Sony FE 50mm f1.4 GM - 1371947

Sony FE 50mm f1.4 GM - 1371947

Two high-precision XA (extreme aspherical) lens elements effectively correct distortion and most types of aberration. This new optical design also employs an ED (extra-low dispersion) glass element to suppress chromatic aberration. And with our original Nano AR Coating II on lens surfaces, internal reflections that can cause flare and ghosting are dramatically reduced.

Innovative optics and a large F1.4 aperture deliver magnificent bokeh

Innovative optics and a large F1.4 maximum aperture combine to deliver magnificent bokeh. Smooth, naturally defocused background and foreground bokeh are ideal for making portrait subjects stand out from their surroundings. Advanced features that contribute to superb bokeh quality include XA (extreme aspherical) elements that reduce onion-ring bokeh and carefully controlled spherical aberration during design and manufacture.

Highly mobile, lightweight, and compact lens with incredible performance

XA (extreme aspherical) elements precisely positioned in an innovative design, high-thrust XD linear motors, and the latest compact circular aperture unit work together in a large-aperture high-resolution lens that is only 3.17” (80.6 mm) in outer diameter and 3.78” (96.0 mm) in length while weighing just 18.23 oz (516 grams). A unique blend of mobility and low-light performance makes it an ideal choice for a wide variety of photo and video uses.

Fast, precise, quiet AF and tracking for stills and movies

The lens’s focus group is driven by high-thrust XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors and an advanced control algorithm for a smooth, responsive focus drive. Noise and vibration are minimized for refined, quiet AF operation which can be a huge advantage when shooting movies. Movie subjects are smoothly captured and tracked even when shooting at 120 fps or other high frame rates. The breathing compensation function in compatible α series cameras is also supported¹.

Circular aperture with 11-blade iris for naturally rendered bokeh

The deep, soft bokeh available with full-frame image sensors is further enhanced by an 11-blade circular aperture and optimally controlled spherical aberration. All of this supports the creation of impressive, memorable imagery.

Excellent close-up performance and magnification for eye-opening detail

The minimum focusing distance is 16.1” (41 cm) and the maximum magnification is 0.16x when AF is used and 15” (38 cm and 0.18x) for MF, providing extra flexibility for shooting stills and movies. XA (extreme aspherical) lens elements maintain sharpness at any focusing distance, while smooth, deep bokeh at F1.4 separates the subject from the background.

ED glass element minimizes chromatic aberration for precisely rendered edge detail

An ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass element significantly reduces flare and ghosting by taking axial chromatic aberration and chromatic aberration (due to differences in magnification) out of the picture. Resolution and bokeh are maximized while leaving precisely rendered edges without fringing or unnatural coloration right out to the image edges.

Nano AR Coating II for outstanding clarity and minimized flare and ghosting

Sony’s original Nano AR Coating II process produces a thin, uniform coating on lens surfaces, dramatically reducing internal reflections that can cause flare and ghosting. Excellent contrast and clarity are achieved even when the sun or other strong light sources are within the frame.

Support for Active Mode² stabilization for stable handheld video

Active Mode² image stabilization in α series cameras provides excellent image stabilization performance. This can be particularly useful for shooting smooth, stable handheld footage while walking.

Dedicated aperture ring, click/de-click, and iris lock switches

An aperture ring provides direct, rapid control. The aperture ring click stops can be turned ON to provide tactile feedback when shooting stills, or OFF for smooth, silent control when shooting movies. There is also an iris lock switch that prevents the aperture ring from being accidentally moved between the [A] and F1.4 ~ F16 settings

Customizable focus hold buttons

Two customizable focus hold buttons are provided for easy access and control at most any orientation. Several alternative functions can be assigned from the camera’s menu.

Natural, linear manual focus response

Linear Response MF ensures that the focus ring responds directly and linearly to subtle control when focusing manually. Focus ring rotation translates directly to a corresponding change in focus, so control feels immediate and precise enough for rack focus effects when shooting movies. This feature also works effectively with the AF Assist function in the latest alpha cameras, giving creators enhanced artistic control.

Instant auto/manual focus selection

Instantly switch between auto and manual focus via an AF/MF switch on the side of the lens. This makes operation faster and easier as you let the camera and lens focus for you or decide to take control and manually focus on the precise point you choose.

Fluorine front element coating

The front lens element features a fluorine coating that repels water, oil, and other contaminants while making it easier to wipe off any contaminants or fingerprints that do become attached to the lens surface.

Dust and moisture resistant³ design for reliability in challenging conditions

An updated dust and moisture-resistant design³ provide extra reliability for outdoor use in challenging conditions. Silicon seals around buttons and switches and a rubber gasket around the lens mount greatly reduce the likelihood of dust and moisture incursion.

Front 67mm threaded for screw-on filters

This lens accepts standard 67 mm screw-on filters. Thanks to its internal focus system the front element does not rotate while focusing, facilitating the use of circular polarizing filters for landscape photography or variable ND filters for movies. The FE 24mm F1.4 GM and FE 35mm F1.4 GM lenses are also threaded for 67 mm filters, so filters can be shared.

Round-shaped, bayonet mount lens hood

Round-shaped, bayonet mount lens hood ALC-SH173 is supplied, and also available separately as an optional accessory.

What our Experts Think

• Pro‑Level Standard Prime: The Sony FE 50mm F1.4 GM – 1371947 is one of Sony’s standout G Master standard primes, offering exceptional image quality, sharpness, and creative control in a classic, versatile focal length.

• Bright f/1.4 Aperture: The wide f/1.4 maximum aperture excels in low‑light conditions and delivers creamy, smooth bokeh that beautifully isolates subjects from backgrounds for portraits and artistic shots.

• Advanced Optics for Clarity: Dual XA (extreme aspherical) elements and an ED glass element help suppress aberrations and maintain high resolution across the frame — even wide open.

• Fast, Quiet Autofocus: Equipped with two XD Linear Motors, this lens delivers quick, precise, and quiet AF performance optimized for both still photography and video use.

• Beautiful Bokeh & Creative Control: 11‑blade circular diaphragm produces smooth and appealing out‑of‑focus areas, enhancing subject separation and creating professional‑looking imagery.

• Compact & Balanced Design: Weighing around 516 g, it’s compact and lightweight for a fast prime, balancing well on Sony full‑frame bodies for comfortable handheld shooting.

• Built‑To‑Last Reliability: Dust and moisture‑resistant construction plus a handy iris lock switch, focus hold buttons, and intuitive controls make it reliable in varied shooting environments.

• Versatile Everyday Lens: From portraits and street photography to landscapes and video, the 50 mm focal length is a go‑to everyday optic with professional performance.

Q&A

Q: What type of lens is the Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM?
A: The FE 50mm f/1.4 GM is a full-frame prime lens in Sony’s G Master series, designed for professional photographers seeking exceptional sharpness, low-light performance, and creamy bokeh.

Q: What cameras is this lens compatible with?
A: Compatible with Sony E-mount full-frame and APS-C mirrorless cameras. On APS-C, it provides a 75mm equivalent field of view.

Q: What is the maximum aperture of the lens?
A: It has a fast f/1.4 maximum aperture, ideal for low-light shooting, subject isolation, and smooth background blur.

Q: Does the lens have image stabilization?
A: No. It relies on in-body image stabilization (IBIS) on compatible Sony cameras.

Q: What autofocus features does it include?
A: Uses XD linear motor autofocus for fast, precise, and silent focusing, suitable for stills and video.

Q: What makes this lens optically high-quality?
A: Features XA (extreme aspherical) and ED elements, Nano AR Coating II, and advanced optical design to reduce aberrations, distortion, and flare.

Q: How durable is the lens?
A: Built with dust and moisture resistance, making it reliable for professional outdoor use.

Q: How portable is the FE 50mm f/1.4 GM?
A: Lightweight at approximately 778g, compact for a professional full-frame f/1.4 lens.

Q: Who is this lens ideal for?
A: Perfect for portrait, wedding, event, and low-light photographers seeking premium image quality, sharpness, and artistic bokeh.

Maintenance Tips

• Keep Optics Clean: Use a soft blower and microfiber cloth on the front and rear elements; avoid harsh chemicals.

• Use a Protective Filter: Fit a 67 mm UV/protection filter to shield the front element from scratches and impact.

• Protect Seals: Mount/change lenses in clean, dry areas to preserve dust/moisture resistance.

• Store Properly: Keep the lens in a padded bag with silica gel packs to reduce humidity and dust build‑up.

• Clean Contacts: Gently wipe metal contacts with a dry, lint‑free cloth to maintain reliable communication with your camera.

• Avoid Harsh Weather: Even with weather sealing, use additional rain covers in heavy rain or dust storms.

• Check Firmware/Compatibility: Ensure your Sony mirrorless camera firmware is up to date for optimal AF and compatibility.