Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM Lens for Video
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Sony FE Lenses Info

Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM Lens for Video

Is the Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM lens good for video, cinematography and filmmaking? Here’s a detailed look at the important features.

The Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM (AmazonB&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 50mm f/1.2 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.

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TLDR;

What you need to know for video work about the Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM (AmazonB&H):

  • The Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM is a great normal focal length lens. This lens should work great in low light.
  • The f/1.2 aperture is great for low light work.
  • It’s small and lightweight compared to its alternatives, making it a preferred lens for gimbal or drone work.
  • Linear focus or fly by wire for manual focus makes this lens preferable for videography.
  • 11 blade aperture for a softer bokeh.
  • Customizable button.
  • There is an aperture ring on the lens.
  • The lens doesn’t have Optical Steady Shot (OSS), but you will get some stabilization with a Sony a7S III or the Sony Alpha 1 with IBIS.
  • It exhibits breathing.

The lens can be great for most types of filmmaking:

  • Wedding filmmaking
  • Documentary filmmaking
  • Low budget music videos
  • Gimbal use
  • Corporate videos and low budget commercials
  • Feature and short films

Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM vs Sony Planar T* FE 50mm f/1.4 GM

Lens Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GMSony Planar T* FE 50mm f/1.4 GM
Filter Thread72mm72mm
Size87mm x 108 mm83.5mm x 108mm 
Weight778g778g
Closest focusing distance0.4m / 1.32ft0.45m / 1.48ft
Max. Aperturef/1.2f/1.4
Min. Aperturef/16f/16
Angle of View (Diagonal) 47°47°

The Sony Planar T* FE 50mm f/1.4 GM (AmazonB&H) is similar to the Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM (AmazonB&H) when it comes to weight. It is a bit smaller in size, but that is about it.

That’s a great achievement, considering the 50mm f/1.2 also focuses closer. And it’s a third of a stop faster.

Upon comparing the official MTF charts of both lenses you can infer that the Sony 50mm f/1.2 is sharper, way sharper. However, the f/1.4 ZA is more even across the field. In other words, it has better corner to corner sharpness. It is important to note that the MTF chart provided is probably at f/1.2, and I expect the performance to be better at f/1.4.

The bokeh is also expected to be smoother. Notice the “closeness” of the Sagittal and Tangential lines.

Overall, the Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM is a solid improvement. As far as aesthetics are concerned, you’ll have to shoot with it to know for sure.

Features

Coverage

The Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM (AmazonB&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 50mm. This is considered normal on a full frame 35mm sensor.

This focal range is very useful for medium shots, interviews, and close ups.

Aperture

The maximum aperture is f/1.2 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/1.2 is great for low light, and if you really need that extra shallow depth of field.

The Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM (AmazonB&H) has 11 circular diaphragm blades. One expects a smooth bokeh, but it’s not always a given. To know more about bokeh:

Resolution

From Sony’s official MTF charts:

The Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM (AmazonB&H) is sharp as a tack in the center and dips a bit towards the end but that is to be expected at f/1.2. At f/1.4 to f/8 I think it will be sharp enough to cut the camera in half.

The bokeh should be 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.

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 0.4 meters or 1.31 feet. That’s par for the course for this focal length.

Image Stabilization

The Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM (AmazonB&H) lens doesn’t have Optical Steady Shot (OSS).

Using the lens on cameras with IBIS, like the Sony Alpha 1 or the a7S III can provide it with some image stabilization. Sony has made great strides in this department.

Control

Manual focus system

The focus ring on the Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM (AmazonB&H) can turn infinitely one way or the other. This is one of the few Sony lenses to have fly by wire as the default setting.

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.

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. Linear Response MF enhances manual focus control for both stills and movies.

Sony

This decision to include fly by wire or linear MF by Sony in the Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM makes this lens a great choice for cinematographers and videographers.

Autofocus system

Sony’s Autofocus is, without a doubt, one of the most revered video autofocus systems in the world. They claim that their Eye AF and its motors assure sharpness even at f/1.2.

There is a switch on the side of the body to switch from autofocus to manual focus.

Basics

Filter Thread

The Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM (AmazonB&H) has a filter thread diameter of 72mm. This is a common filter diameter.

Build Quality

The majority of the lens exterior is plastic, but it doesn’t feel cheap.

The optical design consists of 14 elements in 10 groups, including two aspherical elements and three XA (extreme aspherical) elements.

Size and Weight

The Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM (AmazonB&H) has a diameter of 87mm and a length of 108mm. It weighs around 778 grams. It is pretty light for its class and lens construction.

Weather resistance

Sony claims that this lens is weather resistant.

But not weather-sealed. No camera or lens is truly and officially weather sealed, so the best you can hope for is reliable weather resistance.

A dust-resistant and moisture-resistant design provides the reliability needed for outdoor use in challenging conditions.

Although the design is dust and moisture-resistant, absolute protection from dust and moisture is not guaranteed.

Sony

What’s in the box

This is what you get in the box (other than the lens):

  • Hood (model): ALC-SH163
  • Lens front cap: ALC-F72S
  • Lens rear cap: ALC-R1EM
  • Soft case
  • Case strap

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 50mm f/1.2 GM Lens

The Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM (AmazonB&H) is an amazing lens. The only alternatives are:

  • Sigma 50mm f/1.4 Art DG HSM (B&HAmazon) – Smaller aperture, cheaper, heavier and worse autofocus for video.
  • Sony Planar T* FE 50mm f/1.4 ZA (AmazonB&H) – Smaller aperture, farther minimum focusing distance, cheaper, but focus by wire only for manual focus.
  • Cheaper: Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 (AmazonB&H) – Smaller aperture, cheaper, worse image quality, focus by wire only.

I hope you found this overview of the Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM (AmazonB&H) useful. If we have missed out on something, please let us know in the comments below.