Sony FE 14mm F1.8 G Master
Sony

This week, Sony introduced the latest entry to its E-mount lens lineup—the new FE 14mm F1.8 G Master. Sony positions the new lens as a lightweight, compact companion for both landscape photographers and videographers.

“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,” Sony says in a press release.

Sony FE 14mm F1.8 G Master overview

The FE 14mm F1.8 G Master features 14 elements arranged in 11 groups, including one aspherical and two ‘extreme’ aspherical (XA) elements. Sony claims these two elements deliver “superb resolution and stunning contrast,” allowing the resolution to stay sharp through the entire image area. Additionally, the FE-14mm also features extra-low dispersion (ED) and super ED glass, correcting potential chromatic aberrations. The lens features a 9-blade circular aperture mechanism as well.

Many of the elements are light and compact, contributing to the lens’s portability. The FE 14mm F1.8 G Master weighs just 16.3 oz (460g). It measures 3⅜ by 4 inches.

The Sony FE 14mm F1.8 G Master maintains focus

Even shooting at the lens’s narrow depth of field, the FE 14mm F1.8 G maintains its focus. Two extreme dynamic (XD) Linear Motors makes this possible. Additionally, Sony has built the focusing system to stay quiet during the entire focus transition, resulting in minimal vibrations.

Sony FE 14mm F1.8 G Master side
Sony

Shooting in low light settings

With a maximum aperture of F1.8, the FE 14mm F1.8 G is quite helpful when recording in low-light settings.

“Users can faithfully render point light sources, like stars for astrophotography, without having to use extremely slow shutter speeds,” Sony claims.

One issue many people run into is light entering the lens at extreme angles and reflecting internally. Sony coated the FE 14mm F1.8 G Master with the Sony Nano AR Coating II to prevent this from happening. The coating reduces instances of flare and ghosting.

Durability

Fitted with a dust- and moisture-resistant design, the FE 14mm F1.8 G Master seems durable enough to use in various conditions. Its front lens element has a fluorine coating to repel water and oil. Its rear element also has a fluorine coating to keep the surface clean when changing the back filter.

Pricing and availability

The FE 14mm F1.8 G Master will release next month for $1,600.