Sony Announces $3000 FE 12-24 F2.8 GM Lens

Sony has officially announced the new FE 12-24 F2.8 G Master lens (SEL1224GM) with a whopping price tag of $3,000.00 US dollars.

The new 12-24mm F2.8 lens weighs in at 847g / 1.9lb and measures 97.6 x 137mm.

The lens features a nine-blade aperture and is constructed of three XA Extreme Aspheric elements, two Super ED and three ED elements, as well as one aspherical lens element. Nano AR Coating II is used, along with a fluorine coating.

There are four XD linear motors that silently move two focus groups, either together or independently.

Just like the FE 12-24 F4 G lens there is also a large bulbous front element which means there is no filter thread and you’ll need an adapter kit if you wish to use filters on the front of the lens. There is a rear filter holder that accepts standard sheet-type ND, color correction, and other filters, although these might not be the first choice for many photographers.

Pre-orders are already open in the UK and Europe and will be opening at 5pm Eastern Time in the US for those with $3,000.00 / £2,899.00 to spare.

First deliveries of the Sony 12-24mm F2.8 GM are planned for mid-August.

Full product details and sample images can be found on Sony’s product page for the lens and there’s also a sample gallery over at DPReview.

Specs

• Focal-length (mm): 12-24
• 35mm equivalent focal-length (aps-c): 18-36
• Lens groups / elements: 14-17
• Angle of view (35mm): 122ﾟ-84ﾟ
• Angle of view (aps-c): 99°-61°1
• Maximum aperture (f): 2.8
• Minimum aperture (f): 22
• Aperture blades: 9
• Circular aperture: yes
• Minimum focus distance: 0.28 m(0.92 ft)
• Maximum magnification ratio (x): 0.14
• Filter diameter (mm) –
• Image stabilization (steadyshot): (camera body-integrated)
• Dimensions (w x h x d): 97.6 x 137 mm(3-7/8 x 5-1/2 in.)
• Weight: 847 g(29.9 oz.)

First Impressions and Early Reviews

Are you thinking about purchasing this new lens despite the minty price tag? Or are you happy with the F4 version? Let me know in the comments below.