Resolution and contrast are outstanding throughout the aperture range—right up to F1.2. Three XA (extreme aspherical) lens elements in an advanced optical path subdue overall aberration, and other advanced optical technologies minimise chromatic aberration in a lens that is surprisingly compact and lightweight.
Three XA (extreme aspherical) elements with 0.01-micron surface precision, plus painstaking spherical aberration control at the design and manufacturing stages, contribute to gorgeous G Master bokeh that can really make portrait and other subjects stand out, especially at the lens' maximum F1.2 aperture.
Sony Nano AR Coating II helps to achieve clear, well defined images even in strong sunlight and backlighting. This advanced coating is evenly applied to entire element surfaces, effectively minimising internal reflections so that flare and ghosting do not occur.
A new 11-blade circular aperture mechanism contributes to beautiful bokeh. Circular highlights are exquisitely rendered too—further enhancing the widely acclaimed beauty of G Master bokeh. Out-of-focus backgrounds are smoother and more pleasing in just about any situation and lighting.
0.4 metre (1.32 ft) minimum focus and 0.17x maximum magnification deliver extra close-up flexibility for both stills and movies. XA (extreme aspherical) lens elements and a floating focus mechanism make it possible to achieve pinpoint sharpness while taking advantage of creamy F1.2 background bokeh at any focusing distance.
Linear Response MF ensures that the focus ring responds directly and linearly to subtle control when focusing manually. Focus ring rotation translates directly to a corresponding change in focus, so control feels immediate and precise when shooting stills or movies. Linear Response MF enhances manual focus control for both stills and movies.
Fast, accurate focus is assured even with shallow F1.2 depth of field. Four XD (extreme dynamic) Linear Motors deliver high thrust to position the large, heavy focus groups for precision AF and tracking. High resolution is maintained at all focusing distances with the full AF speed and precision of E-mount bodies—for both stills and movies.
Focus hold buttons located on the top and side of the lens can be assigned to a number of other functions via a camera body menu, providing direct access to functions that are vital to the user's personal workflow, including right/left eye selection for Eye AF on bodies that support that feature.
An aperture ring is also provided for direct, intuitive aperture control. A handy switch allows the aperture ring click stops to be turned off for quiet movie shooting.
A dust- and moisture-resistant design0 provides the reliability needed for outdoor use in challenging conditions.
The front lens element features a fluorine coating that repels water, oil and other contaminants, while making it easier to wipe off any contaminants or fingerprints that do become attached to the lens surface.