When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission. Image: Sony Sony has announced the FE 50-150mm F2 GM tele zoom: a shorter but faster alternative to the traditional 70-200mm F2.
8. Its wider aperture will particularly suit photographers of indoor sports and wedding photographers.
The lens is the same 200mm (7. 9") length as Sony's current 70-200mm F2. 8 OSS GM II though 17% wider, at 103mm (4. 1"). And, while it's a whole stop faster than the (longer and stabilized) 70-200mm, it's only 30% heavier, at 1340g (47. 27oz), which feels surprisingly light in the hand.
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This comparative lightweight comes despite a design that incorporates 19 elements in 17 groups. There are 2 XA 'extreme' aspherical elements, 2 aspherical elements, 2 Super ED and 3 ED elements making up the design, delivering MTF charts of the theoretical performance that promise sharpness comparable to very good modern primes at both ends of the zoom.
It's an internal zoom design with a short throw zoom ring. It uses four 'XD' high-thrust linear motors to drive focus and can refocus fast enough for use with the a9 III's 120fps mode.
Sony FE 50-150mm F2 GM @ 131mm | F2. 0 | 1/320 sec | ISO 800
Photo: Richard Butler
Sony FE 135mm F1. 8 | F2. 0 | 1/320 sec | ISO 800
Photo: Richard Butler
Minimum focus distance is 0. 4m (15. 7") at the wide end and 0. 74m (29. 1") at the long end of the range. This is comparable to the working distance of the 70-200mm GM II but yields a lower 0. 2x maximum magnification ratio as a result of its shorter focal lengths.
Video users will find the lens exhibits very little focus breathing (and this can be further corrected in cameras with breathing compensation mode). The focus ring can also be set to respond in a linear manner for predictable focus pulls.
The 50-150mm F2 takes relatively large 95mm filters and Sony says these must have an outside diameter of 99. 4mm or less if you wish to fit the included hood at the same time.
The FE 50-150mm F2 GM will be available between the middle and end of May with a recommended price of $3899.
Image: Sony
Sony FE 50-150mm F2 GM sample gallery
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Sony Electronics Launches FE 50-150MM F2 GM
The World’s Firsti Telephoto Zoom Lens with a Maximum Focal Length of 150 mm and Constant F2 Aperture Designed for Wedding, Portrait, Indoor Sports, Photo, and Video Professionals
SAN DIEGO, April 22, 2025 - Sony Electronics Inc. introduces the FE 50-150mm F2 GM (SEL50150GM), the world’s firsti telephoto zoom lens with a maximum focal length of 150 mm and F2 aperture. This lens features a standard focal length of 50mm at the wide-angle end and combines a constant aperture of F2 with high resolution comparable to that of a prime lens. This allows for a wide range of scenarios with just one lens for various situations and subjects. As part of Sony’s renowned G Master™ series, the FE 50-150MM F2 GM offers an exceptional combination of high resolution and stunning bokeh, enhancing the imaging results for professionals using the Sony Alpha camera system.
“The FE 50-150MM F2 GM G Master marks a pivotal milestone in Sony's commitment to pushing creative possibilities,” said Yang Cheng, Vice President of Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. “By delivering a constant F2 aperture across its zoom range, this lens offers Sony Alpha users with an all-in-one solution that is comparable to multiple prime lenses, like a 50mm, 85mm, and 135mm. This innovation expands the versatility professionals need to capture remarkable imagery in both photography and video. ”
Exceptional Image Quality and Smooth F2 Bokeh
The G Master's internal optical design plays a crucial role in producing its exceptional image quality. By integrating two XA (extreme aspherical) elements, two Super ED (extra-low dispersion) glass elements, and three ED elements, the lens effectively suppresses aberrations, ensuring sharp, high-contrast imagery across the entire zoom range. Additionally, the floating focusing system enables a minimum focusing distance of 0. 4m at the wide end and a maximum magnification of 0. 20 for detailed shooting.
The FE 50-150MM F2 GM's constant F2 aperture creates beautifully smooth bokeh, making it an ideal choice for portrait, wedding, and event photographers aiming to isolate subjects with a shallow depth of field. A newly developed 11-blade circular aperture further enhances the signature G Master bokeh. When shooting videos, the lens delivers stunning cinematic results and exceptional clarity.
In addition, Sony's proprietary "Nano AR Coating II," applied uniformly across the entire lens surface, significantly reduces ghosting and flare even in backlit conditions, delivering clear and crisp imagery.
Internal Zoom and Compact Design
Measuring at approximately 7-7/8 inches (200 mm) in length and weighing approximately 47. 3 ounces (1,340g)ii, the FE 50-150MM F2 GM offers remarkable portability considering its impressive combination of wide zoom range and bright aperture. This lens is ideal for both handheld and gimbal use with its featured internal zoom design that maintains the lens’s length and weight balance despite focal length changes. With its practical design, this lens serves as a versatile, all-in-one solution for those seeking a standard 50mm through 150mm telephoto range.
Fast and Precise Autofocus Performance
Equipped with four XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors and Sony’s advanced control algorithms, the FE 50-150MM F2 GM delivers fast, accurate, and quiet autofocus (AF). This high-performance AF system is compatible with Sony's Alpha 9 III, supporting continuous shooting at up to 120 frames per second with full AF/AE trackingiii. With a fast AF system and a versatile 50-150 mm zoom range, the lens excels at capturing fast-paced indoor sports, portraits, and events.
Cinematic Video Production
Designed with filmmakers in mind, the FE 50-150MM F2 GM minimizes focus breathing and is compatible with Sony's Breathing Compensationiv feature on select Alpha cameras. Linear Response MF ensures intuitive manual focus control, while the lens’s internal zoom design maintains stability even while zooming mounted on gimbals. Additionally, the XD linear motors operate quietly to prevent unwanted noise from being captured during recording.
Built for durability, the FE 50-150MM F2 GM features a robust dust- and moisture-resistant designv. A fluorine coating on the front element repels contaminants, making it easy to clean and ensuring the lens remains in top condition even in challenging environments.
Pricing and Availability
The FE 50-150MM F2 GM will be available in May 2025 for approximately $3,899 USD and $5,499 CAD. It will be sold directly through Sony and at a variety of Sony’s authorized dealers throughout North America.
i As of the April 2025 product announcement according to research by a Sony survey of lenses for interchangeable lens cameras.
ii Excluding tripod mount.
iii Sony test conditions. Maximum continuous shooting speed may be lower in some conditions. Continuous shooting speed may vary in the AF-C focus mode.
iv See camera compatibility info at: https://www. sony. net/dics/breathing/
Angle of view and image quality may change slightly when this function is [ON]. Effective compensation may not be achieved in all situations.
v Not guaranteed to be 100% dust and moisture proof.
Sony FE 50-150mm F2 GM specifications
Principal specificationsLens typeZoom lensMax Format size35mm FFFocal length50-150 mmImage stabilizationNoLens mountSony E, Sony FEApertureMaximum apertureF2Minimum apertureF22Aperture ringYesNumber of diaphragm blades11OpticsElements19Groups17Special elements / coatings2 Extreme Asph, 2 Asph, 2 SuperED, 2 EDFocusMaximum magnification0. 2×AutofocusYesMotor typeLinear MotorFull time manualYesFocus methodInternalDistance scaleNoDoF scaleNoPhysicalWeight1340 g (2. 95 lb)Diameter103 mm (4. 06″)Length200 mm (7. 87″)Zoom methodRotary (internal)Power zoomNoFilter thread95 mmFilter notesFilter must have diameter less than 99. 4mm for use with lens hood. Hood suppliedYesTripod collarYes. dpreview.com
2025-4-23 17:00
