Over the past couple of years, Sony has been steadily updating many of its older full-frame E-mount lenses. Its new FE 50mm F1.4 GM is, in effect, a successor to the FE 50mm F1.4 ZA from 2016. In comparison, Sony says it provides higher image quality, better autofocus and improved usability, all in a smaller, lighter design. There is, of course, a premium: at £1,600, the GM optic costs £300 more.
Given its price point, this lens is aimed at professional and serious amateur photographers. Its 50mm focal length provides a natural-looking perspective, making it a general-purpose optic that’s useful for a wide range of subjects. The large aperture allows subjects to be effectively separated from out-of-focus backgrounds, while also enabling handheld shooting in low light.
Alongside the aforementioned FE 50mm F1.4 ZA, Sony makes several cheaper 50mm lenses, plus the premium FE 50mm F1.2 GM (£2,099). Third-party options include the Samyang AF 50mm F1.4 FE II,
