Sony FE 50mm F1.8 Review: Compact Lens for Great Bokeh

The Sony FE 50mm F1.8 lens is a pretty popular choice among photographers, especially for those who are into portrait shooting. It's the kind of lens you might consider if you're looking to get good bokeh without breaking the bank. I decided to test it for a couple of weeks to see if it really holds up to the hype.

What first caught my eye was the price. At around $250, it's one of the more affordable lenses in Sony's full-frame lineup. That said, I was curious to see if the price point meant any serious compromises in quality or performance.

Out of the box, the lens strikes a balance between compactness and functionality. It's lightweight, which makes it easy to carry around for long shoots. But does lightweight mean it’s flimsy? That’s what I wanted to find out.

Over the next few sections, I'll break down every aspect of this lens, from its design and materials to its performance and value for money. Whether you're a beginner or looking to expand your kit, this review should give you a good idea of what to expect.

One of the key reasons people opt for the Sony FE 50mm F1.8 is its price. At around $250, it's a budget-friendly option for those who want to venture into full-frame photography without spending too much. But is the value really there?

In terms of features, the lens offers a lot for its price. The F1.8 aperture is great for low-light situations and achieving the desired bokeh effect. However, compared to higher-end lenses, it does have its limitations, particularly in terms of build quality and edge sharpness.

That said, it's a good starter lens if you're just getting into photography or if you need a lightweight option for travel. It's also great for hobbyists who don't want to invest heavily but still want to produce quality work.

Overall, the lens offers good value for money, especially for those who understand its limitations and are okay with them. If you're looking for a professional-grade lens, this might not be it. But for everyday use, it's pretty decent.

The Sony FE 50mm F1.8 has a rather simple design, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. It’s straightforward and minimal, which some users might appreciate. Weighing just 6.6 ounces, it's quite light, and that makes it a good option for people who shoot handheld for extended periods.

The lens is mostly made of plastic, which contributes to its lightweight nature. However, this also means it may not feel as premium as some of the more expensive lenses in the market. I have to admit, the plastic construction worried me a bit about its durability in the long run.

On the plus side, the lens has a metal mount, which gives it a more solid connection to the camera body. This is a nice touch, given that some budget lenses opt for plastic mounts. The focus ring is easy to grip, but I did find it a bit too loose for my liking.

Overall, the design is functional. It might not win any beauty contests, but it’s a practical choice for those who prioritize ease of use and portability over aesthetic appeal.

When it comes to performance, the Sony FE 50mm F1.8 is kind of a mixed bag. The main selling point of this lens is its ability to produce nice bokeh, thanks to the F1.8 aperture. And it does deliver on that front. The background blur is pretty solid, making it a decent choice for portrait photography.

In terms of sharpness, the lens performs well, but it's not flawless. The center sharpness is good, but it drops off a bit around the edges, especially when shooting wide open. This might not be a dealbreaker for everyone, but it's worth considering if you’re a pixel peeper.

The autofocus system is relatively quick, but it can be a bit noisy. This might not matter in still photography, but if you're planning on using it for video, the noise could be an issue. I found that the lens struggles a bit in low light, which is something to keep in mind if you often shoot in dim conditions.

In summary, the lens gets the job done for most casual shooting scenarios. It's not the best in class, but for its price point, it offers decent performance.