Sony FE 14 mm f/1.8 GM review - Image resolution

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Sony FE 14 mm f/1.8 GM

20 April 2021

Maciej Latałło

4. Image resolution

Our resolution test (resolution meaning the MTF50 function values) of Sony FE lenses is based on RAW files from the 42.4 Mpix sensor of the Sony A7R II or the Sony A7R III camera. In the case of this kind of detector the decency level we set about 39-41 lpmm and the best fixed focal lenses have been able to exceed 70 lpmm. So far, two Sigma lenses have fared the best: we mean here the A 105 mm f/2.8 DG DN Macro (80.4 lpmm) and the C 65 mm f/2 GD DN (82.7 lpmm).

Let's check how the Sony FE 14 mm f/1.8 GM compares – its results in the frame centre, on edges of the APS-C sensor, and full frame you can find below.

Sony FE 14 mm f/1.8 GM - Image resolution

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When it comes to the frame centre you deal with a performance really befitting a high-end fixed-focal lens. At the maximum relative aperture the resolution distinctly exceeds 60 lpmm and on stopping down you get to almost 74 lpmm – no reservations in this area!

On the edge of the APS-C sensor you see results notably lower than in the centre of the frame but still there are no reasons to complain. At the maximum relative aperture the lens exceeds the decency level and on stopping down you see results reaching safely above 50 lpmm.

Near the maximum relative aperture on the edge of full frame you can encounter more serious problems. The values barely exceed 30 lpmm and only stopping down the lens to near f/2.8 make images useful.

Should that performance be considered something worth criticising? The answer is no. It's enough you compare the tested lens to the much bigger and heavier Sigma A 1.8/14 - in that case the edge of the frame was even weaker and you had to stop down the aperture to near f/4.0 in order to get results as high as these of the Sony by f/2.8.

At the end of this chapter, traditionally, we present crops taken from photos of our resolution testing chart saved in JPEG format alongside RAW files which we used for the analysis above.

A7R III, JPEG, 14 mm, f/1.8