Breathtaking G MasterTM image quality right out to the edges of the frame.
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 make 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 smooth, responsive focus drive. Noise and vibration are minimized for refined, quiet AF operation that 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 a 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 a 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
Minimum focusing distance is 16.1” (41 cm) and 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 reducing flare and ghosting by taking axial chromatic aberration and chromatic aberration (due to differences in magnification) out of the picture. Resolution and bokeh is 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 a 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 provides 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.