Sony has announced its 60th E-mount lens — the 50mm f/1.2 G-Master — that it hopes will prove that not only can it continue to make compact, lightweight primes but also can also do so while competing with the fast aperture lenses of both Canon and Nikon. The lens’s maximum f/1.2 aperture combines an impressive shallow depth of field for maximum creative expression with incredible light gathering capabilities, allowing for faster shutter speeds and lower ISO in low light settings, making it ideal for portraits, wedding photography, video, and more.

“We’re excited to introduce our 60th E-mount lens – the FE 50mm f/1.2 GM – which delivers a new level of expression and usability for still images and video as an f/1.2 lens,” said Neal Manowitz, deputy president for Imaging Products and Solutions Americas at Sony Electronics. “We’re always listening to our customers to deliver the best imaging technology. The FE 50mm f/1.2 GM, our first f/1.2 lens for the α brand, was designed without compromise to meet the changing needs of today’s content creators.

The FE 50mm f/1.2 GM features the latest optics, including three XA (extreme aspherical) lens elements, that contribute to high resolution across the entire image and is maintained even when fully opened at f/1.2. The new lens also ensures clear images in backlit scenes thanks to Sony’s Nano AR Coating II that effectively minimizes internal reflections so that flare and ghosting do not occur.

The FE 50mm f/1.2 GM creates dramatic G Master bokeh at the maximum f/1.2 aperture to provide dimensionality to every image. Using the newly developed 11-blade circular aperture unit and fine-tuned optical design with minimal spherical aberration, the lens can achieve smooth, deep bokeh in both the foreground and background.

The lens can keep subjects in sharp focus even at an extremely shallow depth-of-field with fast, precise, quiet AF and tracking thanks to the four XD (extreme dynamic) Linear Motors which provide high thrust efficiency. When precise focusing is required, especially when shooting 4K video with human eye tracking, the FE 50mm f/1.2 GM allows the user to focus on composition thanks to its excellent response with minimum delay and low vibration. In addition, the lens’s floating focus mechanism, controlled by its dedicated lens drive algorithm, achieves high resolution over the entire focus range, with a minimum focus distance of 1.32 feet.

The FE 50mm f/1.2 GM was designed with professional content creators in mind. With convenient controls and functions such as a Linear Response MF (Manual Focus), aperture ring with a click on/off switch, focus mode switch and two customizable focus hold buttons, the FE 50mm f/1.2 GM combines easy operation with professional control. The FE 50mm f/1.2 GM also features a dust and moisture resistant design and a fluorine front element coating that protects the lens from fingerprints, dust, water, oil and other contaminants. Developed using Sony’s latest simulation technologies and the latest optical design, the lens comes in a surprisingly compact and lightweight form factor (φ3½ in x 4⅜ in, 27.5 oz.), providing high mobility and easy handling for a 50mm f/1.2 lens.

Here some sample pictures from a select group of photographers who have been using the lens prior to its unveiling to get an inside look at its capabilities and performance. Sara France, Paola Franqui, Caroline Jensen, Miguel Quiles, and Oveck Reyes each explored some of the creative possibilities offered by the new G Master. See their hands-on results below and read their thoughts on using the new lens for their work.

“The 50mm is one of my favorite focal lengths out there, especially when it comes to capturing portraits and street photography. It’s a focal length that you don’t have to get too close with, nor stand too far back — it sits right in the middle. I am so in love with this lens and was immediately blown away by its sharpness. I’ve been waiting for an f/1.2 aperture for the longest time and I’m just so happy that it’s finally here. It is a total game-changer.”

“It’s a masterpiece and there’s no doubt in my mind that it will become people’s new favorite lens. The combination between its sharpness and speed is truly unmatched. The creamy and buttery bokeh is one of the best ones I’ve seen. I am excited for the work I will create with this new lens – it will be my go-to for awhile.” – Paola Franqui

“I had my model blow glitter at the camera to test its sharpness and foreground bokeh while tracking an eyeball surrounded by chaos—it did really well! The Eye AF worked like a champ on my α7R IV, while the 50mm f/1.2 GM made the silver glitter into the dreamiest bokeh sparkles. I also shot a backlit flower arranging scene to test for chromatic aberration and how well it reduced a chaotic background at close range. It worked flawlessly too. All around, it performed extremely well in super challenging scenarios I threw at it. It also nailed focus on moving butterflies and had no trouble nailing focus on just the proboscis pulling nectar, which anyone who shoots them will attest is quite hard. The in-focus area is super thin, but anything in that plane will be crystal clear when properly exposed.”

“I thought the 135mm f/1.8 G Master was my favorite, but this one has a unique beauty all on its own and I have to have it! A 50mm f/1.2 lens is a DREAM lens. It doesn’t disappoint and is a must-have! It tracked butterflies, which surprised me considering how substantial this lens is. Wide aperture lenses like this aren’t generally noted for their speed and size, but this one surprised me on both counts. It is a tank, to be sure, but it wasn’t too big at all. It was smaller than I anticipated it being. The bokeh….don’t even get me started. It made the ugliest backgrounds manageable with its glorious blur. My editing time is practically nothing too. It just makes gorgeous images!” – Caroline Jensen

“The speed of the lens was incredible and surprising. It was hitting everything instantly. I did not notice any delay at all and continued to stay focused during all the movements of the subjects. To me, the construction of the lens feels like a smaller version of the 85mm f/1.4 GM, in terms of quality and ergonomics. You can feel the quality in every button and dial. The bokeh on this lens is stunning. It looks cleaner, softer than any 50mm I have had before. It has the bokeh of the 85mm f/1.4 and the 135mm f/1.8 but in a wider lens.”

“I am extremely excited to have this lens in my gear bag. It feels a lot like the 85mm f/1.2 with that G Master quality. I brought another lens to see if I gravitated toward wanting a different lens and I never did. You can see the quality of this lens and for a 50mm the 1.2 aperture is even more valuable because you get less separation the wider your lens gets. That is why I love shooting at 1.2 with this lens and did almost all my photos at that 1.2 aperture.” – Sara France

“I believe the 50mm f/1.2 GM is truly a game-changer for photographers who love the look of images taken at f/1.2. Not only are the sharpness and bokeh world-class, but the speed and accuracy of the focusing take it to a whole new level. What stood out the most to me with this lens was how quiet and accurate the focus was at f/1.2. Having used many other fast-aperture lenses in my career, I couldn’t believe the performance I was experiencing with a lens like this. Looking at my images on the big screen afterward left me with the impression that this lens is a legend realized!”

“50mm is a great focal length to take environmental portraits, especially 3/4 length vertical shots where you want to keep distortion to a minimum. Being able to shoot at 1.2 is infinitely useful, not just when shooting portraits but also whenever I’m shooting video. I tend to love the gorgeous bokeh look anytime I’m shooting video interviews and talking heads as it really gives the video a more polished look.” – Miguel Quiles

“I love shooting portraits with lenses that give character and buttery bokeh and at 1.2 my portraits look moodier, not to mention the availability of shooting in darker scenarios. At first glance, the size is remarkable for a 1.2 lens of its kind, especially compared to the other brands. I love its focus accuracy and the great build of a G Master lens. It’s very sharp all around and the bokeh is butter!”

“My first thought is that this lens is coming with me everywhere I go. I love how sharp it is all around the image and how small it is. The fast aperture makes a big difference from a 1.4 lens – from the beautiful bokeh to the ability to shoot in lower light situations.” – Oveck Reyes

The Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM will be available in mid-to-late May for $1999.

More info on Sony’s website.