Sony's Game-Changing 50-150mm f/2 GM Lens Reviewed

Sony's latest lens, the FE 50-150mm f/2 GM, offers an intriguing combination of speed, flexibility, and high-end optical performance. With its unusual zoom range and bright maximum aperture, this lens could fill a significant gap in your kit, especially if you often shoot events or portraits.

Coming to you from Christopher Frost, this informative video examines the new Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM lens, highlighting its unique capabilities compared to standard telephoto zooms. Frost emphasizes the practicality of the 50-150mm range, noting it's ideal for weddings and similar events where traditional 70-200mm lenses often feel restrictive at the wide end. He also points out that this lens effectively replaces multiple prime lenses, providing convenience without significant compromise. While acknowledging the steep price of around $3,900, Frost suggests the lens' image quality and versatility may justify the investment, especially if you prioritize stunning background separation and sharpness.

The review goes deeper into the lens' build and operational features, which are particularly relevant if you often shoot handheld or require quick, precise zoom adjustments. Frost appreciates the lens’s smooth zoom action, well-designed aperture control, and exceptional autofocus performance—qualities crucial for fast-paced event photography. Another strong feature is the near absence of focus breathing, valuable for video use. Despite its significant size and weight (2.9 lbs), Frost finds the lens surprisingly comfortable to handle. Still, he advises caution if you're using it on smaller camera bodies, as balance could become an issue during extended sessions.

Key Specs

• Focal Length: 50-150mm

• Maximum Aperture: f/2

• Autofocus: Yes

• Image Stabilization: No (relies on camera stabilization)

• Minimum Focus Distance: 1.3' (Wide), 2.4' (Tele)

• Optical Design: 19 Elements in 17 Groups

• Filter Size: 95 mm

• Weight: 2.9 lb (1340 g)

• Dimensions: 4 x 7.9"

On the optical front, Frost conducts thorough tests on Sony’s demanding 61-megapixel a7R V, confirming excellent sharpness, particularly wide open at f/2 and at the lens’ widest focal length. While performance slightly dips at 100mm, sharpness returns impressively at 150mm, demonstrating the lens’ consistency. Frost does highlight some optical shortcomings, such as noticeable vignetting and distortion that benefit from in-camera corrections, and less-than-ideal close-up image quality at wider apertures. Still, these limitations are minor considering the overall optical strength, including minimal flare, controlled coma, and attractive background rendering.

This lens represents a significant innovation, offering an unusual combination of focal lengths and aperture typically found only in prime lenses. Frost implies it could become a favorite among professional Sony shooters needing versatility without sacrificing quality, though it's probably overkill for casual photography or street shooting, given its size and conspicuous presence. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Frost.