Sony 50mm F1.2 GM vs Sony Zeiss 50mm F1.4 Planar

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Table of Contents:
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0:00​ - Intro
2:40 - Reasons to choose the Planar
5:39 - Reasons to choose the GM
9:36 - Image Quality Comparison
17:00 - Bottom Line Conclusion
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Keywords: Sony 50mm F1.2, Sony 50 F1.2 GM, 50mm 1.2 GM, 1.2, f/1.2, F1.2, Sony 50mm F1.2 G Master, Sony 50mm F1.4 Plana, 50mm, Review, Sony 50mm F1.2 Review, G Master, GM, Review, Sony, Review, Hands On, Dustin Abbott, Real World, Comparison, Sharpness, Bokeh, Flare Resistance, Autofocus, Image Quality, Sample Images, Video, Photography, Sony a9, sony a7III, sony a7RIV, a7R3, Sony Alpha 1, Sony A1

[julianjd]

Once again a professional review that leaves nothing out. You are the best photography reviewer on YouTube. Period.

[chhansen]

Thanks Dustin, this was exactly the comparison I was looking for and so nice to see that you had covered it. As always, your reviews are spot on, addressing exactly what we want to know while trying to remain very objective. Your efforts are much appreciated.

[farajistarks]

I had a chance to take the 50mm GM out for a day of shooting to compare it with my 55mm Zeiss, and the biggest practical difference I observed was the close focusing distance. With my 55mm Zeiss, I often feel like I can't get close enough for a detail shot - say a badge of a vehicle, or a small street sign - whereas with the GM I confidently stepped in as close as I liked while having rock solid auto focus. Thanks for the review Dustin!

[Henry]

Dustin, I found this video invaluable and I am at the writing awaiting delivery of my Sony Zeiss 35mm f1.4 lens. I am keen amateur photo photographer, albeit with 40 years experience and therefore, I am confident that I shall be happy with my new lens. I have owned a number of Sony GM lenses and I found the focus breathing extremely irritating. I also think that for someone like me, a keen hobbyist, I really don’t need the extra few advantages offered by the GM lens. Thank you for the excellent advice. All the best. Alun

[giangvu]

Awesome comparison Dustin. I do appreciate all that you do for the photography community!

[lauriewahlig]

For me the 50mm 1.2 has been game changing. I was not even a big 50mm shooter but now that lens just stays on my Sony A1. The photos are just so sharp, the bokeh is gorgeous and it just makes every photo look amazing!! Very well worthwhile IMHO.

[MarkWildweddingdjglasgow]

The GM 1.2 is an absolute beast! I liked the Planar but it’s not in the same league for rendering colour and fall off 🙌🏻

[NateReimers]

YES, been waiting for this. Great review.

[michaelbell]

Thanks! That 50 GM is one of the best lenses Ive used on any system, Leica included. One of the sharpest as well. Dustin, did you see how its sharpness compares to the 135 GM? Id be interested to see.

[stefanfroehlich]

Thanks for another awesome comparison, Dustin! Only one question remains for me: Which camera did you use for the Image Quality Comparison? I'm owning a Zeiss 1.4 and recently upgraded to the Sony a7R V. And am now unsure whether to upgrade to the GM 1.2 or not...

[bobsykes]

Fascinating. The most striking thing to me was how with both lenses wide open, the Zeiss gave that tiny bit of greenish-blue tint to the model’s skin tone, reminding me of my least favorite thing about the otherwise excellent Sony/Zeiss 55mm f/1.8 compact prime. If I’m going to carry a lens as big and heavy as either of these (as opposed to the excellent little 55mm) you bet I’m going to shoot it wide open. So, the new GM design would be worth the trade-in and additional cost to me.

[saintmovies]

As always Dustin, great comparison review. I purchased the planar a couple of years ago on the strength of your review. I also own an EOS R w/the Canon RF 50 F/1.2. Without a doubt to my eyes the Canon lens outclasses the Planar in every way — even on an inferior EOS R vs Sony A7RIV. I’ve been contemplating selling my both the Planar 50 and the Canon kit and buying the Sony GM 50, but man do I love that Canon RF. Would love your opinion on Canon RF 50 1.2 vs the Sony 50 gm. Btw like you I had previously been a Canon shooter for over 30 years…but am now deep into the Sony ecosystem…but still love the Canon colors and can’t seem to fully let go.

[martinsillen]

Thanks for a good comparison. Have you decided wether or not to upgrade to the GM?

[jack_konte]

Another great review helping me to make an informed decision on a purchase. Thank you.

[timelapsega]

I've wanted the 1.2 GM for a while but I found the Zeiss used but in excellent condition for $850. I think with that huge of a price difference I might just go with it.

[davidrd]

This was really informative. I originally upgraded to the Planar from the 55mm 1.8 because of your videos on it. It was totally worth it for me.
This however does not seem to be worth it.
Thanks

[tgchism]

Thank you for doing this comparison! It certainly seems that since I don't have any AF 50mm at this time that the 50mm 1.2 would be the best choice (if I can get a hold of one). I have been using an old Canon FD 55mm 1.2 (chrome version) which is a great classic lens. I have the Sony A73 and oddly enough only used classic lenses with it until I could start purchasing AF lenses. Because I have several nifty 50's, my first AF lens was the Batis 85mm 1.8. I followed that up with the G Master 24mm. I love both of the lenses and now know I really need a 50mm AF. Because I really love the Batis 85mm, I was really looking to see what you though about the 50mm 1.2. I knew from your review of the Zeiss 50mm 1.4 that the 50mm 1.2 would really have to be a performer for you to say it is the better lens. Thank you again for there review!

[velvetnorthfilmco]

Thank you for the review, I also owned the Zeiss for few years now and I feel like it has more character than the GM. Photo wise

[navis]

Really no surprises, right Dustin? I recall you really loved the 50 1.4 ZA awhile back, and I share your affection for the lens, though the question whether to sell it and go with the GM comes down to how often you are going to shoot wide open, and whether 50mm is your preferred focal length for doing portraiture instead of, say, 85mm. I do appreciate the GM's closer focusing and soft bokeh wide open, but I am not sure it is worth the $1000 difference to sell the ZA on eBay to spend on the $2000 GM. Thanks for another excellent review.

[theovoorbij]

Thanks for your review. What do you use besides the Godox flash to have it on the tripod and on the remote on the camera? And what small flashbox did you use? Thanks for your time!