Sony SAL-50F18 50mm f/1.8 DT AF Lens for Alpha & Minolta Digital SLRs
- Price: $149.99
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Not compatible with 35mm or "full-frame" digital SLR cameras
At first glance the Sony SAL-50F18 50mm f/1.8 DT Autofocus Lens looks like a standard prime lens, but being a DT lens designed to cover Sony APS-C sized chips, it should correctly be perceived as a short telephoto lens. Its cost, design, and overall size all lead the tyro to comfortably accessorize their kit lens, and begin developing a library of optics for their camera.
Note! Not compatible with 35mm or "full-frame" digital SLR cameras
- This bright 50mm lens (75mm equivalent in full/frame 35mm format) is a short-telephoto focal length suitable for portraiture, low-light and candid imagemaking.
- Focusing down to an impressive minimum focusing distance of only 13.4" (34cm) is aided by the inclusion of Sony's Smooth Autofocus Motor (SAM) smoothly driving the lens system.
Go To
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length |
50 mm Comparable APS-C Focal Length: 75 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/1.8 Minimum: f/22 |
| Camera Mount Type | Sony Alpha, Minolta AF |
| Format Compatibility | DSLR (APS-C Sensor) |
| Angle of View | 32° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 1.12' (34 cm) |
| Magnification | 0.20x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:5 |
| Groups/Elements | 5/6 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 49 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 1.77 x 2.76" (4.50 x 7.01 cm) |
| Weight | 6.00 oz (170 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 96 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
99%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Lightweight (69)
- Easily interchangeable (52)
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (52)
- Consistent output (48)
- Nice bokeh (34)
Cons
- Slow focus (14)
- Weak casing (11)
- Plastic construction (3)
Best Uses
- Low light (63)
- Weddings (42)
- Night photography (37)
- Landscape/scenery (20)
- Portraits (13)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (45), Casual photographer (19), Semi-pro photographer (18), Pro photographer (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (46), Yes (6)
Most Liked Positive Review
Having Great Results With Lens
I bought this lens for use in concert photography and to avoid using the flash in order to get a more natural feel to my photographs. Thus far the lens has produced very sharp images...Read complete review
I bought this lens for use in concert photography and to avoid using the flash in order to get a more natural feel to my photographs. Thus far the lens has produced very sharp images in lowlight conditions and i have been very pleased. Didnt give it a 5 star rating because it does have a plastic mount but i dont foresee that being a problem. I would recommend this lens.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
One of my favorite lenses
Use for low light shots indoors. Also use for people pictures. After getting used to the lens, I can blur the background out by setting to f/1.8. Tried using outdoors, but lens...Read complete review
Use for low light shots indoors. Also use for people pictures. After getting used to the lens, I can blur the background out by setting to f/1.8. Tried using outdoors, but lens is not ideal for scenery: too narrow field of view. Also when outdoors and using a circular polarizer, the sun easily catches the filter and may ruin the shot. Needs a lens hood of some kind, one that will cover the filter. Another annoyance is that you must set the circular polarizer after focusing, since that part of the lens rotates when focusing.
Pictures are sharp and clear.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 96 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Consistent Output
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
- Weak Casing
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
Comments about Sony SAL-50F18 50mm f/1.8 DT AF Lens for Alpha & Minolta Digital SLRs:
I use this lens for indoor family "portrait" type shooting. The bokeh I can get makes for more effective shots, and it performs better in low-light than my previous lenses (lower end Tamron and Sony kit lens), which for someone who shoots principally handheld is a plus. A good, basic lens. Those with a bigger budget and a keener interest might do well with something higher-end, as build quality doesn't feel like it would stand up to heavy, aggressive use.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Blurry Focus
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony SAL-50F18 50mm f/1.8 DT AF Lens for Alpha & Minolta Digital SLRs:
This is my first prime lens. I purchased this because I need a little something more for flower/outdoor/macro nature shots. I've had it about a week and so far it's not disappointing at all. Winter really isn't the season for nature macros but it handles snow and the plethora of light nature has to offer during the day. My low-light evening shots were great too. I was blown away by the focus and the contrast this lens provides. I'm very happy with my purchase and look forward to using this lens heavily in the spring/summer months. I may be an amateur photographer but I've handled many lenses, this lens feels durable not plasticy.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Night Photography
Comments about Sony SAL-50F18 50mm f/1.8 DT AF Lens for Alpha & Minolta Digital SLRs:
My first lens other than the kit lenses that came with my Alpha 300. This lens is everything I had hoped it would be. Love the clarity and the ease at which it creates a blurred background (bokeh?).
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony SAL-50F18 50mm f/1.8 DT AF Lens for Alpha & Minolta Digital SLRs:
This is a great portrait lens. This lens is sharp as a tack and brought my A580 to life. It is much better than the kit lens that came with the camera. The price is very good also.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
- Video
Comments about Sony SAL-50F18 50mm f/1.8 DT AF Lens for Alpha & Minolta Digital SLRs:
This lens is perfect sharp with nice colors and contrast. Fast autofocus and much better than minilta 50mm 1.7 lens
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
Comments about Sony SAL-50F18 50mm f/1.8 DT AF Lens for Alpha & Minolta Digital SLRs:
Personal use.
Portraits look professional.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
Comments about Sony SAL-50F18 50mm f/1.8 DT AF Lens for Alpha & Minolta Digital SLRs:
The lens exceeded my expectations.
The only issue I have with the lens is now I want to buy a better quality zoom lens because I have seen how much difference a good lens can make.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony SAL-50F18 50mm f/1.8 DT AF Lens for Alpha & Minolta Digital SLRs:
Very fast and very sharp
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony SAL-50F18 50mm f/1.8 DT AF Lens for Alpha & Minolta Digital SLRs:
So far I have used this lens for senior portraits. I purchased it mainly to use for weddings. Takes wonderful pictures especially in low light situations. The only complaint I have is that it is a little slow to focus, otherwise I love it!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Night Photography
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony SAL-50F18 50mm f/1.8 DT AF Lens for Alpha & Minolta Digital SLRs:
could have a faster auto focus. but the lens it self is very fast amazing low light photos. regreting the 50mm choice instead of the 35mm prime but still happy.
works great for my weddings and events.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
Comments about Sony SAL-50F18 50mm f/1.8 DT AF Lens for Alpha & Minolta Digital SLRs:
Photo and Video
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony SAL-50F18 50mm f/1.8 DT AF Lens for Alpha & Minolta Digital SLRs:
I haven't had the opportunity to use this lens a great deal but what I have used it it has been great. Of course you are limited on your distance from your subject, it is a fixed lens, but it delivers in the low light and a fairly quick shutter speed.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
Cons
- Weak Casing
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Night Photography
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony SAL-50F18 50mm f/1.8 DT AF Lens for Alpha & Minolta Digital SLRs:
Excellent lens for those who want to shoot in the field of view near
the vision of him human. Clear lenses that allow amior photos with clarity.
Also great for the short exposure astrophotography. The price also
dnetro is the budget for the amateur photographer, professional or lover of great photographers.
I recommend.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony SAL-50F18 50mm f/1.8 DT AF Lens for Alpha & Minolta Digital SLRs:
Perfect for portraits
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Cost
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Image quality
- Lightweight
Cons
- Cheap Feel
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Night Photography
Comments about Sony SAL-50F18 50mm f/1.8 DT AF Lens for Alpha & Minolta Digital SLRs:
I needed something that could get good photos in low lighting conditions. Great for portraits and subjects indoors.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony SAL-50F18 50mm f/1.8 DT AF Lens for Alpha & Minolta Digital SLRs:
Family gatherings,share the moment photos.
Great subject image and back ground clearness
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Rugged
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Night Photography
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony SAL-50F18 50mm f/1.8 DT AF Lens for Alpha & Minolta Digital SLRs:
this lens is good for portrait if u need some group picture u need to take a distance in it,the quality is superb very crisp picture, the 1.8f is good at low light,
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony SAL-50F18 50mm f/1.8 DT AF Lens for Alpha & Minolta Digital SLRs:
Does what it's supposed to. No zoom. Auto focus is ok but SONY camera seems to get confused sometimes. I'm not sure if the lens has anything to do with it, it's the only one that I've used with my Sony A55.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
Comments about Sony SAL-50F18 50mm f/1.8 DT AF Lens for Alpha & Minolta Digital SLRs:
[@] as a fast lenses I have found many instances to use it.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony SAL-50F18 50mm f/1.8 DT AF Lens for Alpha & Minolta Digital SLRs:
It's a great prime lens that essentially does exactly what you need it to do. If you're going from a basic kit lens to a prime it will take a little getting used to and you'll have to move around a lot more but it's worth it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-20
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What's in the Box
- 1-Year Sony Limited Warranty
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