Sony
Sony FE 50mm F1.8 Standard Lens Review
Reviewed by Lisa Park · Published
Discover the Sony FE 50mm F1.8 Standard Lens. Ideal for portraits, this compact lens delivers impressive image quality and beautiful bokeh.
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The verdict
The Sony FE 50mm F1.8 is a great investment for both novice and experienced photographers.
Why we recommend it
Large F1. 8 maximum aperture enables beautiful defocusing effects
7-blade circular aperture creates beautiful defocused bokeh
Compact, lightweight design Ideal for full-frame e-mount cameras
Aspherical element controls spherical aberration and coma
Double-gauss configuration suppresses field curvature & distortion
Pros
- Large F1.8 maximum aperture
- Lightweight and compact design
- Produces beautiful bokeh
- Versatile for various photography styles
- Sharp image quality with minimal distortion
Cons
- Mixed reviews on autofocus speed
- Some noise during autofocus
- Not ideal for fast-moving subjects
Gallery
Full review
Overview
The Sony FE 50mm F1.8 Standard Lens has quickly become a favorite among photography enthusiasts and professionals alike. Its combination of a bright maximum aperture and compact design makes it an excellent choice for a variety of photography styles, particularly portraiture. With an impressive rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars based on over 1,600 reviews, this lens has established itself as a reliable choice for those looking to enhance their photographic skills.
Key Features
One of the standout features of the Sony FE 50mm F1.8 is its large F1.8 maximum aperture. This allows photographers to achieve stunning depth of field effects, enabling beautiful defocusing in the background and drawing attention to the subject. The lens is equipped with a 7-blade circular aperture, which further enhances the bokeh quality, making it ideal for portrait photography where the subject needs to stand out against a soft, blurred background.
Another key feature of this lens is its lightweight and compact design. Weighing in at just 186 grams, it is easy to carry around, making it a great option for travel photographers or anyone who prefers a lightweight kit. Designed for full-frame E-mount cameras, this lens is versatile enough to be used for landscape, street, and even macro photography, expanding its usability beyond just portraits.
The lens also incorporates an aspherical element that helps to control spherical aberration and coma, ensuring that images are sharp and clear from edge to edge. Additionally, its double-gauss configuration effectively suppresses field curvature and distortion, which is crucial for maintaining image quality across different shooting scenarios.
Who Is It For
The Sony FE 50mm F1.8 lens is perfect for a wide range of photographers, from beginners to seasoned professionals. For those just starting, the lens offers an affordable entry point into high-quality photography without sacrificing performance. Its ease of use allows newcomers to experiment with shallow depth of field and artistic compositions, helping them to develop their skills quickly.
For more experienced photographers, this lens serves as a reliable tool for capturing sharp images with beautiful bokeh. Whether you're shooting portraits, street scenes, or details of everyday life, the versatility of the 50mm focal length makes it a valuable addition to any camera bag. It’s particularly favored by portrait photographers who appreciate the lens’s ability to create stunning, professional-quality images.
However, it’s essential to note that while many users praise the autofocus capabilities, there are mixed reviews regarding its performance in this area. Some users have reported quick and accurate autofocus, while others have experienced challenges with noise and occasional lag in focusing. Thus, those who require lightning-fast autofocus for action shots might want to consider this aspect before making a decision.
Final Verdict
Overall, the Sony FE 50mm F1.8 Standard Lens is a remarkable tool for anyone serious about photography. Its impressive image quality, lightweight design, and versatility make it an excellent investment, particularly for portrait photographers. While the autofocus performance may vary among users, the lens’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, making it a must-have for those looking to elevate their photography.
In conclusion, if you are in the market for a dependable lens that can deliver professional results without breaking the bank, the Sony FE 50mm F1.8 is an option worth considering.
Specifications
| Focal Length Description | 50mm |
|---|---|
| Lens | Standard |
| Compatible Camera Mount | Sony E |
| Maximum Focal Length | 50 millimeters |
| Minimum Focal Length | 50 millimeters |
| Lens Design | Fixed |
| Focus Type | Auto Focus |
| Lens Fixed Focal Length | 50 millimeters |
| Lens Coating Description | Nano AR Coating |
| Zoom Ratio | 0.14x / 1:7.1 |
| Image stabilization | No image stabilization |
| Real Angle Of View | 39.6 degrees |
| Maximum Aperture | 1.8 f_stop |
| Minimum Aperture | 22 |
| Number of Diaphragm Blades | 7 |
| Compatible Camera Models | All Sony E-mount camera models |
| Lens Mount | Sony E |
| Color | Black |
| Compatible Devices | ILCE-6600/ILCE-6100/ILCE-7RM4/ILCE-6400/ILCE-6400L/ILCE-6400M/ILCE-7M3/ILCE-7M3K/ILCE-7RM3/ILCE-9/ILCE-6500/ILCE-6500M/ILCE-6300/ILCE-6300L/ILCE-6300M/ILCE-7SM2/ILCE-7RM2/ILCE-5100/ILCE-5100L/ILCE-5100Y/ILCE-7M2/ILCE-7M2K/ILCE-7S/ILCE-6000/ILCE-6000L/ILCE-6000Y/ILCE-3500J/ILCE-5000L/ILCE-5000Y/ILCE-3000K/ILCE-7/ILCE-7K/ILCE-7R/NEX-5T/NEX-5TL/NEX-3NL/NEX-5R/NEX-6/NEX-F3K/NEX-5N/NEX-5NK/NEX-7/NEX-7K/NEX-C3K/NEX-3A/NEX-5A |
| Exposure Control Type | Automatic |
| Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/250 seconds |
| Media Type | ProductImage |
| Shooting Modes | Portrait |
| Viewfinder Type | Electronic viewfinder |
| Water Resistance Level | Not Water Resistant |
| Video Capture Format | MP4 |
| Video Capture Resolution | 1080p |
| Brand | Sony |
| Camera Lens | 7 |
| Model Name | SEL50F18F/2 |
| Number of Packs | 1 |
| UPC | 027242918030 |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Manufacturer Part Number | SEL50F18F/2 |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00027242918030 |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Built-In Media | Lens |
| Item Weight | 6.6 ounces |
| Manufacturer | SONY |
| Warranty Description | 1 year |
| Model Number | SEL50F18F/2 |
| Best Sellers Rank | #4 in SLR Camera Lenses |
| ASIN | B07XBX32GR |
| Customer Reviews | 4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars (1,606) 4.7 out of 5 stars |
What buyers say
4.8 · 5 reviews“I was "concerned" when the box arrived with a badly "dented" side. Fortunately, the lens was still in its own protective box with minimal padding to keep it from shiftingBut let's focus on the lens itself. This is a beautiful piece of equipment. Exceptionally light, the fixed zoom offers crystal clear viewing and focused quickly. Being used to adjustable lens I had to fight my reflexes to attempt to zoom in.I plan to update this review once I take it out on a serious photo run, but in early results appear promising as sharp focus, fantastic speed and very light.”
“I use this lens on my Sony A7 III, and it’s been a great addition to my camera bag. I was previously using a larger lens for portraits, which meant I had to stand much farther away from my subjects. The 50mm focal length feels much more natural and lets me shoot at a comfortable distance. The images are sharp, the background blur is beautiful, and it performs especially well for portraits. It’s also lightweight, making it easy to carry for longer sessions. If you own an A7 III and are looking for an affordable portrait lens, I highly recommend this one.”
“Love this lens for portraits, very clear and fast focus, colors are vibrant! You can't go wrong for the price.”
“This lens is the standard for quality, affordability and your intro to professional lenses. It is a well rounded lens that gets a lot of the job done with out needing to change lenses. The color is stunning and at 1.8 you get incredible sharpness and clarity for the picture.The body is a little “too plastic” for what I would expect from Sony but it is their intro to FE and professional lenses. But the value to quality ratio is much higher than anticipated. I use the Sony A7iv and definitely see this lens being my work horse”
“So many know this is a very inexpensive nifty fifty and those who have it also know it is a pretty awesome lens, even though it is all plastic and not very robust. The only complaint I have is there is no MF/AF switch on the side like most of he other lenses, even the less expensive ones. This is not a big issue though because I have a custom button dedicated on my camera to switch from manual to AF so not a big deal but for those who would rather save their custom buttons for other things it is kind of a little bit frustrating. With that said, no other complaints. The image quality, color, vignette, chromatic aberration, lens flare, and distortions are all well controlled for such an inexpensive lens. The most impressive attribute is the autofocus. Super fast and accurate. It is not an all weather lens though so I will not use it in the rain, but that is normal for inexpensive lenses. If you absolutely need a 50mm with good weather seals you need to step up to the 1.4 version or go with a third party lens, which is substantially more expensive. Even good third party 50mm f1.4s are pretty pricy but for some it is worth it for the type of work they do (weddings/landscapes). Of course if you are a full time photographer and get paid for what you do, you will want the best glass anyway and it is part of your business model.”
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sony FE 50mm F1.8 lens good for beginners?+
Yes, the Sony FE 50mm F1.8 lens is an excellent choice for beginners due to its ease of use and affordable price.
Can I use this lens for video recording?+
Yes, many users have successfully used the Sony FE 50mm F1.8 for video recording, especially for interviews and cinematic shots.
What type of photography is this lens best for?+
This lens is particularly well-suited for portrait photography, but it can also be used for landscapes and street photography.
Does this lens come with a lens hood?+
No, the Sony FE 50mm F1.8 lens does not come with a lens hood, but one can be purchased separately for better flare control.
How does the autofocus perform in low light?+
The autofocus can be slower in low light conditions, so it's recommended to use manual focus if you're shooting in dimly lit environments.
About the reviewer
Lisa Park
Photography Editor
Lisa shoots professionally and reviews camera gear for beginners and enthusiasts alike.
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