Sony E 20mm f/2.8 vs Sony FE 50mm f/1.8
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Sony E 20mm f/2.8 is 20mm, 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 Sony E 20mm f/2.8 for wide-angle, the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the Sony E 20mm f/2.8 if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 20mm vs 50mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You value portability — at 69g (2.4 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 20mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 opens to f/1.8 vs the Sony E 20mm f/2.8's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Sony E 20mm f/2.8 is 20mm, Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 is 50mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Weight: the Sony E 20mm f/2.8 is 69g (2.4 oz) vs 186g (6.6 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Sony E 20mm f/2.8 or the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Sony E 20mm f/2.8 is 20mm, 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 Sony E 20mm f/2.8 for wide-angle, the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 for short-telephoto / portrait.
Who should choose the Sony E 20mm f/2.8?
Choose the Sony E 20mm f/2.8 if you shoot wide — it starts at 20mm vs 50mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 69g (2.4 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 20mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
What is the main difference between the Sony E 20mm f/2.8 and the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8?
Aperture: the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 opens to f/1.8 vs the Sony E 20mm f/2.8's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 20mm | 50mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 6 | 6 |
| Optical Groups | 5 | 5 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Rounded Aperture | No | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | APS-C | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 71° | 47° – 47° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 30-30mm | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | STM |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 20 cm | 45 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.13x | 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 | 49mm | 49mm |
| Diameter | 62.6mm | 68.6mm |
| Length | 24.3mm | 59.5mm |
| Weight | 69g (2.4 oz) | 186g (6.6 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
