Sony has introduced a new telephoto zoom lens, the FE 50–150mm F2 GM. This lens is distinguished as the first telephoto zoom to combine a 150mm reach with a constant F2 aperture, giving it unique features for users. With versatility as the design goal, the lens begins at a standard 50mm focal length at the wide end and is claimed to provide prime-like sharpness throughout its zoom range. It is especially useful for various demanding applications owing to the fast aperture and high optical performance of the lens.
Design and Optical Features
The FE 50–150mm F2 GM’s fast aperture and powerful zooming capabilities facilitate lighting subject capture in difficult scenarios. Recommended use cases include portraits, weddings, events, and fast action, enabling subject and scenario versatility with a single lens. As part of Sony’s G Master series, the lens, while boasting exceptional high resolution and smooth background blur (bokeh) as advertised, is said to offer imaging enhancement for professionals using Sony Alpha cameras. Achieving image quality also relies on the lens’s internal components, which include two extreme aspherical XA elements, two super extra-low dispersion ED glass elements, and three standard ED elements. This configuration is specifically designed to minimize aberrations and maintain sharpness through the entire zoom range.
Focusing and Bo keh
The lens incorporates a floating focusing mechanism that enables a minimum focusing distance of 0.4m at the wide end. This system also provides a maximum magnification of 0.20. Detailing close-up shooting of subjects is effortless with this lens. The FE 50–150mm F2 GM also features a newly designed 11-blade circular diaphragm with the FE 50–150 lens. Diaphragm cuts have a bokeh-enhancing benefit that smooths rounded bokehs. This is an advantage when isolating the subject, such as in portrait captures. For videos, the lens permits shallow depth of field footage, gives a filmmaker’s touch, and is claimed to produce sharp frame images. To combat difficult lighting for images, Sony’s Nano AR Coating II is placed throughout the lens. This coating provides a frame devoid of ghosting and flare while backlit, maintaining image quality and contrast.
Internal Zoom and Portability
The flexibility and zoom functions of the FE 50–150mm F2 GM lens are impressive; internal zoom enhances suitability for handheld operation. Design Internally Consistent with Focal Length Change. The zoom features are 50 to 150m, and the focal range satisfies user needs. Also, with respect to physical size and weight, portability aspects are superior.
The bright constant aperture combined with a wide zoom range makes the lens portable, considering that its length is approximately 200mm and it weighs around 1340g. In addition, a pair of features, including the internal zoom system, which allows for changing the focal lengths without shifting the center of gravity, further makes the lens handy for handheld photography and videography.
In addition, the 50 to 150mm versatile focal range complements portability while covering standard to medium telephoto perspectives.
Autofocus Features
The EF 50-150mm F2 GM lens focuses on speed and precision concerning autofocus efficiency. It has four XD linear motors and specialized control methods for servicing fast, precise, and quiet autofocus achievements. This autofocus system works with Sony’s Alpha 9 III camera body and supports continuous shooting up to 120 frames per second with a full AF/AE (autofocus/auto exposure) function. Due to its 50-150mm zoom range versatility, the lens performs exceptionally well for capturing fast-moving subjects, including indoor sports, portrait photography, and dynamic event photography.
Cinematic Video Features
The FE 50–150mm F2 GM lens is specifically constructed to enable high-quality video production. It has a mechanism to reduce focused breathing. Reduction of focus breathing mitigates the slight change in angle of view that may occur when focus adjustment is made. The lens also supports compatibility with select Alpha cameras and Sony’s Breathing Compensation feature, which further lessens the effect during post-production. It also provides Linear Response MF, which delivers manual focus control sharply, which is important for slow focus pulls in videos. The zooming balance and stability during zooming are crucial when a lens is positioned on gimbals. The XD linear motors are designed to minimize sound interference, which is essential for video filming to aid work silently.
Durability and Availability
The construction of the lens shows purposeful focus on durability features, such as a dust- and moisture-resistant design, which enables use in harsh environmental conditions. The front element of the lens has a fluorine coating, making it easier to repel the contaminants water, oil, and fingerprints while maintaining and cleaning, requiring less effort. The lens is reported to be purchasable in South Africa from July 2025. The lens is supposed to be accompanied by information explaining the professional use cases and educational materials about the lens.
