This topic is in the 2021 archive. You can read it and like its posts here. It is read only.
Archive 2021Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM Image Thread
p.43 #1Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM Image Thread
Grenache wrote:
https://www.adorama.com/iso5012gm.html"Final Sale - No Returns or Exchanges"
Seems bold.
RonMy guess is that it has a complex optical design difficult to produce optimally. Personally I think it's an amazing lens but I was not able to get a review loan that was somewhat centered.Is this still an issue with current production? I want to buy a new one however I want one that is well centered…Not sure what’s the deal with all those „decentered“ Sony lenses in North America. But I bought pretty much every new GM lens the last couple years, and only one had a problem. A 14GM, that was defective, not decentered. The two 50/1.2 I’ve either bought or shot were both pretty much perfectly sharp even wide open at 1.2. Maybe all those lenses get an extra shake up on their transit to North America? Just kidding, but it seems quite striking to me to read about all those problems in American message boards, that never reflect my reality buying Sony GM. I buy only in local shops though, nothing online, maybe that really makes a difference.Indeed. “Decentered” is probably >98% of the time a photographer who doesn’t know what they are doing. That is happening less these days with eye-AF being so good. It amazes me that I can buy 70 year old lenses that are always good performers yet so many people - it used to be almost exclusively wedding photographers - seemed only to purchase decentered modern lenses.
My 50GM is witheringly sharp across the frame, even wide open. Same with the 35, 135, and 100-400…all immaculately engineered lenses. The 24 GM is not sharp across the frame until about f/4, but it is...Show more →
I think compared to people that test wrongly, there are even more people who don't test for centering at all
...
vineyard wrote
zeitlos wrote
Fred Miranda wrote
RSSmith wrote
Fred Miranda wrote
Finally in stock at Adorama!https://www.adorama.com/iso5012gm.html
Seems bold.
Ron
My 50GM is witheringly sharp across the frame, even wide open. Same with the 35, 135, and 100-400…all immaculately engineered lenses. The 24 GM is not sharp across the frame until about f/4, but it is...Show more →
I think compared to people that test wrongly, there are even more people who don't test for centering at all
...May 28, 2023 at 08:30 AM
p.43 #2Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM Image Thread
I lost count of the number of times I have seen people post 100% crops of a blurry eye who complain about their lens being “soft,” who then post the full image - when asked, - and you see perfectly sharp hair (or background), and they just missed focus.
People complaining about decentering often show an image wherein the left and right sides of the image are obviously in different planes, or the camera is not perpendicular to the scene. Indeed, evaluating centering of a lens actually requires a real test.
In ~30 years of shooting, I have only had two lenses that appeared to be decentered, one was a Samyang 85, which was so bad, it looked like a tilt-shift lens, fully tilted, and a 1950s Leica that a prior owner had forced the moving lens group off axis somehow…repaired and now is flawless.
Chronic decentering in reputable manufacturers is just not a thing. It is internet mythology and inexperienced users.
People complaining about decentering often show an image wherein the left and right sides of the image are obviously in different planes, or the camera is not perpendicular to the scene. Indeed, evaluating centering of a lens actually requires a real test.
In ~30 years of shooting, I have only had two lenses that appeared to be decentered, one was a Samyang 85, which was so bad, it looked like a tilt-shift lens, fully tilted, and a 1950s Leica that a prior owner had forced the moving lens group off axis somehow…repaired and now is flawless.
Chronic decentering in reputable manufacturers is just not a thing. It is internet mythology and inexperienced users.
May 28, 2023 at 09:36 AM
p.43 #3Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM Image Thread
Grenache wrote:
It is internet mythology and inexperienced users.
For almost everyone else (or at least a lot, myself included), I would probably agree. But I don't know if it's wise to put FM in that category.
It is internet mythology and inexperienced users.
For almost everyone else (or at least a lot, myself included), I would probably agree. But I don't know if it's wise to put FM in that category.
May 28, 2023 at 09:55 AM
p.43 #4Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM Image Thread
@Grenache
I think you’re going a bit too far. There are certainly some users here who know what they are doing. I’d say more than the 5% you estimate. But it does seem odd. Since 2019 I’ve bought the 14GM twice, 20G, 24GM, 35GM, 50/1.2 and 1.4 GM, 135GM, 12-24GM, 24-70GMII, 70-200GMII, 100-400GM twice because I sold it once. I test my lenses at the store before I ultimately buy them. It’s a local store in Germany. Only the 14GM out of those lenses had a problem, it showed a defect after a couple days, and the store let me exchange it.
Like I said, maybe it does make a difference if you buy online or local. I never buy online if possible. I think especially those who hunt for great deals online might see a higher number of not so good lenses. There definitely is some variation in lenses, even Sony GM. The field curvature often varies a bit. But the reports of people who „went through“ 5 or 7 different 12-24GMs, or a handful of 50/1.2GMs just seem odd from my perspective as a German customer.
I think you’re going a bit too far. There are certainly some users here who know what they are doing. I’d say more than the 5% you estimate. But it does seem odd. Since 2019 I’ve bought the 14GM twice, 20G, 24GM, 35GM, 50/1.2 and 1.4 GM, 135GM, 12-24GM, 24-70GMII, 70-200GMII, 100-400GM twice because I sold it once. I test my lenses at the store before I ultimately buy them. It’s a local store in Germany. Only the 14GM out of those lenses had a problem, it showed a defect after a couple days, and the store let me exchange it.
Like I said, maybe it does make a difference if you buy online or local. I never buy online if possible. I think especially those who hunt for great deals online might see a higher number of not so good lenses. There definitely is some variation in lenses, even Sony GM. The field curvature often varies a bit. But the reports of people who „went through“ 5 or 7 different 12-24GMs, or a handful of 50/1.2GMs just seem odd from my perspective as a German customer.
May 28, 2023 at 10:20 AM
p.43 #5Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM Image Thread
zeitlos wrote:
For almost everyone else (or at least a lot, myself included), I would probably agree. But I don't know if it's wise to put FM in that category.
I don't think that I did.
Grenache wrote
It is internet mythology and inexperienced users.I don't think that I did.
May 28, 2023 at 11:20 AM
p.43 #6Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM Image Thread
Grenache wrote:
zeitlos wrote
Grenache wrote
It is internet mythology and inexperienced users.Not sure.
Anyway, I will try to get this fabulous lens as soon as possible.
May 28, 2023 at 12:52 PM
p.43 #7Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM Image Thread
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52955798945_54a79cfe38_b.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52954820602_73cbcf02c3_b.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52954820612_5e71d27578_b.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52954820607_c521679c8d_b.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52955420026_5f6929399a_b.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52954820602_73cbcf02c3_b.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52954820612_5e71d27578_b.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52954820607_c521679c8d_b.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52955420026_5f6929399a_b.jpg
Jun 06, 2023 at 09:28 AM
p.43 #9Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM Image Thread
zeitlos wrote:
First shot with my new lens which arrived today. F1.2 definitely takes practice...
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52958367904_5e06c80102_b.jpg
This lens really loves mechanical shutter, especially at 1.2.
First shot with my new lens which arrived today. F1.2 definitely takes practice...
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52958367904_5e06c80102_b.jpg
This lens really loves mechanical shutter, especially at 1.2.
Jun 07, 2023 at 02:43 PM
p.43 #10Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM Image Thread
lensfan wrote:
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52958367904_5e06c80102_b.jpgThis lens really loves mechanical shutter, especially at 1.2.
Thanks. So there was no mechanical shutter used in my shot? I didn‘t realize this. I don‘t even know where to active/didacticism it. Or is it being done automatically? How does it differ in terms of image quality then?
zeitlos wrote
First shot with my new lens which arrived today. F1.2 definitely takes practice...https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52958367904_5e06c80102_b.jpg
Thanks. So there was no mechanical shutter used in my shot? I didn‘t realize this. I don‘t even know where to active/didacticism it. Or is it being done automatically? How does it differ in terms of image quality then?
Jun 07, 2023 at 02:46 PM
p.43 #11Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM Image Thread
zeitlos wrote:
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52958367904_5e06c80102_b.jpgThis lens really loves mechanical shutter, especially at 1.2.Thanks. So there was no mechanical shutter used in my shot? I didn‘t realize this. I don‘t even know where to active/didacticism it. Or is it being done automatically? How does it differ in terms of image quality then?
Here goes explanation how it works: https://photographylife.com/mechanical-electronic-shutter-efcs
Electronic shutter/EFCS tends to degrade the bokeh/out-of-focus, especially in bright light/high aperture.
lensfan wrote
zeitlos wrote
First shot with my new lens which arrived today. F1.2 definitely takes practice...https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52958367904_5e06c80102_b.jpg
Here goes explanation how it works: https://photographylife.com/mechanical-electronic-shutter-efcs
Electronic shutter/EFCS tends to degrade the bokeh/out-of-focus, especially in bright light/high aperture.
Jun 07, 2023 at 02:58 PM
p.43 #12Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM Image Thread
To be precise, EFCS negatively affects bokeh (cut-off bokeh balls) at high shutter speeds (generaly speaking starting from 1/1000s but the effect becomes visible at even higher SS). Electronic shutter is not affected.
Jun 07, 2023 at 03:11 PM
p.43 #13Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM Image Thread
lensfan wrote:
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52958367904_5e06c80102_b.jpgThis lens really loves mechanical shutter, especially at 1.2.
You can tell this was not mechanical shutter?
zeitlos wrote
First shot with my new lens which arrived today. F1.2 definitely takes practice...https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52958367904_5e06c80102_b.jpg
You can tell this was not mechanical shutter?
Jun 07, 2023 at 03:31 PM
p.43 #14Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM Image Thread
I didn't know lenses could love shutters since they interact after the light has passed through them. Perhaps it's some kind of quantum effect...
Jun 07, 2023 at 04:03 PM
p.43 #15Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM Image Thread
fotografur wrote:
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52958367904_5e06c80102_b.jpgThis lens really loves mechanical shutter, especially at 1.2.You can tell this was not mechanical shutter?
I'm not sure I can but bokeh is on the busier side to my eye. I shoot this lens almost exclusively at 1.2. Would be interesting if zeitlos could confirm.
lensfan wrote
zeitlos wrote
First shot with my new lens which arrived today. F1.2 definitely takes practice...https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52958367904_5e06c80102_b.jpg
I'm not sure I can but bokeh is on the busier side to my eye. I shoot this lens almost exclusively at 1.2. Would be interesting if zeitlos could confirm.
Jun 07, 2023 at 04:06 PM
p.43 #16Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM Image Thread
Robin Smith wrote:
I didn't know lenses could love shutters since they interact after the light has passed through them. Perhaps it's some kind of quantum effect...
With this lens I have the most noticeable effects from EFCS used in bright light and artifacts from electronic shutter under artificial light. Never realized this is such an issue using 35GM almost exclusively at 1.4.
I didn't know lenses could love shutters since they interact after the light has passed through them. Perhaps it's some kind of quantum effect...
With this lens I have the most noticeable effects from EFCS used in bright light and artifacts from electronic shutter under artificial light. Never realized this is such an issue using 35GM almost exclusively at 1.4.
Jun 07, 2023 at 04:07 PM
p.43 #17Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM Image Thread
lensfan wrote:
fotografur wrote
lensfan wrote
zeitlos wrote
First shot with my new lens which arrived today. F1.2 definitely takes practice...https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52958367904_5e06c80102_b.jpg
I only found one entry for the electronic shutter in the menu of the Sony A7III and it said "off".
I don't know because I've never dealt with it, but I think you have to activate the electronic shutter manually, don't you? At least I've never done anything like that.
Jun 07, 2023 at 10:49 PM
p.43 #18Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM Image Thread
zeitlos wrote:
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52958367904_5e06c80102_b.jpgThis lens really loves mechanical shutter, especially at 1.2.You can tell this was not mechanical shutter?I'm not sure I can but bokeh is on the busier side to my eye. I shoot this lens almost exclusively at 1.2. Would be interesting if zeitlos could confirm.I only found one entry for the electronic shutter in the menu of the Sony A7III and it said "off".
I don't know because I've never dealt with it, but I think you have to activate the electronic shutter manually, don't you? At least I've never done anything like that.
It's because Sony keep changing their naming for (fully) elelctronic shutter.
On A7 III, it's called "silent shooting":
https://helpguide.sony.net/ilc/1720/v1/en/contents/TP0001661969.html
This setting is safe for bokeh, but you can see distorted objects when turned on if you move the camera quickly or shoot fast moving subjects.
You probably found e-Front Curtain Shut. (EFCS):
https://helpguide.sony.net/ilc/1720/v1/en/contents/TP0001629734.html
This is the one that can affect bokeh when turned on at high shutter speeds...
Anyways, your picture doesn't show "EFCS bokeh" to me and looks just right
.
lensfan wrote
fotografur wrote
lensfan wrote
zeitlos wrote
First shot with my new lens which arrived today. F1.2 definitely takes practice...https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52958367904_5e06c80102_b.jpg
I don't know because I've never dealt with it, but I think you have to activate the electronic shutter manually, don't you? At least I've never done anything like that.
It's because Sony keep changing their naming for (fully) elelctronic shutter.
On A7 III, it's called "silent shooting":
https://helpguide.sony.net/ilc/1720/v1/en/contents/TP0001661969.html
This setting is safe for bokeh, but you can see distorted objects when turned on if you move the camera quickly or shoot fast moving subjects.
You probably found e-Front Curtain Shut. (EFCS):
https://helpguide.sony.net/ilc/1720/v1/en/contents/TP0001629734.html
This is the one that can affect bokeh when turned on at high shutter speeds...
Anyways, your picture doesn't show "EFCS bokeh" to me and looks just right
.Jun 09, 2023 at 07:53 AM
p.43 #19Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM Image Thread
@j4nu: Thanks!
I had my newly purchased 50mm 1.2 GM with me on a family trip to the Tegernsee in Bavaria close to Munich. Still have to get used to this new lens and learn how to handle it. Some first shots.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
I had my newly purchased 50mm 1.2 GM with me on a family trip to the Tegernsee in Bavaria close to Munich. Still have to get used to this new lens and learn how to handle it. Some first shots.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Jun 10, 2023 at 08:21 AM
p.43 #20Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM Image Thread
Btw. I really like the size/weight of the Sony 50mm 1.2
It‘s perfectly fine for a day trip.
It‘s perfectly fine for a day trip.
Jun 10, 2023 at 12:28 PM