Sony 50mm f1.4 GM - CAN IT BEAT THE 50MM F1.2 GM?

Summary

In this engaging video, the presenter tests the new Sony 50mm F1.4 G Master lens against the more expensive F1.2 version in Cleveland's streets. With humor and candid commentary, he showcases stunning photos and videos captured with both lenses, highlighting their similarities and subtle differences in image quality, bokeh, and handling. The analysis extends to features like breathing, sharpness, and fringing while discussing the value of each lens for content creators. Ultimately, the F1.4 offers nearly comparable performance at a lower price point, making it an attractive option for those seeking high-quality results without breaking the bank.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video features a review of the new Sony 50mm F1.4 G Master lens, highlighting its lightweight design and key specifications.
• 📸 The lens weighs only 516 grams and includes 14 elements in 11 groups, with an 11-bladed aperture for quality bokeh.
• ⚙️ The F1.4 lens features dual linear XD autofocus motors and a 67mm filter thread, offering a clickable aperture ring and weather sealing.
• 💰 Priced at $1,299, the lens is compared to the more expensive $2,000 Sony 50mm F1.2 G Master lens to evaluate performance differences.
• 🆚 The reviewer conducts side-by-side comparisons of images taken with the F1.4 and F1.2 lenses to determine differences in image quality and bokeh.
• ❄️ Filming conditions included cold weather, impacting the shooting environment but still producing impressive image quality.
• 🎵 The video promotes Artlist as a platform for royalty-free music and sound effects, emphasizing its relevance for content creators.
• 🧪 The review includes a breathing test for both lenses, indicating that breathing performance is similar between the two models.
• 🔍 Through Lightroom analysis, the reviewer assesses sharpness, detail retention, and fringing in images taken with both lenses.
• ✅ The F1.4 lens is praised for delivering 96% of the performance of the F1.2 at a significantly lower price, making it a valuable option for Sony users.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The video focuses on comparing the new Sony 50mm F1.4 G Master lens with the more expensive F1.2 model, examining their image quality, bokeh, and overall performance.

What are some key features of the Sony 50mm F1.4 lens?

The F1.4 lens is lightweight at 516 grams, features 14 elements in 11 groups, has an 11-bladed aperture, dual linear XD autofocus motors, a 67mm filter thread, and weather sealing.

Why does the host think the F1.4 lens is a good value?

The host believes the F1.4 lens offers about 96% of the performance of the F1.2 lens at a significantly lower price, making it a great option for budget-conscious photographers.

How did the host test the two lenses?

The host shot various photos and videos outdoors in Cleveland, making comparisons between images taken with the F1.4 and F1.2 lenses to evaluate differences in sharpness and bokeh.

What specific difference did the host note in bokeh between the two lenses?

The host mentioned that the bokeh from the F1.2 lens is creamier and more pronounced compared to the F1.4, but the F1.4 still produced stunning results that most users would find acceptable.

What is the price difference between the F1.4 and F1.2 lenses?

The Sony 50mm F1.4 lens is priced at $1299, while the F1.2 lens costs around $2000, creating an $800 difference.

How did the host address the concern of lens breathing?

The host performed a breathing test by pulling focus with both lenses and noted that both exhibited similar levels of breathing, which is manageable with modern Sony cameras' compensation features.

What role does Artlist play in the video?

Artlist is the sponsor of the video, and the host promotes it as a valuable resource for content creators, offering a large library of royalty-free music, sound effects, and video templates.

What types of corrections did the host mention when discussing image quality?

The host discussed profile corrections, specifically regarding vignette and fringing, and indicated that enabling these corrections in-camera significantly reduces visible issues in images.

What conclusion does the host reach about the two lenses?

The host concludes that while the F1.2 lens offers superior performance, the F1.4 is an excellent choice for most users due to its price, size, and comparable image quality.