Second Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM Lens Tested

Image quality test results from a second lens have been added to the Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM Lens Review.

The second lens results, shown as sample 1, are nearly identical to the first lens results, now denoted as sample 2. Here is that comparison.

It is a rare lens that our test chart results do not accurately represent, but the FE 14mm GM lens is one of them. The test chart results for the two lenses were only mediocre (to be kind) and well below expectations for a prime G Master lens. Obvious is that a flat test chart highlights field curvature, a feature that few (none?) of us want. That the depth of sharp focus at the periphery become shallower and moves slightly rearward at close focus distances is the cause of the chart anomaly.

If carefully focused in the corner of the frame, as illustrated here, this lens produces sharp corner image quality. However, this improvement comes at the expense of the center of the frame performance. Fortunately, this lens performs significantly better at long distances.

The Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM Lens is an outstanding choice for photographing the milky way. Check out sample crop showing pin-point star rendering in the full-frame corners. Add this lens to the already long list of impressive Sony milky way lens options, including the FE 20mm f/1.8 G, FE 24mm f/1.4 GM, FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM, and FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM lenses.

The Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM Lens is in stock at B&H and available for order at Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM Lens from Lensrentals.