 95mm entrance filter out thread, Watson discovered this did not impede his workflow a lot. Notably, this lens focuses exceptionally rapid due to 4 XD linear autofocus motors, making it very best for high-speed images the usage of the Sony a9 III or Sony a1 II, either one of which beef up steady autofocus at as much as 120 fps.

Key Specs

• Focal Length: 50 to 150mm
• Maximum Aperture: f/2 (consistent during vary)
• Lens Mount: Sony E (Full Frame)
• Minimum Focus Distance: 1.3′ (50mm) to 2.4′ (150mm)
• Magnification: 0.2x (1:5 macro replica)
• Optical Design: 19 parts in 17 teams
• Aperture Blades: 11, rounded
• Autofocus: Yes, with 4 XD linear motors
• Image Stabilization: No
• Filter Size: 95 mm
• Dimensions: ø 4 x 7.9″ (ø 102.8 x 200 mm)
• Weight: 2.9 lb (1340 g)
• Tripod mounting: Removable, rotating collar

Watson in particular notes its exceptional symbol high quality, praising the sharpness broad open, pleasurable bokeh, and minimum center of attention respiring. He in particular cites weddings and indoor sports activities as situations the place this lens excels, given its broad f/2 aperture and flexible focal duration. For video shooters, keeping up a relentless aperture right through recording with out compensating publicity adjustments is valuable, one thing variable aperture lenses can’t be offering.

Although it is constructed exceptionally neatly and delivers spectacular efficiency, Watson does not shy clear of bringing up the notable drawbacks: the excessive $4,000 ticket and substantial measurement. This lens isn’t an informal piece of substances you’ll readily toss right into a backpack for a spontaneous time out. Watson means that regardless of its benefits, cost-conscious execs would possibly nonetheless gravitate towards primes or extra inexpensive choices just like the Tamron.

He additionally speculates about the opportunity of Sony finishing a complete set of f/2 consistent aperture zooms someday. Having already delivered the 28-70mm f/2 and now this 50-150mm variant, it would sign plans for a complete f/2 trinity, most likely a large attitude style subsequent—a beautiful prospect for the ones taking a look to construct a top class high quality lens package. Check out the video above for the overall rundown from Watson.