Sony Announces FE 14mm F1.8 GM Ultra-wide Lens

Sony has introduced yet another lens to their E-mount line-up and this time its the ultra-wide FE 14mm F1.8 GM lens (SEL14F18GM).

The Sony FE 14mm F1.8 GM has 14 elements in 11 groups, including one aspherical and two ‘extreme’ aspherical elements, as well as ED (extra-low dispersion) and ‘super’ ED glass to help minimize chromatic aberrations, whilst Sony’s ‘Nano AR Coating II’ helps to prevent flare and ghosting.

The lens weighs in at only 460 g (1.01 lb) with a diameter of 83 mm (3.27″) and a length of 100 mm (3.94″), making it a very compact ultra-wide-angle package.

The lens focusses internally and is driven by two ‘extreme dynamic’ linear motors. The lens has a minimum focus distance of 25cm (9.8″) and a maximum magnification of 0.1x.

On the lens body there’s a manual aperture ring which can be clicked or ‘de-clicked’, an AF/MF switch and a customizable focus hold button, which can be assigned to any custom function from within the camera.

The lens is weather-sealed against dust and moisture and there’s a fluorine coating on the front lens element to help repel water and oil.

Because of the bulbous front element it’s not possible to use screw-on filters, however there is a slot for sheet filter cutouts on the mount and Sony provides a template for creating filters of the correct size and shape in the box. Most likely lens filter makers like Nisi will soon have an adapter available as well.

The Sony FE 14mm F1.8 GM will be available in May for $1,600 in the US, £1,400 in the UK and €1,600 in Europe.

Further details are available on Sony’s product page for the lens.

Early Reviews

Here are some early reviews from Sony’s team of influencers.

Gerald Undone

Mark Galer

Manny Ortiz

DP Review

Lizzie Peirce

Gordon Laing

Matt Johnson

Ted Forbes

Specs

Lens type	Prime lens
Max Format size	35mm FF
Focal length	14 mm
Image stabilization	No
Lens mount	Sony FE
Maximum aperture	F1.8
Minimum aperture	F16
Aperture ring	Yes
Number of diaphragm blades	9
Elements	14
Groups	11
Special elements / coatings	1 Super ED + 1 aspherical + 2 XA + 2 ED, Nano AR coating II
Minimum focus	0.25 m (9.84″)
Maximum magnification	0.1×
Autofocus	Yes
Motor type	Linear Motor
Full time manual	Yes
Focus method	Internal
Distance scale	No
DoF scale	No
Weight	460 g (1.01 lb)
Diameter	83 mm (3.27″)
Length	100 mm (3.94″)
Sealing	Yes
Colour	Black
Filter notes	Rear sheet filter cut-outs
Hood supplied	Yes