Sony has announced the launch of its latest addition to the lens lineup, the FE 50-150mm F2 GM, marking a significant milestone as the first telephoto zoom lens to offer a constant aperture of f/2.0 throughout its entire focal length range. This new lens weighs in at 1,340 grams, making it 30% heavier than the Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II, yet its higher light-gathering capability makes it surprisingly manageable.

With a length of 200 mm and a diameter of 103 mm, the lens maintains a compact form factor while delivering enhanced performance. The internal zoom mechanism ensures that the lens length remains unchanged during zooming, which is particularly beneficial for gimbal operations. According to Sony, the FE 50-150mm F2 GM is ideally suited for various photography applications, including weddings, portraits, and indoor sports.

Optical Excellence

The lens features a sophisticated optical design that consists of 19 elements arranged in 17 groups. Notable components include two Extreme Aspherical (XA) elements, two aspherical elements, two Super ED elements, and three ED elements. Sony claims that the lens's imaging performance rivals that of contemporary prime lenses, a claim supported by the provided Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) charts. The close focusing distance is 0.4 meters at the wide end and 0.74 meters at the telephoto end, allowing for a maximum magnification ratio of 0.2x. Additionally, four XD Linear Motors facilitate rapid and precise autofocus, meeting the demands of high-speed photography modes such as the 120 fps setting on the Sony ?9 III.

Designed for Photographers and Videographers

Videographers will appreciate the minimal focus breathing, which can be further corrected by the breathing compensation feature available in compatible cameras. The focus ring can be set for linear response, allowing for meticulous focus adjustments during video recording. The lens is designed to accommodate filters with a diameter of 95 mm, ensuring compatibility while using the supplied lens hood, which requires a maximum outer diameter of 99.4 mm.

Lack of Optical Image Stabilization

Unlike its predecessor, the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II, the new FE 50-150mm F2 GM does not include integrated optical image stabilization. This absence may pose challenges for photographers working without a tripod, particularly at longer focal lengths where an in-lens stabilizer typically proves more effective than camera-based sensor stabilization.

Despite the premium pricing of approximately EUR4,400, the lens is expected to attract professional photographers and filmmakers who require high performance in low light and indoor environments, maximizing the benefits of its wide aperture.

Durable Build Quality

Sony emphasizes the lens's robust construction, which is resistant to dust and moisture. A fluorine coating on the front lens element helps guard against contaminants and simplifies cleaning. The lens also features a dedicated aperture ring with a lock switch and a declick function, along with three customizable function buttons.

With the introduction of the FE 50-150mm F2 GM, Sony continues its commitment to producing high-performance lenses tailored for professional users. Following the recent release of the FE 28-70mm F2 GM, this lens reinforces the brand's portfolio of zoom lenses with a constant f/2.0 aperture. The FE 50-150mm F2 GM is slated to be available in May or June 2025 for an estimated price of EUR4,400.