Sony FE 24-50mm f/2.8 G is a new lightweight and compact (440g/15.52oz, 74.8mm/2.94in x 92.3mm/3.63in) full-frame lens for Sony E cameras that offers a constant f/2.8 aperture, a physical aperture ring with a click switch, and a focus hold button. The lens should ship in April 2024. Let’s have a look!
The Japanese tech giant Sony already showed us more than once that going full-frame does not necessarily have to mean the gear gets bulky and heavy. The recently refreshed a7C line of cameras can be a nice example of the company’s downsizing efforts. Along with these compact full-frame mirrorless bodies, Sony offers a tiny and lightweight standard kit zoom lens – the Sony FE 28-60mm f/4.0-5.6. With today’s announcement, the company unveils another lightweight full-frame zoom lens, but this time with a constant f/2.8 aperture. Let’s take a quick look at the new Sony FE 24-50mm f/2.8 G lens.
Sony FE 24-50mm f/2.8 G – A fast and lightweight zoom
Sony FE 24-50mm f/2.8 G lens. Image credit: Florian Milz, CineD
The unique selling point of the new 24-50mm is, without a doubt, its size. The lens weighs 440g/15.52oz and it has a maximum diameter of 74.8mm/2.94in. The length is 92.3mm/3.63in (at 50mm focal length) and the lens extends when changing the focal length towards the wide end of 24mm.
Sony FE 24-50mm f/2.8 G lens. Image credit: Florian Milz, CineD
The Sony 24-50mm lens has a physical aperture ring as well as an aperture click switch, which means that smooth “iris-pull” shots are possible if needed. Furthermore, there is a customizable focus hold button as well as an AF/MF switch. The lens provides a 67mm front filter thread.
Sony FE 24-50mm f/2.8 G – iris click switch. Image credit: Florian Milz, CineD
The FE 24-50mm features a dust and moisture-resistant design and its front element sports a fluorine coating that helps prevent fingerprints, dust, water, oil, and other contaminants.
Sony FE 24-50mm f/2.8 G lens. Image credit: Florian Milz, CineD
To keep the size and weight down, Sony did not include any optical stabilization in the lens. You will have to rely on the camera’s IBIS and digital (Active or Dynamic active) stabilization.
The lens is compatible with the focus breathing compensation function (with cameras that have this functionality).
Sony FE 24-50mm f/2.8 G lens. Image credit: Florian Milz, CineD
Optics, aperture, close focus
Optically, the new lens comprises four aspherical lens elements to minimize aberrations and two ED (extra-low dispersion) glass elements to further suppress chromatic aberration. The 11-blade circular aperture is available between f/2.8 and f/22.
Sony FE 24-50mm f/2.8 G – buttons. Image credit: Florian Milz, CineD
Interestingly, the minimum focus distance varies slightly depending on whether you use autofocus or manual focus:
Close focus at 24mm – 0.19m with AF or 0.18m with MF
Close focus at 50mm – 0.30m with AF or 0.29m with MF
The maximum magnification ratio is x0.30 (with AF) and x0.33 (with MF).
Autofocus
The 24-50mm lens was designed with an internal focusing mechanism, so only the middle groups of the optical system are moving when focusing. For quick AF operation, the lens employs two linear motors.
Sony FE 24-50mm f/2.8 G lens. Image credit: Florian Milz, CineD
Sony claims the autofocus speed can keep up even during the 120fps burst mode, with the latest a9 III. For video shooting, the lens can also provide AF tracking in 4K120fps shooting modes (with a compatible camera) according to Sony.
Key specs
focal length: 24-50mm – full-frame
aperture: f/2.8-f/22 (11 blades circular)
close focus: 24mm – 0.19m with AF, 0.18m with MF; 50mm – 0.30m with AF, 0.29m with MF
front filter thread: 67mm
size: 74.8mm/2.94in diameter, 92.3mm/3.63in length
weight: 440g/15.52oz
Price and availability
The Sony FE 24-50mm f/2.8 G lens should start shipping in April 2024 and the price will be €1.300.
Do you travel often enough with your gear to care about size and weight? What do you think about the new Sony FE 24-50mm f/2.8 G lens? Let us know in the comments section underneath the article.
