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?
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140 years of change
AP has become the world’s oldest surviving consumer photo magazine because we have moved with the times, says Nigel Atherton
Preserving history in platinum
A deep dive into the meticulous art of platinum printing, and the collaboration between the Royal Geographical Society and Salto Ulbeek. Mike Crawford explores how they brought historical photographs to life with enduring beauty and precision
Life in the past lane
What was life like for an amateur photographer in 1884? John Wade takes a trip back in time
Choice cuts
How many trillions of photographs must have been taken in the past 140 years? Amy Davies asked some of our regular contributors for their favourites....a difficult task, to say the least
How good a camera can you buy for just £140?
Three members of the AP team see what they can find for the money
Round Five: The Best of the Rest
The APOY judges choose their favourite images that didn’t make the top ten of our Landscapes category
Amateur Photographer of the Year
Here are the top ten images uploaded to Photocrowd from Round Five, Landscapes, with comments by the AP team and our guest judge
FILM STARS A lifetime of landmarks
Cameras that hit the headlines between then and now. John Wade is your guide
140 years of Amateur Photographer
As AP celebrates its 140th birthday next month, Nigel Atherton looks back at its glorious past
John Wade considers...World War II: Home Front 1940, by A.J O'Brien
Say the word 'Wall's' to those of a certain age and two things spring to mind: sausages and ice cream.
