Sony Full-Frame 14mm f/1.8 Wide-Angle Lens Review

The Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM lens is an impressive addition to Sony's professional G Master series, known for its high-end optics. This ultra-wide prime lens, designed for Sony's full-frame mirrorless E Mount, captures more than twice as much light as many 14mm f/2.8 primes, despite its light weight of 460 grams (1.01 pounds).

The lens's complex optical design, with 14 elements in 11 groups, includes one aspherical element, two extreme aspherical elements, two ED-coated elements, and one Super ED-coated element. This intricate setup contributes to its ability to deliver stunning images, making it a popular choice for Milky Way photography due to its wide focal length and fast aperture.

One notable feature of the Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM lens is its aperture ring, which can be clicked or de-clicked and can be controlled via the camera most of the time. However, some users have reported that the aperture ring may rotate while in the bag, although this seems to be an occasional issue.

The lens does not have filter threads and requires a clip-in filter or an external filter holding system. For those needing a rotating polarizing filter, the NiSi 150mm filter holder + polarizer is a more complex alternative. Meanwhile, the Haida filter holder system, specifically designed for the Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM, is another option for those using standard 100x100mm rectangular filters.

The Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM lens is extensively weather-sealed, ensuring it can be used in adverse weather conditions without issue. Its focusing ring, while not mechanically coupled to the focus mechanism, feels a little loose. Some photographers who shoot at 14mm find that they don't use filters very often, even polarizers, due to the uneven sky issue at ultra-wide angles.

The lens's high quality comes at a price, with a retail value of $1600. Despite this, its performance and capabilities make it a worthwhile investment for many photographers seeking a top-tier ultra-wide lens for their Sony E Mount camera.

For those needing only ND filters, the Haida rear lens ND system is a good choice. On the other hand, the Lee SW150 adapter is meant for photographers using Lee's SW150 system or expecting to in the future.

In conclusion, the Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM lens is a versatile and high-performing ultra-wide prime lens that is well-suited for Milky Way photography and other wide-angle applications. Its complex optical design, weather-sealed construction, and extensive features make it a valuable addition to any photographer's gear arsenal, although its price may be a consideration for some.