Sony beefs up its full-frame range with 12-24mm G Master™, the world’s widest-angle zoom at F2.8

Sony expands its lineup of full-frame lenses with the introduction of the new FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM SEL1224GM with an extremely fast aperture ratio and ultra-wide angle zoom. This compact and versatile lens is ideal for landscapes, stargazing and architecture, as well as for active sports, providing extra mobility when the photographer wants to shoot “at an ultra-wide angle”. As part of Sony’s flagship G Master lens series, this model delivers superb image quality at an ultra-wide angle of view of up to 12mm with a constant aperture of F2.8, as well as exquisite bokeh effects.

With the introduction of the FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM, in Sony’s lineup of G Master Series lenses with an aperture of F2.8 lenses from 12 mm to 200 mm, including the world’s widest F2 zoom lens, became available.8 At such focal length it is possible to emphasize scales, and also to create the impression of dynamics and perspective, which expand limits of perception and open horizons for new creative possibilities.

“We are very excited about the introduction of the FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM and we expect that photographers and videographers, using the system Alpha from Sony, will love this lens, “- said Andrei Kurganov, head of marketing of photo-video Sony Electronics in America and the CIS. – It’s important for us to push the boundaries of the industry, and by expanding our G Master lineup of lenses with constant aperture F2.8 to 12mm with such a technological and high-performance lens, we look forward to seeing the fruits of the new creative freedom this product offers photographers.

FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM is designed with a great number of innovations ensuring outstanding image quality throughout the entire diagonal of the frame at all focal lengths. It features three extremely precise XA eXtreme Aspherical aspherical elements, including the largest XA element ever made for an α™ Alpha™ lens. These XA elements, with the addition of another aspherical element, effectively suppress astigmatism, coma and field curvature at the edges of the image. Additionally, three Extra-low Dispersion ED glass elements and two Super ED glass elements effectively suppress chromatic aberration and deliver a sharp image throughout the field of view while minimizing fringing.

A floating focus mechanism divides the lens focus group into two independently controlled systems. The technology is extremely effective in delivering great close-up shots and maintaining maximum sharpness at any distance, as the lens focus group is divided into two independently controlled groups, which increases the speed and efficiency of autofocus. In addition, the floating focus provides a constant minimum focus distance of 0.28m across the zoom. Because the lens is internally focused, its magnitude remains constant and the center of gravity changes only slightly, providing optimal balance for hand support.

The signature bokeh effects of Sony’s G Master Series lens are achieved through precise calibration of spherical aberrations in both design and production. At the same time, the XA elements’ extremely high surface accuracy suppresses onion rings in the image, and combines with the 9-blade circular aperture to enhance exquisite bokeh with smooth out-of-focus background shapes.

In FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM uses four original high-speed, high-reliability linear XD drives Extreme Dynamics for compatibility with the speed specifications of existing and future camera bodies. With two actuators for each of the lens focus groups, autofocusing is fast and precise, and new control algorithms minimize the response of the linear XD drive system while ensuring perfect synchronization between the two focus groups. Another advantage is the extremely low noise level with minimal vibration.

For the first time for a modern lens, the FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM uses the new Nano AR Coating II, which can be applied evenly to large lenses or heavily curved element surfaces. It suppresses internal reflections, minimizes flare and ghosting for clear, crisp images, and despite the lens’ wide angle of view, Nano AR Coating II maintains high clarity and contrast throughout the image even in low light.

Video shooting

The constant aperture of the F2.8 at all focal lengths ensures stable exposure when zooming in. This means that shutter speed and ISO sensitivity can be maintained while shooting video. Creative opportunities afforded by 12mm video shooting at an F2 aperture.8 in full-frame mode, limitless. When used on an APS-C camera or with the Super 35 system, the wide range angle becomes equivalent to 18mm, providing the range demanded in video shooting.

Professional Controls

At just 847 grams, the FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM offers a variety of functions for full professional control over your shooting. These include an adjustable focus lock button, focus mode switch, zoom and focus rings positioned for easy operation during shooting. The linear response of the manual focus ring ensures focus response to the subtlest manual movements, so control is immediate and precise. The lens is protected against dust and moisture, and the front lens has a moisture-repellent fluorocarbon coating that protects against water, oils and other contaminants, including making it easy to clean hand and fingerprints from the lens surface. Rear holder allows you to mount standard ND sheet filters, color correctors, and other filters to expand expressive capabilities. Comes with a sheet filter cutter template.

Price and affordability

Pricing and launch date in America for the FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM to be announced later.