Sony to announce unprecedented 50-150 f2

[JAJohnson]

“Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM Lens (Sony E)
Uniquely fast and versatile, the FE 50-150mm f/2 GM, from Sony, is a normal- to short-telephoto zoom distinguished by its impressively bright f/2 constant maximum aperture. Ideal for portraiture, weddings, events, and indoor and close-range sports, this lens is also a good choice for photographers and videographers looking to replace a handful of primes with a single fast zoom without sacrificing on speed.”

$3898, preorder is available now.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1891016-REG/sony_fe_50_150mm_f_2_gm.html

 

[nmerc_photos]

disappointing about the lack of image stabilization for such a pricey lens

interesting to have both a 28-70 f2 and 50-150 f2 offering. I suspect this lens will primarily appeal to sports photographers, while the 28-70 f2 primarily appeals to wedding/portrait photographers?

you also can't use TC's on the 50-150 which is another disappointment

I guess in this case I am happy to be disappointed as it will save me a good chunk of money...

 

[TomRC]

It will be a really good portrait lens at 150mm at F2 but that is a tough focal length to manage a portrait shoot. And F2 at 85mm or 100mm will make for a good look but not close IMO to the “POP” of an 85mm 1.2 or 105mm 1.4 which are much more manageable portrait focal lengths. I’d still go for the super fast primes for portrait work.

But if I were making good money shooting photography or video at weddings and events I’d buy it in a heartbeat. F2.8 can still be a challenge for that type of stuff yet the flexibility of having a zoom with a good focal range like this lens has for weddings and events is invaluable. Been there and done that!!!! Throw in a fast and light wide prime over one shoulder and the 50-150mm over the other shoulder and you are close to being covered for the day. Might seem like a crazy lens and crazy cost but Sony did their homework with regards to people that shoot this type of stuff.

 

[MrFotoFool]

Agree this lens is definitely geared towards wedding and event photographers.

 

[DavidT]

At $3,900 US they won’t sell many. The c2 vs f2.8 of the 70-200GMII isn’t worth over 1k more and I’m assuming more weight. The 70-200GM can also use tele. This is a lens for a very small niche. They should focus their attention on glass the majority of folks would buy. 600PF anyone.

 

[Nimi]

Every wedding photographer/YouTuber with decent following was given one to shill. It is impressive, but not useful to me, regardless of price. The 24-70 is pretty much the only zoom I use on my FX3, and if I need faster lens I use a prime.

 

[TomRC]

Wedding and event photography is not “niche” by any means as a percentage of the pro market and this is a lens geared for that segment. For weddings and events going from F2.8 to F2 in a zoom is substantial for a host of reasons. As big of a difference as going from an 85mm 1.4 to an 85mm 1.2 is for portrait work when you want your work to stand out in a crowded marketplace. Pro’s in this market will still carry a 70-200mm but this lens will be more appealing in a number of scenarios for those making a living with their camera. And this type of a lens will have a ton of appeal to pro videographers using Sony cinema bodies. A very useful tool and In terms of pro cinema lens prices, this one is bargain for the focal range it covers even though it is not technically a cinema lens. I’d say they will sell plenty to its target markets.

 

[Nimi]

Wedding and event photography is not “niche” by any means as a percentage of the pro market and this is a lens geared for that segment. For weddings and events going from F2.8 to F2 in a zoom is substantial for a host of reasons. As big of a difference as going from an 85mm 1.4 to an 85mm 1.2 is for portrait work when you want your work to stand out in a crowded marketplace. Pro’s in this market will still carry a 70-200mm but this lens will be more appealing in a number of scenarios for those making a living with their camera. And this type of a lens will have a ton of appeal to pro videographers using Sony cinema bodies. A very useful tool and In terms of pro cinema lens prices, this one is bargain for the focal range it covers even though it is not technically a cinema lens. I’d say they will sell plenty to its target markets.

Agree with the first part. I don't think it's a great video lens since it's neither stabilized nor parfocal.

 

[TomRC]

I agree for higher end cinema / video work with adequate budgets that can justify better cinema primes. But there is a lot of video work out there that doesn't have those budgets or people getting paid pretty good $$$ who need something to cover both photography and video where this lens will make a lot of sense particularly for weddings and events. Very interested to see some actual video feedback on this lens as to how it compares to the 24-70 and 70-200 both of which are putting some good money into a lot of pros’ pockets for video work. Maybe wrong but I can’t imagine that it would be a downgrade from those two zooms. Might be though!

 

[Nimi]

I agree for higher end cinema / video work with adequate budgets that can justify better cinema primes. But there is a lot of video work out there that doesn't have those budgets or people getting paid pretty good $$$ who need something to cover both photography and video where this lens will make a lot of sense particularly for weddings and events. Very interested to see some actual video feedback on this lens as to how it compares to the 24-70 and 70-200 both of which are putting some good money into a lot of pros’ pockets for video work. Maybe wrong but I can’t imagine that it would be a downgrade from those two zooms. Might be though!

Whoismatt gives it a rave review. And Gerald Undone points out that the AF is SO fast, it compensates for the lack of parfocality. And I agree that cinematographers that need crash-zoom shots are using dedicated manual cine lenses. A friend pre-ordered one and I'll borrow it.