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So excited by this lens. No other company compares to Sony quality and finally we have this Ultra wide angle prime in such a light package. Definitely getting one some day.
Thanks Mark. As an astro/landscape guy this looks amazing. While I love my Venus Laowa 15mm f/2 ($850 and accepts 72mm filters w/min vignetting stacked if using Haida slim pro filters) this Sony is not only a half pound lighter, it autofocus for regular shooting, and has much less coma and better corner sharpness for astro.
Stunning review. You gave the best review. I was expecting distortion with this super wide lens. But I am very surprise with the vertical straight lines you presented. Wow! Now I need to beg, borrow or steal something to afford this lens. Thank you for a great review.
Fantastic landscape, real estate & Astro lens. The Haida internal filter kit at 3,4,6 & 10 stop Nd filters works really well. Thanks for the review Mark! 😀👍
Absolutely nuts. Less than half the weight of the Sigma and a lot shorter. Cannot believe the quality for the size of this. Now I just need to wonder do I need it on top of the 24mm for astrophotography...
I see other good scenarios/type of shooters who might be interested in this lense (on top of astro and ground figure separation with a very wide angle of view as pointed out by you): -> run & gun shooting in nature/hiking (gives you a nice being there feeling while being nicely compact and lightweight for longer hikes) -> street photography in crowded places (not focused on street portraits for which the 24mm or 35mm would be much better suited as pointed out by you but more focused on the surroundings such as markets, small shops, places with lots of people -> vlogging (in case 14mm is your cup of tea, i.e. you are looking for a modern high quality option besides the typical 24mm or 18mm choices, it gives you the nice and silent AF tracking, separation at 1.8 with a nice spacious around view, lightweight with centered weight at the camera which makes it easy to stabilize or keep stable handheld) -> run&gun shooting video hand held or on a gimbal if you are looking for a very wide option (it will be much easier to use this one than the much beefier zoom options such as a 12-24mm 2.8 GM and can be combined with the 20mm or 24mm, you can easily obtain two lenses for the price of such a zoom) while also offering some focus on the subject at 1.8 (not much, but you will notice the gradual fall-off) Obviously the lense can be used for some other things but they are than either more niche (e.g. wide angle macro style with extreme view) or it can be used for that but there are probably much better options out there (e.g. classical architecture where you won't be using that aperture anyways and a good quality super wide angle zoom just gives you way more options). Compared to older designs of canon/nikon dslr lenses or the sigma 14mm 1.8 (which also is an older dslr design with an integrated teleconverter) this one is actually an interesting option for travel fotography as an additional lense in your bag due to it being to small and lightweight. You would think twice before throwing in that 1.2kg lense when walking around a lot but at 460grams this becomes an attractive option.
Great video, but an error at 5:41 in the Z-mount numbers, the throat diameter is 55mm (not 49) and the flange distance is 16mm (not 34.85mm). You probably took the numbers from another mount, no big deal but could you add a corrective caption maybe?
Thanks for the correction - cutting and pasting from spec sheets will obviously lead to errors when running against a timeline measured in just a few days rather than a few weeks.
Great review Mark! I always come to your videos first when there's a new lens or camera being reviewed! Looks like this will be a good choice of lens for Milky Way landscape photography.
@@godsinbox I've got the 24mm GM and it is an amazing astro lens but to shoot wide enough I have to shoot pannos. This lens will have the field of view I'm looking for to get my shots in one go.
Thank you for the in-depth review, and especially the focus on astro-landscape photography. While I love my Sony 24mm 1.4 GM with its pure coma-less edge to edge stars and sharp as a tack, There were numerous times that I wanted a bigger field of vision. This lens gives me all the checkboxes (size, weight, sharpness, coma control, color control, etc...) for the low low-light lens. I am excited about the lens. Preordered and can't wait to receive it.
@@MottiWolkenbruch After having and using the 14mm F1.8 FE for a year, I would have to say that I am still very impressed with the quality of this lens. It's sharp and bright for what I do. Which is a lot of night landscape photography and the Milky Way shooting. The lens's build is top-notch as it's been subjected to very cold weather, fog mist, and even a short dust storm in the Mojave Preserve while we were at a day trip. Overall, this lens is a joy to use for my landscape photos. I still recommend it highly. What do you think about this lens after a whole year with it?
I think you'll have the correction profile in Sony's Imaging Edge Desktop app, which I use to export to TIFF/PNG 16-bit to further enhance on Luminar 4.
Great review. I’d love to see that 85 f1.4 GM remade as an 85 f1.8 GM to bring it in at a similar weight, I was hoping the 50 was going to be f1.4 for the same reason. 450-550g across the range in your chart would be perfect.
First rate review of a highly desirable lens. Looks to easily be best in class. I want one, but honestly don't know how much use it would get when we can resume travelling again, as I would first prioritise versatility and pack my 16-35 f2.8 GM. As you say, it's going to get picked for astro work and other niche applications where you know it will be used, rather than just another lens in a bag that I would struggle to carry if I tried to hump all my glass.
The only inconvenience is not able to use my existing screw on filter and it’s a bit expensive to buy a new set of filter just for one lens. Love the size, weight, speed and the GM grade sharpness, guess I will stay with the Zeiss for now. Sony is crazy with all these new lenses, just received the new 35mm f1.4 yesterday and haven’t tried it yet while waiting for 50mm f1,2 in May.
Thank your for your review Mark 👍 I was waiting for such a lens for almost 3 years, not buying the Sigma equivelant. I´m living in the Austrian Alps und doing Astrophotography and Milky Way Photography (until now with the Sony 16-35 F 2.8 GM), this lens is so small and light (wonderful during long hikes with a tent and other stuff) and it will help me to lower the ISO and to make Milky Way panos 🌌
That would depend on whether you want to create food photographs that have steep perspective, i.e., food on the other side of the plate will look much further away. It will have the same effect as real-estate agents using ultra wide-angle lenses - making the rooms appear much larger - or, in the case of food photography, the plates much larger.
Hi ! Can anyone help me with some advice ? I am currently shooting some POV videos with my iPhone 11 Pro ultra wide angle lens which I understand is a 13 mm lens. My question is, if I get a full frame mirrorless, which lens should I get in order to replicate the image from the iPhone ( but better quality ) ? One important thing to consider is that I would like everything in frame to be in focus ( no bokeh ) and very good low light performance . Thank you !
Hi Mark, fellow Aussie here, switching to Sony A7III from Canon 6D. I decided to buy a 24-105 and 85 1.8 also after checking out your videos. You have so much to share indeed and your content is really amazing. I was debating whether to get the 20 1.8 or the 14 1.8 once i am comfortable with the Sony system. The 20mm looks nice but i feel like 24 to 20 is not a huge step. Would you agree that a 14mm is probably a more diverse lens to add to one's bag?
The 20 is considerably wider than the 24 so I wouldn’t rule this out. If is also the widest Sony prime that takes screw-on filters. The 14 GM is the dream lens for Astro photographers but requires a filter holder and more expensive 100mm square filters. It also presents a challenge for some landscape photographers as it is so wide and the focal point needs to be that much closer to the lens.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills Thanks for the reply, Mark. Indeed the 20 mm is the more sensible option and also it is a bit cheaper. I will surely keep it in mind when buying my next lens. Cheers.
Many thanks! what are your thoughts on the 14mm 1.8 vs the 16 - 35mm 2.8? i found a great deal of noise with the 12 - 24mm f4, so definitely need to consider a faster lens & GMaster, but will that extra stop make a big difference? many thanks again for your incredible reviews!
Hi Mark, thanks for the great detailed review. If one has to choose only one prime wide lens, what lens would you choose ? Sony 14mm f1.8 GM or Sony 20mm f1.8G ?
There is no 'best' lens, just the most appropriate lens to meet to the needs and budget of the individual photographer. I offer a consultancy service on Patreon.com/markgaler where I will help you make the decision that is right for you after first asking you what your priorities are.
I have this lens and use it for astrophotography. I can testify that the quality is INSANE. I do use it on an APS-C body which means I don't use all of the glass, but nonetheless, corner-to-corner sharpness is impossible to fault!
hey Mark long time no see. havent bee seeing your vids lately. I need to catch up. Keep up the great work. Anxiously awaitibg the Song a7IV but I know the chip industry shortages is holding back a lot of new electronics right now..... take care
Having this lens for just over a week now, very impressed so far, can I ask a quick question is there a way of using the function buttons on the lens to remember where you previously focused, example using for astro I manually focus to infinity then re focus for foreground, then can I setup buttons to remember the infinity focus using AF Many thanks
Hi Mark, love your videos on Sony! A lot of good insight and advice which is helping me to see the light and making the switch from Canon to Sony. Loving the quality and weight savings make my photography much more enjoyable. I was just wondering with this 14mm if you crop in 1.5x will you have the same distortion and quality as the 20mm G as I know you like doing this to get the most versatility out of your primes ? I’m thinks of trying to create dramatic wedding portraits as something different in addition to what I already do. Thanks 😊
Most lenses are less optically perfect in the corners, so when you crop (in post production or in camera [APS-C mode]) you are effectively using the sweet spot or sharpest area of the lens. The only thing that drops is pixel count - which is only a factor if we need to make very large prints or display the photos on an 8K monitor. I can provide personal guidance for your photographic journey on Patreon.com/markgaler
Just got the 14mm GM. Comparing it with the Batis 18mm, it reminds me that I do wish we had minimum and maximum focus areas calculated in the Sony cameras. It's something that Panasonic S1 cameras do, and it's on the LCD of the Batis lenses. Why can't Sony add this in firmware?
i just bought this lens sony 14mm. I noticed a sound when you press shutter button i hear mechanical "chik" of closing aperture sound in lense while focusing. Is it normal?
Lenses can make a variety of noises such as when the AF motors engage or when the aperture opens and closes. In AF-S the aperture will breathe wider momentarily to assist AF. In AF-C this will not happen so maybe you can compare and then you will know this is related to the aperture and not the AF motors.
You will probably struggle to find a direct comparison as they are very different focal lengths. I highlighted the challenge of using ultra wide-angle focal lengths in the video, and if this type of focal length does not deter you from owning something so wide, then you are not looking for a lens that is 20mm in focal length.
Thank you for this great video .. what is the best focus distance in meters when shooting stars, I switch to manual and magnify but with when I turn the ring and try to make the stars as small as possible I still can’t decide where to stop cause the screen is very noise .. im using A7r Iva.
With Focus Magnifier you should be able to magnify in two stages. The second magnification is sufficient if you have a high resolution Finder (don't use the low resolution monitor).
@@AlphaCreativeSkills yeah I do magnify twice but it’s a bit hard to decide where to stop .. the number of meters changed very fast in monitor just a tiny rotate and I’ll see it jump from 5m to 17m .. I think I’ll go out and try couple shots with same exposures etc and compare them later .. thank you mr Galer, I believe I’ve become a better photographer thanks to your precious lessons .. always thankful.
Thanks for the positive feedback. For ongoing support consider signing up for Patreon.com/markgaler support site where you will be able to download a 500-page eBook for your camera.
There is a 2012 lens APS-C Sony E 10-18mm f4 OSS (15-27mm) that can be used full frame at 12-18mm (18 if you remove the light shield) that uses screw on filters and using today's NPF rule you get default 25s and accurate 12.52s (13s) on A7iii but when I used in '15 a 30s shot had pinpoint stars on A7s. 14mm D 21.50s A 10.75s A7iii. You can use a screw in adapter to hang a front filter holder instead of a NiSi ($$$) to hold the blur filter glass and the Haida Filters filter for the clear night filter in the rear. Super light and very small. Lightweight even for use on the Move Shoot Move star tracker. I used for three years before a 12mm was ever available.
Thanks Mark, a great video as always. I enjoy using the combined Neutral Density and Circular Polarizer Filter to avoid stacking. In most cases I use the nd filter water are involved so a polorizing filter is also welcomed.
Hi Mark - we actually tested the NiSi 15mm on LensVid recently and while it is a really nice first lens for the company it is far from sharp corner to corner at f/4 (actually even at f/8 I am not sure you can call it very sharp corner to corner), just look at our test results - did you test it on the A1/A7R IV? or on a lower res camera?
Maybe you had a bad copy (it happens when quality control is low) - in my tests it was significantly sharper than the Voigtlander 15mm. One could wait for MTF charts from Lens Rentals who typically test 10 lenses and take the average.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills Hi Mark. No, I don't think so. NiSi sent us a review sample and I am pretty sure they would test it prior to shipping. If you watched our review we compared it to the Samyang 14mm f/2.8 MKII and that one was sharper (although again not super sharp wide open at all but better at f/4 visibly especially in the corners).
That's kind of what I thought, and I love my Laowa 15mm f/2. Judging by this and other reviews, the Sony is clearly sharper in the corners with less way less coma. The coma being my biggest gripe about the Laowa. Still, this is twice as much and doesn't accept filters I have already invested in.
I didn't have the time to compare all lenses out there (especially when the sample arrives just a few days before the announcement and you have to work with available weather). I could only work with the ones sitting on my shelf or a company that could deliver in 24 hours before heading out to find the clear skies 3-hours drive from home. I chose to compare with the obvious competing lens (Sigma 18mm F/1.8 with AF), a few lightweight AF and MF primes that you can stack screw-on filters and that I know to have good corner sharpness as a way of discussing the main options regarding size and filters - not finding the best ultra wide angle lens with AF.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills Good morning. First of all, thanks for the comprehensive and beautiful video that explains in a precise way the goodness of a lens waited for years, compared to others much closer to how I see things. To this I also add an excellent comparison with other brands to better understand what Sony and the others are doing. Mine was a "simple" observation, because this lens would like to be my (maybe / I hope) future lens and replace the Laowa 15F2 which I brought around the world (even in Australia) and has a lot to give and in my opinion, many points more than the NISI (my simple and personal opinion). I forgot I own the Sony 20F1,8G and I consider it "stellar" for its ease of use and I use between FF and APSc. But as always it is my simple opinion. I congratulate you because over the years you have given so many teachings and I too have picked up some gems! See you soon and good luck ... Pier Giorgio from Italy ...
Please let me know the diffrent when you were using f/1.8, 30s, and ISO 1250 for Astrophotography vs ISO 3200 in star detail/sky detail? I was using ISO 3200 for more detail in the sky. And off course ISO 1250 would be better for the noise than ISO 3200 even 6400. Thanks
May be I can try. Sony cameras are ISO invariant - it means, that after some ISO point you can either use high ISO values or push exposure up in post processing. It realy does matter If you use Canon 6d or any other old camera model (I don't know what with the new Canon RF and Nikon Z). Experiments with this phenomena I read on Lonelyspeck website. Sorry for bad English.
I have the Sony 24mm 1.4 GM, I do not need 1.4 aperture, BUT I cannot find any 24mm as good as the Sony 24mm 1.4 GM, I would have loved a compact 24mm 2.8 just as good or better as the Sony 24mm 1.4 GM for landscape photography to make very large prints. I will guess the the same goes for the Sony 14mm 1.8 GM that no other 14mm are just as good.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills Yes, but is not as good as the 24 1.4 GM, I do want a lens to be both compact and exellent in performance, I do not need aperture 1.4 nor do I need autofocus, but at the moment the Sony 24mm 1.4 GM are the best 24mm, so I stay with that until a good as or better appears that are more compact. I read ALL reviews of prime lenses for Sony E-Mount, so I know what is on the market.
Except for the intentionally neglected comparison of other ultra wide fast primes that would have made the Sony look not as totally superior. Laowa 15mm 2.0 is the obvious that comes to mind.
Zeiss Batis series is focused in movies. It has diferent focus ring appropriated to manual focusing. Besides, the possibility of using filters are very important limitation. Long exposures and high dynamic range videos really need the filters. Stills it is possible to eliminate the filters with exposure blending with more effort in workflow. 35mm is not less suitable for street photography. It is the opposite. The most classical focal lenght for that. I will go for this lens for astro.
Hi Mark ! Just discovered that the alpha cameras actually change the bit depth of the raw images taken depending on some settings. What settings are 14bit what settings are 12bit depend on the model. I discovered I was taking 12bit images for years because of silent mode on my a7s II. Could you make a video on this topic and how it affects dynamic range ? Cheers.
I will consider it but these instances are usually listed in the online Camera Manual for each model - and the instances vary between different models. Typically Bulb mode, silent mode and continuous drive mode are the most encountered instances on many, but not all, models.
This lens looks a beast! In a small bag with say an A7C this combined with the 35mm GM would be a serious travel setup IMO. Also, is there any chance you can do a short video for the alpha cameras covering AF in video whilst capturing fast moving subjects? I am having a real hard time with the A9 capturing dogs running straight at the camera. Be it in movie mode or S&Q I don't know how to nail great focus and my lenses for this are the 2-600 G and the 135 GM. I have come to the conclusion that I can't activate steadyshot for smooth handheld video recording for this type of use either? When I hold focus button, it's as though it stivks to the plane of focus and my dog is then obviously out of focus then all footage becomes unusable. Everywhere I've looked for weeks on end, I can't find anuthing covering shooting video of fast moving subjects coming straight at the camera. If you have covered it then I must have missed it somehow as I've watched all your video's on AF. Most of them in general tbf lol. Stay safe bud
I would set the Ficus Area to Wide, switch Touch operation to On and be setting the function of touch operation to Touch Tracking and then Tap your subject. So long as you are running with a lens that has linear XD focus motors the rest is up to the camera.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills thank you for this response. Yes I use the 135 gm but still seem to struggle badly. I'd love to see you test it out as a content video and cover everything like af responsiveness etc. Struggling with the A9 makes me wonder if I need the A1 to achieve great focus of fast moving subjects at the camera. Which is fine as its my next upgrade but maybe I am getting frustrated but not realising it's a camera limitation and not my lack of know-how so to speak. Thank you for your time, it's greatly appreciated!
No - and Infinity focus is rarely what you need for accurate focus on the stars (as strange as it may sound). Use Manual AF and Focus Magnify to ensure accurate focus.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills indeed - on my Samyang I just set focus on the manual ring to about 5m and away I go - was hoping not to have to focus magnify for astro. (Note I just ordered this new lens today :-) )
Nice lens. I bought it along with Laowa 15mm. I, unfortunately, returned the GM. I use 100mm square nisi v6 and 14mm not able to use CPL was a dealbreaker for me.
I hope Sony will release a G version of this. An advantage version from Voigtlander 15/f4.5, NiSi 15/f4, and Laowa 15/f2, which is that i want. - 15mm f2.8 or f4 - Removable hood that allow front filter system (minus from Voigt) - Very nice sunstars with 5 or 10 blades (minus from Laowa) - Of course EXIF data (minus from Nisi and Laowa)
Excellent review as always. Only trouble watching your reviews is I could quite easily transition into a 'gear head'. This is another lens I would like to own.
On my Patreon support site I also spend time showing my Patrons how to avoid purchasing less gear or making decisions about minimising the amount of gear owned, e.g. a nodal rail and L-Bracket can allow a 20mm f/1.8 capture the same angle of view as a 14mm F1.8 in three images.
It has the same arrangement for rear filter as the FE 12-24 GM. If you don't like the idea cutting filters from acetate sheets you would have to wait for a filter company to support this lens (as they have done with the 12-24 GM)
I like it, but to be hornets, I'm really would be happy with 20mm even. 14mm in most of the cases too wide in astro. You really need to find good place to start shooting. What I like from the video the picture with a dog, absolutely amazing !
@@AlphaCreativeSkills Speaking of 16:9 , Im glad my new 8k tv arrives tuesday as i got it half off for 2500. THe samsung q900B 65in. Your not still viewing images on a 8mp 4k tv are you? 8k Is 33.2mp little more than half of what the A7R is capable of putting out. So yes in time i can even see a 12k tv come out. I am done with my 1080p tvs and skipping over 4k completely.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills Yes just looked at my lens for first time after buying it 3wk ago and yea its a nice looking outer lens. Just think of this though cause u probably never heard of someone like me. I finally got into professional photography as i always wanted a nice camera. There is nobody that i know who has a high end camera besides a few relatives . But in past 8wk i spent around 26k on about 35k worth of equipment. 2 Sony A7R IVA's bought for good deal , 10 lenses total all g master and sigma art ,lot of westcott lighting ,(2 fj400 , 2fj200 , fj80 , lot of soft boxes . And being i am alone lot of my free time it is hard to self motivate and use it thus far. But it is winter still and cold in NW Indiana but i hope to use the equipment in time. I do have quite a few hobbies though as my MattG178 Instagram shows. But yea your videos were a major deciding factor to go with Sony. So all the blessings your way.
Join me on Patreon for the best Alpha Support and Guidance. A single $10 Membership fee includes access to my 500-page camera-specific eBooks, member-only Q&A Forums + Over twenty 1-hour member-only seminars + cameras settings files & access to the Raw files from the lens and camera reviews (there is no contract or commitment beyond the first month). www.patreon.com/markgaler
These are some of the best sample shots I've seen in all the reviews of this lens. Truly stunning!
Glad you like them!
So excited by this lens. No other company compares to Sony quality and finally we have this Ultra wide angle prime in such a light package. Definitely getting one some day.
Always the best videos for Sony lovers.
Thanks Mark. As an astro/landscape guy this looks amazing. While I love my Venus Laowa 15mm f/2 ($850 and accepts 72mm filters w/min vignetting stacked if using Haida slim pro filters) this Sony is not only a half pound lighter, it autofocus for regular shooting, and has much less coma and better corner sharpness for astro.
Long time coming Mark. Us landscape/ Astro and Creative togs been waiting for. 🤪
This lens is glorious. Great shots Mark
It has to be the go-to lens for Astro landscape photographers.
Superb video and masterful shots. I think I need this lens!
Stunning review. You gave the best review. I was expecting distortion with this super wide lens. But I am very surprise with the vertical straight lines you presented. Wow!
Now I need to beg, borrow or steal something to afford this lens. Thank you for a great review.
Thanks for the review Mark. I want that lens.
Always nice to have one of your videos play while I'm prepping a meal.
Excellent review. These are amazing lenses. I have many G master lenses now and love them all for different reasons.
Fantastic landscape, real estate & Astro lens. The Haida internal filter kit at 3,4,6 & 10 stop Nd filters works really well. Thanks for the review Mark! 😀👍
Absolutely nuts. Less than half the weight of the Sigma and a lot shorter. Cannot believe the quality for the size of this. Now I just need to wonder do I need it on top of the 24mm for astrophotography...
I'm actually wondering the same thing. What did you decide?
Another Great Review of one of Sony's finest lenses, compact fast and well corrected, Great lens for night and low light photography. Thank you Mark
Thanks for watching!
I see other good scenarios/type of shooters who might be interested in this lense (on top of astro and ground figure separation with a very wide angle of view as pointed out by you):
-> run & gun shooting in nature/hiking (gives you a nice being there feeling while being nicely compact and lightweight for longer hikes)
-> street photography in crowded places (not focused on street portraits for which the 24mm or 35mm would be much better suited as pointed out by you but more focused on the surroundings such as markets, small shops, places with lots of people
-> vlogging (in case 14mm is your cup of tea, i.e. you are looking for a modern high quality option besides the typical 24mm or 18mm choices, it gives you the nice and silent AF tracking, separation at 1.8 with a nice spacious around view, lightweight with centered weight at the camera which makes it easy to stabilize or keep stable handheld)
-> run&gun shooting video hand held or on a gimbal if you are looking for a very wide option (it will be much easier to use this one than the much beefier zoom options such as a 12-24mm 2.8 GM and can be combined with the 20mm or 24mm, you can easily obtain two lenses for the price of such a zoom) while also offering some focus on the subject at 1.8 (not much, but you will notice the gradual fall-off)
Obviously the lense can be used for some other things but they are than either more niche (e.g. wide angle macro style with extreme view) or it can be used for that but there are probably much better options out there (e.g. classical architecture where you won't be using that aperture anyways and a good quality super wide angle zoom just gives you way more options). Compared to older designs of canon/nikon dslr lenses or the sigma 14mm 1.8 (which also is an older dslr design with an integrated teleconverter) this one is actually an interesting option for travel fotography as an additional lense in your bag due to it being to small and lightweight. You would think twice before throwing in that 1.2kg lense when walking around a lot but at 460grams this becomes an attractive option.
This is a dream lens for skateboarding
Great video, but an error at 5:41 in the Z-mount numbers, the throat diameter is 55mm (not 49) and the flange distance is 16mm (not 34.85mm). You probably took the numbers from another mount, no big deal but could you add a corrective caption maybe?
Thanks for the correction - cutting and pasting from spec sheets will obviously lead to errors when running against a timeline measured in just a few days rather than a few weeks.
Appreciate the lens image on each frame, very useful
No problem 👍
I love how you did that with the picture! You earned a new subscribers from me ❤
Thanks for subbing!
Great review Mark! I always come to your videos first when there's a new lens or camera being reviewed! Looks like this will be a good choice of lens for Milky Way landscape photography.
Thanks for the positive feedback.
This is the astro lens I've been waiting for.
that is what was said when the 24mm GM and then the 20mm G came out.
what is coming next is the question?
@@godsinbox I've got the 24mm GM and it is an amazing astro lens but to shoot wide enough I have to shoot pannos. This lens will have the field of view I'm looking for to get my shots in one go.
Another beautiful review mark! If you'd choose either this lens or the 12-24 f2.8 primarily for Astro, which one would you go with ? Thanks again!
I personally have chosen the 14mm F1.8. Wider aperture and smaller 100mm NiSi filters.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills ohh & almost half the price as well!
Thank you for the in-depth review, and especially the focus on astro-landscape photography. While I love my Sony 24mm 1.4 GM with its pure coma-less edge to edge stars and sharp as a tack, There were numerous times that I wanted a bigger field of vision. This lens gives me all the checkboxes (size, weight, sharpness, coma control, color control, etc...) for the low low-light lens. I am excited about the lens. Preordered and can't wait to receive it.
What are your thoughts after a year?
@@MottiWolkenbruch After having and using the 14mm F1.8 FE for a year, I would have to say that I am still very impressed with the quality of this lens. It's sharp and bright for what I do. Which is a lot of night landscape photography and the Milky Way shooting. The lens's build is top-notch as it's been subjected to very cold weather, fog mist, and even a short dust storm in the Mojave Preserve while we were at a day trip. Overall, this lens is a joy to use for my landscape photos. I still recommend it highly. What do you think about this lens after a whole year with it?
Super review, as per your high standard. Extraordinarily helpful. Your work is a trasure trove. Thank you !
Glad it was helpful!
Will be taking this to St Kilda & Prahran Skate Parks over the winter. My new go too lens.
Great reviews with many beautiful pictures!
Glad you like them!
I think you'll have the correction profile in Sony's Imaging Edge Desktop app, which I use to export to TIFF/PNG 16-bit to further enhance on Luminar 4.
Pre ordered! Thanks for a great video Mark
Great review. I’d love to see that 85 f1.4 GM remade as an 85 f1.8 GM to bring it in at a similar weight, I was hoping the 50 was going to be f1.4 for the same reason. 450-550g across the range in your chart would be perfect.
First rate review of a highly desirable lens. Looks to easily be best in class. I want one, but honestly don't know how much use it would get when we can resume travelling again, as I would first prioritise versatility and pack my 16-35 f2.8 GM. As you say, it's going to get picked for astro work and other niche applications where you know it will be used, rather than just another lens in a bag that I would struggle to carry if I tried to hump all my glass.
The only inconvenience is not able to use my existing screw on filter and it’s a bit expensive to buy a new set of filter just for one lens. Love the size, weight, speed and the GM grade sharpness, guess I will stay with the Zeiss for now. Sony is crazy with all these new lenses, just received the new 35mm f1.4 yesterday and haven’t tried it yet while waiting for 50mm f1,2 in May.
The go to page for all things Alpha! Wow! So refined, replete and with attention to detail, it's always a pleasure to watch your videos.
Thank your for your review Mark 👍
I was waiting for such a lens for almost 3 years, not buying the Sigma equivelant. I´m living in the Austrian Alps und doing Astrophotography and Milky Way Photography (until now with the Sony 16-35 F 2.8 GM), this lens is so small and light (wonderful during long hikes with a tent and other stuff) and it will help me to lower the ISO and to make Milky Way panos 🌌
Matt. What about food photography with a 14mm with such close focusing?
That would depend on whether you want to create food photographs that have steep perspective, i.e., food on the other side of the plate will look much further away. It will have the same effect as real-estate agents using ultra wide-angle lenses - making the rooms appear much larger - or, in the case of food photography, the plates much larger.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills it would stand out. I like the idea as it’s light and matches with A1. Quite versatile for travel.
16:43 what a beaaaaatifull shot!!
Thanks
Hi ! Can anyone help me with some advice ? I am currently shooting some POV videos with my iPhone 11 Pro ultra wide angle lens which I understand is a 13 mm lens. My question is, if I get a full frame mirrorless, which lens should I get in order to replicate the image from the iPhone ( but better quality ) ? One important thing to consider is that I would like everything in frame to be in focus ( no bokeh ) and very good low light performance . Thank you !
Get this one or the 12-24 GM and stop down the F4
@@AlphaCreativeSkills thank you! 😘
Great review. Thanks Mark
Thanks Mark. Great review and stunning photos!
Glad you enjoyed it
Great review Thanks!
Hi Mark, fellow Aussie here, switching to Sony A7III from Canon 6D. I decided to buy a 24-105 and 85 1.8 also after checking out your videos. You have so much to share indeed and your content is really amazing. I was debating whether to get the 20 1.8 or the 14 1.8 once i am comfortable with the Sony system. The 20mm looks nice but i feel like 24 to 20 is not a huge step. Would you agree that a 14mm is probably a more diverse lens to add to one's bag?
The 20 is considerably wider than the 24 so I wouldn’t rule this out. If is also the widest Sony prime that takes screw-on filters. The 14 GM is the dream lens for Astro photographers but requires a filter holder and more expensive 100mm square filters. It also presents a challenge for some landscape photographers as it is so wide and the focal point needs to be that much closer to the lens.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills Thanks for the reply, Mark. Indeed the 20 mm is the more sensible option and also it is a bit cheaper. I will surely keep it in mind when buying my next lens. Cheers.
Thanks for such a comprehensive review. Not a lens for me at this point but would love to do astro photography at some point.
Many thanks! what are your thoughts on the 14mm 1.8 vs the 16 - 35mm 2.8? i found a great deal of noise with the 12 - 24mm f4, so definitely need to consider a faster lens & GMaster, but will that extra stop make a big difference? many thanks again for your incredible reviews!
Hi Mark, thanks for the great detailed review. If one has to choose only one prime wide lens, what lens would you choose ? Sony 14mm f1.8 GM or Sony 20mm f1.8G ?
There is no 'best' lens, just the most appropriate lens to meet to the needs and budget of the individual photographer. I offer a consultancy service on Patreon.com/markgaler where I will help you make the decision that is right for you after first asking you what your priorities are.
I have this lens and use it for astrophotography. I can testify that the quality is INSANE. I do use it on an APS-C body which means I don't use all of the glass, but nonetheless, corner-to-corner sharpness is impossible to fault!
Nice! What a sweet lens to addition to the Sony line up!
Yes indeed! We were missing a wide prime for Astro. Now we need one more with that is suited to photographers who want to use screw-on filters.
hey Mark long time no see. havent bee seeing your vids lately. I need to catch up. Keep up the great work. Anxiously awaitibg the Song a7IV but I know the chip industry shortages is holding back a lot of new electronics right now..... take care
Having this lens for just over a week now, very impressed so far, can I ask a quick question is there a way of using the function buttons on the lens to remember where you previously focused, example using for astro I manually focus to infinity then re focus for foreground, then can I setup buttons to remember the infinity focus using AF
Many thanks
This is an option for the 400 and 600 GM lenses but not on the 14 GM
Great review, good analytics, nice smooth voice. All i have to say is. Very good. Will stay and listen ○
Hi Mark, love your videos on Sony! A lot of good insight and advice which is helping me to see the light and making the switch from Canon to Sony. Loving the quality and weight savings make my photography much more enjoyable. I was just wondering with this 14mm if you crop in 1.5x will you have the same distortion and quality as the 20mm G as I know you like doing this to get the most versatility out of your primes ? I’m thinks of trying to create dramatic wedding portraits as something different in addition to what I already do. Thanks 😊
Most lenses are less optically perfect in the corners, so when you crop (in post production or in camera [APS-C mode]) you are effectively using the sweet spot or sharpest area of the lens. The only thing that drops is pixel count - which is only a factor if we need to make very large prints or display the photos on an 8K monitor. I can provide personal guidance for your photographic journey on Patreon.com/markgaler
Just got the 14mm GM. Comparing it with the Batis 18mm, it reminds me that I do wish we had minimum and maximum focus areas calculated in the Sony cameras. It's something that Panasonic S1 cameras do, and it's on the LCD of the Batis lenses. Why can't Sony add this in firmware?
I present my requests to Sony in Tokyo each year - this has been on the list since 2018
Do you prefer the 14mm or 18mm for landscape?
Great insight on the latest GM - looks like Sony has another brilliant piece of glass.
The lenses is king of the streets.
i just bought this lens sony 14mm. I noticed a sound when you press shutter button i hear mechanical "chik" of closing aperture sound in lense while focusing. Is it normal?
Lenses can make a variety of noises such as when the AF motors engage or when the aperture opens and closes. In AF-S the aperture will breathe wider momentarily to assist AF. In AF-C this will not happen so maybe you can compare and then you will know this is related to the aperture and not the AF motors.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills thanks! Best reply. It happens only with AP-S mode and in AP-C it works silently
Great Video. Trying to find comparisons between this Sony 14mm vs the Sony 20mm.
You will probably struggle to find a direct comparison as they are very different focal lengths. I highlighted the challenge of using ultra wide-angle focal lengths in the video, and if this type of focal length does not deter you from owning something so wide, then you are not looking for a lens that is 20mm in focal length.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills thank you very much for your input 👍📸
Thank you for this great video .. what is the best focus distance in meters when shooting stars, I switch to manual and magnify but with when I turn the ring and try to make the stars as small as possible I still can’t decide where to stop cause the screen is very noise .. im using A7r Iva.
With Focus Magnifier you should be able to magnify in two stages. The second magnification is sufficient if you have a high resolution Finder (don't use the low resolution monitor).
@@AlphaCreativeSkills yeah I do magnify twice but it’s a bit hard to decide where to stop .. the number of meters changed very fast in monitor just a tiny rotate and I’ll see it jump from 5m to 17m .. I think I’ll go out and try couple shots with same exposures etc and compare them later .. thank you mr Galer, I believe I’ve become a better photographer thanks to your precious lessons .. always thankful.
Thanks for the positive feedback. For ongoing support consider signing up for Patreon.com/markgaler support site where you will be able to download a 500-page eBook for your camera.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills sounds great .. I will
What Sony camera did you use?
There is a link in the info below the video that takes you to all of the images with the EXIF data / including camera and settings
There is a 2012 lens APS-C Sony E 10-18mm f4 OSS (15-27mm) that can be used full frame at 12-18mm (18 if you remove the light shield) that uses screw on filters and using today's NPF rule you get default 25s and accurate 12.52s (13s) on A7iii but when I used in '15 a 30s shot had pinpoint stars on A7s. 14mm D 21.50s A 10.75s A7iii. You can use a screw in adapter to hang a front filter holder instead of a NiSi ($$$) to hold the blur filter glass and the Haida Filters filter for the clear night filter in the rear. Super light and very small. Lightweight even for use on the Move Shoot Move star tracker. I used for three years before a 12mm was ever available.
Thanks Mark, a great video as always. I enjoy using the combined Neutral Density and Circular Polarizer Filter to avoid stacking. In most cases I use the nd filter water are involved so a polorizing filter is also welcomed.
Great reviews
Mark do you have a video that shows how to set AF-On and AEL buttons on a7r3 to 2 different focus modes? If it can’t be done please tell me
www.patreon.com/markgaler
@@AlphaCreativeSkills done
Hi Mark - we actually tested the NiSi 15mm on LensVid recently and while it is a really nice first lens for the company it is far from sharp corner to corner at f/4 (actually even at f/8 I am not sure you can call it very sharp corner to corner), just look at our test results - did you test it on the A1/A7R IV? or on a lower res camera?
Maybe you had a bad copy (it happens when quality control is low) - in my tests it was significantly sharper than the Voigtlander 15mm. One could wait for MTF charts from Lens Rentals who typically test 10 lenses and take the average.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills Hi Mark. No, I don't think so. NiSi sent us a review sample and I am pretty sure they would test it prior to shipping. If you watched our review we compared it to the Samyang 14mm f/2.8 MKII and that one was sharper (although again not super sharp wide open at all but better at f/4 visibly especially in the corners).
Why compare the NISI 15F4 when there is the good Laowa 15F2?
That's kind of what I thought, and I love my Laowa 15mm f/2. Judging by this and other reviews, the Sony is clearly sharper in the corners with less way less coma. The coma being my biggest gripe about the Laowa. Still, this is twice as much and doesn't accept filters I have already invested in.
@@KevinMullett Yes, I also own the Laowa 15F2, very compact, very good from F2 a good glass. Certainly not the Sony!
I didn't have the time to compare all lenses out there (especially when the sample arrives just a few days before the announcement and you have to work with available weather). I could only work with the ones sitting on my shelf or a company that could deliver in 24 hours before heading out to find the clear skies 3-hours drive from home. I chose to compare with the obvious competing lens (Sigma 18mm F/1.8 with AF), a few lightweight AF and MF primes that you can stack screw-on filters and that I know to have good corner sharpness as a way of discussing the main options regarding size and filters - not finding the best ultra wide angle lens with AF.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills Good morning. First of all, thanks for the comprehensive and beautiful video that explains in a precise way the goodness of a lens waited for years, compared to others much closer to how I see things. To this I also add an excellent comparison with other brands to better understand what Sony and the others are doing. Mine was a "simple" observation, because this lens would like to be my (maybe / I hope) future lens and replace the Laowa 15F2 which I brought around the world (even in Australia) and has a lot to give and in my opinion, many points more than the NISI (my simple and personal opinion). I forgot I own the Sony 20F1,8G and I consider it "stellar" for its ease of use and I use between FF and APSc. But as always it is my simple opinion. I congratulate you because over the years you have given so many teachings and I too have picked up some gems! See you soon and good luck ... Pier Giorgio from Italy ...
You can use this lins for wedding Videography?
It’s very wide -do you need something this wide for weddings?
@@AlphaCreativeSkills wath do you suggest for wedding Videography
This question requires an extensive conversation which I am happy to have on Patreon- www.patreon.com/markgaler
What camera do you use a the astro photos in the video? Best Regards Markus in Sweden
A7C from the EXIF.
Please let me know the diffrent when you were using f/1.8, 30s, and ISO 1250 for Astrophotography vs ISO 3200 in star detail/sky detail? I was using ISO 3200 for more detail in the sky. And off course ISO 1250 would be better for the noise than ISO 3200 even 6400. Thanks
May be I can try. Sony cameras are ISO invariant - it means, that after some ISO point you can either use high ISO values or push exposure up in post processing. It realy does matter If you use Canon 6d or any other old camera model (I don't know what with the new Canon RF and Nikon Z). Experiments with this phenomena I read on Lonelyspeck website. Sorry for bad English.
Thx for that review. Greetings from Poland.
Thanks for watching!
I have the Sony 24mm 1.4 GM, I do not need 1.4 aperture, BUT I cannot find any 24mm as good as the Sony 24mm 1.4 GM, I would have loved a compact 24mm 2.8 just as good or better as the Sony 24mm 1.4 GM for landscape photography to make very large prints. I will guess the the same goes for the Sony 14mm 1.8 GM that no other 14mm are just as good.
Are you aware Sony released a 24mm f/2.8 compact prime last month.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills Yes, but is not as good as the 24 1.4 GM, I do want a lens to be both compact and exellent in performance, I do not need aperture 1.4 nor do I need autofocus, but at the moment the Sony 24mm 1.4 GM are the best 24mm, so I stay with that until a good as or better appears that are more compact. I read ALL reviews of prime lenses for Sony E-Mount, so I know what is on the market.
The most comprehensive reviews are always here. No need to look elsewhere.
Except for the intentionally neglected comparison of other ultra wide fast primes that would have made the Sony look not as totally superior. Laowa 15mm 2.0 is the obvious that comes to mind.
Zeiss Batis series is focused in movies. It has diferent focus ring appropriated to manual focusing. Besides, the possibility of using filters are very important limitation. Long exposures and high dynamic range videos really need the filters. Stills it is possible to eliminate the filters with exposure blending with more effort in workflow. 35mm is not less suitable for street photography. It is the opposite. The most classical focal lenght for that. I will go for this lens for astro.
Hi Mark ! Just discovered that the alpha cameras actually change the bit depth of the raw images taken depending on some settings. What settings are 14bit what settings are 12bit depend on the model. I discovered I was taking 12bit images for years because of silent mode on my a7s II.
Could you make a video on this topic and how it affects dynamic range ?
Cheers.
I will consider it but these instances are usually listed in the online Camera Manual for each model - and the instances vary between different models. Typically Bulb mode, silent mode and continuous drive mode are the most encountered instances on many, but not all, models.
This lens looks a beast! In a small bag with say an A7C this combined with the 35mm GM would be a serious travel setup IMO.
Also, is there any chance you can do a short video for the alpha cameras covering AF in video whilst capturing fast moving subjects? I am having a real hard time with the A9 capturing dogs running straight at the camera. Be it in movie mode or S&Q I don't know how to nail great focus and my lenses for this are the 2-600 G and the 135 GM.
I have come to the conclusion that I can't activate steadyshot for smooth handheld video recording for this type of use either? When I hold focus button, it's as though it stivks to the plane of focus and my dog is then obviously out of focus then all footage becomes unusable.
Everywhere I've looked for weeks on end, I can't find anuthing covering shooting video of fast moving subjects coming straight at the camera.
If you have covered it then I must have missed it somehow as I've watched all your video's on AF. Most of them in general tbf lol.
Stay safe bud
I would set the Ficus Area to Wide, switch Touch operation to On and be setting the function of touch operation to Touch Tracking and then Tap your subject. So long as you are running with a lens that has linear XD focus motors the rest is up to the camera.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills thank you for this response. Yes I use the 135 gm but still seem to struggle badly. I'd love to see you test it out as a content video and cover everything like af responsiveness etc.
Struggling with the A9 makes me wonder if I need the A1 to achieve great focus of fast moving subjects at the camera. Which is fine as its my next upgrade but maybe I am getting frustrated but not realising it's a camera limitation and not my lack of know-how so to speak.
Thank you for your time, it's greatly appreciated!
Hi Mark - great review! Do you know if that custom button can be programmed to "infinity focus"?
No - and Infinity focus is rarely what you need for accurate focus on the stars (as strange as it may sound). Use Manual AF and Focus Magnify to ensure accurate focus.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills indeed - on my Samyang I just set focus on the manual ring to about 5m and away I go - was hoping not to have to focus magnify for astro. (Note I just ordered this new lens today :-) )
Nice lens. I bought it along with Laowa 15mm. I, unfortunately, returned the GM. I use 100mm square nisi v6 and 14mm not able to use CPL was a dealbreaker for me.
Why were you not able to use the CPL that is part of the V6 kit?
@@AlphaCreativeSkills The hood not allowing me to attach the V6 bracket in front. Should I be using S6?
I hope Sony will release a G version of this. An advantage version from Voigtlander 15/f4.5, NiSi 15/f4, and Laowa 15/f2, which is that i want.
- 15mm f2.8 or f4
- Removable hood that allow front filter system (minus from Voigt)
- Very nice sunstars with 5 or 10 blades (minus from Laowa)
- Of course EXIF data (minus from Nisi and Laowa)
Is this lens is good for vlog or 16-35 please reply
Yes it would also lend itself to vloggers
Diagonal's angle of view?
I don’t understand this question?
Excellent review as always. Only trouble watching your reviews is I could quite easily transition into a 'gear head'. This is another lens I would like to own.
On my Patreon support site I also spend time showing my Patrons how to avoid purchasing less gear or making decisions about minimising the amount of gear owned, e.g. a nodal rail and L-Bracket can allow a 20mm f/1.8 capture the same angle of view as a 14mm F1.8 in three images.
Can this lens be used with a Sony a6600??
Yes but there are several 12mm F2 lenses available to APS-C users.
12:29 Nice alliteration - better bit o' background bokeh ;-)
Flange range of the Nikon Z are not 34.85mm
Cut and paste error -I am aware of the error but powerless to correct it.
The specs for the Z mount are way off: flange distance is 16mm and throat diameter is 55mm
Cut and paste error
Excellent. And rear filters suitable for this??. Thanks
It has the same arrangement for rear filter as the FE 12-24 GM. If you don't like the idea cutting filters from acetate sheets you would have to wait for a filter company to support this lens (as they have done with the 12-24 GM)
@@AlphaCreativeSkills Thanks for your answer. Do you have the acetate template to share for printing and cut?
I like it, but to be hornets, I'm really would be happy with 20mm even. 14mm in most of the cases too wide in astro. You really need to find good place to start shooting. What I like from the video the picture with a dog, absolutely amazing !
Sony have the FE 20mm f/1.8 G as mentioned in this review
Nice
I wish it didn’t have that bulbous front lens element so a ND filter could be fitted.
That’s why I decided to include the Batis and NiSi options.
Two stops less on a 14mm, hardly going to make much difference in the dof...
Heaps of difference
when shooting wide do people use 16:9 then in format. u would think .
16:9 does not permanently crop the Raw file
@@AlphaCreativeSkills Speaking of 16:9 , Im glad my new 8k tv arrives tuesday as i got it half off for 2500. THe samsung q900B 65in. Your not still viewing images on a 8mp 4k tv are you? 8k Is 33.2mp little more than half of what the A7R is capable of putting out. So yes in time i can even see a 12k tv come out. I am done with my 1080p tvs and skipping over 4k completely.
why wouldnt g master have screw in filter option on all there mfn lenses. They need to ball up and ball big on all these mofos.
Have you noticed the shape of the front element?
@@AlphaCreativeSkills Yes just looked at my lens for first time after buying it 3wk ago and yea its a nice looking outer lens. Just think of this though cause u probably never heard of someone like me. I finally got into professional photography as i always wanted a nice camera. There is nobody that i know who has a high end camera besides a few relatives . But in past 8wk i spent around 26k on about 35k worth of equipment. 2 Sony A7R IVA's bought for good deal , 10 lenses total all g master and sigma art ,lot of westcott lighting ,(2 fj400 , 2fj200 , fj80 , lot of soft boxes . And being i am alone lot of my free time it is hard to self motivate and use it thus far. But it is winter still and cold in NW Indiana but i hope to use the equipment in time. I do have quite a few hobbies though as my MattG178 Instagram shows. But yea your videos were a major deciding factor to go with Sony. So all the blessings your way.