This morning, just a week after the announcement of Sigma’s new 50mm f/1.4 ART series lens for E-mount, Sony announced their own 50mm f/1.4 G-master lens. This lens will fill the gap between Sony’s 50mm f/1.2 and f/1.8 lenses which are excellent but expensive and mediocre and affordable, respectively. The new lens carries the G-Master badge, so we can expect first-rate resolution and autofocus performance, yet the lens remains relatively lightweight and compact. Of course, Sony claims that it has beautiful bokeh as well.
Let’s take a look at how it compares to the newly announced Sigma Lens.
| Sony 50mm f/1.4 GM | Sigma 50mm f/1.4 ART | |
| Elements | 14 (2 XA, 1 ED) | 14 (3 Aspherical, 1 SD) |
| AF Motor | XD Linear Motors | HLA Linear Motor |
| Weight | 516g | 670g |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 72mm |
| Min. Focus | .41m | .45m |
| Man. Aperture Ring | Yes, De-click | Yes, De-click |
| Dust/Moist. Seal | Yes | Yes |
| Price | $1299 | $849 |
As I write this, I’m on a flight to Tokyo to visit Yokahama’s CP+ Expo, so with any luck I’ll be able to get some hands on experience with both of these models in the next couple of days. I’ll let you know what I think when I get the chance.
In the USA, the new Sony lens will begin shipping around May 17th, at a cost of $1299. It can be pre-ordered at B&H Photo, among others.
