Initial thoughts on the 50-150 f2 GM

[jhunna]

First thing, I don't see it for sale at BandH!!! But iit is listed on Sony's site:

https://electronics.sony.com/imaging/lenses/all-e-mount/p/sel50150gm

It doesn't use TCL, so they should have made it black.

At $4k I would absolutely get rid of my GM primes to use this. 50GM f1.2 and 135GM

For the type of shooting I like to do, I would get a new holy trinity 1635GM, 50150GM, 300GM+bothTCL (and when I want to go small 40G or 24G). Seriously. I would be totally satisfied with this kit, as the only reason I would need a prime is to go small.

This lens also becomes the 70-200/2.8(3.0) lens for apsc that we have wanted.

Now the question is will it be available in the states, and if so when?

 

[Impulses]

First thing, I don't see it for sale at BandH!!! But iit is listed on Sony's site:

https://electronics.sony.com/imaging/lenses/all-e-mount/p/sel50150gm

It doesn't use TCL, so they should have made it black.

Why? Other than your (and my) preference for black, Sony makes all zooms this large white, there's no arbitrary rule that says black = no TCs and white = yes... I was always skeptical it would take TCs tbh, idk why many took it as a given.

At $4k I would absolutely get rid of my GM primes to use this. 50GM f1.2 and 135GM

I wouldn't... If I was a pro shooting the 135GM I might consider swapping it for the zoom, but I don't see how it replaces much faster (and smaller, and cheaper) 50/85s. It's nice to have all these options tho, E mount stays winning though. Seriously, no other system has this array of options and the gap keeps widening, not narrowing.

For the type of shooting I like to do, I would get a new holy trinity 1635GM, 50150GM, 300GM+bothTCL (and when I want to go small 40G or 24G). Seriously. I would be totally satisfied with this kit, as the only reason I would need a prime is to go small.

That makes sense to me, although I'm still surprised you'd give up the 50GM, just based on how much you've said you like it in the past... Personally I like my primes to be smaller than it, but I still tolerate something much bigger than the 24/40/50 G. I enjoyed the 24G but swapped it for the CV 21...

Ironically I'm now considering the 40G and it's got zilch to do with IQ, I still find it's flare resistance and LoCA handling underwhelming, but I kinda want my small wide/normal option to be weather sealed and have an aperture wheel.

This lens also becomes the 70-200/2.8(3.0) lens for apsc that we have wanted.

I don't think most people shooting APS-C wanted a fully FF f2.8-equivalent option or a 1.34kg zoom, fair point tho.

Now the question is will it be available in the states, and if so when?

I have 0 doubts it'll come to the US... I'd check local camera stores (if that's an option) rather than B&H though. The one I visited in Omaha already had the 16G last week (multiple copies), still backordered at B&H, that happens a lot.

I think this will be a big hit with event shooters, basically any pro that wasn't already sold on the 35-150 but often shoots events will be salivating over this. The 35mm start point is slightly more useful in general (IMO) but I'm sure the GM is sharper, better at flare handling, can shoot >20fps, will work with breathing compensation and match the best AF abilities of an A1/9; and prospective buyers will pay dearly for it.

I gotta say, I'm mildly surprised the MSRP isn't actually $4K+, just a couple hundred short but still, I half expected them to go over that price point.

Edit: If I was shooting a 70-200 or needed one, I'd swap it for this without a second thought. I thought similar of the 35-150 but this takes it a notch further. It's faster and the range is more versatile, if I wanna shoot long I'd go for something much longer (and already do). The 135GM will probably see decreased sales now since it's pinched between this zoom (for pros) and cheaper 135mm options (for enthusiasts).

Perhaps a good time to look for a used bargain (on the 135GM)... I'm happy with the Samyang though, my 21/35/135 trio with it comes out to like 2.2kg (including the A7R IV, would be even less with a C series body, maybe someday).

 

[jhunna]

First thing, I don't see it for sale at BandH!!! But iit is listed on Sony's site:

https://electronics.sony.com/imaging/lenses/all-e-mount/p/sel50150gm

It doesn't use TCL, so they should have made it black.

Why? Other than your (and my) preference for black, Sony makes all zooms this large white, there's no arbitrary rule that says black = no TCs and white = yes... I was always skeptical it would take TCs tbh, idk why many took it as a given.

With the exception of the original 70200/4 I thought all the white zooms took a TCL. (I could be wrong). So yeah I thought no TCL = White lens. The 70-300 is black, so I didn't think it would be that big of a reach. If I get it, I guess its skins...

At $4k I would absolutely get rid of my GM primes to use this. 50GM f1.2 and 135GM

I wouldn't... If I was a pro shooting the 135GM I might consider swapping it for the zoom, but I don't see how it replaces much faster (and smaller, and cheaper) 50/85s. It's nice to have all these options tho, E mount stays winning though. Seriously, no other system has this array of options and the gap keeps widening, not narrowing.

agreed

For the type of shooting I like to do, I would get a new holy trinity 1635GM, 50150GM, 300GM+bothTCL (and when I want to go small 40G or 24G). Seriously. I would be totally satisfied with this kit, as the only reason I would need a prime is to go small.

That makes sense to me, although I'm still surprised you'd give up the 50GM, just based on how much you've said you like it in the past...

I want fewer lenses, and to be honest, some of the samples I saw created a similar look as the 50/1.2. Not the same, but close enough. And the only time I really want that look is when I am shooting some kind of event, or special occasion. As much as I love that 50GM, I just don't use it as much as I would like. (using the 24GM a lot more).

Personally I like my primes to be smaller than it, but I still tolerate something much bigger than the 24/40/50 G. I enjoyed the 24G but swapped it for the CV 21...

Ironically I'm now considering the 40G and it's got zilch to do with IQ, I still find it's flare resistance and LoCA handling underwhelming, but I kinda want my small wide/normal option to be weather sealed and have an aperture wheel.

Yep. That's why I have it. For me, its a full featured lens that is nestled nicely between the 24 and 50GM glass.

This lens also becomes the 70-200/2.8(3.0) lens for apsc that we have wanted.

I don't think most people shooting APS-C wanted a fully FF f2.8-equivalent option or a 1.34kg zoom, fair point tho.

They aren't but I couldn't leave that out there without saying something. ;-)

Now the question is will it be available in the states, and if so when?

I have 0 doubts it'll come to the US... I'd check local camera stores (if that's an option) rather than B&H though. The one I visited in Omaha already had the 16G last week (multiple copies), still backordered at B&H, that happens a lot.

Good point! I should probably develop a relationship with a local store.

I think this will be a big hit with event shooters, basically any pro that wasn't already sold on the 35-150 but often shoots events will be salivating over this. The 35mm start point is slightly more useful in general (IMO) but I'm sure the GM is sharper, better at flare handling, can shoot >20fps, will work with breathing compensation and match the best AF abilities of an A1/9; and prospective buyers will pay dearly for it.

I gotta say, I'm mildly surprised the MSRP isn't actually $4K+, just a couple hundred short but still, I half expected them to go over that price point.

Edit: If I was shooting a 70-200 or needed one, I'd swap it for this without a second thought. I thought similar of the 35-150 but this takes it a notch further. It's faster and the range is more versatile, if I wanna shoot long I'd go for something much longer (and already do). The 135GM will probably see decreased sales now since it's pinched between this zoom (for pros) and cheaper 135mm options (for enthusiasts).

Perhaps a good time to look for a used bargain (on the 135GM)... I'm happy with the Samyang though, my 21/35/135 trio with it comes out to like 2.2kg (including the A7R IV, would be even less with a C series body, maybe someday).

I was thinking about this too... because until this 50-150 came out (provided I stay with FF Sony), the 135GM and/or 14GM were next on my purchase list.

 

[dmanthree]

First thing, I don't see it for sale at BandH!!! But iit is listed on Sony's site:

https://electronics.sony.com/imaging/lenses/all-e-mount/p/sel50150gm

It doesn't use TCL, so they should have made it black.

At $4k I would absolutely get rid of my GM primes to use this. 50GM f1.2 and 135GM

For the type of shooting I like to do, I would get a new holy trinity 1635GM, 50150GM, 300GM+bothTCL (and when I want to go small 40G or 24G). Seriously. I would be totally satisfied with this kit, as the only reason I would need a prime is to go small.

This lens also becomes the 70-200/2.8(3.0) lens for apsc that we have wanted.

Now the question is will it be available in the states, and if so when?

Not for me, but I can certainly see someone who shoots indoor or night sports making good use of this.

 

[gnPhoto]

I agree 1635, 50150 and 300 will be a good combination! ... was thinking to get this and sell my 70200GM2, with the hope it would take TCs (if need arises I could do 1.4x on 50-150 to get to 70-210f2.8)...

Not having OSS is a bummer at long end! I would trust IBIS work perfectly till 90 or 100mm but beyond that OSS will help

https://www.instagram.com/neelagopi/

 

[Geekapoo]

Absolutely no interest in the 50-150. I'm VERY happy with my 70-200 GM2 F2.8 and it's compatibility with the TEs. Also, love my 50mm f1.4.

 

[jhunna]

Absolutely no interest in the 50-150. I'm VERY happy with my 70-200 GM2 F2.8 and it's compatibility with the TEs. Also, love my 50mm f1.4.

That's a good one two set up right there. I am just really on the plane of simplifying. I just have too many lenses that I just don't use. And these new zooms are exceptional.

 

[Geekapoo]

Absolutely no interest in the 50-150. I'm VERY happy with my 70-200 GM2 F2.8 and it's compatibility with the TEs. Also, love my 50mm f1.4.

That's a good one two set up right there. I am just really on the plane of simplifying. I just have too many lenses that I just don't use. And these new zooms are exceptional.

Agree..the new zoom lenses are excellent BUT won't give you the type of results you'd get with an f1.2 or f1.4 prime.

 

[M Gartner]

Absolutely no interest in the 50-150. I'm VERY happy with my 70-200 GM2 F2.8 and it's compatibility with the TEs. Also, love my 50mm f1.4.

That's a good one two set up right there. I am just really on the plane of simplifying. I just have too many lenses that I just don't use. And these new zooms are exceptional.

Zooms still don't replace primes - 2 different use-cases in my world. After today's lens order, I settled for 3 each:

Sony 12-24mm 2.8 GM (own - for real estate)
Sony 28-70mm 2.0 GM (just ordered - for street photography)
Sony 50-150mm 2.0 GM (just ordered - for headshot photography, portraits and events)

Sony 14mm 1.8 GM (own - for real estate and cityscapes)
Sony 50mm 1.2 GM (own - for night street photography)
Sony 135mm 1.8 GM (own - for headshot photography)

My new 70-200 2.8 GM II and some older Batis and Zeiss lenses will go on ebay due to redundancy.

Unless Sony finally comes around with a (good) 85mm 1.2 GM, I don't see myself buying any more glass for a long time.

 

[jhunna]

Absolutely no interest in the 50-150. I'm VERY happy with my 70-200 GM2 F2.8 and it's compatibility with the TEs. Also, love my 50mm f1.4.

That's a good one two set up right there. I am just really on the plane of simplifying. I just have too many lenses that I just don't use. And these new zooms are exceptional.

Zooms still don't replace primes - 2 different use-cases in my world.

No argument from me. I just don't do enough photography that it warrants having a lot of specific primes, and because I shoot hybrid (photo/video), a zoom is preferable when the composition is constantly changing.

After today's lens order, I settled for 3 each:

Sony 12-24mm 2.8 GM (own - for real estate)
Sony 28-70mm 2.0 GM (just ordered - for street photography)
Sony 50-150mm 2.0 GM (just ordered - for headshot photography, portraits and events)

Really good group! I would use a 1635 to compromise between the 2870 and 1224

Sony 14mm 1.8 GM (own - for real estate and cityscapes)

Seems redundant if you have the 1224GM.

Sony 50mm 1.2 GM (own - for night street photography)

Special piece of glass so I absolutely understand this.

Sony 135mm 1.8 GM (own - for headshot photography)

I do wonder if you are going to see much of an advantage over the 50150 2.0. Again, the 135GM is a special piece of glass.

My new 70-200 2.8 GM II and some older Batis and Zeiss lenses will go on ebay due to redundancy.

Makes sense...

Unless Sony finally comes around with a (good) 85mm 1.2 GM, I don't see myself buying any more glass for a long time.

That is the one missing piece from the GM lineup.

 

[M Gartner]

Absolutely no interest in the 50-150. I'm VERY happy with my 70-200 GM2 F2.8 and it's compatibility with the TEs. Also, love my 50mm f1.4.

That's a good one two set up right there. I am just really on the plane of simplifying. I just have too many lenses that I just don't use. And these new zooms are exceptional.

Zooms still don't replace primes - 2 different use-cases in my world.

No argument from me. I just don't do enough photography that it warrants having a lot of specific primes, and because I shoot hybrid (photo/video), a zoom is preferable when the composition is constantly changing.

After today's lens order, I settled for 3 each:

Sony 12-24mm 2.8 GM (own - for real estate)
Sony 28-70mm 2.0 GM (just ordered - for street photography)
Sony 50-150mm 2.0 GM (just ordered - for headshot photography, portraits and events)

Really good group! I would use a 1635 to compromise between the 2870 and 1224

Sony 14mm 1.8 GM (own - for real estate and cityscapes)

Seems redundant if you have the 1224GM.

Sony 50mm 1.2 GM (own - for night street photography)

Special piece of glass so I absolutely understand this.

Sony 135mm 1.8 GM (own - for headshot photography)

I do wonder if you are going to see much of an advantage over the 50150 2.0. Again, the 135GM is a special piece of glass.

My new 70-200 2.8 GM II and some older Batis and Zeiss lenses will go on ebay due to redundancy.

Makes sense...

Unless Sony finally comes around with a (good) 85mm 1.2 GM, I don't see myself buying any more glass for a long time.

That is the one missing piece from the GM lineup.

The 14mm 1.8 GM does much better for lowlight city shots on the go without a tripod, and I do that a lot.

The 12-24 2.8 GM is only for real estate photography, and video, and lives on my DJI 4 Pro gimbal most of the time.

Now the 135mm may indeed be unused. Several reviewers of the new 50-150 claim it to be better. The DOF at 135mm and 1.8 is very shallow for headshots and needs to be closed down, so chances are my incoming 50-150 may kick the 135mm onto ebay.

That being said, I spent so much money on glass, at this point it doesn't make much of a difference. My OCD brain wants to keep my holy grail of GM primes.

If I sell the 135, I may consider keeping the 70-200 2.8 GM II. I started using the long end at 200mm out on the streets. Being able to take "portraits" of strangers from across the street without being obnoxious is a great deal.

 

[TheOwl360]

Absolutely no interest in the 50-150. I'm VERY happy with my 70-200 GM2 F2.8 and it's compatibility with the TEs. Also, love my 50mm f1.4.

That's a good one two set up right there. I am just really on the plane of simplifying. I just have too many lenses that I just don't use. And these new zooms are exceptional.

Zooms still don't replace primes - 2 different use-cases in my world. After today's lens order, I settled for 3 each:

Sony 12-24mm 2.8 GM (own - for real estate)
Sony 28-70mm 2.0 GM (just ordered - for street photography)
Sony 50-150mm 2.0 GM (just ordered - for headshot photography, portraits and events)

Sony 14mm 1.8 GM (own - for real estate and cityscapes)
Sony 50mm 1.2 GM (own - for night street photography)
Sony 135mm 1.8 GM (own - for headshot photography)

My new 70-200 2.8 GM II and some older Batis and Zeiss lenses will go on ebay due to redundancy.

Unless Sony finally comes around with a (good) 85mm 1.2 GM, I don't see myself buying any more glass for a long time.

When you get the 50-150 GM, that 135 GM will be redundant, too?

 

[M Gartner]

Absolutely no interest in the 50-150. I'm VERY happy with my 70-200 GM2 F2.8 and it's compatibility with the TEs. Also, love my 50mm f1.4.

That's a good one two set up right there. I am just really on the plane of simplifying. I just have too many lenses that I just don't use. And these new zooms are exceptional.

Zooms still don't replace primes - 2 different use-cases in my world. After today's lens order, I settled for 3 each:

Sony 12-24mm 2.8 GM (own - for real estate)
Sony 28-70mm 2.0 GM (just ordered - for street photography)
Sony 50-150mm 2.0 GM (just ordered - for headshot photography, portraits and events)

Sony 14mm 1.8 GM (own - for real estate and cityscapes)
Sony 50mm 1.2 GM (own - for night street photography)
Sony 135mm 1.8 GM (own - for headshot photography)

My new 70-200 2.8 GM II and some older Batis and Zeiss lenses will go on ebay due to redundancy.

Unless Sony finally comes around with a (good) 85mm 1.2 GM, I don't see myself buying any more glass for a long time.

When you get the 50-150 GM, that 135 GM will be redundant, too?

I will find out, see my last post.

It was my only headshot lens so far. The 70-200 2.8 works great too. The rendering of the 50-150 seems to be better than both, based on what I saw so far.

We live in wild times when a new zoom puts a prime into its place.

 

[jhunna]

When you get the 50-150 GM, that 135 GM will be redundant, too?

I will find out, see my last post.
It was my only headshot lens so far. The 70-200 2.8 works great too. The rendering of the 50-150 seems to be better than both, based on what I saw so far.

We live in wild times when a new zoom puts a prime into its place.

Like I said, for someone who isn't as involved as you are these new zooms are worth the cost to aid in the simplicity and quality of hybrid shots. To me these lenses would mean never needing to look for another lens when go from photography to video.

 

[Impulses]

Dustin Abbott had some interesting comments about the 50-150 GM's rendering, I dunno if he's going against the grain there vs other reviewers but he does have some direct comparisons to back up his observations... They aren't as well executed as Batian's rendering comparisons at PhillipReeve, but they're something I'd pay attention if I was giving up a 135GM for it or even a 35-150...

TBH even the 135GM had it's slight flaws in that regard, from what I recall in other direct comparisons the Samyang had slightly less cat's eye and latter GMs probably have slightly smoother rendering with less outlines.

It's also still a little different pointing a black ~5" lens at someone vs a white 8" lens (granted you can skin it) with an even larger front element, etc. Even large venues often seem to draw the line on what's allowed in (for fans) at 6". I recently looked up one (in Indianapolis for a WNBA game) that has a specific restriction on white lenses, not sure I'd ever seen the before, course at the entrance it's all up to random security.

 

[TheOwl360]

Dustin Abbott had some interesting comments about the 50-150 GM's rendering, I dunno if he's going against the grain there vs other reviewers but he does have some direct comparisons to back up his observations... They aren't as well executed as Batian's rendering comparisons at PhillipReeve, but they're something I'd pay attention if I was giving up a 135GM for it or even a 35-150...

I, too, saw Dustin Abbott’s review of the 50-150 GM, including his demonstration that the Tamron 35-150 appears to have a smoother rendering of bokeh at F/2.8 than the 50-150 GM at F/2.

This finding by Dustin Abbott is consistent with a finding by Manny Ramirez in his testing/comparison of the bokeh rendering between the Sony 28-70 GM at F/2 versus the Sony 24-70 GMII at F/2.8, which seemed to have smoother rendering at 2.8 than the 28-70 at F/2.

 

[Interceptor121]

Dustin Abbott had some interesting comments about the 50-150 GM's rendering, I dunno if he's going against the grain there vs other reviewers but he does have some direct comparisons to back up his observations... They aren't as well executed as Batian's rendering comparisons at PhillipReeve, but they're something I'd pay attention if I was giving up a 135GM for it or even a 35-150...

I, too, saw Dustin Abbott’s review of the 50-150 GM, including his demonstration that the Tamron 35-150 appears to have a smoother rendering of bokeh at F/2.8 than the 50-150 GM at F/2.

This finding by Dustin Abbott is consistent with a finding by Manny Ramirez in his testing/comparison of the bokeh rendering between the Sony 28-70 GM at F/2 versus the Sony 24-70 GMII at F/2.8, which seemed to have smoother rendering at 2.8 than the 28-70 at F/2.

Not exciting as the 24-70GM2 rendering is not so nice

the tamron has some rings around the bokeh balls if you peep hard enough

this sony lens to me is pointless. Positioned for video shooting indoor where you are fine with 2.8 1/60 ISO 800

unless they shoot in a cave f/2 is not needed for slog3 that has first iso at 800 and second at 5000 on my A1 and even higher on the A7S3

 

[jhunna]

Dustin Abbott had some interesting comments about the 50-150 GM's rendering, I dunno if he's going against the grain there vs other reviewers but he does have some direct comparisons to back up his observations... They aren't as well executed as Batian's rendering comparisons at PhillipReeve, but they're something I'd pay attention if I was giving up a 135GM for it or even a 35-150...

I, too, saw Dustin Abbott’s review of the 50-150 GM, including his demonstration that the Tamron 35-150 appears to have a smoother rendering of bokeh at F/2.8 than the 50-150 GM at F/2.

This finding by Dustin Abbott is consistent with a finding by Manny Ramirez in his testing/comparison of the bokeh rendering between the Sony 28-70 GM at F/2 versus the Sony 24-70 GMII at F/2.8, which seemed to have smoother rendering at 2.8 than the 28-70 at F/2.

They should compare the f2 lenses at f2.8 to see how they fair. These should be as good or better at f2.8 than the f2.8s.

 

[Impulses]

Dustin Abbott had some interesting comments about the 50-150 GM's rendering, I dunno if he's going against the grain there vs other reviewers but he does have some direct comparisons to back up his observations... They aren't as well executed as Batian's rendering comparisons at PhillipReeve, but they're something I'd pay attention if I was giving up a 135GM for it or even a 35-150...

I, too, saw Dustin Abbott’s review of the 50-150 GM, including his demonstration that the Tamron 35-150 appears to have a smoother rendering of bokeh at F/2.8 than the 50-150 GM at F/2.

This finding by Dustin Abbott is consistent with a finding by Manny Ramirez in his testing/comparison of the bokeh rendering between the Sony 28-70 GM at F/2 versus the Sony 24-70 GMII at F/2.8, which seemed to have smoother rendering at 2.8 than the 28-70 at F/2.

They should compare the f2 lenses at f2.8 to see how they fair. These should be as good or better at f2.8 than the f2.8s.

Not necessarily, a lot of aspects to rendering can stay consistent even if DoF deepens or narrows, specially on high end zooms like these. Did you check out the comparison?

 

[jhunna]

Dustin Abbott had some interesting comments about the 50-150 GM's rendering, I dunno if he's going against the grain there vs other reviewers but he does have some direct comparisons to back up his observations... They aren't as well executed as Batian's rendering comparisons at PhillipReeve, but they're something I'd pay attention if I was giving up a 135GM for it or even a 35-150...

I, too, saw Dustin Abbott’s review of the 50-150 GM, including his demonstration that the Tamron 35-150 appears to have a smoother rendering of bokeh at F/2.8 than the 50-150 GM at F/2.

This finding by Dustin Abbott is consistent with a finding by Manny Ramirez in his testing/comparison of the bokeh rendering between the Sony 28-70 GM at F/2 versus the Sony 24-70 GMII at F/2.8, which seemed to have smoother rendering at 2.8 than the 28-70 at F/2.

They should compare the f2 lenses at f2.8 to see how they fair. These should be as good or better at f2.8 than the f2.8s.

Not necessarily, a lot of aspects to rendering can stay consistent even if DoF deepens or narrows, specially on high end zooms like these. Did you check out the comparison?

Not yet but I will. I was using the example of the 50/1.2 not being as sharp as the 50/1.4, until you stop the f1.2 down to f1.4.