Sony FE 50mm F2.5 G
Launch MSRP
$600- Weight
- 174g
- Filter
- ⌀49mm
- Min focus
- 0.31m
- Max mag.
- 0.21×
- Formula
- 9E / 9G
- Released
- 2021
Specification sheet
Optical construction
- 1x ED
- 2x Aspherical
- Aperture range
- f/2.5 — f/22
Physical & ergonomics
- Weight
- 174g
- ⌀ × length
- 68.0 × 45.0mm
- Filter
- ⌀49mm
- Weather sealed
- Yes
- Aperture ring
- Yes · de-click
Autofocus actuator
- Stabilisation
- Body IBIS
- Teleconverter
- Not supported
- AF speed score
- 8.7 / 10
Close-up performance
- Min focus distance
- 0.31m
- Max magnification
- 0.21× (1:4.8)
Optical character
The FE 50mm F2.5 G is one of Sony's compact G trio with the 24mm and 40mm F2.8/F2.5. It trades speed for size: at 174g and 45mm long it is tiny for a full-frame fifty, yet it has an aluminium barrel, an aperture ring with click switch, a focus-hold button and dust and moisture resistance.
Two aspherical elements and one ED element make it sharp across the frame from f/2.5. Two linear motors focus quickly and quietly, and close focus of 0.31m (0.21x) is useful for tabletop and detail shots. The f/2.5 aperture gives less subject separation than an f/1.8 or f/1.4 fifty.
Reviewer consensus
Reviewers found it sharp in the centre wide open with good corners by f/4, low distortion and well-corrected colour fringing. AF is fast, silent and accurate for stills and video, and focus breathing is modest. The metal build and full set of controls stand out at this size.
The usual criticisms are the price for an f/2.5 lens and the limited background blur, which some testers described as slightly busy with only seven blades. Vignetting at f/2.5 is noticeable without correction.
Owner sentiment
Owners love it on A7C and A7 IV bodies as an everyday and travel lens, and many say the build quality and aperture ring make it feel more expensive than it is. Silent AF makes it popular with vlogging and gimbal users.
The main complaints are that f/2.5 is not fast enough for some indoor work, the price compared with the FE 50mm F1.8, and that background blur is modest. A few note mild onion-ring texture in specular highlights.
Strengths, weaknesses & performance
Strengths
- +Only 174g and 45mm long
- +Fast, silent dual linear-motor AF
- +Aperture ring with click switch, focus-hold button
- +Dust and moisture resistant
- +Close focus 0.31m (0.21x)
Weaknesses
- −f/2.5 limits background blur
- −Pricey for its aperture
- −Vignetting at f/2.5
Six-axis rating
- Sharpness
- 8.9
- Bokeh Rendering
- 7.4
- Autofocus Speed
- 8.7
- Flare Resistance
- 8.3
- Build / Sealing
- 8.8
- Value / Size
- 7.5
Editorial 0–10 ratings synthesised from published reviews.
Technical specifications
| Mount | Sony E (FE) · full frame |
|---|---|
| Focal length | 50mm |
| Category | Standard |
| Maximum aperture | f/2.5 |
| Minimum aperture | f/22 |
| Construction | 9 elements in 9 groups |
| Special elements | 1x ED · 2x Aspherical |
| Aperture blades | 7 |
| Focus type | Autofocus |
|---|---|
| Drive | Linear Motor (x2) |
| Minimum focus | 0.31m |
| Max magnification | 0.21× |
| Stabilisation | None (uses body IBIS) |
| Teleconverters | Not supported |
| Weight | 174g |
|---|---|
| Diameter × length | 68.0 × 45.0mm |
| Filter thread | ⌀49mm |
| Weather sealing | Yes |
| Aperture ring | Yes |
| De-clickable aperture | Yes |
| Release year | 2021 |
| Launch MSRP | $600 USD |
Sources
Specifications
- sony.jp/ichigan/products/SEL50F25G/spec.html
- imaging-resource.com/lenses/sony/fe-50mm-f2.5-g-sel50f25g/specifications
- bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1630082-REG/sony_sel50f25g_fe_50mm_f_2_5_g.html
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