GAME-OVER: The Cheap Lens Killing Sony’s Best Seller

[@markwiemels]

GET THE LENS - geni.us/Nkdb2IU or bit.ly/3PC2yUy Sony Lens On-Sale Here - geni.us/cFFL5 Camera Used for Sample Photos - geni.us/3deXcAQ (affiliate links)

[@lionheart4424]

Happy to see that 3rd party manufacturers are slowly introducing aperture rings into their lenses. As a Fuji shooter, having an aperture ring in the lens makes me do adjustments on the fly when needed.

[@LZXun]

i'd reach for the smaller and lighter lens all the time

[@nojustno8468]

Lens is too large and too heavy. Not an option in my opinion.

[@RJMPictures]

That is an enormous lens for f1.8 lol

[@SebastianDavidPB]

it's made for a new genre of photography called shit photography lol

[@Pharesm]

if you mount it on a stick, you have a half decent melee weapon.

[@曾敬桂]

i'm suprised that the video would rather talk about the material than its volume and weight. perhaps i'm the only one who's not owing a Doraemon 4D pocket

[@abhas1]

I agree - when he was first showing the lens I thought it'd be a 1.4 or 1.2 or something - but for 1.8, I'd want it to be smaller and lighter much like Canon's STM lenses

[@ItzSlushie]

its got an aperture ring, a focus ring and a MF/AF switch. the sony 50 1.8 only has a focus ring

[@TheMonsieurSalty]

After using this lens for some time, I can agree with most of what you said here. But here's some more stuff from my experience: 1. The AF-MF switch is VERY LOOSE and you can accidentaly flip it. My first copy's switch actually came off by accident. Luckily the vendor replaced it with a new one. 2. The aperture ring is super stiff and has no clicks/increments and makes it so awkward to use. I'd rather just put it on A and just change it from my camera. 3. And yes, like many of people pointed out in the comment. this is a behemoth for a f1.8 lens. It has no business being this big and heavy.

[@dronephotogeek]

I have a 50 1.8 that lives on my a6400 and I just got the new 11mm 1.8 non G and I am in love with those two lenses. I have the 350G and the 18-135 kit. The 350 is 525 on crop and I mostly use it for surfing with amazing results

[@bryronify]

The native Sony 50mm 1.8 is my first ever lens in a mirrorless camera - got it as a freebie when I purchased A7iv (body only). My only other lens is a Sigma 24-70 2.8 DG DN art. I find myself picking up the 50mm 1.8 for casual use / casual street photog more often as it is very compact.

[@jacquesnel8384]

50mm on APSC is too tight for most situations imho.

[@BrickedHonor]

I agree. 18-22mm range is best I think for that 1.6 crop.

[@toorandomenvi]

Really? I feel like 35mm is just too wide for most pictures I take.

[@tomyasch22]

50mm is great for full frame. 30/35mm is great for APS-C.

[@irtheLeGiOn]

50mm on APSC is great for people who don't always want to be on top of their subject.

[@CLVlogs05]

in most situation it is just terrible, not good unless you try to spy on someone lol. it is pretty tight for most situations@@irtheLeGiOn

[@User_not_found_403]

on APS-C the 35 F1.8 OSS is good nifty fifty. A little more versatile. I'd save the 50/55mm (75 to 82.5mm ff equiv) for portraits. My choice would actually be the Sigma 56 1.4.

[@mohsin_sait]

I hated the 35mm, sold it away because it wasn't even as sharp as my 18-135

[@User_not_found_403]

@@mohsin_sait Yah depends on what you chase. I liked it for video, so sharpness isn't my priority. I'm not a landscape photo guy.

[@marknathan7744]

better off with a good second hand copy of the zeiss 55mm f1.8

[@rephaelreyes8552]

Or a minolta 50mm f1.7 for $12 over on ebay.

[@galileo5854]

​@@rephaelreyes8552no, these lenses are not the same.

[@rephaelreyes8552]

@@galileo5854 really? What's the difference between a new prime lens and a vintage af lens?

[@senthiljams]

​@rephaelreyes8552 those lenses don't work directly on the Sony cameras this video is about. You need an adapter for that lens. An adapter for it with auto focus costs around 250$ (Sony LA EA5).

[@rephaelreyes8552]

@@senthiljams I mean there’s plenty of cheap A-mount cameras over on eBay too. But yeah sucks to be you guys lol

[@shengyuanhsuphotography7255]

that size....?????

[@daveygee434]

I love the photo snobbery around the use of ‘beginner photographers’ 😂

[@Jakepf]

Honestly, I don't really care if my lens FEELS cheap, as long as it produces quality photos, then I'm good.

[@harraldschmitt9113]

thats crazy. There is basically no difference in performance quality, which, for 7Artisan lenses is quite an acomplishment. They are known for making cheep and low end performing lenses, so to see them bring out a lense with autofocus, more features, equal performance and cheaper price than the original first party lense is very impressive

[@ramteafanai29]

For wedding photography which lens do you prefer..... I'm confused can you help me out guys.....

[@bala1000mina]

Thank you so much Mark for the helpful video! Surprised by the quality of the lens! Good luck!

[@UKMike2009]

Some of these new lenses are getting ENORMOUS. Yes I know they are chasing wider apertures but I was brought up on Pentax and Olympus OM lenses which were full frame and tiny. That TT is HUGE. I couldn't justify the weight or size.

[@leonarddavis8449]

Far too big, looks more like an 85mm.

[@Apple.Jackedd]

The 85 isnt that big

[@yajt6651]

Thanks for this! I appreciate the direct comparison to the Sony f/1.8. Although I’m happy with the optical qualities of my Sony-the AF motor speed and noise bother me. If the motor problem was just one or the other, I could probably be satisfied but the combination of slowness and noise is demotivating for me. Admittedly, my reaction is extreme (misophonia) but the Sony does fail the sleeping cat test (and makes them shoot me a look that asks, “Seriously?”).

[@chosenideahandle]

Hey Mark! I didn't realize so many were still buying Sony's old 50. For general purposes I'm more a 35mm guy on full-frame, and the old Sony 35mm f1.8 is great over some of the quality issues Sony had with the 50. The TT Artisans alternative would definitely be too large and heavy for myself, but I'm an APS-C person again anyway. It's cool to see TT Artisans AF lenses, I've really enjoyed their 23mm f1.4. I'm finding the 27mm f2.8 AF pancake interesting.

[@MattTrevett]

Prefer the smaller version but I see the appeal of a premium experience. Quieter autofocus is nice for video too. Size is a killer for me though. Price is right for either and I doubt you could go wrong.

[@WatchMysh]

Thanks for the review! Can you tell me how it does compare to the 50F18B? The more expensive OSS version?

[@KevinG-159]

I love the research you do and the alternatives you present for the many (me) that don't have unlimited funds. Tks!

[@markwiemels]

You are so welcome!

[@AaronReactivated]

I in fact only got a Sony camera when i saw the quality of the third party lenses. I’m cool with crop sensor, no one seems to notice turns out it pays the same

[@zangounette]

Whats the point to make this lens that big if the image quality is the same ??

[@markwiemels]

That's a fair question.

[@WilsonsWorld-USA]

Question? Which lens would be best for close up, talking head video footage?

[@noth606]

Depends a bit on the gear you are going to use, and how you mean "close up". There are zoom lenses that have a range from quite wide to quite zoomed in and therefore very versatile in that you can step back and zoom in to get a 'flatter compressed image' if you have the space and the audio gear to handle it. I have an FX30 on which I have a Sony SEL1670Z 16-70mm lens with the XLR audio handle and a Rode NTG2 mic that can pick audio up well from a few meters away. So in a quiet environment I don't need to be very close to the subject to get good audio and can zoom in to frame the subject the way I want. I would suggest something similar since it allows you to choose, you can shoot from very close up to from the other side of a room if it isn't noisy. Flexibility in what situations your gear works well in is a good thing to have. It's not "the best" in any situation of course, but it is "very good" in a lot of situations. I'm not saying you should get the same thing I have, but rather think about where and how you want to be able to use your gear and choose accordingly.

[@marendradika]

How to know the Speed and Focus Accuracy Quality of these 2 lenses in the same body?

[@ChristopherPerezAHCG]

Thanks Mark. I always enjoy your reviews and comparisons. You inspire me to take my nice camera out more often. I sold my original Sony 50/1.8 and now I'm interested in this 7A model.

[@arteytacos]

quick question is this good to video my art? I need to record a close details, thank you

[@GilbertTV]

the Sony FE 50mm is very poor , but the SEL (apsc) 50mm Sony lens is very good . lets hope this release & other good 50mm lenses from 3rd party lens manufacturers persudes Sony to at last make a MKii of the FE 50mm

[@zdravkopavic8469]

Nothing wrong there but imo 50 is a bit too long for apsc. I used a Minolta 50 on my a77 and it was nice, but I was mostly stuck at portraits with it. On ff I use 35mm on my A7s and its almost universal:)

[@futureproof001]

First, I enjoy the channel very much. I am not a pro and only take photos of the kids and our area now and then (other than with my phone) Second, may I ask for your input? I have an older camera A Sony a6300 i bought new with the 2 kit lens years ago. Less than 100 photos taken on it so far. Since i do this only for family stuff and memories I don't want pro anything. What lenses would recommend in my case to be able to take family portraits and/or of our travel within the city or out in the countryside? I live abroad and there are some lovely places I would like to get some good photos of. Any input is welcome Thank you again for your informative post

[@michael4743a]

i'd say a zoom lens, somewhere 18-70mm for family photo in a tight space that's definitely gonna need around 18-35 meanwhile for normal portrait it's gonna be at 50mm!

[@TheXRAYPodcast]

Is this lens good for video (for a podcast)?

[@TheTomorrowsSpirit]

Thanks mate! The Review I needed!

[@Ayyubi_Tanfidz]

I'm using an APS-C camera, which should I choose, 50mm or 35mm?

[@3strs]

35mm because u have a cropped sensor camera it’s zoomed in already 1.6x’s

[@walaybilay3591]

hi, really need your advice. What do you think about sigma 18-50 mm F2.8?

[@ScottSiegling]

amazing focus noise test!

[@justforschool26]

Why would someone want to "feel" like they have a high-end lens when they actually don't. This review did help me pick so thank you, Sony 100% for size and weight.

[@JanAnton]

that some Darth Vader breathing vibe with the Sony lens :)

[@grumpysgreatoutdoors]

Hey Mark, what’s the best lens for video that does close up but shows wide angle simultaneously? I’m trying to get closer up while I’m speaking but also show the mountains behind me.

[@grumpysgreatoutdoors]

I have a ZVE10.

[@infinitesimulationstv]

I'm still saving up for that Sony 10-20mm and 18-105mm f/4 OSS PZ G lens. You need a Sony lens for that lens compensation for FX30 and FX3. For video work you really need focus breathing compensation so you can do para-focal zoom and focus pulls.

To big and to heavy, i love my light sony nifty fifty. 😅

[@classic.cameras]

After I switched to Sony in 2018 from using Canon for 20 years one of the lenses I bought (used) was the Sony FE 50mm f1.8. I like to have a nifty50. I used it all of once. Hated the lens so much I sold it as I would rather use a vintage lens then that lens. It was slow and the IQ was not good. The look of the images was not great either.

[@fotosvond_]

What I would add to your findings: Sony‘s 50/1.8 in terms of IQ is usable on 24 MP bodies such as the A7 II and III. I was quite pleased with it when I shot on these bodies. However, on my 7R III it isn’t the same case, it doesn’t really hold up that well on higher resolution sensors. My Tamron 35/2.8 (which is a nasty AF lens, too 😆) holds itself a lot better on 43 MP, producing VERY good IQ. Same as for the Sony 50/1.8 applies to the Samyang 50/1.4 Mk II. I don’t know why my Tamron lenses are mostly independent of the resolution count, but some lenses are not and this Sony is definitely one of them. Of course you would not necessarily pair an R-body with such a lens, however there might be people like me who mostly shoot lenses at f2.8 and above, using a 1.8 prime as a backup for bad whether/lighting or for casual video work.

[@markwiemels]

I think it will perform similar to the Sony 50 f1.8, but with much better corners/edge resolution. For 4K video it would be near perfect, due to lower demand on the optics.

[@NAFinance]

The Zeiss 55mm is my favorite. Along side with the Sony F4 16-35, those 2 get 95% of the shots I need

[@bobbullethalf]

Cheaper and better is right down my alley!

[@peterdavis586]

I notice you don’t mention having to do calibration on 7artisan lenses like some other mention. Wondering why you don’t explain that?

[@likedontcostmoney5595]

what lens you use for the current video?

[@markwiemels]

Those details are always in the description.

[@Pharesm]

Everybody buys 50mm, they're usually the cheapest, because everyone and their brother heard it a hundred times. Its not that hard, for people with eyes and brain, really! When did you last have to pay for film? take 300 random shots outdoors, look at them for an hour and sort your favorites. You'll quickly see what's great, what's ok and what doesn't work - according to YOU, not someone else.

[@echoauxgen]

I have been with Sony since the beginning years '14 and have jumped on some lenses when a few months or a year later Sony came out with their version. Like the Sigma 150-600mm or the Sigma 14mm f/1.8 (a monster). I have just about every lens Sony has but just a few of the newer ones. Right now Sony has filled just about any lens mm it can and is improving on every one. The one lens I wish they would come out with a newer version is the APS-C E 10-18mm (15-27mm) it works in full frame 12-18mm (18mm if you remove the light shield) I have been using since '15 after Trey Ratcliff tested it in full frame mode. It is a perfect lens for Milky Way capture so light and small and is OSS and with treads for filters. Sony came out with a FE 12-24mm f/4 and then f/2.8 both monster heavy and very scary to put on a panorama rig and require a filter holder up front. The APS-C lens even small but performs as good as the full frame and under $1K, I put the Haida clear night in the rear and a fiter up front for fog. What you will see from Sony is improvements to all lens mm's and you can get the originals for less $ getting more on board with Sony the other camera makers are playing catch up with their mirrorless models.

[@loboptlu]

Oh yes i love having a heavy monster of a lens with me all the time , thats why i got the 50 f2,5 g , no focus sound and short and transportable without working out , especially when you shoot freehand.

[@JohnRGoudy]

Mark, another great video. I skipped the kit on the a6700 and went with the sigma 18-50mm F2.8. Would it still be worth picking up this prime with lower F?

[@Sonic-Boom]

Either this or the Sigma 56mm 1.4 which it's half the size and better.

[@chosenideahandle]

If low light photography and further out of focus backgrounds (portraiture) are of interest, you may want to got lower with a larger aperture. The lens you bought is otherwise the best move you could have made for walking around with one lens. It really depends on what you'll be doing. I also own the a6700, and would opt for Sigma's 30mm f1.4 (45mm or so on full frame) if you want more of an all-around large aperture prime. If you're interested in portrait work it's also a good choice, but if you want to get a little more serious on the portrait side or require more reach for your work, then I'd consider Sonic-Boom's suggestion for a small lightweight portrait lens like the Sigma 56mm. If you're more serious about portrait work, you have the room to work, or you're shooting things like stage events and you don't mind something heavy, then nothing currently beats having the Viltrox 75mm F1.2 for our cameras.

[@JohnRGoudy]

@@chosenideahandle thanks for the info. I really don’t know what I want to get into, one of the reasons I picked the 18-50 gives me options on a single lens. This is my first real camera. I know when I take iPhone photos I really like unique perspectives. I live in Wisconsin so I may want to do landscape photography but I have gotten out there yet to see what I really like.

[@Anju876]

Even when all of this is said and it's a damn good comparison. It's all subjective at the end because the primary function of the lens is to capture pictures. Granted the sony is older. I shoot as a hobby and prefer a run and gun light set up so I have forgone getting a full frame camera, and do have the sony 50mm 1. 8 for apsc which works fine because it has oss. If the 7artisans has a vintage look I might sell the sony and get the 7artisans as that's the feel I look for. Either way I got a deal on my lens so can't complain. Pros might feel different.

[@adidabax6809]

I was expecting this to be about the Sigma 50mm 1.2... hope they gave you a copy of that one, too!

[@condellmaurice8597]

The size is a bit much but... For a third party it shows good colours, draws really well in the shadows and I am amazed by the high light control(contrast) on this lens. Why does the sony sound like a screw drive lens?

[@albertjimenez7896]

Because mirrorless cameras were initially designed to be cropped, the Sony E mount is smaller than the Canon and Nikon mounts, which puts the Sony E mount at a huge disadvantage. But both Canon and Nikon have a mouth opening size that is about the same as a 645 medium format mouth opening. This has a big effect on how lenses are made. So, Canon and Nikon will be able to beat Sony's optical performance. On the positive side since Sony can get help from Bronica's optics experts, they might be able to get into the medium format market. Since Tamron and Bronica merged, these experts have been working for Tamron, a company in which Sony owns 20%.

[@thearabicdp]

Sony 50mm 1.8 is the most resold lens ever 😂

[@iamalexchua]

Folks, at this point, get the Sony Zeiss 55mm f1.8 from the used market. That lens is very sharp, good contrast and generally pleasing.

So it's bigger and more expensive? No, thanks.

[@AdamAllen]

Too big, I personally wouldn't consider it. Same gripe I have with the new Nikon primes. Why are the 35mm and 50mm 1.8 the same size as a 135mm these days, smh.

[@f1remandg]

Not one of your best on choice benefits, cost, size and overall! A good example of option but not really as portability and flare along with quality in results, it’s not even a toss up!

[@mifune111]

There's the rokinon/samyang 45mm f1.8 for 300 usd, it's a tiny plastic razor sharp wonder if you don't mind the vignetting wide open. I had the sony and it was dead slow on my a7ii 😡

[@funnybeingme]

The Samyang 45 f1.8 is a great walkaround lens. It's also a great backup lens to carry in your bag when you have a zoom lens on your camera as it doesn't weigh much. Hard to justify having a big heavy lens like that when it's only f1.8.

[@LanceRazon]

Hows the autofocus on a latest sony body tho?

[@mifune111]

@@LanceRazon i tried the sony 50mm on my a6300 and the autofocus was better but still bad, not mediocre, bad!

[@mifune111]

@@LanceRazon maybe on the a7iii it gave average performance. I think i remember that.

[@Dylon1981]

I gambled with the viltrox 27mm for my a6700. it is my goldilocks focal length (40mm 1.8 equivalent) perfect for street. just not a fan of the weight though.

[@HSNG10]

The Sony 50mm lens I am waiting for is the Sony 50mmF1.8 G version of the excellent Sony 20mmF1.8 G lens. Not this heavy large monster of a lens. In fact, I wish Sony would replicate the design of their 20mmF1.8G lens to the 35mm, 50mm and 85mm, all complete with aperture ring.

[@edmarsh5708]

Do you get the 30fps with Sony A-1????

[@MduduziDube-r8e]

Are these fullframe or crop lenses?

[@markwiemels]

Full-frame, but you can use them on crop sensors as well.

[@explodingheavens]

There are other lens out there killing sony lenses, like 16mm prime, 13mm f1.4, 23mm f1.2, 25/35/50mm 20euro ones, not to mention 7.5mm ones or 400-800 ones. There is still multipurpose sony lens surviving this fight - kit lens, cheapest wide zoom with AF. That is, if you buy used ones. 20 euro lens is a must if you want good low light while not spending much money or to give something to kids for learning without much worry.

[@AnimationCraftFR]

what are 20 euro lens ?

[@djlunatikx]

I thought I was crazy when my Sony nifty 50 made a lot of noise when focusing and thought it was broken, but now I don’t feel bad and might be selling it for the 7artisan instead

[@one901]

I'd go with the smaller lens everyday.

[@ArthurTully]

how does one like you end up with banding in video?

[@gigacolorscapes1859]

What happened to the nifty in the nifty fifty?

[@weekendintokyo]

real. that 7artisans is frigging 400gramms heavy, no thanks.

[@Jnewtonwright]

I usually buy whatever you suggest, but this I may have to pass on I have a zve10 and the size is better for me with the Sony. If it had oss I’d change it. The Sony 50 mm has served me well.

[@nachot6592]

Why would you get this over a discounted Sigma 56 mm 1.4 which is smaller, too?

[@markwiemels]

That's an APS-C lens, this is full frame, which can also used on APS-C.

[@andrewcrossley2448]

Both of these are very large compared to the Nikon and Canon. The original EF Canon is tested as being one of the sharpest ever lenses. That is why they are selling for over $200 for a good second hand one. I was looking at Sony full frame gear yesterday and all the lenses were over large compared to Canon mid range lenses. Only the L Zooms get large.

[@SpikeDotillos]

My Sony 50mm 1.8 paid for my Sony 50mm 1.4 GM

[@christianflores4547]

I'm impressed, but also a little scared.

[@oregonduc]

For video the 7artisans makes sense. With the Sony sale right now it’s a bargain to buy the Sony lens even with the loud AF motor. I do like metal lens build because during travel it is more durable but I would need to think more about what I’m packing since it’s bigger and heavier.

[@EricGross]

Funny. I just bought, yesterday, the TT Artisans 50mm F1.2 Sony E-Mount manual focus lens. Ooooops

[@markwiemels]

Nothing wrong with that lens, it's a manual APS-C lens and 1/2 the price. Hard to beat for the price.

[@Commonyou7149]

7 artisans has a 50mm f1.05 also. Manual but great.

[@ShonCeasa]

this is the reason canon does not allow 3rd party

[@jonnyfarmer]

Look at Sigma for zooms and Viltrox for primes!

[@bunnyboy6615]

The Japanese and German brands have been too expensive for far too long that we need a new potential contender to make a serious shock therapy out of them! I dont know about you guys but paying several thousands of dollars for DSLR and lenses jusr doesnt make any sense..

[@Rowdy216]

That thing is gigantic!

[@gabrielisdalaoban]

I cant decide between 50mm or 85 mm

[@SAI_N_SAI]

Samyang 45mm f1.8 also a nice choice too

[@abhinavashishaind]

Never bought a 50mm. My first lens after my kit lens was a Sigma 18-35 f1.8.

[@menlo7256]

Looking forward to SONY dropping their prices fro their lens to match the up and coming competition

[@jermainenaidoo]

I watched PAV SZ's review of this lens, very nice, although AF was not 100% in day light

[@markwiemels]

There is a new firmware, fixed the focus issues.

[@DD23-1]

Your headlines are probably some of the most clickbaity headlines out there LOL! I still like you as a creator though! >;)))

[@markwiemels]

Haha, thanks. KZbin has trained me well, I even cringe, then laugh, at the absurdity of the these tittles, but I have accepted that this is the game.

[@ste8ven]

It's sonys cheap best seller but not what most people use. I tried it and returned it and saved up for the f1.2

[@IvanGRANID]

very interesting to compare with Sony 55/1.8

[@Anadrolus]

It's cheap for a boat anchor !

[@TL-xw6fh]

Why are Nifty Fifties getting so large? I want a small but capable 50mm lens, so no thank you.

[@chriswittstruck282]

Great vid thanks! Subbed.

[@joflip08]

Why does it feel like you really hate the old one?

[@uongoi1058]

Whenever I encounter a new product featuring terms like "killing" or "killer" associated with a renowned brand name, I anticipate its imminent failure.

[@markbuchbach9639]

Sony is happy to have the cheap lenses from third parties taking their lens sales since it encourages people into their ecosystem. Canon takes the opposite approach - cheap cameras to get people in but then sell them their own lenses to make the money. Both approaches work but I think long term there will be more innovation in the Sony system.

[@shzammpatapon9865]

People are educated enough to know Canon bullshit Printer and Ink tactics. Might as well invest in Sony or Fuji

[@LatinPerspective.]

@@shzammpatapon9865 Why does everyone hate canon so much. I only use native lenses, I don’t care about third party lenses. Why I don’t see you talking about Leica and their ridiculously high prices. Canon has the right to do what ever they want with their products. If you don’t like Canon don’t buy it!!.

[@LatinPerspective.]

@@shzammpatapon9865 Why does everyone hate canon so much. I only use native lenses, I don’t care about third party lenses. Why I don’t see you talking about Leica and their ridiculously high prices. Canon has the right to do what ever they want with their products. If you don’t like Canon don’t buy it!!. I guess you love “greenish yellow” colors

[@danieleverywhere132]

why do you constantly shake lens? is it really annoying only to me?

[@classic.cameras]

Sony really needs to update this lens as I suspect its just a A-Mount lens with adapter built in.

[@markwiemels]

It certainly feels like that.

[@lam243]

Have you ever bought cheap furniture, TVs, etc. to put in your luxurious home?