Sony further expands its E-mount lens lineup with the introduction of the groundbreaking FE 14mm f/1.8 G Master (model SEL14F18GM) – a compact, large f/1.8 aperture, ultra-wide-angle lens that allows users to capture the world with new perspectives by delivering sharp resolution from corner to corner with little to no distortion, especially when shooting street photography, landscapes, architecture, starry skies, and interiors.

“Sony continuously strives to meet the needs of our customers with the most advanced tools possible. We’re excited to share the newest member of our G Master series, the FE 14mm f/1.8 G Master,” said 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 f/1.8 G Master features a compact design, measuring just 83mm x 99.8mm and weighing just 460g, with advanced optical technology that delivers superb resolution and stunning contrast. Two XA (extreme aspherical) elements and one aspherical lens element maintain excellent 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.

The FE 14mm f/1.8 G Master is useful in all types of low-light situations for both still and movie shooting, thanks to the maximum f/1.8 aperture. Photographers 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. This lens uses Sony’s original Nano AR Coating II technology to maximize clarity and effectively subdue flare and ghosting.

The FE 14mm f/1.8 G Master can produce beautiful bokeh at f/1.8, even with the ultra-wide 14mm focal length. With a 9.8-inch minimum focus distance, this lens 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 f/1.8 G Master to produce exquisite background bokeh without the undesirable “onion-ring” effect.

Using two XD (extreme dynamic) Linear Motors, focus can be accurately acquired and maintained even when shooting with narrow depth of field at f/1.8 giving professional shooters the reliability they need to get the job done in challenging conditions. Moreover, the FE 14mm f/1.8 G Master enables quiet AF with minimal vibration for smooth focus transitions, perfect for video content creation.

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 f/1.8 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 lens includes a rear filter holder that accepts standard sheet-type filters for ND, color correction, soft filter and more.

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.

Here some sample pictures:

The Sony 14mm f/1.8 G Master lens is priced at $1,600 and will begin shipping in mid-May 2021.

More info on Sony’s website.