Sony 50mm f/1.4 GM vs 50mm f/1.2 GM - Which One Should You Get?

🔥 This video is sponsored by Pic-Time - use code MAGIC to get extra month - geni.us/pictime
🧙‍♂️ my PRESETS - NEW 2023 UPDATE: geni.us/store-...
📸 my FLASH COURSE: geni.us/flash-...
📧 Sign up for my MagicLetter to claim 2 FREE PRESETS: geni.us/magicl...
👨‍💻 AI EDITING TOOL I USE: geni.us/imagen...
🔘 AI CULLING TOOL I USE (FREE) geni.us/narrat...
💼 straps and bags: geni.us/peakmagic
In this video I give you the comparison between 50/1.4GM and 50/1.2GM lenses. I call it more practical and real life portrait comparison, as these are not lab photos shot on a tripod but actual wedding portraits taken during our Roadie Workshop.
🧙‍♂️ Make sure to check the blog post and full gallery under this link:
geni.us/50gmvs...
👰🏼👰🏼 Thanks to our lovely couple:
/ styrmir_heiddis
Find out more about Roadie Workshops:
geni.us/roadie...
📸 Watch my 50mm f/1.4GM review:
• NEW Sony 50mm f/1.4 GM...
Get this link here (amazon link):
geni.us/50gm14
📸 Watch my 50mm f/1.2GM review:
• Sony 50mm f/1.2 GM is ...
Get this link here (amazon link):
geni.us/n9rBlwI
📸 My Sony A7IV playlist:
• Sony A7IV
📸 My Sony A7RV playlist:
• Sony A7RV
👰🏼 📸 WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR:
MAIN KIT:
📷 My main camera - geni.us/a7rv
🌠 My 24mm - geni.us/TW8pMQ
🌌 My 35mm - geni.us/JfbnyS
💫 My 50mm - geni.us/n9rBlwI
✨ My 85mm - geni.us/9TpzFt
FUN LENSES:
🌟 Adapted Tilt-Shift - geni.us/4d50
🌟 50mm for flares - geni.us/SVhvH8
🎥 Anamorphic - geni.us/sirui3...
🌀 Cheap tilt - geni.us/tilt50
ACCESSORIES:
⚡ My main FLASH - geni.us/P-A10
⚡ My compact FLASH - geni.us/6azxsZ
💾 My main memory cards (1st slot) - geni.us/edPR
💾 My backup cards (2nd slot) - geni.us/angelb...
🔗 My strap - HoldFast Camera Swagg (I use the orange one) - geni.us/holdfa...
👜 My bag - HoldFast Small Sightseer - geni.us/holdfa...
🎒 My backpack - geni.us/compag...
HARDWARE:
🖥 My Computer - geni.us/f4UrVDg
📺 1st Monitor: geni.us/EB6j
📺 2nd Monitor: geni.us/A9jG
🎵 Speakers: geni.us/yAy0YJ
📚 Archive station - geni.us/Vmx8i9t
💾 Dual card reader - geni.us/Uo2jY
KZbin GEAR:
🎥 Main video camera: geni.us/videocam
🌠 Main video lens: geni.us/TW8pMQ
🎙 Lav microphone: geni.us/tfCfN
🔊 Field microphone: geni.us/ZqeSJC
⛓ Straps: geni.us/peakmagic

[@stkuj]

IHMO, the 1.2 has a smoother roll-off and nicer for portraits. I like the size of the 1.4.

[@rashadalmilad]

Very nice comparison. That said the background is far away and so are the subjects and the light is good . All these conditions do not support or justify buying a 1.2 lens. Try low light closer subject and busy background you will see a noticeable difference. Does it justify the extra cost and weight? It depends I guess ...

[@Tony16610]

This video really helped me make a decision, but in the end I went with the 50mm f1.4. Sure you get a third of a stop more light with the f1.2 but I often find myself stopping down to f1.4-f1.8 anyway since the depth of field at f1.2 is so razor thin. When I rented the f1.2 for a couple of weddings and an elopement, I was shooting wide open but upon delivery of the files- I noticed that the left eye would be so sharp but the nose or even the other eye would start being OOF already. Feedback I also got was some of the shots looked AI with how blurry the background was. I had a Canon 50mm f1.2 EF before, and never shot it wide open because it was so soft and so easy to miss focus on a DSLR. Eventually, the f1.4 won me over with the size and weight and really, like you said, unless you are looking at the two images side by side- it will be quite hard to tell which shot is which. I may not always need that extra 1/3rd stop of light, especially with how good cameras are becoming at high ISO and the advantages of AI denoising in LR/PS, but I will always feel the extra weight and bulk of the f1.2... In the end I am loving my combo of 35 and 50mm f1.4 GMs! They both render sharp and beautifully with super clean workable images that I can then add my own secret sauce to.

[@mattgericke4537]

It's a half stop but your point still stands

[@aAnoobplaySs]

guess both of them are great. personally i went from the 50mm 1.2GM to the 55mm 1.8 Zeiss. Probably the best decision i‘ve made in a long time. Since i‘ve decided to go for the 55mm 1.8, my A9 is much more with me. Tiny, lightweight, but a awesome image quality except CA‘s.

[@monsieurpapou]

Your comment is really interesting as I am personally thinking of doing the exact opposite switch. I do a lot of intimate interior photoshoots and 1.8 often is not enough for my low-light situation shoots. That's the same for the bokeh. I'm a real addict and I guess, Even if I find the 55 Quite good in that area, I will be even more pleased with the 50 1.2. And as An electric wheelchair user I don't personally carry my backpack so the weight and size Are not really an issue *laughs*

[@tgchism]

@@monsieurpapou The 1.2 is stunning!

[@holdmyown32]

@@monsieurpapou I do the same type pf photoshoots and want to upgrade from the 55 1.8 for the same reasons.

[@monsieurpapou]

@@holdmyown32 in fact what happened is that I bought the 50 1.4 which is way cheaper and as it is brand new, turns out to be nearly as good as the 50 1.2 in terms of image quality. I love it and I'm really happy about it.😄

[@Slipsch]

The 1.4 has more contrast but the 1.2 has more 3d-pop to my eyes.

[@jameslim2278]

Could you please share the locations for the two cliffside shots? Thank you for your work!

[@Eraserhead1984]

Duuude you rock! Also, beautiful scenery. Still love my 1.2 GM.

[@aqd84]

I got the 50mm 1.2 for the same price as the 1.4.... Cant be more happier!

[@StopTheTapes]

How

[@jamesseward9263]

Thank you! Your compassion of these two lenses really helped me in deciding which one to get and saved me some money. Thanks 😊

[@Riskbreaker2009]

This video really shows

[@Muchtoobizy]

This was the most useful comparison video I have watched between these two lenses. I do stranger-portraits in cities; blurring the busy backgrounds is important, but since I walk around cities all day, I worry about the weight. My conclusion after watching this is that the f1.2 remains a better choice for me regards blur quality, but I think the weight will swing me towards the f1.4. If only I could afford both I'd take the f1.2 on shorter trips - but I can hardly afford one of them 😂

[@jeffmiller6343]

Is the 50 F1.4 sharper than the 50F1.2 at the same aperture? From other reviews, I have heard that the 50 F1.4 is sharper when both are wide open; but with both lenses at F1.4 the F1.2 is sharper.

[@Daniel_Zalman]

I don't know why people say you can't shoot portraits with a 50mm. The shots at 1:20 look great. I don't really see any unflattering distortion.

[@Eliehbk]

I had the chance between the F/1.4 for 1,300 usd and the f/1.2 use, like new for $1,500 - I went for the latter. They’re basically the same price now.

[@JosefFoti]

I really enjoyed this comparison but the only thing I missed was that you didn't compare low light performance. I don't expect the difference to be big by any means but for completeness' sake it would be a nice thing to add 🙂

[@flol_photography]

Do you never use lens hoods? Why?

[@SVcreations43]

I was about to return my 1.4 but I also don't see where or how an extra 1000$ is worth it.

[@majicjazz]

Try the sony Zeiss 1.4 more natural then both

[@Svoboda1234]

shooting them both at 1.4 which is sharper?

[@StandardYoutuberExcellent]

In your assessment would you say that the 1.4 is sharper over all or sharper at the base iso 1.4 vs. 1.2. If you were to stop down the 1.2 to 1.4 is the 50 1.4 still sharper? Thanks

[@aevoss]

You are correct. 1.2 will be sharper at 1.4 than 1.4 at 1.4.

[@chicojuanito395]

my issue is shooting at night, but I'm wondering if the .2 difference in f stop really means anything.

[@mcm111able]

it does not

[@rimshots_PL]

So I guess for studio work with flash 1.4 could be better as I supposed stopped down to say f5.6 will still provide sharper image, or sharpness edge of 1.4 is visible against 1.2 only wide open?

[@truthkeeperfilms]

Crazy to think Nikon’s Z 50mm 1.8 S offers this quality for $530!! Minus that it’s not as fast as these but optics, it’s right there with it. I tested the 50mm 1.4 GM on the Z5 with the Megadap. The Z was sharper throughout the range.

[@MagicWeddingPhotographer]

👀

[@charruaporelmundo]

😆

[@OkwyUgonweze]

I was gonna buy the 1.4 and adapt to my nikon Z8 now I have to rethink.

[@julianna_x_mundoJuliannaLawpe]

Si se mira la diferencia,. mas nitida wl 1.2! 🙌🏻

[@andyqbui]

I just did a blind test from your gallery and 1.2 always won in my opinion. I'm a bokeh guy so I guess that's why I leaned the 1.2. OR, maybe it's just me subconsciensly justifying the amount I spent on the 1.2. So close though. The 1.4 seems like an amazing lens though.

[@MagicWeddingPhotographer]

hah great! I'm keeping my 1.2 :) That tiny difference, and then especially when shooting in tighter space is THE WAY for me! Cheers!

[@NoahCBanks]

@@MagicWeddingPhotographer lol so you wouldn't advise trading in a 1.2 for the 1.4 for the smaller size and weight to match your 35mm gm?

[@MagicWeddingPhotographer]

@NoahBanks I’d say it’s a personal choice. I’m a bokeh lover so I can handle bigger lens for that tiny difference. If for you - matching with other lenses and compact size is more important - then you have your answer

[@langsein]

Hi Maciej, Thanks for that comparison. Have you used the same WB? The Skin-Tones on the 1.4 are a little bit reddish. I just wanted to change from 1.2 to 1.4, but the skin tones on the 1.2 are way better. I like the Bokeh of the 1.4 a little bit more. It hast a little bit of Zeiss-Charakter in it.

[@sarfios]

I though I were crazy, but they do seem to differ

[@anhphamviet7522]

I noticed that in a japanese comparison. 1.2 has some special magic for skintones.

[@tomariko]

I got the sigma 1.4 as the Sony 1.4 won’t be available till June.

[@22-IDO]

Yet another great video 👏 Thank you. May I just ask you (and fellow subscribers) a question please? I have the A7RV and I am looking at the 50mm f1.4 GM and the f1.2 GM. Having watched a number of reviews I'm confused. Would you say that both lenses were equally as sharp on the A7RV? I have found a deal where the 1.2 is only £200 more than the 1.4......

[@J_bui]

Do you still offer photoshoots like this?

[@MagicWeddingPhotographer]

@@J_bui yup! Find me on ig @magicweddingphotographer

[@monsieurpapou]

This review is very nice, interesting and instructive. You provided us with some very distinctive shots that can help see the differences and similarities of both lenses. I'm thinking of upgrading my Zeiss 55 1.8 with the Sony 50 1.2 GM and I think the results you get out of it makes me want it even more ! ☺ And man, your pictures are just stunning ! 🤩I love the one in black and white with the couple at the bottom of the picture. great job thanks a lot !

[@kenschallenbergphotography7139]

Great content Magic..Thanks for doing this video.

[@MagicWeddingPhotographer]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@SanKraN87]

To be honest the 1.4 looks way better in background separation its more natural, the 1.2 has to much background separation and dosent feel/look too good for my eyes, it feels like the bokeh is boosted by software. Tx for comparison i will go on the 1.4

[@SouBuuS]

Love your content man, you seem like one of the coolest persons to be around. Excellent work also!

[@The_Divine_Mine]

Hi Maciej, I’d greatly appreciate your thoughts and advice. I currently have a 50 1.2 GM that I got late last year but am considering selling it and getting this 1.4 instead. The main reason is because I’d personally prefer a lighter setup if I can (I have a Sony A7IV). I love the 50 1.2 but do you think it’d be a mistake and and a downgrade since I already have it and will lose money so should just keep it? Thanks a bunch! PS - I do plan to also get a 35mm 1.4 based on one of your other videos 😊

[@Robloxisgood179]

Would you recommend sony 50 1.4GM over Sigma's? Is the difference big enough to justify the difference in price?

[@_Eye_Of_Ry]

G Masters have better resale value than Sigma lenses if u ever considered selling or trading it

[@MagnetiqLabs]

It's funny that in comparison the difference is so tiny, but this difference is enough to make 1.2 look more airy and 3D. This 3D pop of 1.2 is not that visible by looking at bokeh, but somehow you feel that extra magic in 50/1.2. I will keep my 1.2 version, even though i don't like how heavy it is

[@Bathingwookie]

I was so bummed that I just bought the 1.2 but I would’ve always had that “what if” if I didn’t buy it.

[@MagnetiqLabs]

@@Bathingwookie i understand what you’re talking about ;-)

[@MagicWeddingPhotographer]

yup, the tiny difference, but still a difference :) for bokeh-lovers!

[@bonkersvideos6073]

Lol epitome of self justification. 1.2 is not worth $1000 more than 1.4 given the tiny image quality difference.

[@papsny]

If you're shooting professionally, your clients won't even know. If you think the 1.2 and 1.4 has a difference, then try to take a few steps back with the 1.4 and it'll land on the same focal plane as the 1.2. You are paying 700 more and bearing that weight for the same result as doing a few steps back. Try carrying a 50 1.2 the whole day vs a lighter 50 and you'll enjoy the lighter lens than a heavy one.

[@davidlucena3476]

Hermoso el set de fotos.

[@JonathanTBryant]

WAIT! Are you shooting with both hands??????

[@lovesacdc]

My initial thought was this is not a fair comparison if using left and right hand held shooting.

[@hayabusa27]

My guess is at night shots the 1.2 will shine

[@tomlillandt1344]

Thanks! You are the best!

[@Robin_Polarstern]

I personally see no difference between both lenses. For me I would choose the 50mm 1.4 GM

[@primetown956]

Newbie here. If shooting takes place predominantly in low light conditions, would you prefer the 1.2 or 1.4?

[@visual_sensation]

1.2, but the difference would be almost negligible all things considered

[@markwildphotography]

1.2 ✊🏻 That extra magic is worth every penny ❤️ Where’s that 85mm 1.2 damn it 😁

[@christophernaff2106]

Over in the Canon channels lol

[@markwildphotography]

@@christophernaff2106 Yeah along with that 24-70 f2!

[@funtodovr5501]

Very nice, give me f1,4 It’s light and optically I see no big difference.

[@jolamulder4176]

Love you review. I just bought the 1.4 because of it's weight and it is smaller. There is only a small difference between the 1.2 and 1.4 so I went for traveling light, haha.

[@mex5341]

with tones of color correction like that there is no difference

[@devilangel4655]

I love 1.4 aperture. There is a small difference in the 1.2 Most of the time, people don’t use 1.2 aperture because it’s gets to blurry in some scenario’s

[@fanb0y777]

Most people purchase the 1.2 lens because the 1.4 simply doesn't get blurry enough.

[@devilangel4655]

@@fanb0y777 LOL🤣🤣🤣 If that is the case, then go for a 0,95 aperture. There is not much difference between the 1.2 vs 1.4 I have mine 1.2 and 1.4 you don’t even notice if a tell you which one which is. Unless you are pixelated in 300% in every corner.

[@kunxie2523]

sony 1.2 GM vs 1.4 GM 1、分辨率：中心持平，都爆表，边角1.2gm胜出，1.4要收到2.8才能赶上 2、暗角：1.2 GM 胜出 3、炫光：1.2 GM 略胜，高光对比度好 4、呼吸效应：1.4GM 略胜 5、焦外：1.2 GM 胜出 6、色散：1.2 GM 略胜 7、对焦：1.2 GM 略胜 8、体积重量：1.4GM 小、轻 9、价格：官方5000多人民币的差价 10、差了0.445EV值

[@salimsiauw6119]

Hi Magic, just curious, are you going to sell your 50 1.2 and get the 50 1.4?

[@charruaporelmundo]

1.4 has more 3 D pop?…

[@ScendentStudios]

Can't you always decrease the aperture to make the 1.2 to 1.8 so you have best of both worlds?

[@wrobi2267]

Thanks for this comparison. In general both are great lenses but too expensive. Ok who wants to pay it... but there is absolutly no reason to pay 35% more for f1.2. Even f1.4 is to much shooting more than one person. It is rather rare relevant in practice to shoot with such small depth of field. For low light situations f1.2 will have an little advantage.

[@petrucik2182]

Hi Magic. It's so funny to see video like this. It's looks like vote behind bigger older man or smaller and younger lady. I have 50/1,2 for one year, so the change doesn't matter. But the smaller lens will be better. Some peaple are little bit nervous from bigger lenses.

[@reykfoto]

I would like to see a comparison against the new sigma 50mm 1.4 I own the 50mm 1.2 and that half stop really helps in dark churches or send offs, other than that the 1.4 is a better option.

[@OfficialDeathway]

So absolutely no difference, got it.

[@MarkG998]

You could easily say that background is beautiful, I wouldn't want to blur it out so much, why would I pay so much extra to do that when I don't need to? If it's a bad background then you can ask the photographer, why would they choose that background?

[@lijinping]

you call 50 1.2gm old...hahaha ..

[@MagicWeddingPhotographer]

Yup :D Good ol' 50/1.2 GM :P

[@johnadams3038]

In a blind test nobody can really say which is f1,2 and which is f1,4

[@papsny]

1.2 aperture The lens for people who dont know how to ocf and rely on bokeh as their crutch

[@TonyDae]

If you stop both lenses down to f2.5, the 1.2 has an overall nicer rendering due to the optical vignette of the 1.4 never really going away whereas the 1.2 produces nice smooth round orbs in the background. There is also markedly better flare reduction on the 1.2 among other qualities that are both measurable and visible when shooting both lenses. Point being, the 1.2 aperture and the overall design of the 1.2 helps with other optical qualities not seen when a reviewer only shoots a lens wide open.

[@oshanefa]

it could've been more honest/true vid if not for your editing . automatically software applied sharpness and CA correction on top of that you've applied clarity which defies purpose of comparison . files should've been raw-ish with maybe evening out the dynamic range. @georges_angeles cheers