Best FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Lens Wide Angle

FEATURES:

World’s widest full-frame constant F2.8 12-24mm zoom – Introducing the world’s widest full-frame constant F2.8 aperture zoom lens with 12-24mm focal length. The ultra-wide 12mm fills your frame with full scenes of Landscapes, architecture, street views and even sports. Furthermore, the fast F2.8 aperture captures breath taking night scenes, starry skies and low-light images whether indoors or out and without having to over increase ISO or slowing your shutter speed. 

Spectacular resolution – The FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM incorporates three extremely precise XA (extreme aspherical) elements -manufactured to 0.01-micron surface precision -in an innovative optical design that achieves stunning G Master resolution throughout the image area, while delivering smooth, creamy bokeh in out-of-focus areas.The largest XA element ever made for an Alpha lens is first in the optical path, followed by one more XA element sand an aspherical element with the final XA element at the back of the lens group, effectively minimizing astigmatism, coma and field curvature for incredibly sharp images from the center, right out to the image edges.

Crisp clear images – Three ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements that reduce chromatic aberration, plus two Super ED glass elements that provide even more powerful chromatic aberration suppression, combine to minimize color fringing in high contrast scenes which challenge wide angle lenses.

Nano AR Coating II enhances clarity – A new Nano AR Coating II has been developed that can be evenly applied to large lens elements or highly curved element surfaces to suppress internal reflections and minimize flare and ghosting for clear, crisp imagery. Despite the lens’s wide angle of view, Nano AR Coating II maintains high clarity and contrast throughout the entire image, even in difficult light.

XD Linear Motors achieve outstanding AF performance – The FE 12-24mm F2.8GM employs four high-speed, high-thrust XD (Extreme Dynamic) Linear Motors, two for each of the lens’s focus groups,for fast, precise continuous autofocus and tracking. The outstanding performance makes full use of the speed potential provided by premiumE-mount cameras like the Alpha 9-series, making it easier to capture significant moments in the most dynamic sports or other types of action.Operation is also quiet with minimal vibration making it ideal for movie capture. XD linear motors are also more efficient than typical rotational actuators and use less power, contributing to longer battery life.

Dust and moisture resistant – The dust and moisture resistant design make this lens appropriate for heavy-duty outdoor use, especially when combined with a camera that employs weather resistant measures, providing the reliability needed in challenging conditions.

Floating focus mechanism – A floating focus mechanism that divides the lens’s focus group into two independently controllable groups is extremely effective in minimizing aberration that varies with focusing distance. Top performance is maintained throughout the entire zoom range, from close-up to infinity focus. The floating mechanism not only contributes to outstanding performance, but also outstanding sharpness and resolution with subjects at any distance.

Close-up, wide angle shooting – Get a unique perspective through close-up, wide angle shooting. Thanks to significant aberration reduction achieved by the floating focus mechanism, the FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM realizes a constant 11” (0.28-meter)minimum focusing distance throughout the zoom range with a with a max. magnification of 0.14x. Being an internal focus lens, its length remains constant while focusing, so its center of gravity varies very little. This makes it ideal for balanced, easy handling and great for use on gimbals, with matte boxes and in housings.

Beautiful G Master Bokeh – Fine tuning of the lens’s spherical aberration characteristics during both design and manufacture contributes to its impressive blend of high resolution and smooth bokeh. The extremely high surface precision of the lens’s XA elements, beautifully enhances bokeh, along with the F2.8 max. aperture and 9 circular aperture blades, resulting in sharp subject focus and buttery soft out-of-focus areas with perfectly round defocused points of light-as expected from a G Master lens. The constant F2.8 max aperture maintains exposure and depth of field, allowing you to isolate your subject from the foreground and background with amazing light gathering capabilities.

Innovation compact design – An innovative optical design with four aspherical elements, including three XA (Extreme Aspherical), plus a mechanical design that features high-performance XD Linear Motors, make up a compact ultra-wide-angle 12-24mm constant F2.8 zoom that weighs only 1.87 lbs. (847 grams). This lens is ideal for landscapes, night scenes, and architecture, while providing extra mobility for active sports shooters who want to use ultra-wide angles.

Customizable multi-function focus hold button – A focus hold button, focus mode switch, zoom ring, focus ring, and other controls are designed and positioned for easy operation and a smooth workflow. The focus hold button not only performs its primary function to lock focus when recomposing but can be customized via the camera body menu settings to a number of other functions depending on your needs.

Natural, linear manual focus response – Linear Response MF (manual focus) 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.

Instant auto/manual focus selection – Instantly and quickly switch between auto and manual focus via anAF/MF switch on the side of the lens. This makes operation faster and easier as you let the camera and lens focus for you or decide to take control and manually focus on the precise point you choose.

Fluorine front element coating – 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.

Rear filter holder – The extended curvature of the front element and fixed lens hood found on most wide zoom lenses make attaching a front filter difficult. The FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM takes a different approach so standard sheet-type ND, color correction, and other filters can be inserted into the lens’s rear filter holder for expanded expressive capability. A cutting template for sheet filters is supplied.

Integral petal-style lens hood – An integral lens hood effectively blocks off-axis light that can cause flare and ghosting. The supplied lens cap covers the hood, attaching easily and locking securely with the hood at any angle.