Samyang AF 18mm f/2.8 FE vs Sony FE 50mm f/1.8
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Samyang AF 18mm f/2.8 FE is 18mm, the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 is 50mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Samyang AF 18mm f/2.8 FE for wide-angle, the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the Samyang AF 18mm f/2.8 FE if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 18mm vs 50mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You value portability — at 128g (4.5 oz) it's lighter than the 186g (6.6 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.8 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 50mm vs 18mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 opens to f/1.8 vs the Samyang AF 18mm f/2.8 FE's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Samyang AF 18mm f/2.8 FE is 18mm, Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 is 50mm — different framing and reach.
Frequently asked
Is the Samyang AF 18mm f/2.8 FE or the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Samyang AF 18mm f/2.8 FE is 18mm, the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 is 50mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Samyang AF 18mm f/2.8 FE for wide-angle, the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 for short-telephoto / portrait.
Who should choose the Samyang AF 18mm f/2.8 FE?
Choose the Samyang AF 18mm f/2.8 FE if you shoot wide — it starts at 18mm vs 50mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 128g (4.5 oz) it's lighter than the 186g (6.6 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Who should choose the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8?
Choose the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 if you want more light and background blur — f/1.8 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you need more reach — it goes to 50mm vs 18mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
What is the main difference between the Samyang AF 18mm f/2.8 FE and the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8?
Aperture: the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 opens to f/1.8 vs the Samyang AF 18mm f/2.8 FE's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 18mm | 50mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 12 | 6 |
| Optical Groups | 8 | 5 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 100° | 47° – 47° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | STM | STM |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 25 cm | 45 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.12x | 0.14x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $299 | $249 |
| Filter Size | 77mm | 49mm |
| Diameter | 72.2mm | 68.6mm |
| Length | 61.8mm | 59.5mm |
| Weight | 128g (4.5 oz) | 186g (6.6 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
