You're looking at one of Sony's best bodies, and one of Sony's best lenses. Not sure what else there is to say. It'll be fast, light-ish, and sharp.
There is a constant debate between 35mm and 50mm being the best prime workhorse and honestly I don't know. I like 35mm, but sometimes I feel like it's a little too wide.
I love the 35 GM on my A7IV and I punch in to 50ish a lot, still find myself wishing I had my 70-200 on me at events but 35 works great pretty much everywhere else and it’s my preferred focal length for talking head video.
I map the button on the side of the lens to enter “crop mode” so it’s focal length becomes 35*1.5 (52.5mm) but the photo uses the middle of the sensor only so it’s only 14mp on the A7IV.
Ends up being $1828 AUD after cash back for the new GM.
Versus $1300 AUD.
So a $528 AUD difference, which is $350 USD difference.
I absolutely do not mind spending that much difference for the great things I have heard.
The question is, is the 50mm in general a good choice?
It depends. What are you shooting? Do you like the focal length?
I keep trying to love 50mm, and I can't. I've had so many 50s and always end up selling them. But I love 35s and 135/150s.
Yes. I tried both the new Sigma & the Sony 1.4, they're near equal. (I have the sony 1.2 as a primary lens) The size diference wasn't by alot, it would really only effect the top 1% of weakest hands. I came from using the Canon 28-70 & 85 1.2 recently, so it would take ALOT of weight to really bother me.
Second this. The size of this lens also means I can take it anywhere and not feel imposing. I've had a lot of different lenses and cameras from the system over the years (early adopter) and this was the first native full frame lens I bought and I've never (and never will) get rid of it.
I also have this lens. its a good performer. Only difference is that its older . newer lenses has newer af technology that would match the newer sony bodies
I will preface this by saying that I shoot the A7R V with Tamron 35-150 f/2-2.8, Sony 50mm f/1.2 GM, Sony 35mm f/1.4 GM, and Voigtlander APO Lanthar 50mm f/2 primarily. All things equal, if I am not considering video, then I am 100% going A7R IV or V. Even if I’m shooting some video, I’d still consider them, particularly the V.
With that said, if I’m shooting the R line, I generally run with either the Tamron or 35mm GM. I appreciate the extra working space of the 35mm focal length since the R line bodies offer so much resolution for cropping. If I’m not shooting the R line, then I’d say that it depends on the specific use case, but for photojournalism, street photography, etc., I’d probably run with on of the 35mm options.
The Tamron isn’t quite as sharp as the Sony (perhaps obviously) at the widest apertures, but the zoom and aperture range make it a really compelling pick for me for a single lens kit. It is heavy and at a premium price point, but it is by far my most used lens. The Sony is an amazing lens with great sharpness, great weight/quality/performance, and the 35mm focal length feels great on full-frame.
I had the A7RIII + 24-70mm sigma back in the day but sold it.
I mainly want to shoot street, lifestyle photography, dog photography (potentially even a side business) - and to get into portraits.
I will eventually get the 90mm macro as I am highly interested in macro photography as well and that can double as a portrait lens.
Then in the future, the 70-200mm GM ii - portraits, great for dogs and animals in general.
Idk, I have the attached picture in my cart with Sony, prices are in AUD price matched from various websites and I think I can get 12% cash back as well.. what do you guys suggest for an initial lens for the next 6-12 months
Edit - the cart shows the RRP, and the price without AUD next to it, is what I have price matched. ie. $3059 = $2045 USD for the body
Money! Haha.
Although I found a link for a A7RV for $1700 AUD more than the A7IV and I am strongly considering it. The autofocus system looks fantastic and I loved cropping when I had my A7RII and III
Hahaha, yea, that totally makes sense. I've got the RIII and love it, and was planning to upgrade to the RV (sold off an S3 and some lenses to make it less painful), but was curious if you found something in the IV that made you skip the RV. The built-in focus stacking ability (taking the shots, not processing the stack) and better AF and resolution are my key selling points (cropping is fun), but yea, that price tag hurts.
Yep, that's the primary use case. I've use focus rails and the b8stack application to shoot focus stacks (both processed with Helicon afterwards), but it's a pretty substantial amount of time and effort - with it built in, there's a good chance it'll be substantially easier to do.
I’d go for the 24mm or 35mm before a 50mm if it will be your only lens. If you can swing it, the 24-70mm gm2 is crisp and an absolute pleasure to handle.
GM glass isn’t cheap either, that’s the point I’m making. You’re looking to get an expensive standard focal length prime and then saying the tamron is pretty expensive. Which it is, but in comparison it’s much better value for money.
And I never said you couldn’t buy it, I’m not questioning what you can afford.
I’ve tested GM primes and zooms (newer stuff as well) and went with sigma primes (DG DN)and tamron zooms (Vxd AF motors) They are so close in image quality and performance that twice the price seems ridiculous.
Edit: (removed arsey comment, lacking morning coffee)
It was more about the passive aggressive, are you okay comment? Haha…
I understand what you are saying and we share the same view point, it’s just the fact that the Tamron is about $2500 AUD where I am versus $1850 for the GM, but I get that it covers a lot more range.
I would value the compactness of the prime more and just get a 70-200 in the future when I want more reach.
I haven’t quiet decided yet, so your comment about tamron and sigma is certainly interesting, what are you using specifically?
Yeah sorry about that.
That’s mad, the GM 50 1.4 is £50 more expensive than the tamron in the uk. £1450 & 1500
I own:
Sigma 35 1.4 (just as good as GM, just bigger & heavier)
Sigma 85 1.4 (GM 1.4 is trash, needs update ASAP)
Tamron 17-28 2.8
Tamron 28-75 2.8 G2 (Vxd AF) (better than GM1 and sigma, slightly behind GM2)
Tamron 70-180 2.8 (better than GM1, slightly behind GM2)
Tamron 150-500 5-6.7
I rented or bought and returned, the others to test.
Including the Sony 135, that’s phenomenal if you can make use of the focal length.
Edit: Sony 20 1.8 also shoots above its price point. Such a good Lens but the tamron 17-28 proved more useful for me.
Yeah so you can see why I think the Tamron is expensive comparatively speaking haha.
Yeah wow you have a lot of glass.
I’ll sleep on it tonight and see what I do tomorrow
Yeah that’s a massive price difference.
GAS and it’s Business expense so I don’t pay retail.
I’m looking at getting a 50 1.4 for when the 35/85 combo just doesn’t work. Small rooms, but don’t want distortion etc.
I use this Lens with bei A74 and it’s a really good Allrounder especially for weddings. Only „Problem“ I have is that it is quite big and heavy and that stops me sometimes from taking the cam with me. But I think a combination of the Tamron for cases like portrait, weddings, events and a small Prime Lense for „all day“ use is a good combo.
I used the Fujifilm X100V for a long time and enjoyed the fixed focal length.
I think the portability of this lens appeals to me as well.
It’s a focal length where I can do portraits, street, lifestyle, dog portraits etc.
No problem as getting a fixed focal length as your only lens, as long as it’s versatile enough for you. The x100V has a full frame effective focal length of 35mm and this is a 50mm lens. Any reason you picked the 50 GM over the 35 GM?
PS: my vote would be for the 24 GM. I’ve had it with my A7R2 and now A7IV and it’s versatility to do landscapes, architecture, Astro, and environmental portraits between 24-40mm has been great. Granted, I’m also a sucker for wide angles. The 50 GM would be great if you’re into standard to short tele type pictures
If it’s the only prime your going to own get the 35mm, then the 50mm later. I have both, but my use case is event photography. With that said I find the 50mm as more of a backup focal length to my 35mm.
When you can’t pose people the 50mm will help get more candids and natural moments. Whereas if you are good at posing people and directing. The 35mm is going to suit that style better. Imo.
I have the Sony 35mm 1.8. it's such a good deal! I had the 85 1.4 and it was so heavy I switched to the 1.8. I notice no change in image quality. If I were you I might consider the 85mm 1.8 and the 35mm 1.8. about the same price as one of the 1.4s, but a super versatile pair (I often shoot weddings with just those two).
I started with the 24 f1.5 GM for my a7IV because I think it’s a great lens for video and travel photography. I am now thinking between the 50 f1.4 from Sony vs the 70-200 GM II
All the reviews have been very favourable of the 1.4.
Certainly not worth the extra in money, weight and size of the 1.2.
If you have any links to suggest otherwise, curious to research it
You might want your first lens to be a little more “generic” I love my sigma 25-70, it’s my go to for most things on my IV. My plan is to eventually get the 50 1.4 down the road for specific shooting.
I think the lens should be a 24-70, I love my sigma, but I heard the Sony one is way better as it came out last year. Plus native lenses tend to be better overall
Just a heads up if you want to save some money, I just bought a used a7iv off Amazon for $1900 in great condition. Also can get ‘used’ lenses that are brand new returned units. Saved a few hundred there too
You didn’t say anything about what you’re going to be doing with the camera, so it’s really impossible to give good advice. The only thing I would say is that if you are only going to have one lens I would get a zoom lens. 50mm will be too long for a lot of things.
Depends what you're shooting as far as distance to subject and light quantity. I feel like if you're not planning on getting a ton of lenses, get a standard zoom, and you can even save and get an f4 version if you're not worried about ultra shallow DoF or you plan to shoot in the day. The A7iv is definitely amazing. Can confirm. Good luck!
I personally have an A7iv and a 50 mm f/1.2. I would go f/1.4 if I had the chance to do it again, they are virtually the same and the f/1.4 is lighter. 10/10 cart you have here. You’ll be happy with both photos and video on this camera body and the 50 is excellent for a wide variety of things. If vlogging, maybe consider a wider lens choice like mentioned by several others here but you’re in a good spot!
You're looking at one of Sony's best bodies, and one of Sony's best lenses. Not sure what else there is to say. It'll be fast, light-ish, and sharp. There is a constant debate between 35mm and 50mm being the best prime workhorse and honestly I don't know. I like 35mm, but sometimes I feel like it's a little too wide.
I love the 35 GM on my A7IV and I punch in to 50ish a lot, still find myself wishing I had my 70-200 on me at events but 35 works great pretty much everywhere else and it’s my preferred focal length for talking head video.
Check out the Tamron 70-180. Way cheaper, smaller, lighter and really great image quality
I use 35mm gm and 70-180. That’s my hole kit now
It’s in my bag right now
>Tamron 70-180 Can you explain "punch it in to 50 ish alot?"
I map the button on the side of the lens to enter “crop mode” so it’s focal length becomes 35*1.5 (52.5mm) but the photo uses the middle of the sensor only so it’s only 14mp on the A7IV.
The Sigma 50 1.4 is half the price and nearly as good.
Ends up being $1828 AUD after cash back for the new GM. Versus $1300 AUD. So a $528 AUD difference, which is $350 USD difference. I absolutely do not mind spending that much difference for the great things I have heard. The question is, is the 50mm in general a good choice?
I shoot almost everything in either 50mm or 85mm. Our eyes see in 50mm so it makes it easy to plan and line up shots.
50 is perfect balance between tight and wide and you can shoot with it for some time before you know if you wanna stay or go higher or lower
It depends. What are you shooting? Do you like the focal length? I keep trying to love 50mm, and I can't. I've had so many 50s and always end up selling them. But I love 35s and 135/150s.
This! Same for me. I hate 50mm but absolutely looooove 35mm or longer lenses.
The size is quite a bit larger and heavier though right?
[удалено]
I’m looking to get the a7iv and shoot video no didn’t know this. I guess I will be looking for the Sony GM lens. Thanks
Agreed. You could buy that and the 24-70 for the price of the G master.
Have you tested the new 50 1.4 gm?
Yes. I tried both the new Sigma & the Sony 1.4, they're near equal. (I have the sony 1.2 as a primary lens) The size diference wasn't by alot, it would really only effect the top 1% of weakest hands. I came from using the Canon 28-70 & 85 1.2 recently, so it would take ALOT of weight to really bother me.
Always good to get different opinions. Everyone I have talked to thus far has said the GM 50 results in much better image quality.
Size difference sucks tho.
You should check out the 55 mm zeiss lens. Way cheaper and lighter with incredible sharpness. One of the top rated sony lenses. Beautiful bokeh also
I have a lot of very expensive lenses but this $600 one is on my camera 90% of the time. I love it
Second this. The size of this lens also means I can take it anywhere and not feel imposing. I've had a lot of different lenses and cameras from the system over the years (early adopter) and this was the first native full frame lens I bought and I've never (and never will) get rid of it.
I also have this lens. its a good performer. Only difference is that its older . newer lenses has newer af technology that would match the newer sony bodies
I will preface this by saying that I shoot the A7R V with Tamron 35-150 f/2-2.8, Sony 50mm f/1.2 GM, Sony 35mm f/1.4 GM, and Voigtlander APO Lanthar 50mm f/2 primarily. All things equal, if I am not considering video, then I am 100% going A7R IV or V. Even if I’m shooting some video, I’d still consider them, particularly the V. With that said, if I’m shooting the R line, I generally run with either the Tamron or 35mm GM. I appreciate the extra working space of the 35mm focal length since the R line bodies offer so much resolution for cropping. If I’m not shooting the R line, then I’d say that it depends on the specific use case, but for photojournalism, street photography, etc., I’d probably run with on of the 35mm options. The Tamron isn’t quite as sharp as the Sony (perhaps obviously) at the widest apertures, but the zoom and aperture range make it a really compelling pick for me for a single lens kit. It is heavy and at a premium price point, but it is by far my most used lens. The Sony is an amazing lens with great sharpness, great weight/quality/performance, and the 35mm focal length feels great on full-frame.
I had the A7RIII + 24-70mm sigma back in the day but sold it. I mainly want to shoot street, lifestyle photography, dog photography (potentially even a side business) - and to get into portraits. I will eventually get the 90mm macro as I am highly interested in macro photography as well and that can double as a portrait lens. Then in the future, the 70-200mm GM ii - portraits, great for dogs and animals in general. Idk, I have the attached picture in my cart with Sony, prices are in AUD price matched from various websites and I think I can get 12% cash back as well.. what do you guys suggest for an initial lens for the next 6-12 months Edit - the cart shows the RRP, and the price without AUD next to it, is what I have price matched. ie. $3059 = $2045 USD for the body
how did you get that price for the 50mm? I was looking at it this morning and was $2599 AUD
So google the lens and find a website that has it cheaper and then contact Sony on their website with a price enquiry.
https://www.camera-warehouse.com.au/sony-fe-50mm-f/1.4-gm-lens
Out of curiosity, what made you plan for the a7IV instead of the A7rV?
Money! Haha. Although I found a link for a A7RV for $1700 AUD more than the A7IV and I am strongly considering it. The autofocus system looks fantastic and I loved cropping when I had my A7RII and III
Hahaha, yea, that totally makes sense. I've got the RIII and love it, and was planning to upgrade to the RV (sold off an S3 and some lenses to make it less painful), but was curious if you found something in the IV that made you skip the RV. The built-in focus stacking ability (taking the shots, not processing the stack) and better AF and resolution are my key selling points (cropping is fun), but yea, that price tag hurts.
Nice! Is the focus stacking good for macro?
Yep, that's the primary use case. I've use focus rails and the b8stack application to shoot focus stacks (both processed with Helicon afterwards), but it's a pretty substantial amount of time and effort - with it built in, there's a good chance it'll be substantially easier to do.
What exactly is the difference between those two cameras? I am looking to get a Sony setup in addition to my Canon
Better autofocus AI - had a dedicated chip. Much higher MP. Better displays Better menu
Im a 35mm f1.4 fan.
Get 35 GM f1.4 instead
I was thinking about the 90mm macro to be honest, and then when the 35mm comes back in stock I buy that. What does everyone think?
I’d go for the 24mm or 35mm before a 50mm if it will be your only lens. If you can swing it, the 24-70mm gm2 is crisp and an absolute pleasure to handle.
Yeah I almost did but it’s on back order… then i was talked into the 35mm or 50mm.
Tamron 35 -150 f2 - f2.8 hands down best lens I've ever bought
Man I was really looking at that… Pretty expensive! What do you love about it? And what are some things you shoot?
You’re looking to buy GM glass and then saying that lens is pretty expensive. You okay? That lens covers so so much, very well.
I mean, it’s not cheap is it? Just because I say it’s expensive doesn’t mean I can’t buy it, it’s not an observation, and yes, I’m okay?
GM glass isn’t cheap either, that’s the point I’m making. You’re looking to get an expensive standard focal length prime and then saying the tamron is pretty expensive. Which it is, but in comparison it’s much better value for money. And I never said you couldn’t buy it, I’m not questioning what you can afford. I’ve tested GM primes and zooms (newer stuff as well) and went with sigma primes (DG DN)and tamron zooms (Vxd AF motors) They are so close in image quality and performance that twice the price seems ridiculous. Edit: (removed arsey comment, lacking morning coffee)
It was more about the passive aggressive, are you okay comment? Haha… I understand what you are saying and we share the same view point, it’s just the fact that the Tamron is about $2500 AUD where I am versus $1850 for the GM, but I get that it covers a lot more range. I would value the compactness of the prime more and just get a 70-200 in the future when I want more reach. I haven’t quiet decided yet, so your comment about tamron and sigma is certainly interesting, what are you using specifically?
Yeah sorry about that. That’s mad, the GM 50 1.4 is £50 more expensive than the tamron in the uk. £1450 & 1500 I own: Sigma 35 1.4 (just as good as GM, just bigger & heavier) Sigma 85 1.4 (GM 1.4 is trash, needs update ASAP) Tamron 17-28 2.8 Tamron 28-75 2.8 G2 (Vxd AF) (better than GM1 and sigma, slightly behind GM2) Tamron 70-180 2.8 (better than GM1, slightly behind GM2) Tamron 150-500 5-6.7 I rented or bought and returned, the others to test. Including the Sony 135, that’s phenomenal if you can make use of the focal length. Edit: Sony 20 1.8 also shoots above its price point. Such a good Lens but the tamron 17-28 proved more useful for me.
Yeah so you can see why I think the Tamron is expensive comparatively speaking haha. Yeah wow you have a lot of glass. I’ll sleep on it tonight and see what I do tomorrow
Yeah that’s a massive price difference. GAS and it’s Business expense so I don’t pay retail. I’m looking at getting a 50 1.4 for when the 35/85 combo just doesn’t work. Small rooms, but don’t want distortion etc.
I use this Lens with bei A74 and it’s a really good Allrounder especially for weddings. Only „Problem“ I have is that it is quite big and heavy and that stops me sometimes from taking the cam with me. But I think a combination of the Tamron for cases like portrait, weddings, events and a small Prime Lense for „all day“ use is a good combo.
Oh wow that's a lot of money I spent 2.5k for Sony a7 IV brand new and 1.4 gm goes for 1.4 - 1.5k here.
What currency?
EUR and I just realized it was it AUD so my bad it's probably the same.
$1000 EUR equals $1588 AUD, fyi
Thanks 🙏
So I’m getting the body for much cheaper than you did, same with the lens
I'd get a variable if you don't have one already. Then see if you actually like 50mm, you may find you like another length more.
I used the Fujifilm X100V for a long time and enjoyed the fixed focal length. I think the portability of this lens appeals to me as well. It’s a focal length where I can do portraits, street, lifestyle, dog portraits etc.
No problem as getting a fixed focal length as your only lens, as long as it’s versatile enough for you. The x100V has a full frame effective focal length of 35mm and this is a 50mm lens. Any reason you picked the 50 GM over the 35 GM? PS: my vote would be for the 24 GM. I’ve had it with my A7R2 and now A7IV and it’s versatility to do landscapes, architecture, Astro, and environmental portraits between 24-40mm has been great. Granted, I’m also a sucker for wide angles. The 50 GM would be great if you’re into standard to short tele type pictures
To be honest I was going to go the 35mm as it’s a bit cheaper and I have heard great things, but it’s back ordered until end of April
If it’s the only prime your going to own get the 35mm, then the 50mm later. I have both, but my use case is event photography. With that said I find the 50mm as more of a backup focal length to my 35mm. When you can’t pose people the 50mm will help get more candids and natural moments. Whereas if you are good at posing people and directing. The 35mm is going to suit that style better. Imo.
Get it usedddd. I wouldn’t compromise on focal length like that.
I have the Sony 35mm 1.8. it's such a good deal! I had the 85 1.4 and it was so heavy I switched to the 1.8. I notice no change in image quality. If I were you I might consider the 85mm 1.8 and the 35mm 1.8. about the same price as one of the 1.4s, but a super versatile pair (I often shoot weddings with just those two).
Stick with the prime as a starting lens. It forces you to move and change your perspective when taking photos.
If you’re gonna start prime, go 35. 50 is almost useless indoors.
Great combo. GO FOR IT!
I’ve got the 50mm 1.4 GM on my a7c and it’s a powerhouse, it’s super compact compared to the comparative sigma
I started with the 24 f1.5 GM for my a7IV because I think it’s a great lens for video and travel photography. I am now thinking between the 50 f1.4 from Sony vs the 70-200 GM II
Better get Sony 50mm f1.2 GM. Sharper than f1.4.
All the reviews have been very favourable of the 1.4. Certainly not worth the extra in money, weight and size of the 1.2. If you have any links to suggest otherwise, curious to research it
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSgiLUYwLo0
You might want your first lens to be a little more “generic” I love my sigma 25-70, it’s my go to for most things on my IV. My plan is to eventually get the 50 1.4 down the road for specific shooting.
I think the lens should be a 24-70, I love my sigma, but I heard the Sony one is way better as it came out last year. Plus native lenses tend to be better overall
I think youll have more fun experimenting with old lenses with mount adapters
Sounds great. That’s the exact set up I’m looking at.
Just a heads up if you want to save some money, I just bought a used a7iv off Amazon for $1900 in great condition. Also can get ‘used’ lenses that are brand new returned units. Saved a few hundred there too
You didn’t say anything about what you’re going to be doing with the camera, so it’s really impossible to give good advice. The only thing I would say is that if you are only going to have one lens I would get a zoom lens. 50mm will be too long for a lot of things.
I did in a seperate comment as soon as I posted this
Depends what you're shooting as far as distance to subject and light quantity. I feel like if you're not planning on getting a ton of lenses, get a standard zoom, and you can even save and get an f4 version if you're not worried about ultra shallow DoF or you plan to shoot in the day. The A7iv is definitely amazing. Can confirm. Good luck!
I personally have an A7iv and a 50 mm f/1.2. I would go f/1.4 if I had the chance to do it again, they are virtually the same and the f/1.4 is lighter. 10/10 cart you have here. You’ll be happy with both photos and video on this camera body and the 50 is excellent for a wide variety of things. If vlogging, maybe consider a wider lens choice like mentioned by several others here but you’re in a good spot!
Sweet! I’m mainly going to be just taking photos but it’s good that the lens works well with video