Sony AF DT 50 F1.8 SAM  reviews

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: jazzpirate   review date: August-30-10  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Sony 18-70mm f3.5-5.6

price paid:

120 CAD

positive:

Sharp
CHEAP
Beautiful Bokeh

negative:

toy-like build
loud
kinda slow AF

comment:

This was my first step towards taking photography seriously. I thought I was all serious just getting a DSLR in the first place, but MAN, Prime lenses.. serious business. I find myself getting into weirder positions all the time so I can use this lens instead of just busting out something with a more appropriate range like my 18-70 or 75-300. Absolutely the cheapest and best introduction to glass addiction. :D I spend like, half an hour every day rummaging Craigslist and Kijiji for anything with an f2.0 or wider.

Also, becomes entirely MF on Film cameras, at least it does with my Minolta Maxxum 3xi. Probably due to the silly SAM. I don't really see any advantage to the SAM. its just as loud and slow as any of my other lenses.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 3 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Grodan74   review date: July-29-10  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Samyang 85/1.4
Sony DT 18-70
Minolta 28-85

price paid:

1000 Sek

positive:

IQ
f1.8

negative:

Build!

comment:

I found this on sale, a really nice purchase for only 1000 sek (about 100 £). It's on my a300 most of the time, it is very light and small.

Very good IQ, at f1.8 it is good, at f2.8 it is very sharp, at f4 it is supersharp. But I use mostly at f1.8, the pictures come out very nice with nice colours.

Pretty strong light-fall-off in the corners at f1.8, sometimes a problem but mostly not

SAM works ok, but not more. Don't know if screwdrive would have been faster, but I belive it would have been quieter. SAM is horribly loud when the lens hunts, otherwise it is ok.

The build is awful, the pictures is the only reason for owning this lens, and the pictures are great, so buy it ;)

sharpness: 4 

color: 4 

build: 2 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: petaar   review date: July-28-10  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Sony 18-70 kit, 85mm f1.4 Samyang

price paid:

139 EUR (new)

positive:

Very fast, good IQ, cheap, light.

negative:

All plastic body and mount, SAM.

comment:

Excellent performer for the given price. I'm surprised with good image quality. I only worry that the plastic body (and mount) will be able to endure everyday wear and tear. Regarding the Smooth Auto Focus (SAM) - I find it obsolete in this class of lenses. Works same as screw driven autofocus (on my a200), and only complicates the build lens - one more thing to get broken.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: Stever   review date: July-27-10  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 50/1.7

price paid:

$125 USD new

positive:

Cheap
Lightweight
Decent IQ

negative:

SAM
Plastic
No hood

comment:

Picked this lens up when Sony had them on sale for $125 intending to resell it, but ultimately decided to keep it and sell my Mino 50/1.7 instead. The IQ of the Sony is just slightly better than the Minolta. Although the Minolta is built better, the Sony makes up with its weight. It barely weighs anything! Because it's so light, I'm fairly certain it could survive falls that would cripple the Minolta. The lack of a hood leads to some flare, but the coatings help quite a bit. Also, I'm not a fan of the SAM, which is loud and rather slow, though maybe it's just my copy.
All in all, this lens is a great value, offering decent IQ for a very appealing price.

sharpness: 5 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 5 

user: dca1213   review date: July-22-10  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Min 50 1.7

price paid:

150 USD

positive:

Sharp
Light Weight
Fast

negative:

Plastic Mount
Nothing else.

comment:

This is a wonderful lens, a little soft wide open but very sharp from f2.8 up about the same as the Minolta.

I like the SAM, mine is quiet. All things considered this lens is a no brainer for APS-C users, it's sharp and fast and when compared to the Minolta 1.7 it's new!

sharpness: 4 

color: 4 

build: 3 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: Tomodo   review date: June-11-10  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 50mm 1.4
CZ 85mm & 24-70

price paid:

£135

positive:

Good IQ for price
Small and light
Good size manual focus ring

negative:

Plastic build
SAM offers little advantage

comment:

Unfortunately my Minolta 50mm 1.4 got damaged and I had little money for a replacement. Looking at reviews here and on other sites I went for this lens.

*Update* Now used this lens a fair amount - I'm not relying on a 50mm as much as I used to, but being so small and light I always carry it in case I need it. So far I've been very impressed with the quality, even wider open.

Another advantage is when used for video on my Panasonic GH1, its very light and the manual focus ring is bigger and smoother than the Minolta.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 3 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Minolta_Master   review date: June-01-10  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

price paid:

125 USD (new)

positive:

Price
Weight
Optics
Colors
SAM
Brokeh
Wide Aperture
DOF

negative:

Plastic Mount
SAM
Lack of Metal
Lack of Hood

comment:

A 1.8 50mm @ 125 bucks? What a bargain. Plus giving it new life as a 75mm on my A700. I use it all the time. Such a fast lens. Love how narrow I can get the depth of field. It sharp through the whole range. SAM has it's goods and bads. Fast auto focusing on my A700 but very loud. Plus I like it has a distance scale on it. Unlike my other SAM lens. The all plastic construction is OK. Makes it very light weight. But, what do you expect from a 125 buck lens. I still wish it had a metal mount. Doesn't come with a lens hood. Not like it needs it. It controls flare very well. I guess it's cause the lens is recessed. I like it.

Overall a great fast 50 at a cheap price. Get this lens.

sharpness: 4 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: paso144   review date: May-25-10  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

50 F/1.4 & F/1.7

positive:

New with warranty.
Latest lens coatings (no flare).

negative:

SAM (why the heck is this in?)
Build less then the metal versions.

comment:

Since my sister in law owns one I had it on my camera for a short comparison session with my own F/1.7 from the beercan series. The sharpness is on par with the 1.7 and maybe a tad better. The IQ is more neutral and lacks the specific Minolta color touch (whatever has your preference). Build quality is quite OK only the plastic mount is a bit disappointing for the sense of quality. And why incorperate SAM in such a light portrait kin of lens? To my opinion the screw drive is as fast and SAM only makes this lens more complicated and prone to break down.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 3 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Niethan   review date: May-21-10  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 50/1.7

positive:

Sharp
Cheap

negative:

Toy-like build
Plastic mount
SAM is noisier that it should be
No hood(but probably would have used rubber hood anyway)

comment:

I think this lens is a solid replacement for the old 50/1.7. I bought it with this purpose in mind and after a few days of changing my mind i decided to keep the Sony. My main issue with the lens is it's build quality.Compared with the '85 generation on Minolta glass(i have/had quite a few of those) this one feels like a toy and sometimes i feel like i'll break it if i'm rough with it... though the larger focus ring is a big plus compared to the one on the Minolta

As IQ goes it's almost the same as the old 50/1.7 from f4 onwards but it's clearly better between f2-f4. It's shorter MFD compared to the old Minolta is a plus indoors...so if you need something that fits this description i'd go for the Sony. Outdoors i haven't noticed flare or ghosting even without hood. No real IQ difference compared to old Minolta

Conclusion:...if i need a 50 would i buy it? ...YES. If i already have an old 50/1.7? ... YES...BUT only if you really need the better f2-f4 performance and can live with the cheaper build quality

sharpness: 5 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: dpcassil   review date: April-28-10  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

KIT LENS

price paid:

150 NEW

positive:

GREAT FOR THE PRICE.

negative:

comment:

This is really a must have lens. Well at least this or its 1.4 big brother. most reviews will agree that the difference for the price makes the 1.4 a questionalbe upgrade. I dont really care for the look of the lens but that doesnt matter much, and once i start looking at the photos i have taken i am always impressed if not blown away.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: gdkalyanapu   review date: April-10-10  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 50 f/1.7
CZ 16-80 f 3.5-4.5

price paid:

positive:

Sharp,
Usable from f/.8
Tough competition to Minolta 1.7/50

negative:

SAM is a pain
Plastic Mount
Cheap build than the competition
AF/MF switch

comment:

I love this lens. Never regretted my purchase. It's cheap and gr8 IQ. Many a times, i wished that there was no SAM. The AF is just fine. It handles flare, ghosting better than Minolta 50 f/1.7. I wish the mount could be made with metal.

sharpness: 5 

color: 4 

build: 2 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: godsakes   review date: April-07-10  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

minolta 1.4

positive:

sharp
cheap

negative:

naff build quality
APS-C

comment:

not a full review just a quick instore test which showed it was able to match the sharpness of my minolta 1.4, so for the money very good.

The SAM motor seemed pleasant perhaps marginally more responsive than the body motor but probably one more thing to breakdown in the future.

The 2 bad points of this lens is the build quality is naff and it's only a APS-C lens. If you're not concerned about future compatability i'd say this represents a better buy than the minolta f1.7 due to the extra sharpness

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: tranq   review date: March-16-10  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

SAL 18-70
Industar 61
Helios 44K-4

price paid:

200 USD (new)

positive:

sharp, bokeh, colours, lightweight

negative:

I did not notice

comment:

It is really great for portraits.
I' still in euphoria, that i can again take pictures with sharpness, colours etc. which I have got used with my old russian lenses.
Light vigneting wide open mentioned in user manual is very weak and gives pictures pleasant artistic look.
PS i was afraid of plastic mount, but now i see it's not a problem.

sharpness: 4 

color: 3 

build: 3 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: madecov   review date: March-15-10  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 50mm f1.7

price paid:

120 USD used

positive:

Light weight, small, sharp, good color, fast focus

negative:

Plastic lens mount, DMF will not work on A-700. No included hood.

comment:

Nice little lens, fast focusing on the A-700 and seems to lock without problems. Images are nice and sharp if stopped down a bit. Reasonably high speed with good images wide open.

I'll still keep my Mino f1.7 but I will probably use the DT version more

Update:::::
After playing with this lens for a little while I have to say I like the Minolta f1.7 better. The Minolta seems to have better color and contrast. The Bokeh is better on the Sony but overall I like the Minolta better (could just be my copy)

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: warriors.photo   review date: March-12-10  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 50mm f/1.7

positive:

Sharp, color, light weight, small, bokeh, SAM.

negative:

comment:

I really, really like this lens. It is a bargain at 199 from Sony. I would recommend it over the Minolta f/1.7. Its faster, smoother, and has the af/mf switch on the lens. So, you can go to manual focus on the lens if you should choose.
The lens has the exact same body as the 30 Macro. These lens has a dust shield design in the back which helps prevent dust from getting to your sensor as your focusing.
It takes a 49mm filter so, its a super small lens. The plastic body doesn't bother me at all. It someone wants an all metal lens then look at the 50mm f/1.4. The color rendition is very nice. When using this lens I don't have to post process as much as my old 18-55mm or the 55-200mm. I haven't really experienced any flare issues with this lens, or color distortion. I have shoot directly into sunlight and its very well controlled.
All around this lens will not disappoint. My .02 on this lens.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: bigsi   review date: February-28-10  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

sony 18-70 kit
Tamron 70-300

price paid:

L119(inc cashback)

positive:

IQ
Ease of use
value

negative:

none really for the price

comment:

over the moon with this lens, rarely taken it off since bought, as its such a joy to use.

I'd rather use this than the 18-70 kit 99% of the time, the IQ is that much better, you don't mind having to use your feet and thinking a bit more.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: ianb   review date: February-10-10  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

price paid:

L125

positive:

Very Compact
Sharp & Fast
Good Flare control

negative:

comment:

Very compact and inexpensive little lens. Very pleased with the way it works in low light, and it is very sharp when from almost wide open, sharper than I expected for the money.

Perhaps the only negative is that it looks Tiny on the A700!

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 5 

user: ciupo35   review date: February-02-10  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

price paid:

190 USD (new)

positive:

pleasant bokeh,
excellent flare control,
small focusing distance,
lightweight,
cheap

negative:

lack of DOF scale,
noisy during AF hunting

comment:

I decided to buy this lens instead of MAF 50/1.7 (old build, not round aperture) or MAF/Sony 50/1.4 (too expensive for APS-C usage only). I think it is very good choice as APS-C portrait lens. It is also useful in small distance shooting (not 'real' macro, but some details with 1:5 scale). SAM motor is noisy in case of problems/hunting. In 'typical' situations it is quite fast. I recommend this lens to APS-C users.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: Aries22   review date: January-24-10  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Sony 18-70

positive:

Sharp, colourful, nice bokeh on 1.8, not expensive, well done

negative:

On 1.8 aperture the image is not lit evently, centre is a little bit lighter than borders, but if you close ap. up to 2.5-3.0, the image will be lit evently everywhere

comment:

I have bought this lens in Moscow for 5680RUR (190$). I think this is the best fix lens for this price, and much better than minolta 50/1.7, because perfect sharpness starts at 1.8 on sony!

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 5 

user: jvsanchez   review date: January-02-10  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 50mm f/1.7

price paid:

149.99 (new)

positive:

lightweight
larger focus ring than Minolta 50 1.7
SAM - i think it's a benefit
Great color
deeply recessed front element helps prevent flare
truly circular aperture
closer MFD than the 50 1.7

negative:

no hood
no DOF scale

comment:

I got this lens as a christmas gift.

before this lens i had the Minolta 50mm f/1.7.

First, comparing the two lenses off the camera body, the sony has a nearly perfectly circular aperture wide open, whereas the minolta version has a slightly heptagonal aperture wide open. The Minolta version has a metal mount, and barrel while the sony has a plastic mount and barrel. This may seem like a negative thing to some users but i feel that for this price point and weight a plastic build and mount are acceptable. it certainly doesn't feel like the lens is going to fall apart, and it isn't rickety at all. The focus ring on the sony is more than twice as wide as the minolta 50, and it's MUCH easier to hold and turn than the minolta 50. the sony also has a AF/MF switch on the barrel, because it's a SAM lens.

NOTE: a lot of users complain that to switch to MF from AF, you have to move the switch on the lens AND the one on the camera body. This is not the case. Simply switch to MF using the switch on the barrel, leave the camera body switch at AF, and you'll be able to use MF without the extra step of switching the camera body's switch.

The SAM, or Smooth Autofocus Motor, is, i think, similar to the Canon ultrasonic micro motor (as opposed to the ring type USM). it's not a whole lot quieter than the in-body motor, but it is somewhat faster, and it seems to lock focus quicker as well.

On a side note, i compared the rear element sizes of the two lenses, and they appear to be exactly the same, even though the sony is a DT and the minolta is a FF lens. perhaps the Sony 50 can be used on a FF camera?

The Sony produced fantastic, accurate colors in the photos i took, and was razor sharp at f/2.8 (at least my copy seems to be). IMO, the sony produces sharper, crisper pictures than the minolta.

I cautiously rate the lens a 5/5 on flare control, because i used it today in some heavy back lighting and strong sun, and saw no flare. However, it has no hood, and it may (and probably would) flare in more direct sunlight. The front element on the sony is a little smaller and more deeply recessed than the minolta, but the minolta at least has some excuse for a hood.

All in all, i think that for 149.99 this lens is a steal, and if you're looking for a 50mm for a sony or minolta APS-C body (but maybe FF??) this lens easily rivals the minolta, and is a sure staple in my camera bag. Check it out!

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 4 

build: 3 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: Alanbrowne   review date: December-19-09  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

positive:

Real cheap - I borrowed it.

negative:

Not full frame

comment:

I find it entirely laughable that only one of the prior "reviewers" noted that this lens is not full frame.

And one "reviewer" compared it to be "as sharp as the 50 f/1.4 at half the price" - while of course neglecting that this lens is not full frame.

Most posted reviews (for all lenses) are more "gush fest" than objective, IMO.

sharpness: 4 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 2 

user: dave111   review date: December-16-09  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

positive:

negative:

comment:

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: use_ran86   review date: November-26-09  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

sony 18-70
sony 18-55
minolta 35-70 f4

price paid:

NZD 300 (new)

positive:

Very sharp
nice color
fast af
work well in low light

negative:

comment:

This is the sharpest lens i have. if you are so interested in portrait photography.. don't hesitate to get one. you'll never disappointed. i think it is better than the previous minolta 50 f1.7 but i never really compare those two.

however, i think it is not quite suitable for general purposes especially for aps-c user.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: icemantx   review date: November-24-09  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Tamron 17-50
Sony 70-300G
Minolta 50mm f1.7

price paid:

149 USD (New)

positive:

Lightweight
Quick Focusing
Sharp Photos even wide open

negative:

Plastic Mount
SAM Motor is a bit noisy
Build is a bit on the cheap side

comment:

For the price, this is an excellent lens. The build is not the best, but what do you expect for $149? The optical quality has been excellent and so far no complaints. Compared to my Tamron, at 2.8 the Tamron is softer than the 50mm (granted this is stopped down from wide open).

Even wide open the Sony is sharp. The build quality is behind the Minolta predecessors, but you cannot buy them new and this lens in my view is sharper. The Minolta 50mm f1.7 is a fine lens, but I prefer the Sony.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: koprivakopriva   review date: November-24-09  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Sigma 24-70 2.8
Tamron 28-75 2.8
Sigma 70-200 2.8
Zeiss 135 1.8

price paid:

$150USD + tax

positive:

-Sharp
-Fast
-Light
-FUN!!
-Attractive build, very sleek-looking lens
-SAM isn't SSM, but you should know that already. The AF is fine by me (accurate and quick)

negative:

-AF/MF switch can be annoying
-No hood, though I've never noticed flare once
-Having a CZ135 has spoiled me. Contrast from the 50 can't touch the zeiss, but for 1/10th of the price im okay with it. Contrast stopped down even just to f2 is very nice. (1.8 isn't bad either, just not CZ level)

comment:

I gave sharpness and color a step down because it could use slightly better contrast wide open, though in all honesty I did it to be a little objective and to not be one of those reviewers who just gives everything 5's all the time haha.

I really enjoy this lens. It's light and small enough to fit in the very very bottom of my bag in a tiny little compartment, it's sharp, fast, fun, AF's well, doesn't flare, and it was CHHHEEAAP!! If you've got an APS-C and you don't foresee moving up any time soon (looove the a700) then there's really no reason NOT to have one of these. Well, except if you get the SAL50f14, but for 1/2 the price I think that the SAL50f18 is a better buy.

Sometimes I still get surprised that the lens is plastic in build. I pull it out of my bag and say to myself, "Wow, it has a plastic mount." I then attach it to my camera and shoot awesome pictures with it. AKA, plastic build is a complete non-issue.

VERY SATISFIED CUSTOMER (samples coming soon)

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Pirate   review date: November-24-09  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta AF 50mm f/1.7
SAL 18-50mm

price paid:

L95.00 (used)

positive:

Weight
Build
Quick AF
Price

negative:

SAM motor noise
Plastic mount

comment:

I can't add much more than has already been stated by other owners of the lens.

It's every bit as sharp as the Minolta AF 50mm f/1.7 albeit much lighter and the colour reproduction and bokeh are excellent. The front element is set well back into the lens body, so no real need for a hood. SAM noise is a tad louder than expected. Basically it does what it says on the tin . . and very nicely too. It's a prettty exceptional performer and Sony have produced one very nice optic (though not of metal mount or build like the Minolta lenses), though extremely competent.

If you have a cropped body dSLR, then this lens comes very highly recommended. No point in paying silly mone for the Minolta 50mm f/1.7 when this lens is available (plastic mount or not).

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: zabaz   review date: November-17-09  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

sony 50mm 1.4

positive:

sharp
light
small
cheap

negative:

no hood
plastic

comment:

as good as the sony 1.4f, but half of the money!

sharpness: 4 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: tobyjay   review date: November-09-09  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Sony 50/1.4
Sigma 50/1.4
Minolta 50/1.7
Minolta 50/3.5 macro

price paid:

L129

positive:

Sharp, clear pictures
Great colour
Light
MFD
Cheap
No focus shift

negative:

Plastic mount
A little bit of vignetting

comment:

Cheap!
Sharp from f/2. Cleaner images than the old Sony/Minolta 50 and better colour/contrast at wide apertures.
It does vignette a touch.
AF is accurate - no focus shift/BF problems that you can get with f/1.4 lenses.
Very compact compared to the lovely Sigma but the SAM does have better colour and is a third of the price.
Minimum focus distance is the ace up its sleeve - beats other normal lenses.

The lens it is closest too in character is the Minolta (RS) 50/3.5 1:2 Macro - light, small, cheap, no veiling flare, CA/coma well controlled, great clear saturated colours and contrast.

Recommended!

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 3 

user: Wordfreak   review date: October-28-09  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 50mm 1.7

price paid:

200 CDN

positive:

Fast auto-focus
Light weight
Cheap

negative:

Plasticky
No hood
Cheap

comment:

Not quite sure I like this better than the Minolta 50mm 1.7 lens. It being plastic lightens the load, although marginally. Focus is a tad faster, albeit a bit less quiet. Wouldn't say noisy at all, unless you're in a quiet room and need to focus the entire range. Then it's a little loud while hunting. But not as loud as, say, the Beercan (70-210 f4).

Not a bad lens for its price. Though if you can find a decent Minolta 50 1.7 you're better off.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 3 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: Exminolta   review date: October-28-09  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 35-70mm F4

price paid:

149.00 USD

positive:

Price
Sharpness
Speed
Lightweigth
"QUIET SAM"

negative:

Plastic Mount

comment:

I love this Lens very much. It is my first on the Sony Lens line-up. I must say that it is very sharp and much sharper than the Minolta cousin. I don't know but mine is very quiet. The SAM installed in mine is very quiet and I rarely hear it. A good buy. My next will an Ultra wide and that should complete my system. BTW, I came from Minolta then Pentax and now I am back, and I am not going anywhere anymore. A700 is the best!

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Bluemoose   review date: October-22-09  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Nikon 50mm f/1.8
Sony 18-70

price paid:

L120

positive:

Cheap, Light, Fast, sharp, bokeh, everything you could want from a lens in this category.

negative:

Focus Ring feels cheap, loud.

comment:

The lens is small, light, fast, and in my opinion offers great value. In general use it has been faultless, and hasn't missed a single beat.

Downsides are minor. The lens is all plastic, which is entirely understandable at this price, and the SAM motor is really loud. Like startle wildlife loud. It does seem to save battery compared to the motor-less 18-70mm though.

This lens is genuinely exceptional product. Well worth it.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: careyy   review date: September-17-09  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

kit lens 18-70, 75-300, 55-200

price paid:

200 CAD (new)

positive:

fast
sharp
good colour

negative:

49mm filter

comment:

my first prime, image quality is much much better than the kit lenses
SAM is a bit loud, but better than kit lens

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: htarash   review date: September-07-09  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta AF50F1.4

price paid:

299 AUD (new)

positive:

Sharp
Light

negative:

I can not see anything so far

comment:

Just recieved my new 50mm, quick test around house and I can say it is just as sharp as my old Minolta 50mmF1.4 which also just sold it. The built quality is fine for me, and I cannot see why a lens this size needs to be any better built. SAM is fine.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: domk275   review date: September-04-09  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

18-70 kit lens
Tamron 70-300

price paid:

110 GBP (new)

positive:

very sharp
good build quality despite plastic construction
fast
cheap
great look and feel

negative:

nothing

comment:

I like this lens a lot. It's very sharp at f/2.5, which I generally keeep it at most of the time. I think all the complaints about the build quality on this lens are unfounded: yes, it's plastic, but it feels very solid, and there's no way it's going to fall apart, or antything like that. It certainly feels and looks miles better than my 18-70 kit lens, which feels frankly horrible and extremely cheap. I love playing with the shallow DoF, and I can't wait to do some proper portraits using it (all I've done so far are self-portaits and candids). Overall, it's really a great lens, and I'd definately recommend it to anyone.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Nevaeh89   review date: September-04-09  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 50mm 1.7

price paid:

149usd

positive:

Very light!
Very sharp!
Great boken!

negative:

Plastic build

comment:

My brother has the minolta 50mm 1.7. I think this lens is just as sharp! This lens also has better flare control then the Minolta. This lens also work with the flash very well(Unlike the Minolta!)! The lens also has virtually no CA!!!

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: anthony566   review date: September-03-09  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Sony 18-70mm
Sony 18-250mm
Minolta 28-105mm

price paid:

L129.99

positive:

Sharp
Light
Fast

negative:

Not as quiet as I was hopeing but an improvement over std lenses/Body sound.
49mm

comment:

This is a very compact lens and unlike most people I like the light weight buld of this lens, but why have sony made this a 49mm lens ?? apart from that at this price this is an amazing lens.

Anyone who is testing/reviewing this or any DT lens on FF needs to read the Sony lens info for DT lenses " (DT) designation are ideal for use on APS-C size DSLR cameras and are not recommended for use with full frame DSLR camera bodies" so how can you mark this lens down for not being FF ??

sharpness: 5 

color: 4 

build: 3 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: tot31   review date: August-28-09  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

price paid:

147USD

positive:

negative:

comment:

sharpness: 4 

color: 4 

build: 3 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Loremoon   review date: August-28-09  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 35-70 f4

price paid:

AU $219.88 (NEW)

positive:

Sharp
Chromatic aberration is very well-handled
Fast

negative:

More expensive compared to its Cannon or Nikkon
Not full frame
All plastic

comment:

From what little knowledge I have from photography, it was all that much sharper than my old KM 35-70 f4 which doubles as a manual marco lens at 1/3 of the price.

What was good about this lens was the speed at low light situations. It couldn't catch my rabbit in action, but at this price with the KM 50 1.7s disappearing and getting more expansive, where its resale value sometimes excesses the retailed value. A competition is always a good thing. Hopefully this will bring the value of KM 50 1.7 down a bit.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 5 

user: Palmguy   review date: August-23-09  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Sony 18-70mm
Sony 16-105mm

price paid:

$149 (US)

positive:

-Lightweight
-Fast
-Sharpness
-Bokeh
-Bang for the buck

negative:

-No real advantage to SAM

comment:

This was the first lens I purchased for my A300 (came with 18-70 kit lens). Bought it a few weeks ago around the birth of my first son, and it has performed great as a low-light/indoor lens for baby pictures which the kit lens was not at all up to without flash. I'm impressed with the bokeh. Plastic mount doesn't seem to be a big problem in my opinion for such a small lightweight lens. Build quality is more than adequate for me, a non-pro. SAM is not a problem, but I don't think it is a real advantage over the screw drive. It sounds different but it's just about as loud.

I've since sold off my 18-70 in favor of the Sony 16-105mm, but the little 50 isn't going anywhere and I would definitely buy it again.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 4 

build: 2 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: addhum   review date: July-07-09  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Sony DT 18-250 AF
Minolta 28mm/2.8 AF

price paid:

16400yen (new)

positive:

deeply recessed front element = pseudo-hood
light weight
vignette gone after f3.2
pleasing bokeh
cheap

negative:

plastic body feels flimsy
plastic mount
too-thin focus ring
SAM motor is loud
AF/MF switch on lens
49mm diameter

comment:

This lens was designed and marketed for entry-level users. The all-plastic build reflects this, as does the price. The lens feels like a plastic toy. Shake it, and it makes a rattling sound. The focus ring is too thin, but thankfully it's rubber coated. Ribbing would've been nice though.

In terms of image quality, I find it performs on par with other consumer-level alpha lenses. Max sharpness at f5.6. Vignette and CA are both gone at f3.2. Minimal distortion. Bokeh smooth and round.

There are several reviews online that go into great detail about image quality. Check those out for more info. From here on I'm going to talk about the disappointing SAM motor, and design flaws in the AF/MF switch.

The lens has an in-body 'SAM' motor. SAM (smooth autofocus motor) is Sony's version of Canon's USM (ultra sonic motor) technology. I bought this lens expecting similar performance, i.e. nearly silent and very fast, smooth AF. Unfortunately, neither qualities are present in this lens. There are reports that the lens' motor is quieter than the camera motor, but I don't find that's the case at all.

After buying my lens, I tested it on my A700 in the parking lot. I was startled by the loud whirring, typical of Sony lenses. But wasn't this a SAM lens? I suspected a defect, so I went back to the store, checked my lens on another body (A230), and checked another 50mm/1.8 on my body. No help. Both lenses whirred.

To make sure, compared the 50mm/1.8 back to back with a Sony 18-250 and scanned the full focus range on both lenses. Both are loud. If anything the 50mm is louder than the zoom lens.

What more, when switching between AF and MF modes, the 50mm sometimes gives off a sharp metallic clicking sound, like a spring popping into place.

The upshot of the SAM motor is that your on-camera motor is not used, saving you some battery life.

Now on to the AF/MF switch on the lens. This must be intended to help users of lower-end cameras without an on-camera toggle button. For them, maybe it makes switching back and forth easier. But for users of the A700, the on-lens switch actually makes it MORE difficult to switch between modes.

When using a lens without a switch, the DT18-250 for example, it's very quick to switch back and forth between AF and MF modes because there's a dedicated button on the back of the camera that's within easy thumb reach. Modes can be changed without taking the body away from your eye.

This is not the case with the 50mm/1.8. The on-lens switch removes the camera's AF/MF button's function completely. Pressing the button while in AF mode does not release AF on the lens. It only puts the camera into MF mode. The focus ring on the lens stays in locked as in AF. In order to switch over the MF mode, you have to flip the lens switch. This is no easy task as the switch just barely stands out from the lens body. Fortunately, if you go ahead and flip the on-lens switch to MF mode, the camera automatically detects this and follows suit.

sharpness: 5 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: Ouverture   review date: July-02-09  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Sigma 30/1.4
Sony 50/1.4
Minolta 50/1.7

price paid:

199 SGD (new)

positive:

- Sharp at F1.8
- Very sharp from F2 onwards
- Light weight
- SAM motor quieter than inbody motor
- Nice modern design
- Cheap
- Good contrast
- Nice colours

negative:

- Plastic mount

comment:

Got this little lens new yesterday as it just arrives in Singapore on 1st July.

Initial impression is the lens is very light and easy to handle. Although mostly plastic, but it feels very sturdy and robust, couple with neat and nice modern design. In fact looks very good on my A700.

Optically, it's sharp even wide opened at F1.8, though with some CA noticeable. Once F2.0 and above, it's gone and it's very sharp from there onwards.

Have tested it side by side with the 50/1.4 and sharpness seems to be almost the same for all apertures, except 1.4 becomes as sharp at F1.7 compared to F1.8 for 50/1.8 which to me means no advantage at all for the more expensive sibling.

Colours and contrast are similar as well and I am not sure how Sony does that but it's sure is going to make the 50/1.4 pricing silly for many APS-C users.

SAM is fast and accurate and has a very gentle whine compared to the inbody motor.

Overall, a cheap but good quality lens for keeper as long as you are with APS-C body.

And the salesperson at the store told me, "Finally we have a cheap prime lens from Sony!!!"

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 5 

user: Alpha Ace   review date: June-30-09  

    tested on film camera:

    tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Kitlens 1870
Minolta 70210/3.5-4.5
DT55200

price paid:

RM530(NEW)

positive:

Sharp
Accurate color reproduction
Smooth focus
Nice bokeh

negative:

49mm filter ring

comment:

Fast focus, sharp, nice bokeh and 0.38m minimum focal length~!!
For this price, it worth for what it is. The sound that the motor generates was subtle. Be practical, you can't expect it to be mute at all. No any noticeable CA since the lens was created cave-in design(masking it like hood); so we can save some money on buying hood ..LoL.

Color reproduction was accurate in this copy, I can spice up the color with Creative Style and Custome White Balance and it works great.

Plastic is ok for me, it was light and cute to say ^^ Unless i got a butter fingers problem here.

The only annoying thing here with this lens is the - 49mm filter ring. I have to buy another set of filters for it ..but not at this moment. I just gave it a UV filter thats all - cost RM20.

Really happy with the purchase(a good copy) ..much cheaper than that 50mm/1.4 ...LoL