Sony FE 50-150mm F2 G Master Review
The Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM lens is a premium telephoto zoom designed for full-frame Sony E-mount cameras. Launched in 2025, it stands out as the first full-frame f/2 telephoto zoom in Sony’s lineup. With a price tag of approximately $3,898, it’s tailored for professionals seeking top-tier performance in portrait, event, and video work.
Build and Handling
Weighing approximately 1,340g and measuring 200mm in length, the FE 50-150mm f/2 GM is robustly constructed with a metal rear mount and weather-sealing, ensuring durability in various shooting conditions. Its internal zoom mechanism maintains a consistent length, which is advantageous for balance during handheld shooting or when mounted on gimbals. The lens features a 95mm filter thread, which is larger than some other lenses in its class, and includes a removable tripod foot with both 1/4″ and 3/8″ screw holes for mounting options.
Optical Performance
The lens boasts a complex optical design with 19 elements in 17 groups, incorporating three extra-low dispersion (ED) elements and two super ED elements to minimize chromatic aberrations. Additionally, two extreme aspherical (XA) elements and two conventional aspherical lenses aim to maximize sharpness across the frame. An 11-blade circular aperture contributes to smooth, creamy bokeh, enhancing subject isolation in portraits and other applications requiring a shallow depth of field.
Autofocus and Performance
Equipped with four XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors and advanced autofocus algorithms, the FE 50-150mm f/2 GM delivers fast, accurate, and quiet autofocus performance. This high-performance AF system is compatible with Sony’s Alpha 9 III, supporting continuous shooting at up to 120 frames per second with full AF/AE tracking. The lens offers a minimum focusing distance of 0.4m at the wide end and 0.74m at the telephoto end, providing a maximum magnification ratio of 0.2x. While not a macro lens, this close-focusing capability is beneficial for detailed shots without the need to switch lenses.
Video Features
Designed with videographers in mind, the FE 50-150mm f/2 GM features minimized focus breathing, ensuring consistent framing during focus pulls. It is also compatible with Sony’s Breathing Compensation feature on select Alpha cameras. The lens includes a de-clickable aperture ring for smooth aperture adjustments during video recording. Its internal zoom design helps maintain balance on gimbals, and the linear response manual focus ensures precise control.
Final Verdict
The Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM lens is a top-tier choice for professionals seeking a versatile, high-performance telephoto zoom. Its combination of fast aperture, excellent image quality, and robust build makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, from portraiture to event photography and videography. While the price may be steep, its performance justifies the investment for those requiring the best in their gear.
