Preorders:
BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Fotoerhardt, Fotokoch, WexUK.

Sony Electronics Launches FE 50-150MM F2 GM

The World’s Firsti Telephoto Zoom Lens with a Maximum Focal Length of 150 mm and Constant F2 Aperture Designed for Wedding, Portrait, Indoor Sports, Photo, and Video Professionals

Sony Electronics Inc. introduces the FE 50-150mm F2 GM (SEL50150GM), the world’s firstⁱ telephoto zoom lens with a maximum focal length of 150 mm and F2 aperture. This lens features a standard focal length of 50mm at the wide-angle end and combines a constant aperture of F2 with high resolution comparable to that of a prime lens. This allows for a wide range of scenarios with just one lens for various situations and subjects. As part of Sony’s renowned G Master™ series, the FE 50-150MM F2 GM offers an exceptional combination of high resolution and stunning bokeh, enhancing the imaging results for professionals using the Sony Alpha camera system.

“The FE 50-150MM F2 GM G Master marks a pivotal milestone in Sony’s commitment to pushing creative possibilities,” said Yang Cheng, Vice President of Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. “By delivering a constant F2 aperture across its zoom range, this lens offers Sony Alpha users with an all-in-one solution that is comparable to multiple prime lenses, like a 50mm, 85mm, and 135mm. This innovation expands the versatility professionals need to capture remarkable imagery in both photography and video.”

Exceptional Image Quality and Smooth F2 Bokeh

The G Master’s internal optical design plays a crucial role in producing its exceptional image quality. By integrating two XA (extreme aspherical) elements, two Super ED (extra-low dispersion) glass elements, and three ED elements, the lens effectively suppresses aberrations, ensuring sharp, high-contrast imagery across the entire zoom range. Additionally, the floating focusing system enables a minimum focusing distance of 0.4m at the wide end and a maximum magnification of 0.20 for detailed shooting.

The FE 50-150MM F2 GM’s constant F2 aperture creates beautifully smooth bokeh, making it an ideal choice for portrait, wedding, and event photographers aiming to isolate subjects with a shallow depth of field. A newly developed 11-blade circular aperture further enhances the signature G Master bokeh. When shooting videos, the lens delivers stunning cinematic results and exceptional clarity.

In addition, Sony’s proprietary “Nano AR Coating II,” applied uniformly across the entire lens surface, significantly reduces ghosting and flare even in backlit conditions, delivering clear and crisp imagery.

Internal Zoom and Compact Design

Measuring at approximately 7-7/8 inches (200 mm) in length and weighing approximately 47.3 ounces (1,340g)ⁱⁱ, the FE 50-150MM F2 GM offers remarkable portability considering its impressive combination of wide zoom range and bright aperture. This lens is ideal for both handheld and gimbal use with its featured internal zoom design that maintains the lens’s length and weight balance despite focal length changes. With its practical design, this lens serves as a versatile, all-in-one solution for those seeking a standard 50mm through 150mm telephoto range.

Fast and Precise Autofocus Performance

Equipped with four XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors and Sony’s advanced control algorithms, the FE 50-150MM F2 GM delivers fast, accurate, and quiet autofocus (AF). This high-performance AF system is compatible with Sony’s Alpha 9 III, supporting continuous shooting at up to 120 frames per second with full AF/AE trackingⁱⁱⁱ. With a fast AF system and a versatile 50-150 mm zoom range, the lens excels at capturing fast-paced indoor sports, portraits, and events.

Cinematic Video Production

Designed with filmmakers in mind, the FE 50-150MM F2 GM minimizes focus breathing and is compatible with Sony’s Breathing Compensation^iv feature on select Alpha cameras. Linear Response MF ensures intuitive manual focus control, while the lens’s internal zoom design maintains stability even while zooming mounted on gimbals. Additionally, the XD linear motors operate quietly to prevent unwanted noise from being captured during recording.

Built for durability, the FE 50-150MM F2 GM features a robust dust- and moisture-resistant design^v. A fluorine coating on the front element repels contaminants, making it easy to clean and ensuring the lens remains in top condition even in challenging environments.

Pricing and Availability

The FE 50-150MM F2 GM will be available in May 2025 for approximately $3,899 USD and $5,499 CAD. It will be sold directly through Sony and at a variety of Sony’s authorized dealers throughout North America.

A product video on the new FE 50-150MM F2 GM can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/o-SZCS4SgRw

For detailed product information about the FE 50-150MM F2 GM, please visit: https://electronics.sony.com/imaging/lenses/all-e-mount/p/sel50150gm

Exclusive stories and exciting new content shot with the new FE 50-150MM F2 GM and Sony’s other imaging products can be found at www.alphauniverse.com, a site created to inform, educate, and inspire content creators.

Due the tariff war BHphoto removed the preorder option for the GFX100RF, X-M5 (Black) and X100VI. And Blackmagic Design halted US factory plans due to concerns over tariffs. Since tariffs are levied on the import of parts, production in the USA has become too expensive. It is somewhat ironic that the ‘America first’ tariff policy makes it difficult for US manufacturers to compete on the world stage.

Imaging Resource and Dpreview published an interview with Sigma CEO Yamaki. Here are a couple of interesting points:

Will Smartphones kill the camera market:

I was thinking about this for many years, and eventually I became convinced that there will always be photo enthusiasts, photographers, and camera enthusiasts. They’re still looking for even slightly better quality products, and they’ll never disappear. So I became convinced again that we should focus on product and technology. It’s not that our direction is so different than what we were thinking 12 years ago, but I went through a period of questioning and looking at other markets before deciding this is really what we should do.

The idea behind the Sigma BF:

If you have a camera in your hands, you think, “Maybe I should try to find a nice place, maybe take pictures in London, and share with friends.” The fact that the BF is so stylish makes it easier to bring along anywhere – it’s almost a fashion accessory that makes you want to pick it up.

Sigma BF all metal production with special machines:

Currently, we can make around 200-400 bodies per month. Based on the exciting response from customers, we may need to build another production line system.

Curiosity about the Sigma 300-600mm lens:

The initial starting point was the size, because they wanted it and its case to fit within airline carry-on limits.

About the Foveon development status:

Every time we make a prototype, we find some kind of issues, and every time we find some issues, we fix the problem. And we are now almost at the last stage of the technology development. If everything is done, then we start the product development.

The Tipa association announced the 2025 winners and as usual every company managed to get a win :)

Why is this the case? I asked ChatGPT and it answered that one of the way TIPA earns money is by Licensing Fees from Award Logos:

When a company (e.g., Sony, Canon, Nikon) wins a TIPA Award, they must pay a licensing fee if they want to use the TIPA logo on their packaging or in marketing materials. This is a significant source of revenue for TIPA.

This makes the award rather meaningless, as there is a clear conflict of interest. It’s TIPA’s interest ot reward those companies that pay the fee, and it’s their interest to create as many categories as possible to sell their fees to manufacturers.

Press text:

Faster, Smarter AI Background Removal for Photographers – Aiarty Image Matting Review and Easter Deal

Clean, precise cutouts are a must-have for photographers and creatives—but they’re notoriously tricky, especially when dealing with hair, fur, or busy backgrounds. Traditional tools often require hours of manual work and frustrating trial and error.
That’s where Aiarty Image Matting steps in. Powered by advanced AI, it streamlines background removal and blending with smarter edge detection, refined subject isolation, and full support for RAW files from Nikon, Canon, Sony, Fuji, Lumix and more. Whether you’re fine-tuning portraits or building composites, Aiarty helps you achieve pro-level results—faster and easier.

Easter Deal Alert: Aiarty is celebrating the season with an exclusive 31% off its Lifetime License — one-time fee, own it forever, with unlimited free updates. As a special Easter gift, you’ll also receive a free 1-Year License of Aiarty Image Enhancer. And with a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try it out completely risk-free.

What is Aiarty Image Matting

Aiarty Image Matting is an AI-powered tool designed to automatically separate the foreground of an image—typically a person, object, or subject—from its background. It uses advanced deep learning algorithms to generate highly accurate alpha mattes, making it ideal for tasks like background removal, object cutouts, and image compositing. Whether you’re working on e-commerce product shots, creative edits, or marketing materials, Aiarty aims to streamline the matting process with minimal manual effort, delivering professional-quality results quickly and easily.

Aiarty Image Matting Highlights

Aiarty Image Matting is a professional-grade tool that combines deep learning and computer vision to offer incredibly precise and high-speed background removal. Designed for creatives, marketers, and photographers, it’s built to handle high volumes, detailed textures, and a variety of subject types. Here’s a closer look at what makes it a standout in the AI matting space:

1) Four Specialized AI Matting Models

Aiarty’s strength lies in its diverse, purpose-built matting engines—each tailored to handle specific types of image content. These models are trained on large-scale datasets to deliver consistent and reliable results without manual effort.

• AlphaStandard V2 focuses on preserving transparency and smooth transitions, ideal for handling soft edges and intricate textures like veils, mist, and flowing garments.
• AlphaEdge V2 is built to enhance edge sharpness while keeping the finest details intact, making it perfect for semi-transparent surfaces like glass or sheer fabric.
• EdgeClear V2 emphasizes edge clarity and fine detail retention, especially useful for complex product shapes such as jewelry, bags, furniture, and metallic items.
• SolidMat V2 is optimized for hard-surfaced objects—books, electronics, packaging—ensuring precise extraction with well-defined contours.

These models give users flexibility to choose the best engine depending on the subject, ensuring professional-level accuracy across diverse use cases.

2) High-Volume Batch Processing

For users who work with large numbers of product or portrait photos, Aiarty offers batch background replacement at scale—capable of processing up to 3,000 images at once. This feature is a game-changer for e-commerce sellers, content studios, and agencies that require fast turnaround without sacrificing quality. Combined with customizable background presets, the tool streamlines repetitive editing work and improves operational efficiency.

3) Intelligent Handling of Semi-Transparent Elements

Aiarty excels in matting complex, semi-transparent areas—think wedding dresses, lace, sheer curtains, smoke, and water droplets. These are typically challenging for standard removal tools, but Aiarty’s neural network architecture enables it to preserve translucency and edge softness in a way that looks natural and seamless.

4) Full 4K Image Support

The software supports ultra-high resolution image processing up to 4K, making it well-suited for large-format outputs like prints, catalogs, or online stores that require pixel-perfect clarity. Whether it’s for close-up product detail or high-definition portrait retouching, the image output remains crisp and detailed throughout.

5) Manual Refinement Tools

For professionals who want more control, Aiarty provides fine-tuning brushes like Erase, Restore, Dodge, and Burn. These tools allow users to manually tweak mask boundaries, adjust transparency levels, or fine-tune specific image zones—especially helpful when working on creative composites or artistic edits where AI needs a little guidance.

6) Performance-Driven Enhancements

The latest update introduces significant performance boosts. Thanks to TensorRT acceleration, Aiarty now delivers faster inference speeds and quicker model load times. Additional upgrades include mask alpha curve adjustment, mask inversion tools, and smoother previews—making the editing workflow faster and more intuitive for professionals who rely on precision and speed.

How to Use Aiarty Image Matting

Step 1. Free download Aiarty Image Matting and install it on your computer. It’s available for both Windows and macOS, and the setup is straightforward.

Step 2. Launch the program and import the image you want to edit. You’ll then choose one of the four AI models that best suits your subject—whether it’s a person, a product, or a semi-transparent object. Once selected, hit the Start button in the lower-right corner to begin the matting process.

Step 3 (Optional). Once the background is removed, you can fine-tune the result using built-in tools like Erase, Restore, or transparency adjustment brushes. You can also head over to the Effect panel to apply a new background if you’re creating a composite or promotional image.

Step 4. When you’re happy with how everything looks, simply save and export the finished image.

Final Verdict
Aiarty Image Matting is a powerful AI-driven tool designed for precise background removal, ideal for photographers, designers, and content creators. With four specialized AI models, batch processing, and easy handling of complex details like hair and fabrics, it simplifies image matting while delivering professional results.
Take advantage of the 31% off Lifetime License and enhance your workflow with Aiarty’s efficiency and quality. Perfect for e-commerce, marketing, and creative projects, Aiarty is a must-have tool for elevating your image editing game.

On 28 February, Panasonic registered another new camera in China. We have now registered a total of three cameras in Asia that have not yet been announced. The next camera will be announced in May, and it’s a ‘niche’ L-mount Cine camera that is NOT the S1HII. I don’t know yet what the other two cameras might be. Yesterday Panasonic said they are working on new fixed lens cameras, maybe one of them is some kind of LX100II successor. What would you like to see?

Note: The table above shows four camera codes for ‘unknown’ cameras. One of the codes is certainly for the Lumix S1rII, leaving three cameras that have yet to be announced.

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Lumix S1rII preorder links:
In USA at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama.
In Europe at Fotoerhardt, Fotokoch, Calumet, WexUK. Clifton. ParkUK.
Lumix S1rII battery grip links:
BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Fotoerhardt, Fotokoch, Calumet, WexUK.

Damn!