Sony Widens the G Master Series with FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Lens
07/07/2020Sony's formidable G Master series is about to get a whole lot wider with the release of the FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Lens. This ultra-wide-angle zoom builds upon the success of the popular FE 12-24mm f/4 G lens, boasting an even wider constant aperture, complex optical design, and lightning-fast AF. As the widest lens to join Sony's GM lineup, it is perfect for landscapes, cityscapes, and astrophotographers in search of uncompromising image quality and performance.
The new lens's constant f/2.8 aperture features a nine-bladed, circular design for beautiful focus falloff. It is constructed of 14 groups arranged into 17 elements. Three XA (extreme aspherical) lenses and one aspherical lens minimize distortions common to such wide lenses, such as coma, field curvature, and astigmatism. Three ED (extra-low-dispersion) and two Super ED elements manage chromatic aberration for accurate color rendering. With such a wide lens, the sun and other harsh light sources can present a challenge when shooting. Sony's Nano AR Coating II helps to mitigate flare and ghosting by reducing internal reflections.
Autofocusing is quiet, fast, and accurate, thanks to a build that incorporates four XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors. The lens features floating focusing, which splits the lens's focus group into two independently controlled groups, each assigned two focusing motors for quicker response time. Speed is further boosted by internal focusing functionality, which works by moving only the middle groups of the optical system.
A focus hold button on the side of the lens barrel makes it easy to maintain focus once achieved. Alternatively, the lens also features linear response manual focusing. Like other GM lenses, a manual-AF switch on the side of the lens simplifies moving between the two focus modes. The lens's minimum focusing distance of 11 inches provides up to 0.14x magnification when shooting from close proximity.
A built-in lens hood blocks off-axis light while adding a line of defense to the lens's curved surface, and a fitted lens cap provides additional protection. A rear filter holder allows you to use neutral density or color-correction filters with ease. A template is even provided to cut sheet filters to the correct size to drop in.
The lens features a fluorine coating to protect against fingerprints, smudges, dirt, and water on the lens's front optics. The rest of the lens benefits from a dust- and moisture-resistant build for safe use outdoors.
Have you tried any of Sony's wide-angle lenses? Excited about this addition to the GM series? Let us know your thoughts or experiences in the Comments section, below.
Comments
4 Comments
Hello! I cannot find if this Sony FE1224GM lens has a silicone ring gasket mounted on the surface on the REAR of the lens camera MOUNT that seals the lens to the A7R4 camera body. If you are able to hold and see the actual lens in your hand you will be able to feel the silicone gasket on the rear mount of the lens. The actual pictures of the FE1224GM lens cannot show if this lens has the silicone gasket on the rear of the lens because Sony's silicone gasket's are black. (My FE200600G lens has this black silicone gasket on the rear of my lens).
Thank you very much in advance of your findings!
Sincerely, Leif Tesdell
Hi Leif. The FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Lens does have a gasket at the rear of the lens for weather sealing when using it with the A7R IV.
New way of making filter from Gel filter film, do you or Sony plan on a instructional video on how to make?
We hadn't considered doing that yet, but there are instructions for doing it in the documentation. It's actually quite simple. You take the template included with the lens and place it over your gel, using a marker or pencil that works on gels you simply trace out the shape. Cut carefully along the lines and you now have a gel ready to use on the lens.