Sony has released three new full-frame G lenses, the FE 50mm F2.5, FE 40mm F2.5, and FE 24mm F2.8. According to Sony, all three lenses deliver high image quality and beautiful bokeh in a lightweight and compact design, perfect for photographers and videographers alike who strive for standout shots and easy mobility. IMO these will be perfect for a lot of different situations, but especially something like street photography where most strive for compactness and simplicity. Here there are from 24 to 50mm left to right. Get them at đź›’Â Adorama or đź›’Â cvp.com
All three lenses are all the same size (68 x 45mm / 2.68 x 1.77inches) and accept 49mm filters. Their weights are also very similar at FE 50mm F2.5 G 174g / 6.1 oz, FE 40mm F2.5 G 173g/ 6.1 oz and FE 24mm F2.8 G 162g / 5.7 oz
These are great for videographers using a gimbal because they can swap between the three optics without needing to rebalance the gimbal. Also, the lenses all have internal focusing to the front element doesn’t rotate or move backward and forwards during focusing. Again this is useful for gimbal use, but also for anyone using a polarising filter or graduated filter.
Focusing distance
All three have very short focusing distance, which will enable a nice and blurry background and lovely bokeh.
The 50mm F2.5 has a minimum focus distance of 0.35m (AF) / 0.31m (MF) and a maximum magnification of up to 0.18x (AF) / 0.21x (MF), making it ideal for a range of subjects and shooting conditions.
The 40mm F2.5 has minimum focus distance of 0.28m (AF) / 0.25m (MF), and can get closer to subjects and offers a maximum magnification of 0.20x (AF) / 0.23x (MF).
The FE 24mm F2.8 G lets you move closer still with a minimum focus distance of 0.24m (AF) / 0.18m (MF). At this distance the magnification is 0.13x (AF) / 0.19x (MF).
Construction and operation
All three lenses have a focus hold button, focus mode switch, aperture ring, and an aperture click switch, making them suited for stills or video-shooting. Switchable click stops mean the aperture ring can be silenced for video shooting while the Linear Response manual focus ring is said to respond precisely, allowing subtle focus adjustments. Sony has used aluminum for the lens barrels to give a premium finish and extra durability. The lenses are also dust and moisture-resistant. Conveniently, the diameter of the filter threads on the hood and the lens barrel is the same at 49mm which means that they all accept the same lens hood and cap.
Price and availability
UK and Ireland – available in April this year and will retail for ÂŁ630 / €700 each. USA and Canada – May for $600.00 USD / $800.00 CAD each.
Official Sony press release further down.
As always Sony has a video showing off the new lenses…
Press release
New 50mm, 40mm, and 24mm introductions combine Incredible Image quality and Intuitive Operability
Sony today announced three outstanding G Lenses™ to its impressive E-mount line-up – the FE 50mm F2.5 G (model SEL50F25G), FE 40mm F2.5 G (model SEL40F25G) and FE 24mm F2.8 G (model SEL24F28G). All three lenses deliver high image quality and beautiful bokeh in a lightweight and compact design, perfect for photographers and videographers alike who strive for standout shots and easy mobility.
When paired with a Sony full-frame camera or APS-C, all three lenses boast high resolution, intuitive operability and fast, precise and quiet autofocus capabilities. The lenses have been introduced as the perfect set for photo and video for a wide range of uses including snap shooting, portraiture and landscape shots.
“At Sony, we are constantly innovating to produce the tools that creators need to capture the beauty of this world” said Yann Salmon Legagneur, Director of Product Marketing, Digital Imaging, Sony Europe. “With superb resolution and mesmerizing bokeh, all housed in a compact and sophisticated design, the FE 50mm F2.5 G, FE 40mm F2.5 G and FE 24mm F2.8 G enable users to experience the joy of owning lenses that capture different perspectives of the same scene”.
These three prime lenses each deliver a focal length for any shoot with the 50mm best for portraits, the 40mm optimal for still or movie snap shooting, and the 24mm ideal for landscapes. With their intuitive operability and superb build quality, they are a fantastic set of three.
What’s more, the three lenses are all the same size (68mm diameter x 45mm), all have the same filter diameter (49mm) and are almost all the same weight (FE 50mm F2.5 G 174g, FE 40mm F2.5 G173g and FE 24mm F2.8 G162g) and internal focus so lens interchange is easy – even when using a gimbal. They feature the same stylish exterior design, but focal lengths are clearly marked for quick switches.
High resolution in a compact design
The FE 50mm F2.5 G,FE 40mm F2.5 G and FE 24mm F2.8 G deliver the high image quality of a G Lens, whilst being compact and lightweight. The image quality is achieved by state-of-the-art optics using aspherical elements and ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements[i], delivering high resolution and suppressing color fringing. The aspherical elements ensure high resolution performance in every corner of the image, even from the widest aperture with shallow depth of field. Enjoy shooting in high resolution using a compact design.
The stunning bokeh of the G lens is achieved with the optimization of a circular aperture and is delivered at the widest point of each lens (F2.5 at 50mm, F2.5 at 40mm, and the F2.8 at 24mm).
All three lenses were carefully designed for optimum mobility and are compact and lightweight enough to suit any location. Whether shooting with a full-frame or APS-C body for portraiture, landscape, snapshots or movies with a gimbal and more, the size and weight are balanced perfectly. Experience the benefits of interchanging lenses to suit any scene or subject.
Focus distances
As well as the 50mm angle of view is perfect for portraits and snap shooting stills or movies, the FE 50mm F2.5 G has a minimum focus distance of 0.35m (AF) / 0.31m (MF) and a maximum magnification of 0.18x (AF) / 0.21x (MF), meaning it’s ideal for a variety of scenes and objects.
The FE 40mm F2.5 G 40mm angle of view is ideal for snap shooting stills or movies with a minimum focus distance of 0.28m (AF) / 0.25m (MF) and maximum magnification of 0.20x (AF) / 0.23x (MF). Particularly for movie shooting, 40mm is the preferred angle of view as it corresponds to the natural field of vision and for stills, 40mm allows subjects to stand out against backgrounds.
With a wide 24mm angle of view, the FE 24mm F2.8 Glens is perfect in situations where the background is included, such as gimbal or selfie shooting with a grip attached. And with a minimum focus distance of 0.24m (AF) / 0.18m (MF) and maximum magnification of 0.13x (AF) / 0.19x (MF), you can also shoot close-ups with a blurred background.
High operability and reliability
Despite their compact size, the lenses feature a focus hold button, focus mode switch, aperture ring, and Aperture click switch for ideal operability. The focus hold button is customizable from the camera menu and can be assigned a function that the user prefers. The aperture ring provides a more intuitive and direct feel, compared to operating the aperture from the camera body when shooting either stills or movies. The aperture also provides switchable click stops that can be turned off for movie shooting using the aperture click switch. Furthermore, with Linear Response MF, the focus ring responds precisely and linearly when focusing manually so control feels immediate and intuitive, directly reflecting the intent of the photographer and allowing delicate focus adjustments.
The aluminum exterior and engraved Sony logo ensure a premium, sophisticated finish as well as increased strength and durability. Conveniently, the diameter of the filter threads on the hood and the lens barrel are equal[ii] (49mm), allowing the same cap and filter to be attached to both the hood and the lens barrel. The lenses are also designed to be dust and moisture-resistant [iii] to ensure usability in any outdoor environment.
Fast, precise, and quiet autofocus
The FE 50mm F2.5 G,FE 40mm F2.5 G and FE 24mm F2.8 G feature two linear motors to deliver fast, precise autofocus (AF) with excellent tracking performance which is maintained despite instantaneous changes in subject motion – making the lens ideal snapping moving subjects. The AF is also quiet, so works for both still and movie shooting.
Pricing and availability
The FE 50mm F2.5 G, FE 40mm F2.5 G and FE 24mm F2.8 G lenses will be available in April 2021 at a variety of Sony’s authorized dealers, for an estimated retail price of €700 each.
For detailed product information on the three lenses, please visit: