Imagine capturing a tender moment at a wedding, the intense focus of an athlete, or the subtle nuances of a portrait, all with breathtaking clarity and creamy smooth background blur. Sony India just dropped a bombshell for professionals: the FE 50-150mm F2 GM lens. And it’s making waves as the world’s first telephoto zoom to boast a constant F2 aperture with a 150mm reach. Could this be the one lens to rule them all for serious shooters?
For years, photographers have often had to choose between the versatility of a zoom lens and the shallow depth of field and low-light performance of a prime lens. This new G Master series lens appears to bridge that gap. The constant F2 aperture across the entire 50-150mm zoom range is a game-changer. It promises stunning bokeh – that beautiful out-of-focus area that makes your subject pop – comparable to what you’d expect from a fixed focal length lens. Think dreamy wedding portraits where the bride and groom are sharply in focus against a softly blurred background, or isolating a player on a busy sports field.
Mukesh Srivastava, Head of Digital Imaging Business at Sony India, emphasized this versatility, stating that this “world-first innovation…delivers unmatched image quality, versatility and performance.” He highlighted its potential for various scenarios, from “stunning bokeh in portraits and weddings to sharp, high-speed capture in sports and events.”
Delving deeper into the technical prowess of this lens reveals why it’s generating such excitement. Sony has packed it with advanced optical elements, including two XA (extreme aspherical), two Super ED (extra-low dispersion), and three ED elements. This sophisticated design aims to minimize aberrations, those pesky distortions that can degrade image quality. The result? Expect sharp, high-contrast images throughout the zoom range. Even close-up shots are possible, with a minimum focusing distance of 0.4 meters at the wide end and a 0.20x maximum magnification.
Beyond image quality, the lens design itself is noteworthy. The internal zoom mechanism means the lens maintains its length and balance while zooming. This is a huge plus for handheld shooting and gimbal use, offering stability and consistent handling. At approximately 200mm in length and 1340g in weight, it strikes a balance between robust build and manageable portability for professionals on the move.
Autofocus speed and accuracy are crucial for capturing fleeting moments, and the FE 50-150mm F2 GM doesn’t disappoint. It’s equipped with four XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors and Sony’s advanced control algorithms. This translates to fast, precise, and quiet autofocus, a significant advantage for both stills and video. Imagine tracking a fast-moving athlete during an indoor match with unwavering focus. Sony claims it’s even compatible with the Alpha 9 III’s incredible 120fps continuous shooting with full AF/AE tracking.
For videographers, this lens seems like a dream come true. Sony has addressed common concerns like focus breathing – the slight change in angle of view when adjusting focus. The lens is also compatible with Sony’s Breathing Compensation feature on select Alpha cameras. The Linear Response MF ensures smooth and intuitive manual focus control, and the quiet XD linear motors prevent unwanted noise in your recordings.
Durability is another key consideration for professionals working in diverse and sometimes challenging environments. The FE 50-150mm F2 GM boasts a dust- and moisture-resistant design. The front element also features a fluorine coating, which repels water, oil, and other contaminants, making it easier to keep clean.
Priced at ₹369,990/-, this lens is undoubtedly a significant investment. However, for professionals who demand top-tier image quality, versatility, and cutting-edge performance, the Sony FE 50-150mm F2 GM appears to be a compelling option. It’s available starting today, May 5th, 2025, across Sony Center stores, Alpha Flagship stores, authorized dealers, major electronic stores, and online platforms like Amazon and Flipkart in India.
Could this be the end of carrying multiple prime lenses for various telephoto needs? The FE 50-150mm F2 GM certainly makes a strong case for itself as a versatile powerhouse that doesn’t compromise on image quality or performance. Only time and real-world testing will truly tell if it lives up to the hype, but on paper, it looks like Sony has delivered a truly groundbreaking lens.
