Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM Review – digitalcameras.ie

That is an in-depth evaluation of the Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM, one among Sony’s high wide-angle prime lenses meant to supply the very best picture high quality and brightest aperture accessible at 24mm. The 24mm f/1.4 GM lens incorporates lots of Sony’s most superior lens applied sciences, together with high-end coatings, a number of aspherical lens parts, {and professional} dealing with options. In at the moment’s evaluation, I’ll share my experiences after testing the Sony 24mm f/1.4 GM extensively each within the area and within the lab, as a way to aid you determine if it’s the appropriate lens for you.

I’ve been a fan of 24mm f/1.4 lenses ever since I purchased Nikon’s AF-S 24mm f/1.4G for my DSLR a few years in the past (utilizing it with a Nikon D7000 on the time, adopted by a Nikon D800E). For years, it was my main panorama images lens, and I took a variety of my favourite images with it. The Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM follows the identical custom and improves upon DSLR 24mm f/1.4 lenses in a lot of methods, as you’ll see by this evaluation.

Whereas many photographers nowadays favor zoom lenses, the mix of vibrant most aperture, portability, weatherproofing, and picture high quality of a high-end prime lens just like the Sony 24mm f/1.4 continues to be inconceivable to beat. If 24mm is your focal size of selection, even the most effective zooms is not going to match the capabilities of the Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM.

Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM Specs

These high-end specs counsel that Sony has put as a lot superior know-how because it might match into the FE 24mm f/1.4 GM, together with a fluorine-coated entrance ingredient, two excessive aspherical parts, and superior anti-flare coatings. The intensive controls on the barrel of the lens can be welcome for superior customers, too, together with the de-clickable aperture ring and customized operate button.

Right here’s the lens’s building diagram for reference:

Construct High quality and Dealing with

Similar to all of Sony’s GM lenses, the FE 24mm f/1.4 GM is constructed to final. There are not any exterior shifting elements when focusing with this lens, and it’s extensively weather-sealed. The fluorine-coated entrance ingredient can be a pleasant bonus for repelling mud and water. The result’s that the Sony 24mm f/1.4 GM is extra weatherproof than nearly another large lens, particularly zooms – practically all of which have a telescoping barrel design that strikes as you alter focal size.

I used the Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM within the dusty, sandy, and windy circumstances of Loss of life Valley in addition to intensive use all through the American Southwest with none points in any respect. These harsh circumstances are sufficient to get sand and grit caught within the barrel of a variety of lenses, however not the FE 24mm f/1.4 GM. As a panorama photographer, that is one motive why I favor to make use of high-quality, well-sealed prime lenses every time I can.

The load of the Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM measures at an impressively mild 445 grams / 0.98 kilos. This makes it the lightest 24mm f/1.4 accessible at the moment. By comparability, the Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II weighs 650 grams. The Nikon AF-S 24mm f/1.4G weighs 620 grams. The unique Sigma 24mm f/1.4 Artwork (Sony E model) weighed 740 grams, and even the newer “DN” model of the Sigma 24mm f/1.4 Artwork, designed particularly for mirrorless cameras, is 510 grams.

By the identical token, the Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM is impressively small and transportable. The filter thread measurement is a mere 67mm. You gained’t have a problem becoming this lens in your bag and carrying all of it day.

As for dealing with, the intensive set of guide controls on the Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM is nice to see in a world the place many lens producers are shifting towards extra minimalist lens barrels. The lens has a operate button (Sony calls it the Focus Maintain button, though it may be personalized extensively) in addition to a spotlight and aperture ring. There are two switches on the lens, too – one for autofocus/guide focus, and one for clicking/de-clicking the aperture ring. Examine this to some wide-angle fastened lenses at the moment which solely have a spotlight ring, and you’ll see why I’m a fan of the FE 24mm f/1.4 GM’s dealing with.

My solely criticism in regards to the Sony FE 24mm f/1.4’s dealing with is a small one. The equipped lens hood, the petal-shaped Sony ALC-SH154, actually does job blocking stray mild from reaching the lens. Nevertheless, the velvet inside of the lens hood collects mud extra simply than a conventional plastic design.

It is a bit ironic as a result of the velvet is certainly meant to be a complicated characteristic befitting a high-end lens just like the 24mm f/1.4 GM. And I’ll say, the ALC-SH154 is a little more efficient than a typical lens hood as long as the velvet stays clear. Nevertheless, my copy grew to become soiled extra rapidly than a typical lens hood, largely due to my utilization of the lens in dusty environments. This really made the hood much less efficient till I seen and cleaned it off. Not an enormous deal, however price noting. When you’re working with this lens in dusty circumstances, be sure that to maintain the lens hood clear.

On the subsequent web page of this evaluation, I’ve lined the optical efficiency of the Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM. Click on the menu under to go to the next web page, Optical Options.