Sony FE 50mm F2.8 Macro
Launch MSRP
$500- Weight
- 236g
- Filter
- ⌀55mm
- Min focus
- 0.16m
- Max mag.
- 1.00×
- Formula
- 8E / 7G
- Released
- 2016
Specification sheet
Optical construction
- 1x ED
- 1x Aspherical
- Aperture range
- f/2.8 — f/16
Physical & ergonomics
- Weight
- 236g
- ⌀ × length
- 70.8 × 71.0mm
- Filter
- ⌀55mm
- Weather sealed
- Yes
- Aperture ring
- No
Autofocus actuator
- Stabilisation
- Body IBIS
- Teleconverter
- Not supported
- AF speed score
- 5.8 / 10
Close-up performance
- Min focus distance
- 0.16m
- Max magnification
- 1.00× (1:1.0)
Optical character
This is Sony's compact true 1:1 macro for full frame, focusing down to 0.16m. One aspherical element controls field curvature and an ED element limits axial colour at close distances, so it is well suited to copy work, product shots and small subjects where a flat field matters.
The 50mm focal length leaves very little working distance at 1:1, about 2cm from the front of the extended barrel, which makes lighting and shy subjects difficult. It has a focus range limiter, a focus-hold button and dust and moisture resistance, and the barrel extends as it focuses closer.
Reviewer consensus
Reviewers found it very sharp at macro and medium distances, with a flat field, low distortion and little colour fringing, making it a good choice for reproduction work. Contrast stays high stopped down to the f/8 to f/11 range most macro work uses.
Autofocus is its weak spot: the DC motor is slow and noisy and hunts across the full range unless the limiter is used. Bokeh is acceptable but not as smooth as the FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS, and the short working distance limits it for insects and other live subjects.
Owner sentiment
Owners use it for product photography, flat-lay, documents and occasional standard shooting, and like its size, sharpness and price compared with the 90mm macro. The focus limiter is considered essential.
Common complaints are loud, slow AF, a clicking focus motor in video, the extending barrel and very short working distance at 1:1. Some owners say manual focus is the practical way to use it for true macro.
Strengths, weaknesses & performance
Strengths
- +True 1:1 magnification
- +Sharp with a flat field
- +Compact and light at 236g
- +Focus limiter and focus-hold button
- +Dust and moisture resistant
Weaknesses
- −Slow, noisy DC-motor AF
- −Very short working distance at 1:1
- −Barrel extends while focusing
Six-axis rating
- Sharpness
- 8.8
- Bokeh Rendering
- 7.2
- Autofocus Speed
- 5.8
- Flare Resistance
- 7.8
- Build / Sealing
- 7.6
- Value / Size
- 7.8
Editorial 0–10 ratings synthesised from published reviews.
Technical specifications
| Mount | Sony E (FE) · full frame |
|---|---|
| Focal length | 50mm |
| Category | Macro |
| Maximum aperture | f/2.8 |
| Minimum aperture | f/16 |
| Construction | 8 elements in 7 groups |
| Special elements | 1x ED · 1x Aspherical |
| Aperture blades | 7 |
| Focus type | Autofocus |
|---|---|
| Drive | DC Motor |
| Minimum focus | 0.16m |
| Max magnification | 1.00× |
| Stabilisation | None (uses body IBIS) |
| Teleconverters | Not supported |
| Weight | 236g |
|---|---|
| Diameter × length | 70.8 × 71.0mm |
| Filter thread | ⌀55mm |
| Weather sealing | Yes |
| Aperture ring | No |
| De-clickable aperture | No |
| Release year | 2016 |
| Launch MSRP | $500 USD |
Sources
Specifications
- imaging-resource.com/lenses/sony/fe-50mm-f2.8-macro-sel50m28/specifications
- sony.com.sg/electronics/camera-lenses/sel50m28/specifications
- bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1277527-REG/sony_sel50m28_fe_50mm_f_2_8_macro.htm
Similar focal length alternatives
- VSFE 50mm F2.8 Macro vs 50mm F1.05
- VSFE 50mm F2.8 Macro vs AF 50mm F1.8
- VSFE 50mm F2.8 Macro vs 50mm F1.4 AS UMC
- 7Artisans
50mm F1.05
50mmF1.05- WT
- 606g
- FLT
- ⌀58mm
- MFD
- 0.57m
- MSRP
- $399
MFRING·DC - 7Artisans
AF 50mm F1.8
50mmF1.8- WT
- 421g
- FLT
- ⌀62mm
- MFD
- 0.50m
- MSRP
- $228
AFRING·DC - Samyang/Rokinon
50mm F1.4 AS UMC
50mmF1.4- WT
- 565g
- FLT
- ⌀77mm
- MFD
- 0.45m
- MSRP
- $499
MFRING
