Lens ReviewMorten Byskov - 5050 TravelogMay 28, 2026Sony A7 V sample images, Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM review, Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM sample images, Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM samples, Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM sample photos, Sony 24mm 1.4 review, Sony 24mm 1.4 sample images, sony fe 24mm reviewComment

Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM Review

Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM on the Sony A7 V — Sony A7 V and Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM

Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM, Fast and Wide

Way back when, I used Canon 5D DSLR cameras and got by with various 16-35mm f/2.8 and f/4 lenses, but always longed for something faster. I was a CPS member at the time, and luckily, I could borrow the EF 35mm f/1.4L or EF 24mm f/1.4L II lenses when a special gig came up.

I found the EF 24mm f/1.4L II particularly intriguing for its sheer sharpness and ability to blur the background and emphasize a subject. The quality of this f/1.4 lens would elevate my game compared to photos captured with my wide-angle zoom lenses.

When I reviewed the Sony A7R V earlier this year, I had the chance to pair it with three excellent f/1.4 prime lenses, and I chose the Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM for the wide end. (Thanks to Stewart and Sony Canada). Let’s see how it played out.

The Sony A7 V and FE 24mm f/1.4 GM with the hood attached. — Sony A7 V and Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM

Introduction

The Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM would be categorized as a lens that has been around for a while, yet I recall its 2018 announcement, arriving with accolades from the YouTubers I follow.

Although it is coming up on eight years old, I have not seen any rumors of a replacement. This always puts buyers in a tricky spot. Should you wait a bit longer for a possible replacement, or is the current lens good enough that you shouldn’t worry about it?

At the time this review was posted, the Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM retailed for $1,598.00 but was on sale with a $100.00 rebate, priced at $1,498.00.

Bastion, a fishing boat at dock in Steveston, BC. Sample image from a Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM and Sony A7 V. — Steveston, BC, Sony A7 V, Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM @ f/4

Handling and Build Quality

Rounding off my three-lens test kit, the Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM was the lightest and most portable. The other lenses were the Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM and Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II (the links go to my reviews).

The Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM weighs only 15.7 oz (445 g) and features internal focusing (it does not protrude). The aperture ring is a wonderful bonus, and the lens has a custom function button and AF/MF switch on the lens barrel.

The lens feels sturdy, fits well, and is well balanced with the Sony A7 V I used in this test.

The lens hood for the FE 24mm f/1.4 GM feels a tad flimsy in comparison to the hoods for the FE 50mm f/1.4 and 85mm f/1.4 II, which have a rubber ring at the tip. I realize the petal-shaped hoods you see on wide-angle lenses may make this tricky.

The Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM without the hood mounted on a Sony A7 V. — Sony A7 V and Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM

In Action

The fact that the FE 24mm f/1.4 GM is light and portable makes all the difference. It means you don’t have to worry much about bringing it along on a photo walk, perhaps paired with another lens or two, or when planning travel.

I want to reiterate a point here. The fact that I had three f/1.4 prime lenses from Sony during my test period and didn’t worry about bringing them all along for a photo walk says something about the portability of the Sony system as a whole.

One regret I have about my test period is the fact that it wasn’t long enough. I didn’t really push the FE 24mm f/1.4 GM in low-light scenarios, and as you can see from the sample images, they were all captured in plenty of daylight.

First Nations wall mural in downtown Vancouver. Sample image from a Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM and Sony A7 V. — Beatty Street, Vancouver, Sony A7 V, Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM @ f/1.4

Image Quality

There is a lot to appreciate regarding the image quality of the FE 24mm f/1.4 GM. Colors are vibrant; it’s sharp, and I found the bokeh quite pleasing.

One interesting observation: I preferred images captured at a close-to-medium range, with details popping.

The sample images in this review can be viewed at up to 2500 pixels wide, depending on your monitor's resolution. Please click to view larger photos if you're viewing on your PC or laptop, or pinch-zoom if you’re viewing on your phone.

Stanley Park Sewall and English Bay in Vancouver. Sample image from a Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM and Sony A7 V. — Stanley Park Seawall, Vancouver, Sony A7 V, Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM @ f/8

It’s a Wrap

Is the Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM getting a bit long in the tooth after almost eight years on the market? I could still see this lens as a perfectly fine workhorse in a Sony setup, but we also know new lenses are arriving that may outpace it.

I recently acquired the new Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG II Art lens, and it tops anything I’ve tried in wide-angle lenses. Online reviews have it topping a fan favorite: the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM. I have to wonder if Sony is brewing up new wide-angle lenses for us. I have no idea; this is pure speculation on my part.

Apologies for straying off the topic of 24mm lenses. In the current market, I am not aware of a better option for Sony than the FE 24mm f/1.4 GM, so perhaps all this speculation about the future should be put to rest. I see this lens as a solid performer, and I would have no concerns about having it in my kit. The future will come soon enough. We can deal with it then.

Please see more sample images below

Price / Availability

Thank you for reading my review. If you are planning a purchase and would like to support us, you can do so at no additional cost by using the affiliate links below. A small commission goes to us, helping us keep the wheels turning at 5050 Travelog.

Check the current price at B&H Photo

Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM - B&H Photo
Sony A7 V - B&H Photo

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