Sony FE 14mm F1.8 GM: perfect for astrophotography
20/4/2021
Translation: Eva Francis
Sony is launching a very fast yet lightweight wide-angle lens. This is exactly what’s needed for astrophotography.
The 14th lens by Sony's G-Master range has a focal length of 14 millimetres with a speed of f/1.8 and a weight of 460 grams. These numbers might sound unspectacular, but no other lens out there features comparable specs. As far as I know, there’s only one lens with the same focal length and speed. It’s more than twice as heavy.
Lenses with such properties are needed in astrophotography. The higher the speed, the lower the ISO sensitivity. While it’s usually possible to compensate for less light by longer exposures, this is only possible to a very limited extent in astrophotography. Why? At a certain point, the movement of the stars becomes visible. They then no longer appear as a dot, but as a dash. The shorter the focal length, the longer exposure times are possible without the movement of the stars becoming visible. So you need both shutter speed and wide angle.
The further away from civilisation, the more clearly visible the stars become. This is where the third factor comes into play: weight. Depending on the location, having a lightweight camera may come in handy.
In addition, this new lens is also suitable for videos, as its two focus motors operate very quietly. According to Sony, the 14mm lens creates a sharply image right into the corners, even with an open aperture. Last but not least, when will this lens be available? Presumably on 17 May.
David Lee
Senior Editor
David.Lee@digitecgalaxus.chMy interest in IT and writing landed me in tech journalism early on (2000). I want to know how we can use technology without being used. Outside of the office, I’m a keen musician who makes up for lacking talent with excessive enthusiasm.