Sony has released another high-quality glass. This time the lens is dedicated to those who keen on the ultra-wide look, especially when shooting with a full-frame Alpha. Let’s meet the 14mm F1.8 G Master for E-mount cameras.

FE 14mm F1.8 G Master

Sony has been releasing new lenses and they sell like hotcakes. For instance, check out the most recent lenses Sony has released in the recent month: The FE 50mm F1.2 G Master and the affordable full-frame G series (three new lenses in the FE full-frame lens mount). Thus, after the 50mm, it’s time to allow some high-quality polished ultra-wide magic, for full-frame shooters. Let’s read the highlights of the new compact 14mm F1.8 G Master, which according to Sony, sets a new benchmark in ultra-wide prime lenses.

Compact, ultra-wide and fast

According to Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc: “This lens sets a new standard for 14mm primes, by delivering extraordinary corner-to-corner resolution and advanced autofocus capabilities in a compact design that has never before been realized in this focal length.” The new FE 14mm F1.8 G Master features a compact design, measuring just 3⅜ in x 4 in (83mm x 99.8mm) and weighing just 16.3 oz (460g), with advanced optical technology that delivers high resolution and contrast. Two XA (extreme aspherical) elements and one aspherical lens element maintain high resolution throughout the entire image area and contribute to its compact and lightweight design. Two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements and one Super ED glass element result in optical refinements that suppress chromatic aberration and deliver excellent contrast and precise rendering at all apertures.

Low light capabilities

The FE 14mm F1.8 G Master is useful in all types of low-light situations for both still and movie shooting, thanks to the maximum F1.8 aperture. Users can faithfully render point light sources, like stars for astrophotography, without having to use extremely slow shutter speeds. A common problem plaguing wide-angle lenses is light entering at extreme angles that could reflect internally. The FE 14mm F1.8 G Master uses Sony’s original Nano AR Coating II technology to maximize clarity and effectively subdue flare and ghosting. Check out the video below which demonstrates the sharpness and the clarity, even at the corners of the image:

Producing bokeh even when shooting ultra-wide

With a 9.8-inch minimum focus distance, the FE 14mm F1.8 G Master offers expanded possibilities for close-up still and video shooting and creates stunning bokeh known to Sony’s G Master premium series of lenses. In addition, its precise XA elements, a 9-blade circular aperture mechanism, and optimally controlled aberration allow the FE 14mm F1.8 G Master to produce exquisite background bokeh without the undesirable “onion-ring” effect.

Advanced and Quiet AF

Using two XD (extreme dynamic) Linear Motors, focus can be accurately acquired and maintained even when shooting with a narrow depth of field at F1.8. Moreover, the FE 14mm F1.8 G Master enables quiet AF with minimal vibration for smooth focus transitions, perfect for video content creation.

Control and customization

The new lens also features several advanced and versatile control options including a focus hold button, a focus mode switch, and a focus ring to ensure smooth, efficient operation in a wide range of shooting environments. For added customization, a number of functions can be assigned to the focus hold button from the camera body interface. The FE 14mm F1.8 G Master also features Linear Response MF for direct and precise manual focusing. An aperture ring that allows intuitive aperture control and is also included, with click stops that can be switched ‘on’ for still photography or switched ‘off’ for smooth and quiet iris transition when capturing video. For added creative freedom, the FE 14mm F1.8 G Master includes a rear filter holder that accepts standard sheet-type filters for ND, color correction, soft filter, and more.

Dust and moisture resistant

A dust and moisture resistant design provides the reliability needed for challenging conditions. The front lens element features a fluorine coating that repels water, oil, and other contaminants. The rear element is also fluorine-coated to keep that surface clean when changing the rear filter. The lens also has a built-in petal hood that effectively blocks extraneous light that can cause flare and ghosting.

Pricing and Availability

The new FE 14mm F1.8 G Master will be available in May for approximately $1,600 USD. Meanwhile, you can add it to your “Wish-List” on Adorama.

Final thoughts

The Sony FE 14mm F1.8 G Master seems like a high-quality lens for those who like to shoot ultra-wide in a full-frame camera. This look enhances and amplifies motion kinetic which can be implemented in dynamic shots. The advantage of shooting full-frame with this lens is the ability to produce very special bokeh which is very rare to ultra-wide shots. You’ll have to be close to the subject though.

What do you think about the FE 14mm F1.8 G Master? Do you like shooting ultra-wide? Would you use this lens to enhance motion? Comment below.

Products list

• Lens: Sony FE 14mm F1.8 G Master. Price: $1,600 [maxbutton id=”1″ url=”https://adorama.rfvk.net/7m5zGr” ]
• Lens: Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 G Master. Price: $1,998 [maxbutton id=”1″ url=”https://adorama.rfvk.net/qn4YEj” ]
• Lens: Sony Ultra-Compact G. Price: $598 [maxbutton id=”1″ url=”https://adorama.rfvk.net/DVK7bo” ]
• Camera: Sony FX3 Full-Frame Cinema-Line: Price: $3,898 [maxbutton id=”1″ url=”https://adorama.rfvk.net/NKkqPV” ]