Sony just announced one of the most ambitious short telephotos that we’ve ever seen: the FE 50-150mm f/2 GM! A full-frame f/2 zoom would already be rare – for this one to reach 150mm on the long end is unique. What’s more, the lens is fairly portable at 1340 g (2.95 lbs) without the tripod foot.
The FE 50-150mm f/2 GM joins Sony’s 28-70mm f/2 GM as the company’s second f/2 zoom. Another lens in a similar category is the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8, which is also available for Sony but is a full stop slower on the long end.
I doubt you’d be surprised to hear that this is an expensive lens, but you still might need to adjust your expectations upward. At $3900, the FE 50-150mm f/2 GM is behind only Sony’s supertelephoto exotics in price.
That said, there is one big downside with the FE 50-150mm f/2 GM: It doesn’t support teleconverters. So, if you were hoping for a 70-210mm f/2.8 (with the 1.4x TC) or a 100-300mm f/4 (with the 2x TC), you’ll be disappointed. It seems this is not a full replacement for a 70-200mm f/2.8 – more like an alternative that prioritizes maximum aperture rather than maximum reach.
In any case, despite this limitation, I can’t wait to test the Sony 50-150mm f/2 and see how it performs! Given the impressive quality of the Sony FE lenses that I’ve tested so far – not to mention the expensive price and “GM” label on this lens – my expectations are pretty high.
Specifications
- Mount Type: Sony E Mount
- Focal Length: 50mm to 150mm zoom (3× zoom)
- Angle of View (Full Frame): 47° to 16°25′
- Maximum Aperture: f/2
- Minimum Aperture: f/22
- Aperture Blades: 11, rounded
- Filter Size: 95mm
- Lens Elements: 19
- Lens Groups: 17
- Special Elements: 2 extreme asph., 2 asph., 2 super ED, 3 ED glass elements
- Anti-Reflection Coatings: Nano AR II
- Fluorine Coated Front Element: Yes
- Image Stabilization: No
- Internal Focusing: Yes
- Internal Zooming: Yes
- Control Rings: Zoom, focus, aperture
- Function Button: Yes, duplicated (on top, bottom, and left side)
- Focus Motor: Four XD linear motors
- Minimum Focus Distance: 74cm (2.4 feet) at 150mm
- Maximum Magnification: 0.2× (1:5)
- Mount Material: Metal
- Weather/Dust Sealing: Yes
- Dimensions (Length × Diameter): 200 × 103 mm (7.9 × 4.0 inches)
- Weight: 1340 g (2.95 lbs) without tripod foot
- MSRP: $3898
Pre-Order Information
Orders open for this lens tomorrow morning, April 23, at 10AM Eastern time. Sony says that it will ship in May. I have no idea if a lens like this will be out of stock for a while because of its uniqueness, or in stock pretty soon because of its intimidating price. What I will say is that if you intend to buy this lens, it would be a very helpful for Photography Life if you do so through one of our affiliate links, and it costs you nothing extra:
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Official Images
Press Release
Sony Electronics Launches FE 50-150MM F2 GM
04/22/2025
The World’s Firsti Telephoto Zoom Lens with a Maximum Focal Length of 150 mm and Constant F2 Aperture Designed for Wedding, Portrait, Indoor Sports, Photo, and Video Professionals
SAN DIEGO, April 22, 2025 – Sony Electronics Inc. introduces the FE 50-150mm F2 GM (SEL50150GM), the world’s firsti telephoto zoom lens with a maximum focal length of 150 mm and F2 aperture. This lens features a standard focal length of 50mm at the wide-angle end and combines a constant aperture of F2 with high resolution comparable to that of a prime lens. This allows for a wide range of scenarios with just one lens for various situations and subjects. As part of Sony’s renowned G Master™ series, the FE 50-150MM F2 GM offers an exceptional combination of high resolution and stunning bokeh, enhancing the imaging results for professionals using the Sony Alpha camera system.
“The FE 50-150MM F2 GM G Master marks a pivotal milestone in Sony’s commitment to pushing creative possibilities,” said Yang Cheng, Vice President of Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. “By delivering a constant F2 aperture across its zoom range, this lens offers Sony Alpha users with an all-in-one solution that is comparable to multiple prime lenses, like a 50mm, 85mm, and 135mm. This innovation expands the versatility professionals need to capture remarkable imagery in both photography and video.”
Exceptional Image Quality and Smooth F2 Bokeh
The G Master’s internal optical design plays a crucial role in producing its exceptional image quality. By integrating two XA (extreme aspherical) elements, two Super ED (extra-low dispersion) glass elements, and three ED elements, the lens effectively suppresses aberrations, ensuring sharp, high-contrast imagery across the entire zoom range. Additionally, the floating focusing system enables a minimum focusing distance of 0.4m at the wide end and a maximum magnification of 0.20 for detailed shooting.
The FE 50-150MM F2 GM’s constant F2 aperture creates beautifully smooth bokeh, making it an ideal choice for portrait, wedding, and event photographers aiming to isolate subjects with a shallow depth of field. A newly developed 11-blade circular aperture further enhances the signature G Master bokeh. When shooting videos, the lens delivers stunning cinematic results and exceptional clarity.
In addition, Sony’s proprietary “Nano AR Coating II,” applied uniformly across the entire lens surface, significantly reduces ghosting and flare even in backlit conditions, delivering clear and crisp imagery.
Internal Zoom and Compact Design
Measuring at approximately 7-7/8 inches (200 mm) in length and weighing approximately 47.3 ounces (1,340g)ii, the FE 50-150MM F2 GM offers remarkable portability considering its impressive combination of wide zoom range and bright aperture. This lens is ideal for both handheld and gimbal use with its featured internal zoom design that maintains the lens’s length and weight balance despite focal length changes. With its practical design, this lens serves as a versatile, all-in-one solution for those seeking a standard 50mm through 150mm telephoto range.
Fast and Precise Autofocus Performance
Equipped with four XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors and Sony’s advanced control algorithms, the FE 50-150MM F2 GM delivers fast, accurate, and quiet autofocus (AF). This high-performance AF system is compatible with Sony’s Alpha 9 III, supporting continuous shooting at up to 120 frames per second with full AF/AE trackingiii. With a fast AF system and a versatile 50-150 mm zoom range, the lens excels at capturing fast-paced indoor sports, portraits, and events.
Cinematic Video Production
Designed with filmmakers in mind, the FE 50-150MM F2 GM minimizes focus breathing and is compatible with Sony’s Breathing Compensationiv feature on select Alpha cameras. Linear Response MF ensures intuitive manual focus control, while the lens’s internal zoom design maintains stability even while zooming mounted on gimbals. Additionally, the XD linear motors operate quietly to prevent unwanted noise from being captured during recording.
Built for durability, the FE 50-150MM F2 GM features a robust dust- and moisture-resistant designv. A fluorine coating on the front element repels contaminants, making it easy to clean and ensuring the lens remains in top condition even in challenging environments.
Pricing and Availability
The FE 50-150MM F2 GM will be available in May 2025 for approximately $3,899 USD and $5,499 CAD. It will be sold directly through Sony and at a variety of Sony’s authorized dealers throughout North America.
A product video on the new FE 50-150MM F2 GM can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/o-SZCS4SgRw
For detailed product information about the FE 50-150MM F2 GM, please visit: https://electronics.sony.com/imaging/lenses/all-e-mount/p/sel50150gm
Exclusive stories and exciting new content shot with the new FE 50-150MM F2 GM and Sony’s other imaging products can be found at www.alphauniverse.com, a site created to inform, educate, and inspire content creators.
About Sony Electronics Inc.
Sony Electronics is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America and an affiliate of Sony Group Corporation, one of the most comprehensive entertainment companies in the world, with a portfolio that encompasses electronics, music, motion pictures, mobile, gaming, robotics and financial services. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Sony Electronics is a leader in electronics for the consumer and professional markets. Operations include research and development, engineering, sales, marketing, distribution and customer service. Sony Electronics creates products that innovate and inspire generations, such as the award-winning Alpha Interchangeable Lens Cameras and revolutionary high-resolution audio products. Sony is also a leading manufacturer of end-to-end solutions from 4K professional broadcast and A/V equipment to industry leading 4K and 8K Ultra HD TVs. Visit http://www.sony.com/news for more information.
Notes
i As of the April 2025 product announcement according to research by a Sony survey of lenses for interchangeable lens cameras.
ii Excluding tripod mount.
iii Sony test conditions. Maximum continuous shooting speed may be lower in some conditions. Continuous shooting speed may vary in the AF-C focus mode.
iv See camera compatibility info at: https://www.sony.net/dics/breathing/
Angle of view and image quality may change slightly when this function is [ON]. Effective compensation may not be achieved in all situations.
v Not guaranteed to be 100% dust and moisture proof.
My opinion.
Stupid glass.
There is no 35 mm, which is the most frequently used focal length for a female portrait.
But they stuck in 150 mm. The focal length is suitable for shooting skinny people when trying to make them look normal.
The ideal would be 35-105 f/2. Naturally smaller in size, weight and price.
As a travel lens, it’s too big, too heavy, and at least 28-200 mm. Of course 28-400 is better))
PS. And for such optical vignetting, it’s worth kicking for a lens with such a price and size/weight.
Somehow I prefer the range of the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD, and price ;-)
I see this lens as highly specialized instrument for people shooting Indoor events where timing is priority.
One good example would be indoor sports with bad lighting (riding events, dog shows and such) another one would be weddings.
In essence this is having a 50, 85 and 135 mm primes in one lens and you get to pay for the convenience.
I am NOT able to afford it nor do I need it but I do see a need and a niche for it.
It is also one of those halo products where Sony (Minolta) engineers got to show off their skills.
It’s not cheap!
For now I’ll stick to my 85/f1.8 and 150/f2.8 macro – combined cost (used) around £600. If Samyang ever do their 135/f1.8 in Z mount, that would do the job at the longer end.
Apparently it doesn’t support teleconverters, which is a bummer
That is definitely a downside. It could have been a true 70-200mm f/2.8 replacement if it accepted a 1.4x TC.
And no stabilisation, which you would expect on a 70-200mm f/2.8. For the price, you can (almost) get the 70-200mm f/2.8 GM2 and 135mm f/1.8!
Yeah, between this lens and the combination of the 70-200mm f/2.8 + 135mm f/2.8, I don’t know which I would pick. Probably depends on the subjects I wanted to shoot, and whether I had a different long lens on hand to cover the 200mm+ focal lengths.
It has a lens element right inside the mount. I suspect they prioritised performance over TC compatibility, which is the correct thing to do IMO.
Fair enough, I’m sure it would be very tricky to design a lens like this with room for a TC.
We’ll have to wait for the Z200 2.0 TC S when it arrives, will have both built-in TC and take external.
I am hoping it will be a Z 200/1.8 TC S (with the built-in 1.4x TC, it becomes a Z 280/2.5 TC S)!!!
With an f/2 lens of this range, I would be sad to put a TC on it because I’d be wanting to shoot at f/2 all the time…haha!
Jason’s is the correct take on this topic. ;)