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Sony E 50mm f/1.8 OSS

$274.41

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Best portrait lens for Sony E mount

Grade (Out of ten)

8
Image Quality : 8
Performance : 8
Design : 8
Versatility : 7
Price : 9
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Description

You could plop a full frame lens on a Sony APS-C camera and get great results--after all, the crop sensor eliminates the most troublesome areas of the image. But, it's highly unlikely most will want to put a $2,000 lens on a $800 camera. The Sony E 50mm f/1.8 OSS is an affordable lens that still offers a wide aperture and decent image quality. Image stabilization is also included--which is rather rare on a lens at this focal length and price point. The wide aperture and focal length makes it an excellent option for portraits, but this lens is also good for low-light and street photography. The lens is easily portable, though the image stabilization makes it a bit larger than a lens without that feature.

While the lens scored a respectable 25 on the DxOMark tests, the sharpness is a bit lacking, even towards the center of the frame. Using a narrower aperture helps eliminate that, but negates some of the lens' benefits. The lens' low sharpness score is made up for a bit by minimal distortion and chromatic aberration. In short, this lens is a solid performer, but with a bit of softness at the wider apertures, it doesn't offer the same quality as Sony's pricier lenses.

Pros

  • Wide f/1.8 aperture
  • Affordable and portable
  • Image stabilization

Cons

  • Some softness
  • Image quality not as good as Sony's high-end lenses

  • Lens Specs:

    • Format : Sony E Mount (APS-C)
    • Focal Length : 50mm
    • Image Stabilization : Yes
    • Maximum Aperture : f/1.8
    • Autofocus : Yes, DC motor
    • Minimum Focus Distance : 1.28 ft.
    • Lens Elements : 8
    • Lens Groups : 7
    • Diaphragm Blades : 7
    • Coatings : N/A
    • Filter Size : 49
    • Dimensions : 2 1/2 x 2 1/2 in. (62 x 62mm)
    • Weight : 7.2 oz. (202g)
    • Other : N/A

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