Sony 50mm f2.5 G: new NIFTY-50 review

The Sony FE 50mm f2.5 G may not be a thrifty 50, but it's certainly a nifty 50!
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#sony #50mm #lens

[@cameralabs]

The Sony FE 50mm f2.5 G may not be a thrifty 50, but it's certainly a nifty 50! Check price at B&H: bhpho.to/3seeI8z // WEX UK: tidd.ly/2PlGotG Buy Gordon a coffee: www.paypal.me/cameralabs Gordon's In Camera book at Amazon: amzn.to/2n61PfI / Amazon uk: amzn.to/2mBqRVZ Like Cameralabs? Get the merch: redbubble.com/people/cameralabs/shop Sample images and written review: www.cameralabs.com/sony-fe-50mm-f2-5-g-review/ Music: www.davidcuttermusic.com​ / @dcuttermusic #sony #50mm #lens

[@klayf_]

can you make a comparaison video (Sony 50mm 2.5 G vs Sony Zeis 55mm 1.8 - Sony 50mm 1.8 FE) please

[@alchemist_x79]

Was considering the 50GM but decided to pick this lens up instead because I shoot landscape mostly and a little street and I really never need 1.2 @ 50mm, and your video put me over the top. This will pair nicely with my 24GM and 135GM. I had been carrying my old radioactive Super-Takumar 50 1.4, but having AF will be a nice change. I also won't have to carry my Sigma 24-70 all that much, and can just zoom with my feet. Truth be told, I've been gravitating more toward primes last year or so anyway.

[@LilSassy]

I actually really appreciate you comparing the 2.5 with the 1.2 GM lens. Although the two aren't all that comparable I did find it interesting to see the practical difference.

[@craigjohnchronicles2504]

Really loving the size of these smaller lenses. Wish more more companies would produce these smaller, higher quality lenses. Nikon seems to feel a smaller lens should equal lesser quality. As an example, the new Nikon 40/2 is missing some of that magic found in the 50/1.8 S. Which is such a shame. Love this review. Many thanks.

[@AngelikuS_]

That 1.2 is no longer needed in a normal lighting situation, since if you want greater bokeh with the 50 2.5, you edit the photo in lightroom, where you can choose the depth of field. I have 3 objectives: 24,40 and 50. a delight. thank you.

[@searam1]

Thanks for another great video! I wanted to tell you that I just purchased your book, “In Camera“, and I am really enjoying it! I love the images and the stories are great and I wish you the very best of luck with it! Sean

[@cameralabs]

Thanks for buying my book Sean, glad you like it!

[@trumannnnn]

Very good comparisson! a comparison between sony 50gm and 55 zeiss would also be interesting...

[@GrandHuevotes]

Don’t forget the new glorious Fujifilm 33 1.4 which is a 50 F2 equivalent

[@michaelbell75]

This seems like a steal. Pretty much the same great build quality, AF speed and accuracy with similar sharpness and IQ as the 50 f/1.2 GM, but way smaller, lighter and $1,500 cheaper. Those of us who don't need the faster aperture of the 1.2 GM are in luck. I prefer everything about the Sony 50 over the Sigma 45 In these tests as well. I was considering the Sigma, but this pushed me to the Sony. Going to pick one of these up to test out. Just need Sony to make one of these in 85mm.

[@kaushaltiwari9773]

The 85mm f1.8 nifty eighty is already very good, sharp and weather sealed with fast AF.

[@johnadams3038]

I wouldn’t say the IQ and sharpness is similar to the GM50 but you wouldn’t get the GM50 to shoot it at f2,8. Generally speaking all modern lenses for mirrorless cameras are pretty sharp.

[@johnadams3038]

At 45mm I can’t see how Sigma bokeh is smoother than the G50mm bokeh really

[@michaelajoseph6856]

Thank you! I prefere this lens, 2.5 to 55 1.8. It came as a surprise for me. It has very good contrast and the autofocus is quick and faultless.

[@possisvideos]

as always, a symphatic, good review. Maybe have a look to the 20/1.8G and the new 40mmG. I hope the UWW f1.8 comes soon too.

[@SilatShooter]

Super Helpful Video! Loved all the comparisons. Answered all my questions!

[@thesampleist]

Superb Review Gordon! Been deciding between the Zeiss 55mm 1.8 and the Sony 50mm 2.5 G and went with the latter. This is to replace my Sigma 50mm 1.4 DG HSM which I love, but as I have the 24-70 Sigma and they weigh the same, I wanted something ultra light and feature packed! Very happy with my choice and your video really helped me make up my mind! Liked and subbed! Cheers!

[@cameralabs]

Glad to help!

[@stephanspiegelberg262]

Thank you very much for this very informative review! I was still looking for a compact 50 mm with autofocus to go with my 35/1.4 Nokton from Voigtländer. It seems I have found what I was looking for.

[@SuperFrise]

Wow! That Sony 50mm 2.5 is so sharp! Love it! Thanks for the video

[@mrbaiser4133]

This series needs a Sony 135mm f4 G lens. Think of street photographers like Saul Leiter, Fred Herzog...

[@randahlfink]

Absolutely awesome, thorough review. Thank you Gordon.

[@cameralabs]

You're welcome!

[@jameswburke]

Great review of this wonderful lens. Love how you can set the aperture on the lens like old film-era lenses. All I need on my A7iii (plus a 49mm Urth polariser). Makes for a very lightweight, full frame mirrorless kit - so you are more likely to bring the camera with you.

[@ICECPH]

Hm jw which would be preferred? Say 502.5 or 551.8? Considering similar pricing 🤔

[@iraklikordzaia]

Thanks for the great video. Please tell me which Sony camera do you use this lens on?

[@cameralabs]

Use it on whichever you like! I tested on A7 IV here

[@iraklikordzaia]

Thanks for the answer. I was just thinking about taking it for the 33MP Sony α7Ⅳ matrix. So you approve, everything will be fine?@@cameralabs

[@wakeywarrior]

One major issue is stabilisation works better with Sony lenses. Newer Sony cameras will correct focus breathing in camera, with a slight crop. These small G lenses are all very nice indeed, I have the 24.

[@cameralabs]

True about the stabilisation and breathing comp. I'm going to mention this more going forward

[@julian_heritage]

Great review Gordon. Think I’ll still stick with my old 55mm, always happy with its great quality and when using without the hood, the 55mm is still compact enough.

[@cameralabs]

Definitely, no need to change if you have the 55.

[@AFR0MAMBA]

i have the 55 on my camera 80% of the time would still like to see a comparison

[@enricocatarinozzi8674]

@@cameralabs for someone who's looking to buy.. it is not a better option the 55?

[@cameralabs]

@@enricocatarinozzi8674 depends on the price. I liked the 55 last time I tested it, but that was a long time ago and lens tech improves quickly. I suspect this new one is roughly similar at a cheaper price.

[@paulbeckmann]

Brillant review! Very helpful! Thanks!

[@GinoFoto]

Focus breathing is not a compromise in a lens design, in fact, is totally normal for any optical formula with focusing ability, lenses without that phenomena are corrected essentially with internal zooming. Potato Jet had a great interview with Art Adams from Arri about that.

[@auxsom]

Amazing, unbiased review. Ty, sir.

[@samsargdong1135]

Hi,thanks for the interesting review. For achieving the same DOF in an Apsc camera with the same focal length,you would need a lens with a f1.67 aperture, right? (2,5:1,5=1,67)

[@cameralabs]

Yes, divide the focal length and focal ratio by 1.5

[@samsargdong1135]

@@cameralabs Ok.Thanks!

[@ryanvacation7319]

This is perfect on the a7c

[@cameralabs]

All three are ideal for the A7c!

[@ZOB4]

Agreed - I think they were aiming these three lenses squarely at that body. The small form factor of the body with these small lenses will make a really nice every day carry set up, or a discreet street photography rig.

[@charruaporelmundo]

Thanks for the review, I own the GM but looking for a compact one, .I ‘ll wait a bit more to see if sigma release an f2. I loved the apo voigt but non af there.

[@berat_dede_1]

Sony Fe 35mm f/1,8 is the best option i think.

[@omnymisa]

Gordon you always make great videos thank you!

[@eric_skadson]

Loved the review!

[@GulfloMeeTeluguAmmaiLavanya]

Hi Sir, Is this lens sharper than Sony 50mm f1.8 and Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 ?

[@uncruckus9345]

Yes

[@enricocatarinozzi8674]

By reading one of the first comments on the list I have discovered that you wrote a book, and as I have really appreciate your honest-professional review and comparisons, I have just place an order for your book (the Italian edition). I am in the middle of considering to buy an A7RIII and I am looking for a good prime standard lens, for what I have understand a better alternative to the Sony 50mm F2.5, would be the Sigma 50mm F1.4 (which is half the price of the nearly equivalent Zeiss), or an interesting alternative it would be the Sony Zeiss 55mm F1.8. What would you suggests as a good lens, fast, for an high res camera?

[@AjaySingh-228]

Good one sir..nice clicks too..focussing also good

[@akkarparkiamopas3401]

to me it is very obvious that 50 1.2 GM produces more contrast and richer color than 50 2.5 G

[@nvztsnl]

ist this lens fast because of alpha 1 or is it a really fast lens even when mounted an alpha 7m3 too?

[@cameralabs]

The A1 is definitely quick, but the performance is still good on other bodies.

[@globalforeigner]

Thanks for the review! I kind of wish Sony would update the 50 f1.8 but I can't imagine it would ever have the same build quality as this lens.... Have you heard if a refresh of the Sony 50 F1.8 is in the works?

[@cameralabs]

I suspect not.

[@JC-sm7so]

The best review I watched regarding Sony 50mm f2.5 G lens. Nice comparison with other 50s.. I'm more of a video guy and do you think shoul I get this one as my 1st 50mm? GM lens is too expensive for me. More power to you Sir 👍

[@cameralabs]

It's a good choice

[@maZec31]

You are the best Gordon!!!

[@cameralabs]

Thanks, that's a very kind comment!

[@JamesClark1991]

Excellent review

[@AJCoReTV]

I like these, but I went with Samyang 24mm 2.8 & 45mm 1.8 very compact $500 for the pair!

[@kodefashmodefa]

I know it’s what goes on in photography but sigma updating the 35mm to f1.2 then the ungianting of the 85 hurt my heart rofl. I already have the 50 f1.4 but with all the new 50s now floating around it has to be on its way

[@KeeksSnoogie79]

Would this lens do well for a music video?

[@cameralabs]

If you want 50mm coverage, yes.

[@davidmiranda9026]

If only this were faster, passed on the first one cause of the sluggish focus

[@anslieqiu1978]

40 2.5g and 50 2.5g，which will be the choice if only one to buy for everyday use？

[@cameralabs]

Probably 40

[@stevemcqueeny]

Fast forward to 2024, if you had to choose what would you pick. Sigma 50mm F2 I-series or the 50mm F2.5G Sony?

[@cameralabs]

Probably the Sigma, but it'd be more about which one I prefer the physical styling and features of. Both are good options.

[@stevemcqueeny]

Thanks for the reply @@cameralabs I'm on my A7CII and feel both are compact and a good fit for the tiny Sony, but I love the I-series feel.

[@cameralabs]

@@stevemcqueeny and the feel is very important, so I'd say we're in agreement over which to get! Note the IBIS may not be quite as effective with non-Sony lenses though - it'll work, but I find it's better with Sony's own lenses.

[@jaan-arya]

Hey Gordon, Can you please do a comparison on best Zoom Lens for Video. -Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM Lens -CANON RF 28-70MM LENS F/2 L USM -Sony FE 24-70mm f2.8 G Master Lens -Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 AF DG DN Art

[@cameralabs]

Why did you post a different list of lenses on separate videos? They're also for different mounts.

[@jaan-arya]

@@cameralabs I can get the Adapter if I go the Sony E mount or Canon RF. I wanted to know which glass is more sharper and has better auto focus.

[@jaan-arya]

@@cameralabs If I want to buy 1 Lens, wanted to know if Zoom or Wide zoom is more useful for videos.

[@cameralabs]

@@jaan-arya native lenses always have better AF

[@cameralabs]

@@jaan-arya which body?

[@Alex-xs6ht]

Eek, I might pull the trigger on this. Found it for £370!

[@phamthoihuy3651]

Tks !!!

[@maxwellwellmax878]

Not a Sony user, just wanted to see Brighton :)

[@cameralabs]

Always happy to oblige!

[@faisalsheraz8101]

Nice review...

[@buyaport]

50 mil is what your see? Not true. Take a zoom lens and compare the picture from the viewfinder with what you see. When are they really the same? Try it for yourself. -- That being said, every lens has its purpose, a wide angle as well as a telephoto - and 50 mil is very useful.

[@jukeboxjohnnie]

Love the aperture rings and compact size, buy why cant we have a 28mm? 24 is too wide to walk around and 40 & 50 are claustrophobic

[@kifley19]

Sony FE 35mm 1.8

[@cameralabs]

They do make a 28 f2!

[@jukeboxjohnnie]

@@cameralabs too old, no aperture ring, need new design for 61mp :-)

[@jukeboxjohnnie]

@@kifley19 bit old! but thanks

[@cameralabs]

@@jukeboxjohnnie I agree, the old 28 f2 is a basic lens and could do with an update. I wouldn't be surprised if a high-end G Master version comes at some point.

[@gdjaybee742]

For a 2.5 aperture, does this lens deserve the name nifty fifty for a price above $200? I believe the gold standard is Canon 50 1.8 deserving of the name nifty fifty because of what it delivers for the cost of less than $100.

[@guillaume7707]

Thank you for this very interesting review. I would recommend the Samyang / Rokinon 45 1.8 which is very light and very sharp. For me it is probably the best trade-off. In exchange for a faster lens and sharpness you have to give up some build quality and the customisable button.

[@cameralabs]

I wish they would send models for review, but they won't.

[@NVIK5]

I really like your reviews. At the same time, you seem to be the most positive about Sony lenses in general and less critical about issues. These lenses are ridiculously overpriced to what the offer. The Nikon Z 50 1.8 is cheaper and easily outclasses this 50.

[@cameralabs]

The Nikon Z 50mm f1.8 S is a very good lens, and it's a stop faster too, but it's larger than the Sony, heavier and the same price, at least in the US. Also comparing my results with those by Thomas in his review he did for me at cameralabs.com, the sharpness and rendering styles are also similar. I do also feel I was critical of the lens - I highlighted the two main areas which disappoint: the busy rendering style and the focus breathing. I bet many people wouldn't go into that detail.

[@dadanardi5541]

if size is not a problem for you just go with larger, heavier, and less compromised lenses. There is market for these lenses, for people who like smaller lenses but with a bit of performance trade off.

[@refriedmermaid]

Don't be a naggy Victor, Victor Nagy 🙂

[@NVIK5]

@@refriedmermaid hehehe 😂

[@maorvaknin769]

Next lans Sony 85MM F2.8 G ...

[@define102]

Why would you choose this over the sony 50mm 1.8?

[@cameralabs]

For all the reasons I say in the review.

[@AFR0MAMBA]

they couldn’t make this a 1.8?

[@cameralabs]

they already have a 1.8, this is designed to be smaller.

[@AFR0MAMBA]

@@cameralabs looks like Canon’s RF 50 1.8 is as small as these new Sony lenses. that other Sony 50 1.8 didn’t get good reviews

[@jaan-arya]

Hey Gordon, Can you please do a test on best mid-range lens for Canon C70 and Red Komodo

[@kifley19]

The Nikon Z 50mm 1.8 is $600 and way better. This should have been $400.

[@NVIK5]

Exactly!

[@cameralabs]

How is it better? The Sony is smaller and lighter for starters.

[@NVIK5]

@@cameralabs I think his question was a bit of a joke. The Nikon has no focus breathing, better sharpness, bokeh and it is a 1.8 lens.. So you think they perform at the same level optically?

[@cameralabs]

@@NVIK5 well I've not reviewed the Nikon personally BUT my colleague Thomas reviews every single Nikon lens for me over at cameralabs.com and he really liked it. BUT comparing his results to mine show they're similarly-sharp and also share similar rendering style / issues. Sure, the Nikon is a stop faster which is a big advantage, but equally it's bigger and heavier. These Sony's are designed to be compact first, although I was really impressed by their sharpness too.

[@kifley19]

@@cameralabs the only negative of the Nikon lens is the size. Everything else is way better for the same price.

[@andrewshearin1525]

This is the exact same review as your 40mm f2.5g review. Why I even post a different video?

[@cameralabs]

The three lenses came out at the same time so I tested them side by side. Search / algorithm prefers single reviews rather than vs videos if people want to find a specific product. Blame the system.

[@LinhNguyen-im4uu]

I think Sony could have done what Canon did and crammed 1:2 macro capabilities into these lenses. Once you get really close up, even f/2.5 would still give a lot of background blur. I think that Sony is going after APS-C users looking to go FF while keeping the size and weight down. f/2.5 sounds slow for FF users but APS-C users should feel right at home if they have shot with f/1.4-1.8 lenses on their Fuji or Sony A6xxx.

[@Noojtxeeg]

Macro lenses could potentially sacrifice size and AF performance. Focus breathing is also usually a big issue with Macro lenses. I would prefer these lenses the way they are.

[@mattdebyl8806]

Canon lenses extend quite significantly to achieve that though. These are completely internal focussing.

[@4sapphireb]

Those sigma lenses are heavy. I have the 65mmm

[@happythec1am]

Strange these have onion ring bokeh but use XA aspherical elements. I thought those were supposed to clear those up.

[@cameralabs]

Are they XA or just plain aspherical elements? Either way as my tests show, it's important to check actual image quality. I find onion ringing and outlining common at this level.

[@happythec1am]

​@@cameralabs oh yeah you're right. I could have sworn I saw XA on B&H's website. Or maybe I did. Sometimes their day 1 specs have mistakes. XA elements would have definitely helped justify the cost.

[@happythec1am]

@@cameralabs or maybe I saw XD linear AF motors and my dyslexic brain decided to rewire itself.

[@btpuppy2]

Your reading the same script as with the 40mm

[@cameralabs]

Only when the info is the,same

[@Garbid]

Nitty fifty for 600?)

[@cameralabs]

I deliberately avoided the word Thrifty. Nifty refers to speed or size, not price. So it's a nifty 50 but not a nifty thrifty 50.

[@Skux720]

It's not even that nifty. $600 for f2.5 lol

[@johnadams3038]

The problem with this lens is that for that price you can get the Tammy 28-75mm..

[@DavidArmelino]

The Tamron is about $300 more, and the point of this lens is its small size.

[@petev4747]

This lens is tiny and it a prime……. You can’t compare it to a 28-75 imo

[@johnadams3038]

@@petev4747 Point of comparing is that it is that this lens isn f2,5 and the Tampon f2,8

[@lenmaryan7943]

Tampon is huge

[@POVwithRC]

​@@johnadams3038Aperture ain't everything chief.

[@matt_phistopheles]

Focus breathing bothers focus stackers? Not on Sony cameras...

[@AgnostosGnostos]

The price of Sony Zeiss 55mm f/1.8 of 2013 has dropped significantly and is a better, not much heavier or larger choice than the quite expensive smaller Sony 50mm f/2.5 G.

[@cameralabs]

How is it better? I'm genuinely interested in your image quality comparisons.

[@loboptlu]

not nifty fifty at all , far too expensive and killing the meaning of the definition. its a great one but 4 times to expensive for that title

[@mxilplict]

Too expensive, too slow, too bulky. Pass.

[@cameralabs]

too bulky? How exactly?

[@nickdsnik]

They look to be fine lenses but my word someone at Sony design has gone bezerk with the ugly pen.

[@TheSpaceBrosShow]

quite subjective take there

[@nickdsnik]

@@TheSpaceBrosShow I totally agree. In my opinion they are pretty ugly. I think that the small front element relative to the lens size does it.

[@mpgnz73]

What a pile of crap of a lens.

[@cameralabs]

Please elaborate? Preferably with your own tests and comparisons.