When I purchased the 24mm GM, I wasn’t even interested in buying it — I was considering the 16-35mm GM instead, which would’ve been the safe option. However, a lot of the photographers I spoke with were saying to skip the safe option and go with the sexier 24 GM instead. So, when my research was complete and time came to make my choice, I indeed decided YOLO and went with the sexy option.
I have never regretted it.
Specifications
Diameter: 75 mm
Length: 92 mm
Weight: 445g
Filter Thread: 67 mm
Aperture Blades: 11 (rounded)
Elements/Groups: 13/10
Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.25 m
Maximum Magnification: 1:5.9
Field of view: 84°
Price: $1,400
Fit and Finish
Like all of Sony’s GM lenses, the 24mm GM is built to a really high standard with rubberized focus and aperture rings and is constructed from metal and high-impact polycarbonate. The focus ring is linear and the throw is 180°, and the aperture ring is broken into 1/3 stop increments, and can be de-clicked which should benefit videographers. I personally prefer to keep it clicked so I can have feedback when I’m switching my aperture. If you wish to control the aperture via your camera, simply turn the aperture ring until it clicks to “A.”
Just like its other GM brothers and sisters, the 24 GM also features a AF/MF switch for toggling between auto and manual focus as well as a focus-hold button which can be mapped as another custon button via your camera’s menu. There is no image stabilization, so if you’re shooting with a first generation a7-series camera, you will need to be aware of that. On second generation cameras and newer, the IBIS works very well.
The hood is a petal-style hood and is made of plastic and flocked on the inside with dark felt to reduce reflections. It’s not very heavy, but still feels pretty high quality despite being made from plastic. It adds a moderate amount of length to the lens.
The lens balances nicely on an a7-series camera and isn’t too front heavy, which makes it easy to carry asll day long. I am not sure how it would balance on an a6xx-series camera, but I’m willing to bet it wouldn’t be much different. Overall I’m very happy with the design and build-quality quality of this lens and give it top marks. In the end, it’s a G-Master lens, I wouldn’t expect less.
Performance
The 24mm is a G-Master lens so my expectations are justifiably high and it did not dissapoint. The autofocus is fast and accurate, even in low light and I have no problems shooting moving subjects with it.
Sharpness
Well, what can be said? The lens is very sharp across the frame at all apertures, except for a little softness in the corners at f/1.4 which goes away quickly as you stop down. All in all, about as close to flawless as you can get. Bravo!
Chromatic Aberration
Lateral
Lateral aberration is definitely there wide open, but goes away as you stop down to f/2 or slower. This isn’t too much of an issue, however, and can be fixed in post with a click or two of the mouse.
Longitudinal
Once again some magental and green tint when shooting across a surface, but this mostly goes away by f/2 and is completely gone by f/2.8.
Bokeh
Of course bokeh is a very subjective thing, and one photographer may not like out of focus results that another photographer goes wow for. In my opinion, the bokeh on this lens is smooth and creamy, especially when close to the subject. I never find it busy or nervous and it’s unobtrusive only adding to the image.
Sunstars
If you’re into sunstars, the 24mm GM produces decent 22-point ones, but you have to stop down pretty far to get them. I wouldn’t call it a strength of this lens, but I wouldn’t call it a weakness either. They just are. Again, this is a subjective subject, so your mileage will vary significantly depending on your tastes.
Astrophotography
This lens is excellent for astrophotography. Coma is there wide open but if you stop down top f/2.8 it vanishes. While the Sigma 14-24 DG DN lens is one of my favorites for this application, the 1.4 aperture on this the 24mm GM make it an absolute low-light beast.
The Good, the Meh, and the Ugly…
Good | Meh | Ugly |
---|---|---|
|
|
|
Bottom Line…
Sony released a ringer with this lens. I have no complaints. It’s sharp, fast, has beautiful bokeh and is relatively light with great build quality. What’s not to ask for? The price is a little steep, but relatively speaking, for a GM lens, it’s really not that bad, and there are alternatives out there for the photographer on a budget such as the Sigma, or Sony’s f/2.8 version. As I said in my intro, it’s definitely a sexier lens than the safe and utilitarian 16-35 GM, but golly I’m still glad I chose it over that lens.
I have since added the Sigma 14-24 DG DN Art lens to my kit, and it’s an excellent lens, but very often, I will still carry the 24mm GM with me as well, because it’s just that good.
If you have the funds and you are in the market for a fast 24mm lens, I can’t recommend this one more.