The Sony 24mm F1.4 G is a truly impressive lens that delivers on the promise of mirrorless because of how sharp and fast it is. I attended the launch in San Francisco and also shot with it during the Miramar airshow.
In this video, Phoblographer interviews Mark Weir about the 24mm F1.4 and learns that…
Sony designed the 24mm f1.4 G Master lens to focus with a linear actuator that moved specific focusing groups. Where some companies will design their lenses to move only a single lens element in order to achieve faster focusing, Sony’s philosophy here was to maintain fast focusing while also not compromising on sharpness. What they ended up doing is also designing a lens that is incredibly light.
And, sharp.
If you were to buy one Sony lens, that’s the one I recommend. It costs $1398 on Amazon. Considering the tech, I’d not pause at the hefty price tag because it’s practically solid state.
Here’s how Sony describes it
Direct Drive SSM (DDSSM) for fast, quiet, precise focusing
The 24mm F1.4 GM lens supports hybrid autofocus for both contrast and focal-plane phase detection AF. It has a high-precision Direct Drive Super Sonic Motor (DDSSM) system that ensures exceptionally fast, quiet and accurate AF performance. The precision internal focus mechanism aids in AF speed by moving only the middle groups of the optical system and effectively minimizing focus breathing, while keeping the lens size compact and lightweight. In addition to being the ideal wide prime lens for stills, it is also exceptionally suited for video with a linear motor that takes on the vital role of ‘wobbling’ to providing high-speed actuation for the contrast AF detection system, for smooth, continuous AF.
What you need to know is the 24 f1.4 is a lens that can keep up with the focusing system so you’re not missing a shot like this one.
My daily shooter is Sony A1 with a vertical grip and various Sony lenses attached like the FE 20mm F1.8. Find more gear recommendations in our shop. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
