Samyang AF 50mm f/1.4 FE II vs Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Samyang AF 50mm f/1.4 FE II is 50mm, the Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS is 10-18mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Samyang AF 50mm f/1.4 FE II for short-telephoto / portrait, the Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS for wide-angle.
Choose the Samyang AF 50mm f/1.4 FE II if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 50mm vs 18mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 50mm prime over a zoom.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.15x magnification vs 0.1x.
Choose the Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 10mm vs 50mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 10-18mm zoom covers what the fixed 50mm can't reframe.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
- ✓You value portability — at 225g (7.9 oz) it's lighter than the 419g (14.8 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Samyang AF 50mm f/1.4 FE II opens to f/1.4 vs the Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Samyang AF 50mm f/1.4 FE II is 50mm, Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS is 10-18mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS is a zoom (flexible framing), the Samyang AF 50mm f/1.4 FE II a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Stabilisation: only the Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Weight: the Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS is 225g (7.9 oz) vs 419g (14.8 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Samyang AF 50mm f/1.4 FE II or the Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Samyang AF 50mm f/1.4 FE II is 50mm, the Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS is 10-18mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Samyang AF 50mm f/1.4 FE II for short-telephoto / portrait, the Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS for wide-angle.
Who should choose the Samyang AF 50mm f/1.4 FE II?
Choose the Samyang AF 50mm f/1.4 FE II if you want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/4, 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. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 50mm prime over a zoom. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.15x magnification vs 0.1x.
Who should choose the Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS?
Choose the Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS if you shoot wide — it starts at 10mm vs 50mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 10-18mm zoom covers what the fixed 50mm can't reframe. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't. Choose it if you value portability — at 225g (7.9 oz) it's lighter than the 419g (14.8 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Samyang AF 50mm f/1.4 FE II and the Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS?
Aperture: the Samyang AF 50mm f/1.4 FE II opens to f/1.4 vs the Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 50mm | 10-18mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 11 | 12 |
| Optical Groups | 9 | 11 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.4 | f/4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 7 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | No |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 47° | 110° – 76° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | 15-27mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | STM | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 40 cm | 25 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.15x | 0.1x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $699 | $749 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 62mm |
| Diameter | 72.2mm | 70.8mm |
| Length | 73.3mm | 63.8mm |
| Weight | 419g (14.8 oz) | 225g (7.9 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
