The new Sony 50mm f/1.2 G Master features stunning bokeh, ultra-crisp resolution and top-level autofocus performance. Designed from the ground up to work with the Sony Alpha mirrorless system, the lens is built to perform at the highest levels for photographers, filmmakers and hybrid creatives. We connected with a select group of photographers who have been using the lens prior to its unveiling to get an inside look at its capabilities and performance. Sara France, Paola Franqui, Caroline Jensen, Miguel Quiles and Oveck Reyes each explored some of the creative possibilities offered by the new G Master. See their hands-on results below and read their thoughts on using the new lens for their work.

A group of creatives share their thoughts on the new 50mm f/1.2 G Master lens and their hands-on results after shooting with it.

“The 50mm is one of my favorite focal lengths out there, especially when it comes to capturing portraits and street photography. It’s a focal length that you don’t have to get too close with, nor stand too far back — it sits right in the middle. I am so in love with this lens and was immediately blown away by its sharpness. I’ve been waiting for an f/1.2 aperture for the longest time and I’m just so happy that it’s finally here. It is a total game changer.” – Paola Franqui

Photo by Paola Franqui. Sony α7R IV. Sony 50mm f/1.2 G Master. 1/200-sec., f/1.2, ISO 320

Photo by Paola Franqui. Sony α7 III. Sony 50mm f/1.2 G Master. 1/1000-sec., f/2.8, ISO 100

"I had my model blow glitter at the camera to test its sharpness and foreground bokeh while tracking an eyeball surrounded by chaos—it did really well! The Eye AF worked like a champ on my α7R IV, while the 50mm f/1.2 GM made the silver glitter into the dreamiest bokeh sparkles. I also shot a backlit flower arranging scene to test for chromatic aberration and how well it reduced a chaotic background at close range. It worked flawlessly too. All around, it performed extremely well in super challenging scenarios I threw at it. It also nailed focus on moving butterflies and had no trouble nailing focus on just the proboscis pulling nectar, which anyone who shoots them will attest is quite hard. The in-focus area is super thin, but anything in that plane will be crystal clear when properly exposed." – Caroline Jensen

Photo by Caroline Jensen. Sony α7R IV. Sony 50mm f/1.2 G Master. 1/5000-sec., f/1.2, ISO 800

"The speed of the lens was incredible and surprising. It was hitting everything instantly. I did not notice any delay at all and continued to stay focused during all the movement of the subjects. To me, the construction of the lens feels like a smaller version of the 85mm f/1.4 GM, in terms of quality and ergonomics. You can feel the quality in every button and dial. The bokeh on this lens is stunning. It looks cleaner, softer, than any 50mm I have had before. It has the bokeh of the 85mm f/1.4 and the 135mm f/1.8 but in a wider lens.” – Sara France

Photo by Sara France. Sony α7R III. Sony 50mm f/1.2 G Master. 1/200-sec., f/1.2, ISO 500

Photo by Sara France. Sony α7R III. Sony 50mm f/1.2 G Master. 1/640-sec., f/1.2, ISO 125

"I believe the 50mm f/1.2 GM is truly a game changer for photographers who love the look of images taken at f/1.2. Not only are the sharpness and bokeh world-class, but the speed and accuracy of the focusing take it to a whole new level. What stood out the most to me with this lens was how quiet and accurate the focus was at f/1.2. Having used many other fast-aperture lenses in my career, I couldn't believe the performance I was experiencing with a lens like this. Looking at my images on the big screen afterwards left me with the impression that this lens is a legend realized!" – Miguel Quiles

Photo by Miguel Quiles. Sony 50mm f/1.2 G Master.

"I love shooting portraits with lenses that give character and buttery bokeh and at 1.2 my portraits look more moody, not to mention the availability of shooting in darker scenarios. At first glance the size is remarkable for a 1.2 lens of its kind, especially compared to the other brands. I love its focus accuracy and the great build of a G Master lens. It's very sharp all around and the bokeh is butter!"  – Oveck Reyes

Photo by Oveck Reyes. Sony α7R IV. Sony 50mm f/1.2 G Master. 1/640-sec., f/1.2, ISO 3200

Photo by Oveck Reyes. Sony α7R IV. Sony 50mm f/1.2 G Master. 1/8000-sec., f/1.2, ISO 200

"I thought the 135mm f/1.8 G Master was my favorite, but this one has a unique beauty all on its own and I have to have it! A 50mm f/1.2 lens is a DREAM lens. It doesn’t disappoint and is a must-have! It tracked butterflies, which surprised me considering how substantial this lens is. Wide aperture lenses like this aren’t generally noted for their speed and size, but this one surprised me on both counts. It is a tank, to be sure, but it wasn’t too big at all. It was smaller than I anticipated it being. The bokeh….don’t even get me started. It made the ugliest backgrounds manageable with its glorious blur. My editing time is practically nothing too. It just makes gorgeous images!" – Caroline Jensen

Photo by Caroline Jensen. Sony α7R IV. Sony 50mm f/1.2 G Master. 1/1250-sec., f/1.2, ISO 640

Photo by Caroline Jensen. Sony α7R IV. Sony 50mm f/1.2 G Master. 1/5000-sec., f/1.2, ISO 800

Photo by Caroline Jensen. Sony α7R IV. Sony 50mm f/1.2 G Master. 1/1600-sec., f/1.2, ISO 125

"50mm is a great focal length to take environmental portraits, especially 3/4 length vertical shots where you want to keep distortion to a minimum. Being able to shoot at 1.2 is infinitely useful, not just when shooting portraits but also whenever I'm shooting video. I tend to love the gorgeous bokeh look anytime I'm shooting video interviews and talking heads as it really gives the video a more polished look." – Miguel Quiles

Photo by Miguel Quiles. Sony 50mm f/1.2 G Master.

“I am extremely excited to have this lens in my gear bag. It feels a lot like the 85mm f/1.2 with that G Master quality. I brought another lens to see if I gravitated toward wanting a different lens and I never did. You can see the quality of this lens and for a 50mm the 1.2 aperture is even more valuable because you get less separation the wider your lens gets. That is why I love shooting at 1.2 with this lens and did almost all my photos at that 1.2 aperture.” – Sara France

Photo by Sara France. Sony α7R III. Sony 50mm f/1.2 G Master. 1/500-sec., f/1.2, ISO 80

“It's a masterpiece and there’s no doubt in my mind that it will become people's new favorite lens. The combination between its sharpness and speed is truly unmatched. The creamy and buttery bokeh is one of the best ones I’ve seen. I am excited for the work I will create with this new lens – it will be my go-to for awhile.” – Paola Franqui

Photo by Paola Franqui. Sony α7R IV. Sony 50mm f/1.2 G Master. 1/125-sec., f/1.2, ISO 250

"My first thought is that this lens is coming with me everywhere I go. I love how sharp it is all around the image and how small it is. The fast aperture makes a big difference from a 1.4 lens – from the beautiful bokeh to the ability to shoot in lower light situations." – Oveck Reyes

Photo by Oveck Reyes. Sony α7R IV. Sony 50mm f/1.2 G Master. 1/640-sec., f/1.2, ISO 3200

"Most 50mm lenses have a fairly wide open aperture, but the beauty of an f/1.2 cannot be understated. It is the difference between a good image and a GREAT image. I am a bokeh lover and I think the first thing I ever searched for (in a card catalog, likely, ha!) was for books that would teach me how to make blurry backgrounds behind flowers. My favorite images have a dreamy quality that is nearly impossible without a lens that assists in getting that creamy-smooth bokeh. Digital editing never comes close in my humble opinion...the glass is everything!" – Caroline Jensen

Photo by Caroline Jensen. Sony α7R IV. Sony 50mm f/1.2 G Master. 1/1250-sec., f/1.2, ISO 800

Photo by Caroline Jensen. Sony α7R IV. Sony 50mm f/1.2 G Master. 1/2000-sec., f/1.2, ISO 800

Photo by Caroline Jensen. Sony α7R IV. Sony 50mm f/1.2 G Master. 1/200-sec., f/1.2, ISO 400