Image source: Jim Fisher
The Sony FE 24-50mm F2.8 G is a new addition to the company’s lineup of high-quality lenses, catering to photographers who need a versatile zoom that can deliver both speed and sharpness. This lens offers a fast focus motor and high-quality optics in a compact design that is ideal for enthusiast and professional photographers who are in search of a wide-to-standard zoom lens. In this review, we will discuss its features, how it performs, and whether or not it is worth it for your Sony mirrorless camera.
Design and Build Quality
Sony’s FE 24-50mm F2. 8 G is built with portability and performance as its primary objectives. At just 14. 5 oz (410 g), it is relatively very light for a lens of this type, which makes it a perfect travel companion. This is because it does not protrude at the back and therefore does not make smaller camera bodies like the Sony Alpha series top heavy.
The construction of the exterior is done using polycarbonate which gives it a very strong and rigid feel. The focus and zoom rings are rubberized for better grip, and they both turn smoothly and with a lot of control which makes them comfortable to adjust.
There is a focus hold button and the aperture ring can be turned off and on with a switch for those who wish to set the aperture themselves.
Weather sealing is also a critical factor considering that the lens mount and most internal parts utilize rubber gaskets to bright the entry of dust and moisture: making the camera ideal for out-door shooting.
Optical Quality and Performance
Sharpness: The FE 24-50mm F2. 8 G is a lens that is remarkable particularly when it comes to sharpness that seems to be great with all the zooms. The lens is wider at largest aperture of f/2. 8, the centered image appears to be very sharp and clear while the edges of the image are also relatively sharp though not as sharp as the center image looks slightly blurred.
Reducing the aperture to f/4 or f/5. 6 enhances corner sharpness considerably, which ensures that image quality is consistent throughout the frame.
Distortion and Vignetting: As with any zoom lens, there is some barrel distortion at 24mm, which decreases as you approach 50mm. However, this distortion can be fixed in post-processing or by using the camera’s built-in lens correction options. Vignetting is obvious at f/2. 8 which is quite noticeable at the maximum aperture but decreases as you move towards smaller apertures.
Bokeh and Flare: The aperture of the lens is composed of nine blades which provide round and smooth circles of confusion, which are ideal for achieving nice blurry backgrounds and thus you get subject isolation. This guarantee has virtually no ghosting or flare even when one is aiming the lens to the light source directly.
Chromatic Aberration: The lens does a good job of managing chromatic aberration, even in high contrast situations, with only a little color fringing on edges.
Autofocus and Video Capabilities
The lens features XD Linear Motor system that works fast and with precision for stills and video focusing. The focus motor is virtually noiseless, which is a big plus when it comes to shooting videos without the noise interference. The lens also features an AF/MF switch for easy switching between the autofocus and the manual focus modes.
Steady breathing is prevented, which is helpful for maintaining the same focus during focus pulls, which is crucial for videographers. The internal focusing system maintains the overall length of the lens, which is beneficial for stability when performing handheld shooting.
Focal Range and Versatility
The focal range of 24-50mm is actually quite handy for virtually any kinds of photography. Largest is the one at 24mm; this lens is perfect for shooting landscapes and architectural items because you can photograph the whole thing. Getting closer to the 50mm, it excels at portraits, streets, and even close up objects like gadgets as well as cuisine.
Having an aperture of f/8 at every focal length means the camera performs well in low light areas in that one can get faster shutter speeds while at the same time it affords one some control on the depth of field.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
1. Lightweight and Compact: Convenient to bring it around the whole day and is perfect to be used when traveling.
2. Excellent Optics: Produces good image quality especially in terms of acuteness and contrast, even while zoomed in/out.
3. Fast Autofocus: The focus mechanism consists of The XD Linear Motor that has capability of focusing silently, quickly and accurately.
4. Weather-Sealed: Endures difficult conditions for purposeful and constant using outdoors.
5. Smooth Bokeh: Here the nine-blade aperture attributed pleasing out of focus backgrounds.
Cons:
1. Limited Telephoto Reach: What may be a drawback is the 50mm focal length which may not be adequate for some types of photography such as wildlife or sports.
2. Vignetting at Wide Aperture: A little darkening at the borders at f/2 is noticed. 8, especially at 24mm.
Conclusion
Recently, Sony released the new Sony FE 24-50mm F2. 8 G. This is ideal for the photographers who need a zoom lens of a variable nature, which can be employed in different circumstances. The size and the almost instantaneous focusing make it ideal for street, travel and general usage. The constant f/2. It has a bright f/8 aperture, good optical, and very good mechanical quality, it has smooth bokeh, and is built like a tank, very durable for regular use.
It can’t provide the zoom for specific types of photography such as, wildlife or sports photography but it does give you a great range of zoom. A perfect lens for travelers as it is not very big and heavy and will maintain excellent image quality. Hence, the Sony FE 24-50mm F 2.8 G is a good investment.
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