Sony E 11mm f/1.8 vs Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Sony E 11mm f/1.8 is 11mm, the Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro is 50mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sony E 11mm f/1.8 for wide-angle, the Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the Sony E 11mm 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 shoot wide — it starts at 11mm vs 50mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You value portability — at 181g (6.4 oz) it's lighter than the 236g (8.3 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Choose the Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 50mm vs 11mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot close-ups — 1x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sony E 11mm f/1.8 opens to f/1.8 vs the Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Sony E 11mm f/1.8 is 11mm, Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro is 50mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Close-up: the Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro reaches 1x magnification vs 0.26x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Durability: the Sony E 11mm f/1.8 is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Sony E 11mm f/1.8 or the Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Sony E 11mm f/1.8 is 11mm, the Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro is 50mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sony E 11mm f/1.8 for wide-angle, the Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro for short-telephoto / portrait.
Who should choose the Sony E 11mm f/1.8?
Choose the Sony E 11mm 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 shoot wide — it starts at 11mm vs 50mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 181g (6.4 oz) it's lighter than the 236g (8.3 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Who should choose the Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro?
Choose the Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro if you need more reach — it goes to 50mm vs 11mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot close-ups — 1x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
What is the main difference between the Sony E 11mm f/1.8 and the Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro?
Aperture: the Sony E 11mm f/1.8 opens to f/1.8 vs the Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 11mm | 50mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 8 | 10 |
| Optical Groups | 6 | 8 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.8 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 7 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | No |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | APS-C | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 104° | 47° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 17-17mm | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Linear | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 12 cm | 16 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.26x | 1x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $549 | $499 |
| Filter Size | 55mm | 55mm |
| Diameter | 66.7mm | 70.8mm |
| Length | 60.9mm | 98.5mm |
| Weight | 181g (6.4 oz) | 236g (8.3 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
