Press release: Sony Announces the Compact, Ultra-Wide Angle, Large Aperture FE 14mm F1.8 G Master™ Prime

Preorders:
Sony 14mm f/1.8 GM at BHphoto, Adorama, Focuscamera, Fotokoch, Calumet DE, Park Cameras UK, Wex UK.

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Press text:

Sony Announces the Compact, Ultra-Wide Angle, Large Aperture FE 14mm F1.8 G Master™ Prime

The Newest Addition to Sony’s E-mount Lens Lineup Offers Extraordinary Resolution, Quiet Autofocus Capabilities, Beautiful Bokeh and More

Sony further expands its E-mount lens lineup with the introduction of the FE 14mm F1.8 GM (model SEL14F18GM) – a compact, large F1.8 aperture, ultra-wide angle lens that allows users to capture the world with new perspectives, especially when shooting landscapes, architecture, starry skies and interiors.

“The newest member of Sony’s G Master series, the FE 14mm F1.8 GM, delivers extraordinary resolution, fast and quiet autofocus and is remarkably compact, “said Yann Salmon Legagneur, Director of Product Marketing, Digital Imaging, Sony Europe. “We are constantly innovating based on the needs of our customers and will continue to develop the best technology so that they can realise their creative vision.”

Extraordinary Resolution in a Compact and Lightweight Design

The new FE 14mm F1.8 GM features a compact optical design, measuring just 3⅜ in x 4 in and weighing just 16.3 oz, with advanced optical technology that delivers superb resolution and stunning contrast. Two XA (extreme aspherical) elements maintain excellent resolution throughout the image area even at corners, which enables its compact and lightweight design. Two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass element and one Super ED glass element result in optical refinements that suppress chromatic aberration and deliver excellent contrast and precise rendering at all apertures.

Users can faithfully render light point sources thanks to a maximum aperture of F1.8, making it possible to capture astrophotography or shoot in other low-light environments without having to use extremely slow shutter speeds. When shooting in challenging lighting conditions, Sony’s original Nano AR Coating II technology maximises clarity by subduing flare and ghosting.

The FE 14mm F1.8 GM can produce beautiful bokeh at F1.8, even with the ultra-wide 14mm focal length. With a 9.8-inch minimum focus distance, the FE 14mm F1.8 GM offers expanded possibilities for close-up still and video shooting and creates stunning bokeh known to Sony’s G Master premium series of lenses. In addition, its precise XA elements, a 9-blade circular aperture mechanism and optimally managed aberration allows the FE 14mm F1.8 GM to produce exquisite background bokeh without the undesirable onion-ring effect.

Advanced and Quiet Autofocus

Using two XD (extreme dynamic) Linear Motors, focus can be accurately acquired and maintained even when shooting with narrow depth of field at F1.8, giving professional shooters the reliability they need to get the job done in challenging conditions. Moreover, the FE 14mm F1.8 GM enables quiet AF with minimal vibration for smooth focus transitions, perfect for video content creation.

Professional Level Control and Reliability

The new lens also features several advanced and versatile control options including, a focus hold button, a focus mode switch and a focus ring to ensure smooth, efficient operation in a wide range of shooting environments. For added customisation, a number of functions can be assigned to the focus hold button from the camera body interface. The FE 14mm F1.8 GM also features Linear Response MF for direct and precise manual focusing. An aperture ring that allows intuitive aperture control is also included. For added creative freedom, the FE 14mm F1.8 GM includes a rear filter holder that accepts standard sheet-type filters for ND, colour correction, soft filter, etc.

A dust and moisture resistant design[i] provides the reliability needed for challenging conditions. The front lens element features a fluorine coating that repels water, oil, and other contaminants. The rear element is also fluorine coated to keep that surface clean when changing the rear filter. The lens also has a built-in petal hood that effectively blocks extraneous light that can cause flare and ghosting.

Pricing and Availability

The new FE 14mm F1.8 GM will be available in May 2021 at a variety of Sony’s authorised dealers, for an estimated retail price of €1,600 EUROS.

For detailed product information on the lenses, please visit: https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/camera-lenses/sel14f18gm

A product video of the new lens can be viewed here.

A variety of exclusive stories, videos and exciting new content shot with the newest cameras and other Sony products can be found here. Sony’s European photography hub is available in 22 languages and details product news, competitions and an up-to-date list of Sony events in each country.

 

 

For more information, please contact your local PR manager or:

Sarah Louise Maultsaid, Corporate Communications, Sony Europe

+44 (0)1932 817000 / sarah.louise.maultsaid@sony.com

 

Notes:

[i] Not guaranteed to be 100% dust and moisture proof.

Size comparison between the new Tamron 150-500mm FE and other Sony tele zooms

Here is the size comparison between the soon to be announced new Tamron 150-500mm FE lens and the other Sony tele zooms. Lens specs:

  • 25 elements in 16 groups
  • minimum shooting distance 0.6m (wide angle) /1.8m (telephoto)
  • maximum shooting magnification 1: 3.1 (wide angle) / 1: 3.7 (telephoto)
  • filter diameter 82mm, size φ93×209.6mm
  • weight 1725g
  • tripod mount 155g. 

Lens brochure:

The lens will be announced on April 22.


Comparison image using Camerasize as background

Sony Tidbits…


Recording Video Using 30fps Photo Burst on the Sony A1 (8K)

Review of the three new Sony G compact primes at Mobile01.
Sony lost ground to Samsung in growing smartphone image sensor market in 2020 (Dpreview).
The Art and Science of Action Panning Photographs (Explora).
ULTIMATE 85mm f/1.8 Lens Test – SONY vs ZEISS vs VILTROX vs TOKINA vs YONGNUO (Tom Calton).
Sony A1 test at Fujiacamera.
LA-EA4r Monster Adapter vs LA EA5 (Gary Friedman).
Sony FX3 First Impression: what was Sony THINKING? (LensProToGo).

Personal photos and tests from SAR Admin Andrea on Instagram, Facebook, Flickr and 500px.

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Sony Tidbits…


Sony’s New Compact 24mm, 40mm, and 50mm G Lenses | Hands-On Review

Sony 35mm GM test at Fujiacamera.
5 Minute Review: Sony 40mm f2 5 G (ThePhoBlographer).
ValueTech: Samyang AF 75 mm f/1.8 FE | Portrait-Objektiv für das Sony-E-Bajonett im Test [Deutsch]
Sigma 24mm f3.5 DG DN REVIEW vs Sony 24mm f2.8 (Gordon Laing).
Effective Aperture and Macro (Explora).
Viltrox AF 24mm F1.8 STM FE Definitive Review (Dustin Abbott).
Test Footage // Meike 85mm T2.1 Full Fame Cine Lens on Sony A7SIII (Meike Global).

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This week SAR readers photos selection


by Olivier Bernard
Heron at sunset
Sony A9II, 600mm lens, 1/1000s, F/4, ISO125
#sonyalphagallery

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