Sony FE 50mm F1.4 GM

Sony's latest fast standard prime is superb but pricey. Andy Westlake reports on how it performs

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, which delivers fine performance at an affordable price (£599), and the new Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art, which promises stiff competition for £850. So how does the GM lens fit into this crowded market?