UPDATE 12/03: The Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 G Master lens has had a few more interesting details leak recently. According to rumor website Sony Alpha Rumors, this upcoming piece of glass will have a filter size of 72mm and a close focusing distance of 0.4m. Sony Alpha Rumors also notes that the lens will be shorter than the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 (which is 3.7" long) and lighter than the Zeiss 50mm f/1.4 (which weighs 330g).
There's no other exciting information available on the Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 G Master lens as of yet. However, with the announcement still expected on 16 March, it likely won't be long until we have the full specifications.
ORIGINAL STORY: Get ready to be bowled over by bokeh, as the Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 G Master lens is going to be announced on 16 March according to the rumor mill.
Sony is currently playing catch-up with its competitors when it comes to super-fast nifty fifties, with the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM and the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S offering premium performance for Canon and Nikon mirrorless shooters. So a Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 G Master is a gap in the lineup that needs filling.
• Read more: Best 50mm lens
Currently the manufacturer offers the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 and the Sony FE 50mm f1.4 ZA Planar T – both perfectly good lenses, but obviously not as fast as their rivals. However, if it's true that a G Master version is on the way, business could be about to pick up for Sony shooters who have the need for speed (and blurry backgrounds).
The lens was first leaked by Japanese insider Nokishita, noting that, "The next lens that Sony will announce will be the 'FE 50mm F1.2 GM' (SEL50F12 GM)."
Since then, there has been rampant speculation as to when the new optic would be announced – particularly since it was notably absent from both CP+ 2021 and The Photography Show.
However, after suggesting three potential dates for Sony announcements, website Sony Alpha Rumors has gone on the record stating that the new lens will "100%" be revealed next week.
"Just a quick note: I saw the Sony 50mm f/1.2 GM and can therefore 100% confirm the lens will be announced on March 16," posted the site. "For the record so that you know I wasn’t lying to you: Near the mount the name “50mm f/1.2 GM” name is written with two letters in yellow. Of course the lens is big and wide but not as long as I would have expected. Definitely shorter than the Sigma 35mm f/1.2 for example."
We do love a bit of fast glass, so fingers crossed that the report is correct!
Read more:
Best Sony camera
Best Sony lenses
Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM review
Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S review
