A few days ago, Sony unveiled its new Full-frame 135mm F1.8 G Master Prime, which is pretty exciting large-aperture prime telephoto lens. The lens is a new member of the elite G Master (GM) family which offers some special features. From today, the lens is available for preorder. Learn more below.

The FE 135mm f/1.8 G Master prime lens is dedicated for full-frame E-mount cameras, as a robust tool and optic solution for professional portrait, wedding, and sports photographers. Furthermore, the lens can be used wisely and effectively by cinematographers and videographers as well.

The 135mm F1.8 G Master is equipped with an 11-bladed circular aperture mechanism contributes towards achieving extremely natural and beautiful background defocus

Designed for “exquisite bokeh”

The 135mm F1.8 G Master is equipped with an 11-bladed circular aperture mechanism contributes towards achieving extremely natural and beautiful background defocus. As stated by Sony:” The new telephoto prime lens utilizes its XA element, refined with Sony’s latest bokeh simulation technologies during the design and manufacturing stages, to control spherical aberration and achieve exquisite bokeh.”

The FE 135mm f/1.8 G Master prime also features dual-autofocus groups in a floating focus arrangement for improved close-up capability, allowing a minimum focus distance of just 0.7 meters and a maximum magnification of 0.25x. For fast-moving subjects, the lens has been equipped with a total of four of Sony’s proprietary XD linear motors that achieve speedy AF tracking. According to Sony, there is also a control algorithm that helps to maximize control response and ensure quiet, low-vibration AF.

Watch the video below to explore the general features of the lens:

Aperture Click Switch for cinematography purposes

The FE 135mm f/1.8 G Master prime includes an aperture Click Switch located on the ring that allows direct, intuitive aperture control for cinematography purposes. The Click Switch can be turned ON/OFF which allows the aperture ring click stops to be engaged or disengaged as required. When the click stops are disengaged, the aperture ring moves smoothly and quietly, providing seamless, silent control for moviemaking, exactly like cinema lenses (un-clickable aperture for smooth iris control). Of course, you will not have the privilege of the large focus/ iris ring like in cinema lenses, but you will benefit from the privilege of a smooth aperture which is essential in cinema applications. 

When the click stops are disengaged, the aperture ring moves smoothly and quietly, providing seamless, silent control for moviemaking

View the video below which demonstrates the Aperture Click Switch feature:

Product Highlights

• E-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
• Aperture Range: f/1.8 to f/22
• XA Element, Super ED and ED Elements
• Nano AR and Fluorine Coatings
• XD Linear Motor AF System
• AF/MF Switch; Internal Focus
• Two Focus Hold Buttons
• Physical Aperture Ring; De-Click Switch
• Dust and Moisture-Resistant Construction
• Rounded 11-Blade Diaphragm

Price and availability

The price of the new Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM is $1,900. The lens is available for preorder from today at B&H.

Final thoughts

Seems that this Sony’s new FF 135mm F1.8 G Master Prime is a cool piece of glass that may be beneficial to filmmakers. However, the main downside is the price, since this lens will have to compete against the existing Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art lens, which costs $1,399 ($500 less).