Samyang AF 85mm f/1.8 P FE vs Sony FE 50mm f/1.8
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Samyang AF 85mm f/1.8 P FE is 85mm, 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 85mm f/1.8 P FE for short-telephoto / portrait, the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 for standard.
Choose the Samyang AF 85mm f/1.8 P FE if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 85mm vs 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
Choose the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 50mm vs 85mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You're on a budget — $249 vs $399 leaves more for other gear.
- ✓You value portability — at 186g (6.6 oz) it's lighter than the 490g (1.08 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.14x magnification vs 0.1x.
Where they differ
- ›Focal range: Samyang AF 85mm f/1.8 P FE is 85mm, Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 is 50mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 is $249, $150 under the Samyang AF 85mm f/1.8 P FE.
- ›Weight: the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 is 186g (6.6 oz) vs 490g (1.08 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Samyang AF 85mm f/1.8 P FE or the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Samyang AF 85mm f/1.8 P FE is 85mm, 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 85mm f/1.8 P FE for short-telephoto / portrait, the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 for standard.
Who should choose the Samyang AF 85mm f/1.8 P FE?
Choose the Samyang AF 85mm f/1.8 P FE if you need more reach — it goes to 85mm vs 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
Who should choose the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8?
Choose the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 if you shoot wide — it starts at 50mm vs 85mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you're on a budget — $249 vs $399 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you value portability — at 186g (6.6 oz) it's lighter than the 490g (1.08 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.14x magnification vs 0.1x.
What is the main difference between the Samyang AF 85mm f/1.8 P FE and the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8?
Focal range: Samyang AF 85mm f/1.8 P FE is 85mm, Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 is 50mm — different framing and reach.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 85mm | 50mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 9 | 6 |
| Optical Groups | 7 | 5 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.8 | 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 | 29° | 47° – 47° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | STM | STM |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 85 cm | 45 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.1x | 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) | $399 | $249 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 49mm |
| Diameter | 75.5mm | 68.6mm |
| Length | 95mm | 59.5mm |
| Weight | 490g (1.08 lb) | 186g (6.6 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
