Sony  AF 50 F1.4   reviews

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: pismo923   review date: January-22-10  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 50 f1.7
Minolta 24-105

price paid:

320 CDN

positive:

Excellent image quality
Very sharp at f2 superb @ f4
Nice bokeh and colors
Small and discreet

negative:

None really for the price paid.

comment:

I have had this lens for almost a year now and it is used exclusively on my Maxxum 7. I really appreciate how discreet this set up is. My copy is very sharp and is capable of superb images. I sold my 50 1.7 after getting this - no regrets at all.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Vancouver   review date: January-21-10  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

price paid:

350 CAD$

positive:

1.4
Sharp even at 1.4

negative:

not exactly cheap

comment:

I love this lens
Good by itself at 1.4 but very good f2+

I was wondering if it was a worthy upgrade from Min 1.7. It is way sharper at wide aperture. Give better bokeh, digitally coated.

To conclude, if you can get it a good price, go for it. You wont regret. If 50 isnt something you use much and the difference is an issue to you, stay with your 1.7

sharpness: 4,5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: walti   review date: January-08-10  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 50/1.7
Minolta 50/1.4

price paid:

200 EUR (new)

positive:

Small, light & sharp

negative:

Focusing ring almost useless.

comment:

If you can buy this lens on cheap side, do it.
I don't like the focusing ring but this should not be a problem for everyone.
THE lens on FF and film cameras, not so useful on APS-C

sharpness: 4,5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Bob Socko   review date: January-05-10  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Sigma 24mm f/1.8
Sigma 30mm f/1.4

price paid:

349 USD (new)

positive:

Fantastic colors, excellent center sharpness wide open, makes a good portrait lens on a crop-sensor camera.

negative:

Soft corners wide open.

comment:

This is my go-to lens for low light work and accurate color reproduction. The build is good - I believe there is some plastic in the design, but the lens feels substantial in my hand. Though a bit too narrow to be a traditional "walkaround" lens on a crop-sensor camera, the 75mm equivalent field of view makes it into an excellent portrait lens on those bodies.

Though the lens has excellent center sharpness wide open, the corners are soft. Though this does not matter with what I shoot, it could be an issue for you. The Sigma 50mm f/1.4 does not have this problem, but is significantly more expensive.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Kaposi   review date: January-02-10  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

MAF 35-70mm F4
Konica Minolta 28-75mm F2.8
MAF 50mm F1.7

price paid:

236 EUR

positive:

- sharp
- nice bokeh
- fast AF
- compact

negative:

- plastic
- thin focus-ring

comment:

Ideal for portrait on APS-C sensor.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: lelou   review date: December-23-09  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

SAL 18-200
SAL 11-18
SAL 100 M2.8
Minolta 70-210 F3.5-4.5

price paid:

350 EUR (new)

positive:

Fast
Light
Compact
Sharp
Fun to use
Good bokeh

negative:

Difficult to focus properly

comment:

For now this is the lens I most often use with my camera. It is light and compact compared to the other lens I own. The focus on my A-100 is hit or miss. I often take 3 pictures, pulling the camera back and forward a few cm after focus lock, as the DOF is very thin. I take a large part of my pictures at F2.0 with this lens.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: oldguy   review date: December-05-09  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Sigma 24-70
Minolta 35-70
Tamron 18-250

price paid:

400 USD (new)

positive:

Very sharp. Very light. If this lens isn't on my camera it's in my pocket. Great at interior work where you cannot use flash.

negative:

I guess build. The same thing that makes it light makes it plastic, but a very worthwhile trade-off.

comment:

I don't own any other primes at this length. This lens compares favorably with the Sigma 70 macro and exceeds the Minolta 135 2.8 in sharpness.
From the ratings, people seem more enamored with the new Sigma 50 HSM but the convenience and quality of this little gem make it invaluable.

sharpness: 4,5 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: boyracer   review date: November-16-09  

    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:

$300 USD [used]

positive:

Sharp
Fast focusing
Good bokeh
ADI integration
Small and light

negative:

CA wide open

comment:

It's a nice prime, and thus far the only one in my kit. Don't have any other fast primes to compare it to besides the original Minolta 50/1.7, but it performs really well for me. I normally shoot from f2 onwards, but it's serviceable wide open when I'm looking for that extra stop of light [just be careful about it's slim DOF at 1.4].

Bokeh is really nice, but this is to be expected from primes.

sharpness: 4,5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: B3PhotographyNC   review date: November-11-09  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

price paid:

369

positive:

Super fast, sharp images even in low light
Great for portraits and landscapes alike.

negative:

On the a700 has a lot of out of focus area at close range, so you have to be careful how you frame your shots

comment:

All of the pictures in this gallery were taken with this lens:



www.B3PhotographyNC.com

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: RogerK   review date: November-03-09  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

price paid:

329 EUR (new)

positive:

Excellent lens, well built, great colours

negative:

Well, none actually

comment:

This was the first lens bought by me after trading in my Sony kit lenses 18-70 and 75-300 for the SAL18250. I love the 50 1.4 and used it very often to take pictures of my then 1 year old son (he's 2 now, btw).

After buying the SAL1680CZ this lens is a bit less on my A200, but it stilll suprises me when I use it. It is sharp, the bokeh is great and I would recommend this lens as a portrait lens to anyone I know and who would ask me and I would like to keep as a friend.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 3 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Justas   review date: September-27-09  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

18-70 kit lens

price paid:

1200LTL (500USD)

positive:

Exellent sharpness, very good control of distortion, flare, nice color.

negative:

Very hard to focus with wide apertures, especially in low light, focusing is quite slow and not always accurate (but this is screw dirve)

comment:

A must have lens with wonderful IQ. It's quite soft at f1.4 and CA is often noticeable, however, optimal quality when stoped down to f2.8 and amazing at f4. It is exceptionaly lightweight, however, build quality could really have been better.

sharpness: 4,5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: BenArcher   review date: August-14-09  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

SAL-1870

price paid:

495 AUD

positive:

Size/Weight
Shaprness
Low Light Ability

negative:

comment:

My second lens for my A300. Much better than the kitlens is every aspect. Has taken at least 98% of my photos since I've had it (Just not quite wide enough sometimes).

Sometimes I have backfocus issues below f2 at 1-2 meter range with this lens but other times it is fine. Have tried testing at minumum focus distance and it is spot on every time. I put this down to the A300's AF system not the lens.

When in focus it is very sharp from f/1.8 and the center is still good at even at 1.4.

Incombination with SSS the shots atainable indoors handheld are amazing.

sharpness: 5 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 3 

user: PanicMix   review date: August-14-09  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

CZ16-80
Minolta 70-210 f/4

positive:

~small
~f/1.4
~bokeh

negative:

~flare control
~too short sometimes

comment:

I really like this lens in all situations. I've grown to love it, but sometimes it's not as flexible as the 16-80 or 70-210. I sometimes need a wider or longer shot. I get flare off and on, but the beauty of this lens is its compactness and sharpness.

sharpness: 4 

color: 4 

build: 3 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: DFadel   review date: July-21-09  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

CZ 16-80, SSM G, Sigma 20mm 1.8, Beercan, Sigma 105mm macro

price paid:

$340 USD

positive:

small, light
sharp enough from f/2 on

negative:

soft wide open
questionable build quality
hood
expensive for a 50mm

comment:

I bought this lens as a low light lens, and use it in combination with the 20mm Sigma (which gives f/1.7 on both the a700 and the 7D). Wide open is definitely soft, which is disappointing. f/2 is acceptable. I'm wondering if you are better off with the much cheaper f/1.7 or f/1.8 version.

sharpness: 4,5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: crox   review date: July-21-09  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

SAL1870

price paid:

MYR1070.00 (new)

positive:

* I love what the f1.4 can do.
* Sharp if it's really on FF.
* Colors are totally awesome!
* No problem with the build to me.
* Bokehhhhhhhhhhhhh!

negative:

* Sharp if from f4 onwards.
* Grip is a little too rubbery.
* A little soft at f1.4
* Really nice on FF.

comment:

I just bought this lens last weekend and I already fell in love with what it can really do. Was considering either this lens or the Tamron 17-50 f2.8. Bought this lens due to budget wise and it really is a bomb. What I can say about this lens is that it produces really nice colors and in term of sharpness, better on FF. Gotta say that this might be the lens that will stick on my A200 for a long time.(This is my only lens other than the kitlens SAL1870) I will keep the kitlens as an alternative use. Hardcore purposes.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: gnhock   review date: June-22-09  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

CZ 24-70 SSM f2.8
Minolta 24mm f2.8
Minolta 50mm Macro f3.5

price paid:

300 USD new

positive:

Sharp, contrasty & clear
Small and light weight
Great for low light shots

negative:

comment:

A "Must have" fast prime for any Sony/Minolta system. Easy to carry around.

Body plastic build; not so sure of its durability over time.

Good potrait lens on A700.

Follows me out, either on body or as alternative [to 24mm or CZ24-70]

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: i2o3l   review date: April-15-09  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

- SAL1870
- SAL75300
- SAL16105

price paid:

485 SGD

positive:

- Sharp
- Very Nice Bokeh

negative:

- Build

comment:

First of all, before buying this one, I've planned to buy a CZ135, but the limitation is the money I have :)..
And then I read many forum and review about a good prime lens, including this site, and came out with the conclusion that this lens is worth to buy.
When I went on a trip to singapore last week, I finally bought this lens with very good price, compared to one in my home country. Bought and tested it directly, the picture is so sharp at the center and got a really nice bokeh.
the plastic build of this lens feel cheap, but the result is worth the dollar :)
If you want to spent a little money to get a nice prime lens, buy this one, unless you can afford it, the other thing is CZ135 :)

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: Strider25   review date: April-14-09  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

positive:

-Very Sharp
-Really nice color rendition
-Solid and well built
-Nicely dampened focus ring

negative:

-The hood is kind of a joke. Not much other than that

comment:

I love this little lens. I use it mainly for portraits and indor lighting shots. I always get the shot i need and its always sharp. Stopped down a little from wide-open and the pics are even better.

I highly recommend this lens to anyone

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 3 

user: Anssisa   review date: April-02-09  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Sigma 50mm EX DG Macro
Minolta 50mm F1.7 RS

price paid:

245USD

positive:

- Sunhood
- 55mm filter thread
- Sharpness wide open

negative:

- Flare with really sunny pictures or with candle light

comment:

I had the 50mm F1.7 and at that time i was content with it, but thought that i did not need wide apertures. My photography as gone more event oriented, and lowlight is quite important nowadays. Thus i had to re-buy a 50mm, and i got a good deal a year and half ago for this Sony version. This on, just like the Minolta 1.4 adresses some issues that the 1.7 has; mainly larger filtersize and a proper hood.

This lens is sharpness wise good enough for everything i do, even wide open, but flare can be found on sunny days or with candlelight, so only a "3" for that. A lens i can recomend over the F1.7 version, but Minolta or sony version? i do not think that matters. This is a great small lens, thats for sure.

sharpness: 4 

color: 4 

build: 3 

distortion: 3 

flare control: 4 

user: Ayler   review date: March-31-09  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta AF 50mm Macro f3.5

price paid:

£260

positive:

Decently sharp stopped down a bit.
Fast focus.
Good mid-range image quality.
Good portrait and available light lens.
Decently built.
Hood included.

negative:

Far corners never sharpen up completely.
Heavy barrel distortion close up.
Poor close up performance around borders.

comment:

This was my first Sony/Minolta lens and I was expecting more from it.

Build quality is decent and it focuses fast on the A900 (albeit noisily), but it's not better than the 50mm Macro f3.5 at infinity and suffers from heavy barrel distortion and curvature of field close up.

After a long day putting this and the Minolta Macro through their paces, I've concluded that the Macro is just as good at infinity (although a few good stops slower) and simply much better focused under 1m (it's a macro, after all!). Plus it doesn't seem to suffer from chromatic aberrations, whereas the Sony slightly does.

I haven't noticed that the Macro has slower focusing either.

Hence, for me it's weighing the speed of the 1.4 against the better optical behaviour of the Macro and I'm leaning towards selling the Sony.

sharpness: 4,5 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: R1user   review date: March-27-09  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

CZ 16-80
Sony 70-300 G SSM
Tamron 90 macro

price paid:

350 euros

positive:

- Compact
- Perfect for low light indoor
- Fast AF

negative:

- bokeh at 1.4 is sometimes weird
- too much plastic

comment:

Ideal for portrait indoor an APS-C sensor. Sharpness in the center of the frame is ok at 1.4 but strongly increases at 1.7. A must have if you can't afford a CZ prime!

sharpness: 4 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: popo   review date: March-23-09  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Carl Zeiss DT 16-80 F3.5-4.5
Tamron SP AF 90 F2.8 Di macro

price paid:

£280 (new Jun 2008)

positive:

Physically compact

negative:

Thin focus ring

comment:

Sharpness is ok for a prime but not amazing.

Not unusual for a big aperture it suffers from some longitudinal CA and haloing from OOF point sources, but worth it to get the big aperture shallow DoF.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: dr4gon   review date: March-14-09  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 50mm F/1.7
Tamron 17-50mm F/2.8
Sony DT 18-70mm F/3.5-5.6

price paid:

349 USD (new)

positive:

F/1.4 Bright aperture for low light and buttery smooth bokeh
Extremely sharp from F/2.8-F/5.6 throughout
Small and Light

negative:

Focus ring turns when auto focusing
A bit noisy (subjective), too bad it's not SSM.

comment:

This lens has so many uses. It's such a great little lens. At F/1.4 you can get shots without bumping up the ISO when it's dark. At F/2.0, it's decently sharp and by F/2.8-F/5.6, it's incredibly sharp. This is a classic Minolta-designed lens from the film Maxxum days so it has the characteristic bokeh and color you'd expect from such lenses with the addition of multi-coatings which cut down on flare and CAs.

Despite the plastic body, it feels very solid. It features a metal mount, nice smooth rubber focus ring, and slightly recessed front element. The hood fits well and does a great job reducing flare (a hundred times better than the old Minolta pull-out hood).

The 55mm front filter thread is convenient with the Sony system (kit lens, 100mm macro, etc...).

The AF is fast, a bit noisy, but is spot on. The DOF can be quite small, but that's the beauty of such a lens. I wish it had SSM like the Canon 50mm F/1.4 USM and Nikon 50mm G F/1.4 AF-S, but Sony is still developing and adapting their Minolta line.

The first lens I got was back focusing so I returned it and got this from Amazon. I noticed that my front lens cap on the new lens was solid black with SONY on the front. The previous lens, which I suspect was newer just had the Sony a on the front (which I prefer).

In comparing this lens to the Minolta 50mm F/1.7 lens, I found this to be much sharper and usable (because of the extra 1/3 stop). I originally had the Minolta 50/1.7 but sold it since the Tamron was sharper and got this since it was new, had a brighter aperture, and the updated coatings. It is a little bit sharper than the Tamron 17-50mm F/2.8. Against the kit lens, it's miles ahead, obviously.

This is perfect for low light photography, walk around, portraits, and pretty bokeh.


Pictures of the lens: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dr4gon/sets/72157612626392976/

Video unboxing at YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCPXoHSw14c

sharpness: 5 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: wesleysa   review date: March-05-09  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

18-70 kit lens
70-210 f4 beercan

positive:

Small size/weight
F1.4
Build quality
Sharpness

negative:

Slightly cool colour?

comment:

I have great fun with this lens. It is my first prime so maybe I over-estimate it but in my eyes its alot of fun.

I have not (thankfully) come across any focus issues as others have found.
The build quality is great, a nice solid feel despite it being plastic.
Tack sharp by f2, it is really quite difficult for me to mf @ 1.4 to guage sharpness:-)
It really does bring night-time photography into your grasp though, with a bit of light you can go handheld no problem.

The hood is very good, although if reversed can get in the way if the camera is auto-focusing, this is due to the small size of the lens though, not really the hood's fault.

Compared to the beercan the colours are a little cool, but this is easily corrected, so im really not fussed.

The real advantage to this lens, for me, is its size. It turns a bulky dslr into something that could almost pass for a compact camera. And for this reason my a200 seems to accompany me alot more often with this lens attached.

sharpness: 4,5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: SerdarA   review date: January-29-09  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

price paid:

270 USD (new)

positive:

- Compact
- Perfect for low light
- Fast AF

negative:

- Soft wide open

comment:

This one was my first lens purchase after I bought my A300 (Coincidentally, the day my kit lens retired to a storage box). Although my lens collection has grown considerably since then, this little lens is by far my favorite. Nowadays, I mostly use it for taking pictures of my baby girl and I can't think of any better lens for this purpose (unless you are willing to spend upwards of a grand on CZ primes).

sharpness: 4,5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: DonSergio   review date: January-23-09  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 50/1.4
85/1.4za
24/2.8

price paid:

300USD (MINT)

positive:

Sharp wide open
Light
well build

negative:

some flares wide open

comment:

This lens very similiar to Minolta 50/1.4RS.
Not very useful on APS-C and nice on FF.

sharpness: 4,5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: bigjt   review date: January-20-09  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Kit lens
sigms 50mm macro
sigma 70-300 apo

price paid:

£195 new

positive:

Light
Smooth bokeh - after f2
Great for creativity
Sharp - even at f1.4

negative:

None ( so far )

comment:

Love this lens. It has really re-energised my enjoyment in photography.Since bying it 1 week ago i cannot take it off my camera ( A200 ).

sharpness: 4,5 

color: 4 

build: 3 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: ChrisH   review date: January-20-09  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Tamron 17-50 and others

price paid:

€ 250 new/offer

positive:

Small and lightweight
Good in lowlight conditions
Sort of undercover, underdog newby lens with amazing results

negative:

Focusring only usable when you have the time
Tends to focus in center or anything that doesnt move.

comment:

A while ago I used it during a re-union of my wifes school. Difficult light conditions, Tubelights, daylight windows on both sides and moving people.

It performed great but not perfect and practically only on AF ; MF ring is not useble with people moving around. Not even with my small hands.

sharpness: 4,5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: siglo   review date: January-19-09  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

price paid:

350 USD (new)

positive:

Sharp after F/2
Compact
Light
ADI
Bokeh

negative:

soft wide open
too plasticy
small focus ring

comment:

A good light fast lens with good control over depth of field. Works really well on the A900 as a walk around town type of lens. On the A700, I prefer to use a 35mm prime instead because this lens is 75mm on APS-C sensors.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: mc906   review date: January-03-09  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

2 kit lens

price paid:

290 USD (new)

positive:

sharpness
color
range is almost 75mm on smaller sensors

negative:

comment:

very nice lens, great performer.

sharpness: 4,5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: mio-km   review date: December-30-08  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

18-70DT, 35-105RS, 70-300D

price paid:

500 USD (2999 DKK)

positive:

Very sharp. Fast, excellent color and flare control (none experienced)

negative:

Focusing problems in low light (considering the aperture or maybee because of that)

comment:

Finally I got my hands on this baby. I wanted one last year but I went for "56" flash instead. The lens is excellent in available light "like no other" and combined with a flash it is just amazing. Only tricky part is that you should really pay attention to what you are really focusing on. @1,4 the DOF is almost too shallow, but it is there if you need it. My first prime, not my last. (it is an entirely new world)

sharpness: 4 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: Jamesb-59   review date: December-11-08  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 50/1.4

price paid:

350 USD (new)

positive:

negative:

Don't like the lens hood. I prefer the old style Minolta pull out.

comment:

Purchased to go with my A900. Not sure I will keep it if I can find a good deal on an original piece of Minolta glass.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: bluebear   review date: November-14-08  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

16-80ZA
Sony 55-200 DT
70-300 G SSM
Tamron 90 macro

positive:

Pin-sharp
Perfect for low light situations
Light & compact
Ideal for portraits on cropped sensor

negative:

Occasional AF hunting in low contrast situations

comment:

I love this lens - it goes wherever my Alpha 700 goes (& the 5D before that). This lens has great bokeh & is perfect for portait images on an APS-C sensor. It is razor sharp & I am pleased to say does not suffer from the back-focussing issues others have mentioned. Yes it is a little "soft" at 1.4 through to 2.8 but from then on it is unbelievable. Even images taken at 1.4-2.8 are pretty sharp though - it's just a question of degree when compared to how sharp it is for example at f/5.6!

sharpness: 4 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 3 

user: micktravis   review date: November-13-08  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta AF 50 F1.7

price paid:

289 USD (new)

positive:

Compact and light.
Quick focus even with low light.
Great bokeh.
Lush, saturated images, particularly during magic hour(s)

negative:

1.4 is substantially less sharp than I'd like.
A little long on my A300, so I still need a normal prime.

comment:

Overall this is a wonderful lens whose shortcomings are well explained here. Despite agreeing with most of them I am very happy with this lens, which has become the default on my A300.

My main concern was that this lens would be useless at 1.4, but this is not the case - the sharpness issue is relative to this lens itself but far from unacceptable. And my Minolta F1.7 was also soft wide open, so at the very least this lens gives me a sharp 1.7 option.

sharpness: 4,5 

color: 4 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: nenioscio   review date: November-13-08  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

24-70 2.8 CZ, Carenar M42 50 mm 2.2, Sigma 50 2.8 Macro DG

price paid:

200 € (new)

positive:

Very sharp when stopped down, good contrast and colors
Price compared to other lenses of same optical quality.

negative:

Poor borders and poor contrast at large aperture settings.

comment:

One of the sharpest lenses around when stopped down. Distortion is well controlled and colors are great. The Lens is very compact, lightweight.

Autofocus works well on A900 but I had issues on my old KM D7D under artificial light conditions.

The manual focus rings works direct and accurate but is very small and should be bigger for better handling.

The large rubber patch on the lens easily catches scratches and doesn't add better handling so I don't see a point applying this to the lens. Though the lens body consists of plastic I like the build quality as the lens operates direct without noticable tolerances.

sharpness: 4,5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: nikola_konsulov   review date: November-06-08  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 50 f1.7 & Sigma 70 f2.8 EX DG Macro.

positive:

Sharper than 50 f1.7 at f1.7, edge sharpness improves quickly and is more even than 50 f1.7, ADI, real lens hood, fast AF.

negative:

Focus ring should have been bigger, AF not spot on...back focuses regularly f2.8 through f5.6.

comment:

This lens has so much potential. However, my biggest problem with it was back focusing. I owned it for 2 days and then returned it because of this problem. Manually I was able to get razor sharp results, but AF was always off in the f2.8 through f5.6 range. f1.4, 1.7 & 8 seemed to AF fine. I even tried the demo at the Sony Style store and it was doing the same thing. Their serial numbers were so far apart that it was obvious they were from different batches. I was hoping to replace my Minolta 50 f1.7 with it. However, I couldn't get past the back focus problem. I hope Sony gets the adjustments right soon. My other lenses do not suffer from this problem so I know it is the lens and not the camera.

I would like to own this lens. However, because of this issue I may very well get the Sigma 50mm f1.4 EX DG HSM lens for my A700.

sharpness: 4 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: tobyjay   review date: September-30-08  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Min 50 1.7
Takumar 50 1.4 (M42)
Sony 35mm 1.4 G

price paid:

£200

positive:

Sharp after f/2
I like the build a lot
Clearer and cleaner IQ than older versions

negative:

AF not 100% spot on
Colours very slightly cool
A bit pricey

comment:

It can get very sharp but wide open it is not perfect. Gives great results but is maybe not quite a bargain next to the old Minolta version. Still, great value if you take a lot of portraits indoors.

Minimum focus distance a bit frustrating.

The colours are just a tiny bit cool but they can be adjusted in camera, so I give a 5. Micro contrast excellent.

All in all, a very clear and bright standard lens which makes beautiful detailed pictures. Bokeh is excellent.

sharpness: 4,5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: hRs   review date: September-27-08  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

18-70 kitlens

price paid:

300 USD (new)

positive:

sharp
reliable
GREAT bokeh

negative:

blurry on 1.4 sometimes, might need to stop it down a bit

comment:

a must-have prime for anyone that wants to take typical portrait pictures. it's great for indoor use aswell due to the F1.4 and it works swell together with a flash.
price is perfect aswell, not overpriced and not too cheap either. it's alot of lens for your money in my opinion.
it's fun to use and great for just walking around downtown for example =)

sharpness: 4,5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Kwozzie   review date: September-09-08  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta AF50/1.7

price paid:

$563 NZD (new)

positive:

Weight and build
Lens Hood
55mm Filter size
Fast & Sharp

negative:

Small Focus Ring (see comments)

comment:

I had debated for some time about buying this lens as I could not justify "upgrading" from my AF50/1.7 which is a very good lens itself. Unfortunately the descision was made for me when I noticed a small amount of fungus appearing in the 1.7 and the cost of cleaning it was about 2/3rds the cost of replacing it... so I did.

Now that I have the 1.4, I do not know why I waited so long to get it, it's simply a great lens, very well built. My only (minor) complaint is the very small focus ring that is difficult to use with the hood fitted, especially for someone with big fingers like me... but hey, I'll get used to it.

sharpness: 5 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Love   review date: September-05-08  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

M 45
M 35-70
Sal 70-200 G

price paid:

330 USD (new)

positive:

Sharp!
Fast!
Bouquet
Color

negative:

It's a bit plastic..

comment:

It's an excellent portrait lens(=75mm on FF) and for any indoor use (without flash). Fast with great color. Bouquet not as good as the 70-200 G, but it's close. A must have in your bag!

sharpness: 5 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 3 

user: palmerop   review date: September-03-08  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

positive:

negative:

comment:

sharpness: 4,5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 3 

user: cross_lane   review date: July-13-08  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

35 G f1.4
CZ 85 f1.4
and many primes & zooms

price paid:

1400 MYR

positive:

Sharpness at f1.7 onwards
bokeh
superb colour
fast focusing

negative:

Feels a lil bit cheap
focusing a bit unsure in low light (esp at f1.4-f2)f2.2 onwards no focusing problem
bokeh sometimes does not render highlights too well(on very challenging situations only)
f1.4 does not really let in 1 stop more light than f2 (about same as light transmission as f1.7)

comment:

Sharpness is very good in bright daylight. Focusing also very good in bright daylight. Colours are superb. Back focuses in lowlight situations. Purple fringing at really high cantrast situations... not easy to remove even when shooting RAW. Build is not very solid. the light transmission at f1.4 is about only 1/3 stop more than f2..... in low light only at f2.2 can get sharp focused picture. relatively expensive also. F1.4 is nothing compared to CZ primes although expected... CZ 50 f1.0 SSM perhaps?

sharpness: 4,5 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: tgx78   review date: July-13-08  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 50mm f/1.7
Carl Zeiss 16-80mm
Minolta 28mm f/2.8
Nikon 50mm f/1.4
Nikon 50mm f/1.8

price paid:

250USD (used mint-)

positive:

light
sharp around f2.8
no distortion
good flare control with better designed hood.

negative:

soft wide open
build quality not as good as
old minolta lens

comment:

sharp after stopping down to about f/2.2
f/2.8 excellent. f/4 bolder sharpness catches up.
I like the design of the lens better than older minolta lens but it doens't feel as sturdy as Minolta.
hood is plastic and and prone to grease mark after handling it for while :)
overall image quality is very good.
Bokeh is nicer than 1.7.
I've had no flare issues yet

sharpness: 4,5 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: jdkeck   review date: July-12-08  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

price paid:

370 (new)

positive:

very sharp wide open

negative:

saturation and contrast wide open is low

comment:

this is my first prime and now i know what sharp is in a lens. the only down side to this lens is that the contrast and saturation is a little low wide open, but by f1.7, it is good.

sharpness: 4,5 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: egobreed   review date: July-11-08  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

SAL-1680Z
SAL-1870
SAL-75300

positive:

Great sharpness and detail
Great shots in a variety of conditions

negative:

Perhaps 35mm would be more useful on an APS-C camera

comment:

I do a lot of indoor shooting (of my kids etc.) and this is ideal for working with available light rather than flash.

Also had great results at gigs, parties etc.

So much control over the DoF so it's easy to get artistic effects that don't need much post-processing.

The angle can be a bit tight for some situations though so I'd think of getting maybe the 28mm 2.8 as a handy alternative.

sharpness: 4,5 

color: 4 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: zdenek.falar   review date: July-10-08  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

price paid:

7k CZK

positive:

long running of manual focusing ring (~135°)

negative:

comment:

sharpness: 4,5 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: johnbirch   review date: July-03-08  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 50 1.4 O
Minolta 8 1.4 G D
CZ 16-80
Sony 18-70 kitlens

price paid:

399 CDN

positive:

Sharp
Quick AF
Great hood
55mm filter threads
Great bokeh with circular aperture

negative:

Cheap build
Soft below f/2

comment:

This is a great lens. It's autofocus is quick, and is sharp past 2.2. Pretty much the same as the Minolta 50 1.4, but it has 55m threads, new coatings, ADI flash capability, and a great hood. The new coatings also get rid of the sensor flare seen on the Minolta 1.4 which happen at small apertures.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Iggy1965   review date: June-06-08  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

price paid:

€ 314 (new)

positive:

negative:

None

comment:

No experience yet

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: The Kid   review date: May-04-08  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

- Sony 18-70mm
- Carl Zeiss 16-80mm

positive:

- amazing image quality
- use in low light situations
- bokeh
- light weigth and convenient size

negative:

- focus ring could be bigger

comment:

I truly love this lens! While the image quality of the CZ 16-80 is good, there is just something special with the images you get from this little lens. The images are just SO "clear" and colour is great. Bokeh and use in low light is also beautiful on the 50mm. Only negative apart from a small focus ring, is that 50mm is a bit "long" on an APS-C camera.

All in all, a lens I would reccomend to all Minolta/Alpha users! When I want the best image quality and the "special extra", this lens always gets on my camera!

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: diagaz72   review date: May-01-08  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

price paid:

350 euro

positive:

wonderful bokeh
colors

negative:

comment:

i can't take this lens off my camera.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 3 

user: jmoreau   review date: February-14-08  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

price paid:

330 USD (new)

positive:

Sharp, small, light

negative:

Narrow focusing ring, plastic construction

comment:

This lens is fantastically sharp when stopped down. When wide open, it renders out of focus areas in a very pleasing way. It's excellent for portraits or small groups. It's also good for general walking around use, though at 75mm equivalent on the A-100, it won't be capturing wide angle city/architecture/landscape shots. I have found that using it as a walk-around lens forces you to concentrate on the parts of the scene that really communicate its essence, rather than trying to cram everything into the frame. Because of its wide maximum aperture, it excels in low-light situations, often enabling you to hand-hold without flash at night and in dark places.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Jay2x   review date: February-13-08  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

KM 17-35 2.8-4
MinO 28/2
MinO 50/1.7
Canon 50/1.8 (on film)
Beercan

price paid:

329 EUR

positive:

- Professional images
- Tiny DoF
- Nice look

negative:

- Soft at f1.4, but very good from f2.
- Tiny rubber grip, not really a problem.

comment:

This lens has been reviewed a lot, so I can't add real news. I have it for three months now.

It is much better than my MinO 50/1.7. I didn't expect that, based on the reviews. I like the sharpness at large apertures, although at the maximum apertures it is a bit soft. From f4 on the 1.7 and the 1.4 seem equal (plain sharp). The usefulness around 2-2.8 is what you buy this lens for. It shines there, and produces sharpness and bokeh that will be to your liking.

In the end the 50/1.4 is like that colleague you can trust. It will deliver no matter what the circumstances.

Almost forgot:
Autofocus seemed hit-and-miss on my D5D, but on my A700 it is perfect. That is not because the lens has a flaw, but the D5D just had bad AF.

sharpness: 4,5 

color: 4 

build: 3 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: daxre   review date: February-13-08  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

MINOLTA:
AF 80-200 F2.8 HS APO G
AF DT 18-70 F3.5-5.6 (D)
AF 100-300 F4.5-5.6 (D) APO

SIGMA:
AF 10-20 F4-5.6 EX DC

VOIGTLÄNDER:
AF MACRO DYNAR 100 F3.2-3.5

price paid:

332 EURO

positive:

Super bright
Beatiful bokeh
Very compact & lightweight
Excellent sharpness

negative:

Colours little cold
Build so so
Little soft until 1.7

comment:

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Josioau   review date: January-13-08  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 50mm f1.7, Minolta 50mm f1.4, Carl Zeiss 16-80mm.

price paid:

290USD

positive:

Compact, light, fast, sharp, dreamy bokeh.

negative:

Nothing to speak of.

comment:

Basically same as the Minolta ReStyled version, perhaps different lens coating? A bit smarter looking with simplified graphics. Very compact, light, fast and capable in very low light situations, especially with Super Steady Shot image stabilisation. Quick and accurate focusing. Perfect portait lens, and for indoors, night scenes, galleries, museums. Dreamy bokeh. Great for macro work with close up filters or extension tubes. A must have lens in every Dyxum member's kit. In my book worth the extra over the Minolta 50mm f1.7 for the extra speed as well as the bokeh and stopped down sharpness. Reversible bayonet hood works well to cut flare outdoors.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Blunderstein   review date: January-07-08  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 50/2.8 macro

price paid:

SEK 4400 (€462) new

positive:

-sharp
-good colours
-small & light

negative:

-price

comment:

I love it. However, perhaps a used 50/1.7 would have served me almost as well for much less money.
It was my walkaround lens with my A100. Now, with my A700, I have less need for really fast glass so my 50/2.8 macro is the new walkaround lens.
Note: I rarely shoot near strong light sources, and know very little about flare. I haven't seen any flare in my shots, but this might just be my lack of knowing what to look for.

sharpness: 4,5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: LuisLopes320   review date: January-06-08  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

sigma 28-70 f/2.8
minolta 17-35 f/2.8-4
sigma 17-70 f/2.8-4.5

price paid:

100€ (used)

positive:

Sharpness, small size, excellent build, nice boken, excellent focal in film and digital, fast focus

negative:

no hood

comment:

For me, this is a mandatory lens, in any system, it should be the first lens that anybody buys, it is such a great focal, and again to me, makes you really think on the photo you're about to perform, and you can control exactly what you want to do. Open wide, it's not very sharp, specially on the edges, but if you put it at f2 its amaizing. The only thing i was expecting a little bit more performance was in focus speed and accuracy. I think it is my sample and that it doesn't occur with every 50mm of these, but the focus speed isn't fast enough for what i was expecting ( my minolta 17-35 is better ) and the accuracy when you want small transitions in focus (like a nose to an eye on a subject face) can result badly. I experienced this in both film and digital (with dynax 7 and 7D) so i think it is from the lens. Even with this small problem, i think it is an amaizing lens that focus fast.

sharpness: 4,5 

color: 4 

build: 3 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: ihlbcn   review date: January-05-08  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 50mm 1.7 RS
Sony 85mm 1.4 SAL

price paid:

350$

positive:

Sharp
Fast and accurate focus
Lovely bokeh

negative:

Build quality is not enough for the price paid.

comment:

This lens is very sharp and very good to do portraits or studio work, the lens is sharp even wide open, stopped down to f2 or f2.8 it is simply superb. The bokeq is also great.

The only regret about this lens is the build quality, optically this lens is very good... but build quality should be better for a 50mm 1.4 at that price.

Well, just the update when using the lens on the A900... just superb... it's even better... I expected a disaster on the borders or even just out of the center but it's not a disaster at all... it's soft but enough, of course stopped down to 2.8 it turns to be great on the FF.

sharpness: 5 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: womprat4   review date: December-31-07  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

- canon 50mm f1.8
- minolta 28mm f2.8

price paid:

400 CDN (new)

positive:

- Small, compact
- nice touchy-feely
- optics are great

negative:

- rubber grip feels good to touch but seems cheaply made

comment:

I use this lens exclusively (ok, about 90%) for portrait shots, and am never disappointed. spot on focus, very sharp, and since it's nice and small, it doesn't intimidate the subject when you point it at them. a must have for anyone doing close range people shooting. I bought it new, but have always felt a little ripped off...sony is charging too much for this, but, it's a good lens, so what the heck.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: D-Schap   review date: December-24-07  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 50mm f/1.4
TAMRON 90mm f/2.8 Di
TAMRON 17-50mm f/2.8 Di-II

price paid:

$325

positive:

Sharp and light

negative:

Nothing I would comment on

comment:

This lens is remarkably clear and fast to focus. It is the lens I go for in my studio work. The Minolta 50mm f/1.4 is just slight less sharp, but BOTH lenses do the job. Cost wise ... the Minolta is your choice. It really depends on how close your are inspecting your shots to determine whether the SONY is worth the extra $200. Flip a coin.

The TAMRON 90mm is reknown for its sharp image and the SONY produces an equally sharp image for its focal length. Bokeh is what I would expect of a lens with this wide an aperture. Certainly greater than either the 90mm or the 17-50mm f/2.8s are capable of.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: RDoe   review date: November-19-07  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

- Sigma 30mm F1.4

price paid:

320 Euro (new)

positive:

- Small
- Light
- Fast focus
- Good focus in low light, much better than Sigma 30mm
- Decent build

negative:

- Small, but again also positive
- Flare controle could be beter
- Colors a bit cold, but pretty accurate

comment:

I traded my Sigma for this lens and no regret. This lens focussus much better in all circumstances, but especially under low light. I really like this lens. It's a bit more portrait than the Sigma, but I can live with that!
I had two samples of the Sigma, first bad backfocus, second was good, but couldn't get a decent AF lock under low light. I also like the F1.4 performance much more than the Sigma's.
All in all a better lens, faster, more compact, lighter .... My advise when you can overcome the more tele of the 50mm get it NOW!

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Mauricio11   review date: July-19-07  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Sig 30/1.4
Min 28/2.8
Kit Lens

price paid:

retail

positive:

- sharpness
- bokeh
- colors
- great control of DOF

negative:

- nothing

comment:

It fits nicely on my A100. Keep it light and discreet. Great lens. A piece of glass you can rely on.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 3 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: nicj   review date: May-10-07  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

positive:

Fast focus
Fast 1.4
Sharp
Good IQ

negative:

Build
Expensive compared to other possible lenses on market
Seldom used indoors on APS-C, since it becomes 75mm

comment:

Good lens, though clearly Sony is focusing on full-frame lenses in my view (good news for pros, maybe less for the amateur) (ties in with the new flagship model). Clearly designed for indoors with available light, but on the APS-C sensor it becomes 75mm and so is not very wide. Good IQ and can do some good bokeh. It's also sharp wide open (you expect that of a prime though). Build is not nice for the price. The focus ring is not very wide and is rubber. At least the mount is metal (not like the kit lens).

Sony Alpha 100
Minolta - AF 80-200 F2.8 HS APO G
Tamron - SP AF 17-50 F2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical
Sigma - 18-200 F3.5-6.3 DC
Sony - AF 50 F1.4
Sony - AF DT 18-70 F3.5-5.6
Sigma - EF 500 DG SUPER

sharpness: 4 

color: 4 

build: 2 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: tom9black   review date: March-26-07  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 MF

positive:

Great bokeh and sharp. I have an old Nikon F3/T with a 180mm f/2.8 ED telephoto and it gets the same kind of effects (bokeh and sharpness)

negative:

Shoddy build. I got a piece of rubber coming off the lens near the AF ring. Have to tape it down. Ugh.

comment:

Build quality on this lens is poor. I just look at the old Nikon MF lenses that I have. They are built to take it. Perhaps the CZ lenses will have a better build quality. Sharpness is wonderful tho'.. and the bokeh gives me chills. Love it!

sharpness: 4,5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Reto   review date: March-25-07  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

positive:

Better sun shade than the Minolta Version.

negative:

Sharpness could be a tad better, compared to the Minolta 85/1.5 and the Minolta 28/2+35/2.
Focus ring could be wider.

comment:

Pretty much what you expect of a 50/1.4 - compact, decent image quality.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: ssssssssssssss   review date: March-14-07  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

price paid:

MYR 1650

positive:

sharpness, fast f1.4, bright, AF, colour of image, bokeh, lower exposure shadow details(probably a100 DRO helps)

negative:

built of plastic, focus ring not smooth and limitedly too short for comfortable focusing (but happy with the image results)
too expensive for its built and performance (there are other cheaper brands with on par performance)

comment:

What made me bought this lens was bcoz I need the f1.4, I was'nt very sure initially that this lens will be sharp at full opened based on the reviews I read from various sites. Therefore, I went around to look for shops that have ready stock at hand for test before I bought.
When I looked at the image of the 1st test shot taken with this lens at the shop using only ambient light of the shop, I was amazed by the sharpness of the subject in focus and the bokeh that it produced. The sales person encouraged me for a few more shots at various aperture and the images were all great. Of coz the camera AF might end up with images of either back/front focus issues due to its focal length but with MF plus a sharp eye solved all that problem. So it's one of my prefered potrait lens at the moment. Images crops do show finer details which convinced me the good perfomance of this overpriced lens.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: ruf993turbo   review date: March-13-07  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

price paid:

$349 USD (new)

positive:

extremely fast, sharp, small and versatile

negative:

price and made in china? comon sony!

comment:

This is one of my favorite lens because the af is very fast, the pictures one of the sharpest I've shot with. I have no regrets with this lens, it's a must have in any setup!

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Pepos   review date: February-19-07  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta AF 28-75mm F2.8(D)

price paid:

347E(new)

positive:

Sharp, rich contrast

negative:

overpriced

comment:

Very nice and sharp lens

sharpness: 4,5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: BrownJenkin   review date: January-15-07  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Tamron 17-50 f 2.8

price paid:

299 euros new

positive:

sharp, Excellent in low light condition, light

negative:

Maybe too small for big hands

comment:

I really love this lens. I was a little afraid when Sony launched the first lens series, and I've tried this lens before buying it. Right now i shoot mostly with this lens and I'm really pleased. I've made a test with this lens and Tamron 17-50 2.8 from f 2.8 ---> 6.7. Tamron's a little sharper.

Still waiting for Sonnar 85 1.4 to come, but the 50 F1.4 is a great choiche.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: dctrkaushik   review date: January-04-07  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 50 F 1.7 , Sony-AF DT 18-70 F 3.5 -5.6

price paid:

349USD(new)

positive:

light , small , superb sharpness ,excellent in shooting without flash

negative:

overpriced by 30 percent

comment:

Excellent performance in low-light condition - very very impressive image sharpness and detail.This is the only lens I have found suitable for low light shooting of temple sculptures without using flash.It's ability to capture light in dark environments is amazing.I have never seen other lens as impressive as this in shooting (without using flash) sculptures made from Gabro stone or aerolite stone and fixed in low light environments.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: tmoreau   review date: January-03-07  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

28/2, Tamron 90/2.8

price paid:

300 USD (used)

positive:

Small, light, excellent quality, bright

negative:

Infrequently used focal length

comment:

As small/light as the original 50/1.7 with a better hood and 55mm filter threads. Contrast/color is better than many lenses, I'm guessing because of digital coatings. Sharpness is incredible from f/1.7 on, f/1.4 is hit or miss sometimes giving a dreamy effect. Its hard to keep your fingers off the focus ring, and the hood moves in/out as it focuses too.

Build of this lens and MF ring are great, gigantic step up from either Original or RS minolta primes.

Distortion, flare, sharpenss, etc... its a 50/1.4 and lives up to its reputation. Beats the Tamron 90mm macro (non-Di) due to increased contrast.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: napo   review date: November-08-06  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

28-75 2.8

price paid:

340E(new)

positive:

sharp, light, nice color

negative:

Slightly underexpose

comment:

Great lens, first I hesitated to buy it , but now I am so glad I did. It is a great , fast, sharp lens everyone should have. it fits great on my D5D and I have it always with me

sharpness: 4,5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: barri   review date: October-17-06  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Tokina 2.6-2.8/28-70
Minolta 2.8/100 Macro

price paid:

320 Euro (new)

positive:

super sharp from f2 onwards, but also usable already at f1.4.
small and lightweight.

negative:

hard to keep fingers off the fucusing ring during AF, as lens is so small.

comment:

very nice and sharp lens. Great for portrait shots.
Highly recommended.

wish that the lens had some clutch mechanism to unlock focus ring in AF.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: Two_truths   review date: October-15-06  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4.5 macro
Sigma 24-135mm F2.8-4.5

price paid:

£290 (new)

positive:

sharp and bright
light-weight

negative:

slightly light build
no autofocus throttle

comment:

This is a great lens to use as an introduction to primes. It focuses very fast, and is great to work with. This is by far my favourite lens, mainly because I do a lot of low-light photography.

My main qualm is that the lens does not have a throttle to stop the focusing ring from turning when it's in autofocus mode. Since the lens is so compact, this leaves very little space to grip the lens whilst using it.

I found the easiest solution is to use the hood, which is a solid plastic ring, and grip on that.

The build quality of the lens is not as great as it's image quality but then it isn't particularly expensive compared to other primes. The hood itself is the most tacky part.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: colorsound   review date: September-16-06  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

50/2.8(D) - 50/3.5 - 50/1.7 - 85/1.4G(D) - 28-75/2.8(D)

price paid:

349.00

positive:

Sharp, Rich contrast, Very nice build, Circular Aperture, Backward Compatible, Beautiful Bokeh, Highly attractive, Hood included

negative:

though well worth the money, i would have liked to pay about $100.00 less

comment:

close to a year ago, I worried about Sony taking over - my 2 main concerns were:

#1 - Minolta, in my honest opinion, made not only some of the most innovative and fun lenses, but the most gorgeous from a physical and design aspect

#2 - the 7D is the best digital camera made so far, period. why? - because, as a professional photographer, i would rather rely on buttons and switches (muscle memory) rather than LCD surfing.

so far, Sony has put my soul to rest on concern #1

#2 has yet to be fullfilled


anyhow, enough of my worthless ramblings!!!

this lens is awesome...i have been using a Minolta 85/1.4 G (D) for a while for portrait photography.

now, this is a bold statement - this lens (50/1.4) is AS good, if not better (for a lot less money)

could I have gone mad?


well, in my opinion 50mm is a much easier focal length to work with and this lens has bokeh that is just as pretty.

there is a lot i could say, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder - i MUST recommend this lens highly, and Sony has made me very proud and happy - I shall stock up on Sony lenses!!!!!!