A normal-length prime with close-focusing capabilities, the FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro Lens from Sony offers a useful mixture of a high 1:1 maximum magnification along with a relatively broad field of view to suit photographing general subjects and achieving a greater depth of field. It's a versatile normal prime that does double duty as both a specialized macro optic and a flexible prime for portraiture or other distant subjects.
A normal-length prime with close-focusing capabilities, the FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro Lens from Sony offers a useful mixture of a high 1:1 maximum magnification along with a relatively broad field of view to suit photographing general subjects and achieving a greater depth of field. It's a versatile normal prime that does double duty as both a specialized macro optic and a flexible prime for portraiture or other distant subjects.
1:1 Macro and Focusing Control
True macro design affords a life-size, 1:1 magnification ratio along with a 6.3" minimum focusing distance for working with close-up subjects.
Focusing distance and magnification scale is printed on the top of the lens to aid in more technical applications.
Focus range limiter switch allows you constrain the usable focus range between 6.3-11.8", 11.8"-infinity, or full, and a focus hold button is also featured to manually stop the autofocus at a specified point.
Optics and Physical Design
One extra-low dispersion element is featured in the lens design and helps to reduce chromatic aberrations and color fringing for improved clarity and color neutrality.
One aspherical element is incorporated in the lens design to reduce astigmatism, field curvature, coma, and other monochromatic aberrations.
Rounded seven-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing bokeh quality when employing selective focus techniques.
Maximum f/2.8 aperture suits working in available lighting and also contributes to a compact, lightweight design measuring just 2.8" long and weighing about 8 oz.
Dust- and moisture-sealed design better permits working in inclement conditions and rubberized control rings benefit handling in colder temperatures.
UPC: 027242902558
Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro Specs
Color
Black
Focal Length
50mm
Aperture
Maximum: f/2.8 Minimum: f/16
Lens Mount
Sony E
Lens Format Coverage
Full-Frame
Angle of View
47°
Minimum Focus Distance
6.3" / 16 cm
Magnification
1:1 Macro Reproduction Ratio 1x Magnification
Optical Design
8 Elements in 7 Groups
Aperture/Iris Blades
7
Focus Type
Autofocus
Image Stabilization
No
Filter Size
55 mm (Front)
Dimensions
ø: 2.79 x L: 2.8" / ø: 70.8 x L: 71 mm
Weight
8.32 oz / 236 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
0.85 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
4.8 x 4.1 x 3.4"
Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro Reviews
Not quite a general purpose 50mm. Still versatile
By JML
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2025-01-19
This is a macro lens, but it also works well for a lot of general purpose duties. It won't be a true general purpose - the autofocus is slower than I'd want for any subjects in motion, I assume because that's a feature for macro work though. I've loved results I've gotten with any still work ranging from photo reproduction to starry night shots.
I saw a review somewhere that said this doesn't have manual focus - it does. I found myself getting fooled by the visual behavior on manual though when taking up close shots with a big aperture - it feels more like zooming than focusing to me because the distance effect is so apparent. I assume that other reviewer must not have realized what was happening.
I've noticed bokeh tends to have a noticeable horizontal bias up close - not sure yet if that's the lens or the types of shots I've trying out.
Stunning clarity
By Peter
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2024-05-03
Excellent images from this lens
See any errors on this page?
How does this compare to sigma 70mm f2.8 macro ...
How does this compare to sigma 70mm f2.8 macro lens for video? i like af but can shoot in manual focus as well. i am looking for pro quality.
Asked by: Jagmeet
This compares very well to the Sigma 70mm F/2.8. It is a bit wider at 50mm compared to 70mm. The AF will work great for video with this lens on Sony E-Mount cameras.
Answered by: Joe P
Date published: 2019-04-14
Can I turn off auto focus and use only manual ...
Can I turn off auto focus and use only manual focus on this lens?
Asked by: Zaixian
The Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro Lens has an AF/ MF switch. Set the switch to MF for manual focus.
Answered by: Lawrence C
Date published: 2023-10-25
question
Is there a lens hood that can be used with this lens? I notice there is a inner and outer set of threads on the front of the lens. What is the diameter of the outer threads?
Asked by: John R.
The link provided above is not for a lens hood. Is there a correct link?
Answered by: Nate
Date published: 2021-05-27
Does this lens work right wit extension tubes?
Does this lens work right wit extension tubes?
Asked by: Tito
From our experience, the Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro lens works as expected with most third-party extension tubes. Depending on the firmware + hardware combination, several base functions might have their speed and reliability affected.
Answered by: Jeremy
Date published: 2021-10-17
question
Does this lens come with a case like the FE 55 1.8 Sonnar ?Can this lense be used as a portraiture lense also ?
Asked by: Anonymous
It does not look as though the Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro Lens comes with a lens case. You could use it for a portrait lens as well as a macro lens, yes. Though, if you are shooting full frame, Id likely look at something a bit more telephoto, but a 50mm lens is still useable for portraits.
Answered by: Christina S.
Date published: 2018-08-27
question
When used with an APS-C camera (e.g., a6300 or a6000), this lens becomes a 75mm focal length equivalent. Is there any change to the macro properties if the lens is used with an APS-C sensor? Does it still provide 1:1 macro? (Thank-you)
Asked by: Richard L.
The lens' minimum focus distance and the reproduction ratio does not change when using the Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro Lens on a Sony E-mount mirrorless digital camera which uses the APS-C sensor. The lens would continue to have its 1:1 magnification ratio and would have a minimum focus distance of 6.30 (16 cm). The lens' actual focal distance also remains the same, as the focal length of the lens is a physical measurement from the center nodal point of the lens to the sensor.The only difference is the lens' EQUIVALENT focal length. As you are using a smaller sensor, the sensor sees a smaller section of the lens' imaging circle; as such, you are seeing a cropped view. The size difference in the sensors requires a 1.5x multiplication to find the lens' equivalent focal length when compared to the same lens on a full-frame camera. As 50mm x 1.5 = 75mm, the angle of view of the lens would be similar to that of a 75mm lens used on a full frame camera. But you still retain the 1:1 magnification ratio and minimum focusing distance.
Answered by: Manzell L.
Date published: 2024-01-06
Does this work with the a6400?
Does this work with the a6400?
Asked by: Jared
Yes but will have a focal length close to 75mm
Answered by: Sunny
Date published: 2021-11-04
What is the weight of this lens?
What is the weight of this lens?
Asked by: Willi
Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro Lens weights 8.32oz/ 236g.
