Sony FE 50mm F2.5 | G Definitive Review

[@DoubleB13]

I upgraded to full frame and bought 4 lenses based on your reviews. You're without a doubt the most thorough and best gear expert on KZbin. Thank you so much

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm very glad to hear that my reviews have served you well.

[@thesampleist]

Great video again Dustin! I bought this lens when I got back into photography probably two years ago. Sold it as I went through the whole bokeh snob phase. I think having had such a big break from photography then getting a full frame system made me want the fastest lenses available. Now having worked out fast isn’t the best all and end all, just rebought it and I absolutely love it! Perfect walk around lens and the handling and IQ is brilliant! :)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Welcome back :)

[@martin9410]

Been using my 50mm f2.5 on my old Sony A7rii. Love the images and even has quick focusing on my old camera. Great review as always!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's awesome!

[@LevyCarneiro]

4:14 mosquito cameo! Great review, thanks very much.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

LOL - thanks.

[@jml7916]

I bought this lens used (lucky find on such a new lens) because we needed a fast focusing lens for studio use on a “budget”. It didn’t disappoint, it is possibly the fastest focussing lens I own and every thing else just makes it so much more worth the money. I really wish Sony would have updated their 50 f/1.8 to the level of at least the 85mm f/1.8 but this is the next best thing and has some nice extra features. It seems that this lens and my Tamron 28-200mm are the only lenses on my camera lately.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That would be nice. Maybe the new Viltrox 50mm F1.8 will inspire them to do so

[@patrickr3536]

@@DustinAbbottTWI the viltrox 50mm/1,8 was terrible on my a7r4 - now i have the Zeiss 55/1.8 - that´s way better in every aspect.

[@ernstvandijk6342]

Great review, Dustin! If you had to choose between this lens and the Sigma 50mm f2 DN C, which one would it be?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Good question. I think the rendering from this Sony is a little more balanced, but if you like really high contrast and a lot of pop, go with the Sigma.

[@ernstvandijk6342]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Thanks! Apparently there is no clear winner here. I think I will go for the Sigma because of the larger aperture.

[@michaelajoseph6856]

Thank you for such in depth review of these lenses. It made my choice easier.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Glad I could help!

[@SilatShooter]

I have this lens, and think it's great but felt I needed a faster 50mm, so bought a 50mm f1.2 GM, and have to say the difference in IQ was far less than I anticipated. Yes, the f1.2 had better background blur, but at medium distances that difference became less and less, and the size and weight difference was massive (literally). I could see for indoor sport or events where the F1.2 would absolutely be the way to go but for general use, this 50mm f2.5G is underrated in my opinion. These can found fairly cheap now on the used market.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I agree that it is underrated. It's very nice for being so compact.

[@NeilSnapePhotography]

While waiting for the Tamron 35-150mm I ordered to arrive I decided after this video which I watched several times to purchase this lens so I can start the transition from Canon DSLR to Sony. Most of what I do with model photography is either my 45mm 1.8 Tamron or 85mm f1.8 Canon. With this lens on my new Sony A7RIIIa I can shoot full frame at 50mm or APS-C at 18mpx at 75mm. Your reviews are the gold reference making sense of camera gear to the largest of audience.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

having a useful APS-C mode really does add some flexibility.

[@RickRieck]

Thank you for this detailed review! I really enjoy your content.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you!

[@andymm4175]

Thanks for the review. Now im switching to sony from eos r6. This is exactly the lens i’ve been looking for. Compact, but good performer.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Glad to help out.

[@David-sw3kz]

Thank you for this video! Can you tell me how is this lens compared picture quality wise to Sigma 50mm F2, and also F1.4 dgdn? I'm asking this because I'm looking for a very good 50mm for my Sony A7R3. I would like to have a lens more luminous than 2.5

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

All three lenses are very sharp. I would actually say that this lens has as nice of rendering as either of the Sigma's despite the small size. The 50mm F1.4 will have the softest backgrounds due to having the largest maximum aperture.

[@Roafel]

Thank you Dustin! Excellent video! I have a question: Is there a big difference between the Sony 50mm 2.5 G and the Sony Loxia 50mm f2 when it comes to image quality? Thank you!

[@YOUAREMYKIN]

Such a great, thorough review. Thanks!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kuau714]

Great review. when compared to the Sony Fe 40mm F2.5 which in your opinion is the better performer at F5.6 Thanks

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I can't remember off the top of my head, but I would say that you are going to see pretty similar results at smaller apertures.

[@swaspc7618]

Great review! Which camera do you use on this review? Thanks.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Sony Alpha 1

[@robwill9261]

Great review Dustin. I currently have the Sigma 65mm F/2, which I am very impressed with, but this 50mm looks pretty special. How would you compare the 2?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hmmm, more similar than different, I would say. The Sony is more compact still, but I would say image quality is pretty similar.

[@robwill9261]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Thanks for your reply

[@RandomStuffofMine]

How do you rate image quality vs Samyang 45mm f1.8?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The Samyang is very close optically, though it isn't as good close up.

[@RandomStuffofMine]

@@DustinAbbottTWI thanks Dustin. I take you mean not as good when the subject is very close to the camera.

[@DjPeterM]

Fantastic review (as always)! Now I have a difficult choice, 40mm or 50mm lens? I have 24 GM and 135GM Lenses. What lens should I buy?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I would go with the 50mm. It was my favorite optically, and splits the difference between your existing lenses better.

[@dhedc]

Very nice review. I wish Canon would make a small lens like this.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

True enough.

[@Christoph603]

How would you rate the performance of this lens compared to the Loxia 50mm? They both are quite small and seem to have great image quality, which one would you buy if the focus-system doesn't matter?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The Loxia colors are still the most special, but the Sony has a lot going for it. Better weather sealing, more features, better sharpness at wide apertures, less CA.

[@icomarv17]

The loxia for sure. These lenses have a look that I have never seen from any other lens. The manual lens will make you a bette photographer imo. However if you are running and gunning these Sony lenses would be a better choice.

[@VanjaRanogajec]

Hi Dustin! How do you compare this lens to Samyang 45 mm 1.8 in terms of autofocus, optics and rendering? It is clear that it is on completely another level when it comes to build :) Thanks!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Definitely the Sony is at another level in terms of build, but in those other areas there isn't much difference. The Samyang is really strong as an actual lens - it just doesn't have much going on in terms of build and features.

[@orendo]

A great review, as always. That old 50 shekels bank note always reminds me of my childhood in Israel. I wonder how this lens compares to the 55mm f/1.8 ZA lens, which costs about the same and has a reputation of being extremely sharp.

[@keltonjohnson6197]

I have the same question too. I also wonder how it compares with the GM 2.8 zoom at the same focal length

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I actually think this lens (G) has nicer rendering, myself.

[@andrewrichardson5413]

I used the 55mm for years and switched to this recently. The rendering on the G is nicer, particularly transitions, and sharpness is very similar. With both lenses you're only stopping down for depth of field or vignetting. CA is better controlled on the G, AF is faster on the G and the G focuses much closer. At this point I'd only recommend the 55 if you absolutely must have F1.8 and can't afford the GM.

[@maximilianoi.ozvegy5030]

Dustin, thanks a lot for all the info in your reviews. I need your help! I’m between the Sony G 50mm f2.5 and the old Sony Zeiss 55mm f1.8 ZA. The main use is for photography (family, events, products), in my Sony A7RIII and the most i love is the sharpness and subject separation/ blury background…. You talk a lot about the sharpness on the 50 2.5 and the good transitions and blury bg on it. Please give me your opinion about wich one is the best to buy 🙏🏻 THANKS!!!!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I like the rendering from the new lens, though an F1.8 aperture will give you more separation from the background, so that might be a priority for you.

[@maximilianoi.ozvegy5030]

@@DustinAbbottTWI thanks for your time!!! I'll go for the 50mm 1.4 Zeiss Planar (after all your reviews I understend the real differences beyond the price)

[@jameswburke]

Fantastic lens. Perfect for a small mirrorless kit you'll actually bring out with you. Using it on my A7iii with a polariser in the case. All you need. (btw - in your description you refer to the 40mm, not the 50mm)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Oops!

[@jaegerschtulmann]

Dustin, in your opinion and based on the available lenses for mirrorless bodies for Canon & Sony, who has the better lenses. It seems to me based on your reviews that Sony has done a tremendous job in the lens design department as of the past 3 years.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I really do think that Sony has hit their stride as a lensmaker. Many of their recent lenses have been among the very best of their kind.

[@MarcoBertazzo]

Nice and relaxing video...!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Glad you've enjoyed it.

[@enricocatarinozzi8674]

Great review, thanks. Please how would you compare it with the Sony SEL-55F18Z and which one would you suggests for use it with a Sony A7R III for general use, portrait, but also with low light condition like internal area like exhibition, for example international car exhibition ?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I personally like the rendering from the G lens better even though it has the smaller maximum aperture.

[@enricocatarinozzi8674]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Thanks for your kind response, but what about comparing with the Samyang 45 F1.8 ? (I have just watched your review) ?

[@bioliv1]

I simply think I drop getting the 24-105 as my new travel lens, and just get this!

[@benjaminthorpe7990]

The 24-105 is unbelievable mate! So sharp and versatile… don’t rule it out just yet 🙂

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

If you are content with just having the 50mm angle of view, that's a fine approach.

[@bioliv1]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Thanks! I know documentary photographer Daniel Milnor prefers to travel with just one small prime, and he seems to choose a 50 mm most of the time.

[@bioliv1]

@@DustinAbbottTWI By the way, I went to "hated" Adobe and their stock photo, I love their free gallery options, and appreciate their professional check of artifacts in images, that I'm not able to discover myself: stock.adobe.com/no/contributor/210096309/%C3%98yvind Contrary to other stock photo agents, they provided their contributors with a contact form, so that customers can contact the photographer directly, if they want to. Not that anyone contacted me yet, and the sales are small, still it's good to know that if someone someday should find interest in my photography, they have the opportunity to contact me directly.

[@B42Un]

@@benjaminthorpe7990 yeah, the 24-105 is perfect for travel, and freaking sharp.

[@dominicsteele8932]

Fantastic

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thanks

[@gitithadani]

It reminds me a little of the older zeiss 50/2.8 which was called eagle eye. Lowest mfd at 35cms in one of their versions. Sony has ofcourse brought out a modern very high optic version with great build quality & calibrated for both their high sensors & compact bodies. I can certainly see the value of this lens but I have too many great manual 50s and also the samyang 45 & the sigma 65 so I will pass on it but I find what sony is doing with its line of small primes (other companies too) is very interesting for the mirrorless line.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Fair enough. There's some real value to their current design philosophy.

[@K_Tech]

Great review, but it would be very nice to mention how it holds against the competition, for example, FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA Lens

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's been too long since I've reviewed the 55mm to really have a sense of comparing them.

[@martin9410]

I own the 50 g, but did have the 55mm. I find the 50g just as sharp but with more bells and whistles. Plus, like the rendering better with the G, as well as AF. But that's understandable because the 55 is getting older now.

[@uncruckus9345]

@@martin9410 which is better the 40 g or 50 g?

[@martin9410]

@@uncruckus9345 It's all a personal preference. I preferred the 50 g myself. I think a nice small traveling kit would be the 24g, 50g and then an 85mm lens, or even the extremely small Sigma 90mm f2.8. Great contrast, but almost as small as the 50g or maybe even the same size.

[@luatdang1733]

Hi Dustin. Do you prefer the rendering and color from this or sigma 35i f2? Thank you

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I don't know if I could definitively answer that without them side by side. I think I would slightly prefer this lens, but it's not significant.

[@mrbaiser4133]

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

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That would be nice!

[@injectionAI]

Really enjoy the focus breathing for video work. People are getting too sterile in their preferences and their work becomes very homogenized and lacking character.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's ironic, but often artists go back to embracing certain flaws if things get too perfect.

[@jeifong]

翻譯語言有誤

[@buddyjesus3123]

wait am i drunk ? 9:49 excellent autofocus 9:58 fantastic autofocus 10:04 really great autofocus what is this writing ???

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

??? It sounds like I'm consistently making the same point while demonstrating why in between. I fail to see your criticism.