Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G vs Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G is 40mm, the Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM is 50-150mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G for standard, the Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM for standard zoom.
Choose the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G if…
- ✓You're on a budget — $599 vs $3,899 leaves more for other gear.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 40mm prime over a zoom.
- ✓You value portability — at 173g (6.1 oz) it's lighter than the 1340g (2.95 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2 is faster than f/2.5, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 150mm vs 40mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 50-150mm zoom covers what the fixed 40mm can't reframe.
- ✓You use filters or shoot video — internal zoom keeps length and balance constant.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM opens to f/2 vs the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G's f/2.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G is 40mm, Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM is 50-150mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM is a zoom (flexible framing), the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Price: the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G is $599, $3,300 under the Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM.
- ›Weight: the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G is 173g (6.1 oz) vs 1340g (2.95 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G or the Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G is 40mm, the Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM is 50-150mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G for standard, the Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM for standard zoom.
Who should choose the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G?
Choose the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G if you're on a budget — $599 vs $3,899 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 40mm prime over a zoom. Choose it if you value portability — at 173g (6.1 oz) it's lighter than the 1340g (2.95 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Who should choose the Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM?
Choose the Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM if you want more light and background blur — f/2 is faster than f/2.5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you need more reach — it goes to 150mm vs 40mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 50-150mm zoom covers what the fixed 40mm can't reframe. Choose it if you use filters or shoot video — internal zoom keeps length and balance constant.
What is the main difference between the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G and the Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM?
Aperture: the Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM opens to f/2 vs the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G's f/2.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 40mm | 50-150mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 8 | 19 |
| Optical Groups | 7 | 17 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.5 | f/2 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 11 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 57° | 47° – 16° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | XD Linear | XD Linear |
| Focus Limiter | No | Yes |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 25 cm | 40 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.23x | 0.2x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | Yes | Yes |
| Declickable Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | Yes |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $599 | $3,899 |
| Filter Size | 49mm | 95mm |
| Diameter | 68mm | 102.8mm |
| Length | 45.5mm | 200mm |
| Weight | 173g (6.1 oz) | 1340g (2.95 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | Yes |
