In fact the 16-35mm f/2.8 is considerably more expensive than the FE 12-24mm f/4 (above), despite offering a shorter angle of view. Of course, the 12-24mm also lacks the G-Master’s faster aperture and pro-level spec.īut as this is a lens that will largely appeal to landscape photographers – and landscape photography rarely calls for a fast maximum aperture – this is unlikely to be of real concern to the majority of potential users.īe warned, though, that there is one detail that might dissuade a few landscape photographers the 12-24mm’s (unremovable) lens hood makes it impossible to use the lens with filters of any description.
And while the 12-24mm follows the bulk of Sony’s lenses in being of the “focus-by-wire” variety, manual focus action is nonetheless satisfying and precise.įor those seeking an ultra-wide angle lens for the a7III, the 12-24mm offers both a wider and cheaper option than the pricey 16-35mm GM. Indeed, with an ultra-wide-angle, even just getting the background out of focus at all will be challenge enough.Īnd here the task is made more difficult still by the fairly slow maximum aperture of f/4.īut if you do manage to achieve some separation between foreground and background, rest assured that out of focus rendering will be perfectly attractive.Īutofocus works brilliantly (and silently), too. However, you should expect to see both noticeable corner-softness and vignetting when shooting at its widest aperture.īokeh is never going to be a consideration of much importance when purchasing a lens this wide. The widest lens currently available for the Sony a7III, the 12-24mm is very sharp across the frame from f/5.6 onward. For those who can afford it, though, the 24mm f/1.4 GM is worth every cent of its asking price – and then some. Ultimately then, the only reason you might want to consider other options is purely because of budget. It also happens to be very small and lightweight compared to most other lenses of this focal length. Indeed, while the 24mm GM doesn’t boast the extreme angle of view of, say, the Batis 18mm (below), what you gain instead is an extra stop of light-gathering abilities highly appealing for both night-sky shooters and reportage photographers alike.Īll in all, this is a fantastic wide angle lens that offers stunning resolution and image quality, lovely bokeh, and performs beautifully in low light. Meanwhile the f/1.4 aperture also makes this a versatile tool for documentary work in low light. Of course, with its wide angle of view and impressive optics, the 24mm GM will also appeal to those who shoot landscapes, interiors, action sports, and street photography. What’s more, there’s very little in the way of comatic aberration, so when combined with it’s very fast maximum aperture, it’s obvious that this is one of the best lenses currently available for astrophotography. In fact the 24mm GM produces stunningly sharp photos that maintain optical standards right across the frame and throughout the aperture range.