The Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM (Amazon, B&H) is primarily a photography lens, though it will be used for video.
In this article let’s take a comprehensive look at the important features and specifications of the Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM and see how good it will perform specifically for video, cinematography and filmmaking.
The aim of this article is to provide you with enough information and perspective so you can decide for yourself whether this lens is right for your film or video.
Important: This article is a comprehensive overview of the lens with available information; and an analysis based on our experience shooting for almost two decades. It is not a hands-on review. If and when we get hold of the lens we’ll be sure to publish a detailed review. If this is not your cup of tea you can stop reading.
Here’s Sony’s official video for the FE 24mm f/1.4 GM:
Click to what you want quickly:
- TLDR;
- Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM vs Sony FE 24mm f/2.8 G
- Features:
- Control:
- Basics:
- Alternatives to the Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM
TLDR;
What you need to know for video work about the Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM (Amazon, B&H):
- The Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM is a great wide focal length lens.
- The f/1.4 aperture is great for low light work.
- It’s smaller and lightweight compared to the alternatives, making it a preferred lens for gimbal or drone work.
- 11 blade aperture for softer, better bokeh.
- Aperture ring on the lens makes it easier to ride the aperture.
- Focus hold button makes it easier for videographers to use autofocus while shooting.
- The lens doesn’t have OSS, but you will get some stabilization with a Sony a7S III or the Sony Alpha 1 that has IBIS.
- Great Eye AF autofocus for video.
- It exhibits breathing.
Can be great for the following types of filmmaking:
- Wedding filmmaking
- Documentary filmmaking
- Gimbal use
- Corporate videos and low budget commercials
- Architectural work and landscapes
Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM vs Sony FE 24mm f/2.8 G
| Lens | Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM | Sony FE 24mm f/2.8 G |
| Filter Thread | 67mm | 49mm |
| Size | 75.4mm x 92.4mm | 68mm x 45mm |
| Weight | 445g | 162g |
| Closest focusing distance | 0.24m / 0.79ft | 0.24m / 0.79ft (AF) 0.18m / 0.59ft (MF) |
| Max. Aperture | f/1.4 | f/2.8 |
| Min. Aperture | f/16 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 11 blades | 7 blades |
| Angle of View (Diagonal) | 84 | 84 |
| Price | $1,298 | $598 |
The Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM (Amazon, B&H) is bigger and heavier compared to the Sony FE 24mm f/2.8 G (Amazon, B&H).
The Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM opens up to f/1.4, and gives you two extra stops of light. That, and the 11 aperture blades should give you a smoother bokeh and creamier out of focus backgrounds.
However, the FE 24mm f/2.8 G lens does have a closer minimum focusing distance in manual mode.
Sony has released the FE 24mm f/2.8 G as a series of lenses (along with the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 and the Sony FE 50mm f/2.5). These lenses are of roughly the same size, weight and possess the same qualities.
Being of the same dimensions, the Sony G series might be a preferable lens series to use on gimbals or drones.
Theoretically, you could use the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM (Amazon, B&H). It is of superior optical quality, and one can argue you get a longer reach with just one lens. However, for gimbals, the downsides are: heavier weight, and the lens extends as you zoom, which force you to rebalance the system.
With these new lenses, you can switch the lens and keep shooting. Hopefully, Sony might release more focal lengths but for now it’s a tough call.
Here’s a resolution comparison:
They 24mm f/2.8 G seems to be sharper, but at f/2.8 so will the GM!
For those who need f/1.4 and GM quality, there is no doubt which is the better lens. You get what you pay for.
Features
Coverage
The Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM (Amazon, B&H) is a full frame lens. It is designed to completely cover a sensor the size of 36mm x 24mm.
If you are considering this lens for an APS-C sensor or other cinema camera, check out this article:
Focal Length
The focal length is 24mm. This is considered wide on a full frame 35mm sensor.
This focal range is very useful for long shots and wide shots.
Aperture
The maximum aperture is f/1.4 and the minimum aperture is f/16.
There is an aperture ring on the lens. The aperture can be de-clicked with the turn of a switch on the lens. This helps you ride the aperture in a smooth manner to control exposure during a shot.
Having f/1.4 is great for low light. Most people will use it at f/1.8 or f/2 for the purpose of getting optimum sharpness, and to get soft out of focus backgrounds.
The Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM (Amazon, B&H) has 11 circular diaphragm blades. One expects a smooth bokeh, considering the number of blades, but it’s not always a given. To know more about bokeh:
Resolution
From Sony’s official MTF charts:
The Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM (Amazon, B&H) is as sharp as a tack in the center and has a little dip towards the end. It’s an amazing performance at f/1.4.
With the variance in the Sagittal and Tangential lines, you can infer (somewhat) that the bokeh should be as smooth as the best prime lenses on the planet.
If you really want this lens at its sharpest you’re better off stopping down to f/2 or even f/2.8 for best results, but it’s no slouch at f/1.4. I expect this lens to make even the most demanding cinematographers happy.
If you are curious and want to read the MTF chart for yourself. Here’s a guide on how to read them easily.
Close Focus
The closest focusing distance is 0.24 meters or 0.79 feet. That’s nice for this focal length because you can use it for close ups.
Image Stabilization
The Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM (Amazon, B&H) lens doesn’t have OSS. This is a disappointment, because that would have made it a lot better than the Sigma version. Using it with the Sony Alpha 1 or the a7S III can provide it with some image stabilization.
Control
Manual focus system
The Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM (Amazon, B&H) has an infinite turn ring for its focus ring and can turn infinitely one way or the other. Fortunately the 24mm f/1.4 GM does have Linear Manual focus or fly by wire focus set by default.
What is the meaning of focus by wire and fly by wire?
Focus by wire: Let’s say you turn the focus ring to change focus from point A to B. You’d expect the focus to shift accordingly. When you stop point B will be in focus. Now bring the focus point back to A and try again, but at a different speed. Slower or faster, doesn’t matter. Now, even if you precisely rotate to the exact same degree, the focus will not be on point B! The speed of rotation determines which point it is focused on. That’s just completely useless for follow focus work. If an actor or person moves at a different speed, evens lightly, you’ll never get the same focus. Avoid focus by wire lenses like the plague (for video work).
Fly by wire: The distance of focus shifted is directly proportional to the speed at which the ring is turned. This is how a manual focus ring is supposed to operate for video and cinematography.
This decision to include Linear MF in this lens by Sony makes it a great choice for videographers and cinematographers.
Autofocus system
Sony’s Autofocus is, without a doubt, one of the most revered video autofocus systems in the world. They claim the new AF actuators are three times better than the previous autofocusing systems. There is a switch on the side of the body to switch from autofocus to manual focus.
A newly designed high-power DDSSM optimized for this lens, delivers approximately three times greater thrust than the previous focus drive system. The increased power of the new DDSSM system provides faster, more precise, quieter autofocus drive capability, for outstanding performance when shooting stills and movies.
Sony
Basics
Filter Thread
The Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM (Amazon, B&H) has a filter thread diameter of 67mm. This is an uncommon filter diameter. You might be well served to buy a larger filter and use a step-up ring.
Build Quality
The majority of the lens exterior is plastic, though the lens doesn’t feel cheap.
The optical design consists of 13 elements in 10 groups, including three ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements.
Size and Weight
The Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM (Amazon, B&H) has a diameter of 75.4mm and a length of 92.4mm. It weighs around 445 grams. It is pretty light for its class and lens construction.
Weather resistance
Sony claims that all GM lenses are weather resistant. But again this only holds true if the camera body you will be using is also weather sealed. No camera is truly and officially weather sealed, so the best you can hope for is reliable weather resistance.
This is a G Master series lens and we can expect it to perform as such.
What’s in the box
This is what you get in the box (other than the lens):
- Hood (model): ALC-SH154
- Lens front cap: ALC-F67S
- Lens rear cap: ALC-R1EM
- Case
The hood might be useful for photography, but the shape and design makes it mostly vestigial for video work. Some people like to put it on to protect the front element in case of a fall. The hood takes the impact and shatters, but saves the lens. I’d keep it on unless you have good reason not to.
Alternatives to the Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM Lens
The Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM (Amazon, B&H) is a great wide angle lens. There only alternatives are:
- Sigma 24mm f/1.4 Art (B&H, Amazon) – Same aperture, lesser blades, cheaper, heavier and bigger, worse AF.
- Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM (Amazon, B&H) – Variety of focal range, narrower aperture, but not really apples to apples.
- Cheaper alternative: Sony 24mm f/2.8 G (Amazon, B&H) – Cheaper, Lighter, fly by wire lens.
I hope you found this overview of the Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM (Amazon, B&H) useful. If we have missed out on something, please let us know in the comments below.
