Earlier tonight, Sony launched a new 35mm f / 1.4 lens from the GM series and also unveiled as part of the CES 2021 exhibition that is currently taking place virtually a video and a few new details about the AIRPEAK project to develop an advanced photography skimmer.
Opened with the new 35mm lens – Sony FE 35mm f / 1.4 GM that combines some of the most advanced technologies that Sony has to offer today in the optical, mechanical and also in the design and operation segment.
The exterior of the lens is more reminiscent of the 24mm f / 1.4 from the GM series than the 35mm f / 1.8 we tested here recently against the corresponding Samiang (see review), it features an aperture ring with de- mode click, manual / automatic focus button and focus hold button programming bar and of course focus ring (with a throw slightly longer than that of the 35mm f / 1.8). It is resistant to dust and water (also the 35mm f / 1.8 by the way ), It has 11 aperture blades and a pair of fast and quiet linear XD motors for focus.
The new Sony FE 35mm f / 1.4 GM lens
Full specification of the FE 35mm F / 1.4 GM:
- 35mm f / 1.4 lens with FF cover.
- An optical structure that includes 14 elements in 10 groups including two aspherical elements (XA) and one ED element.
- Nano AR II coating to prevent reflux and Fluorine for easier cleaning of the front element.
- Minimum focus distance 25 cm (compared to 23 of the f / 1.8 but with a slightly better magnification ratio 1: 3.8 compared to 1: 4.1 at f / 1.8).
- Has 11 aperture blades.
- Filter diameter 67 mm.
- Weight 524 grams (heavier than the f / 1.8 model weighing 338 grams).
- Price – $ 1400 (compared to about 700 for the f / 1.8 model) starting from the end of February-beginning of March 2021.
Quite a few reviews and comparisons on the new lens have already been published on the network, and since we published our own review of Sony’s f / 1.8 (and the corresponding Samiang), we can easily point out the differences. First, it’s clear that Sony has greatly improved the sharpness (and contrast) especially in the corners – the main weakness of the Sony f / 1.8 from our tests. On the other hand, Sony has not been able to maintain the unique advantage of the f / 1.8 version in the video and it is a complete lack of focus (breathing breathing) which would have made the new version perfect. The focus itself remains excellent and the colors are a little more prominent.
Although we would not necessarily recommend for those who purchased the Sony f / 1.8 version to run to upgrade (but also the softness in the corners is very disturbing), for those who do not currently have a 35mm lens for Sony cameras and want the best (and willing to invest) the new lens is without a doubt the answer.
Of course, quite a few reviews have already been published on the network – here is a short selection.
Tony Northrop compares to Sony’s other two 35mm lenses
Jarland Anden with an overview of the new 35mm compared to the f / 1.8 model
Photographer Manny Ortiz is impressed by the lens The new
Our friend Chris and Jordan from DPR review the 35mm f / 1.4 GM
And now for the second issue on the agenda – Sony’s becoming a maker of photo skimmers. Although the company unveiled a short teaser about its plans in the early 2020s, a video from the company about the Airpeak project was officially released earlier this week and shows the company’s (large) glider that will be launched around the second half of 2021.
Sony’s official video about the Airpeak skimmer which will be launched this spring
Importantly, the Airpeak, at least in its first version, is not designed to compete with DJI’s popular MAVIC gliders, a heavy glider that carries an FF camera (in this case a Sony A7S III with a 24 or 20mm lens) on a large 3-axis stabilizer with legs Powerful folding and batteries.
Airpeak – Sony’s flying “photography monster”
The skimmer is intended for the high-end video / movie production market (its price will be thousands of dollars, an official price has not yet been announced – its direct competitor – the DJI matrix 200 v2 sold for about $ 7000 – depending on the exact kit and whether the Sony will be significantly cheaper). The advantage of Sony is of course the use of high quality Sony cameras and maybe even advanced control integration with the camera (in fact this combination may bring to the next generation of company cameras capabilities that were not available so far regardless of skimmers like advanced remote control beyond a few meters and more).
A7S III on the Airpeak skimmer
Will Sony try to compete with DJI in the future in the smaller skimmer market as well? It’s hard to know – this is a very competitive market and DJI has strong control over it with quality products at prices that Sony will find difficult to compete with and provide a clear advantage. Days will tell, we will continue to follow anyway.
Photographer Jason Morris refers to the video and points out some interesting points about the glider