Sony G Master (GM) and Canon L series lenses are both renowned for their quality, but they cater to different systems—Sony’s E-mount mirrorless cameras and Canon's EF and RF mounts (for DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, respectively). Here's a breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages of each for both filming and photography...
Advantages of Sony G Master Lenses
1. Optical Quality
Sharpness and Bokeh: Sony G Master lenses are designed to offer high-resolution images with smooth, pleasing bokeh, which is beneficial for both photography and filming, especially in portrait work or cinematic shots.
Advanced Elements: The GM lenses incorporate advanced optical elements like XA (extreme aspherical) and ED (extra-low dispersion) glass to reduce aberrations and improve image quality.
2. Optimized for Mirrorless
Compact Design: Sony G Master lenses are designed specifically for Sony’s E-mount mirrorless systems, meaning they are more compact and lightweight compared to equivalent DSLR-oriented lenses, which is particularly useful in handheld shooting for both video and stills.
Autofocus Performance: The autofocus on the Sony G Masters is simply stunning, when paired with a camera which supports the incredible Auto Focus capabilities. Whilst the Canon's support a more classic autofocus system on their Canon cameras, the Sony can support full face tracking features, meaning you can do tricky tracking shots or having a presenter walking and talking without thinking about the focus, making them great for vlogging and filming, but also with huge advantages for photography..
3. Video-Oriented Features
Focus Breathing Compensation: Several GM lenses have minimal focus breathing, which ensures that the angle of view doesn’t change when adjusting focus during video recording.
Linear Focus Response: Some newer G Master lenses allow for more precise manual focusing, helpful in professional video work.
4. Build Quality and Weather Sealing
G Master lenses are built with professional durability in mind, featuring robust weather sealing and premium materials for tough conditions.
Disadvantages of Sony G Master Lenses
1. Price
G Master lenses are expensive, often pricier than many Canon L lenses, which can be a deterrent for those on a budget.
2. Focus-by-Wire for Photography
The focus-by-wire system, while advantageous for video, can feel less tactile and less responsive for manual focusing in photography compared to mechanical focus systems in some Canon L lenses.
3. Limited Lens Selection Compared to Canon
Sony's lens lineup is relatively newer compared to Canon, and while it’s expanding quickly, Canon's EF and RF lens options are more diverse, especially in niche focal lengths and specialty lenses like tilt-shift.
4. Adaptation to Other Systems
Sony lenses are not easily adaptable to other camera systems, meaning they’re highly specific to Sony mirrorless cameras, whereas Canon lenses can often be adapted to various other mounts more easily.
Advantages of Canon L Series Lenses
1. Optical Quality
Sharpness and Color Rendition: Canon L lenses are known for their rich color rendition, contrast, and sharpness. Many professionals still prefer the “Canon look” for skin tones and overall image warmth.
Proven Reliability: Canon’s L series lenses have been a go-to for professionals for decades and offer consistent optical performance.
2. Wide Range of Lenses
Extensive Lens Ecosystem: Canon’s L series, particularly for the EF mount, has a massive selection of lenses. From ultra-wide angles to super telephotos, Canon’s ecosystem is unmatched in terms of variety.
Niche Lenses: Canon offers several specialty lenses that Sony has yet to produce, such as tilt-shift lenses for architectural and landscape photography.
3. Mechanical Focusing
Tactile Focus Rings: Many photographers prefer the feel of Canon’s manual focusing system, which tends to be more precise and mechanical compared to Sony’s focus-by-wire system.
Photography Precision: For manual-focus-heavy genres like landscape or macro photography, Canon’s more traditional focusing mechanisms may offer better control.
4. Adaptability
Lens Adaptation: Canon L series lenses, especially the EF mount versions, can be easily adapted to a wide range of mirrorless systems (including Sony’s), giving them versatility beyond Canon's ecosystem.
5. Build Quality
Like Sony’s G Master, Canon L series lenses are built to last, with superior weather sealing and rugged designs for professional use in harsh environments.
Disadvantages of Canon L Series Lenses
1. Size and Weight
Bulky Designs: Canon L lenses, particularly the EF mount lenses designed for DSLR systems, are often heavier and bulkier than Sony’s G Master lenses, which can be cumbersome for handheld video work or travel photography.
RF Lenses Are Larger: While the RF mount lenses for mirrorless cameras offer improved performance, they tend to be larger and heavier compared to their EF counterparts and Sony lenses.
2. Autofocus for Video
AF Motors and Noise: Some Canon L lenses, especially older models, may have slower or noisier autofocus motors, which can be a disadvantage for video recording.
Autofocus Speed on Non-Canon Bodies: When adapted to non-Canon mirrorless bodies, autofocus performance may degrade, especially for fast-paced action shots or video.
3. Focus Breathing
Canon L lenses often exhibit more focus breathing than Sony’s GM lenses, which can be distracting during filming when changing focus distances.
4. Compatibility with Newer Systems
EF to RF Transition: While RF lenses are technologically advanced, Canon is shifting focus away from its EF line, which may leave DSLR users needing to switch to a mirrorless body to access future innovations.
Conclusion: Which Is Better for You?
For Filmmaking:
Sony G Master lenses may have the edge due to their compact design, better autofocus performance for video, and reduced focus breathing. The focus-by-wire system also favors videographers needing silent and smooth focusing.
However, Canon’s RF lenses, specifically for mirrorless, are catching up with impressive video-centric features.
For Photography:
Canon L series lenses, especially the EF and RF lines, offer a broader selection, excellent color rendering, and more tactile focus rings for manual work. Their ecosystem, including niche lenses, makes them highly versatile for various genres of photography.
Sony’s G Master lenses are superior if you need autofocus performance, compactness, and overall integration with mirrorless systems for fast-paced or travel-oriented photography.
Both brands are outstanding, so your choice will likely depend on your system (Sony mirrorless vs. Canon DSLR/mirrorless), specific lens needs, and preferences in terms of weight, autofocus, and manual focusing experience.