Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM vs Sony FE 50mm f/2.5 G

The bottom line

The Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM is a zoom (50-150mm) and the Sony FE 50mm f/2.5 G is a 50mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.

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 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
  • ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 50-150mm zoom covers what the fixed 50mm can't reframe.
  • ✓You use filters or shoot video — internal zoom keeps length and balance constant.

Choose the Sony FE 50mm 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 50mm prime over a zoom.
  • ✓You value portability — at 174g (6.1 oz) it's lighter than the 1340g (2.95 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

Where they differ

  • ›Aperture: the Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM opens to f/2 vs the Sony FE 50mm f/2.5 G's f/2.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
  • ›Focal range: Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM is 50-150mm, Sony FE 50mm f/2.5 G is 50mm — different framing and reach.
  • ›Type: the Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM is a zoom (flexible framing), the Sony FE 50mm f/2.5 G a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
  • ›Price: the Sony FE 50mm f/2.5 G is $599, $3,300 under the Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM.
  • ›Weight: the Sony FE 50mm f/2.5 G is 174g (6.1 oz) vs 1340g (2.95 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.

Frequently asked

Is the Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM or the Sony FE 50mm f/2.5 G better?

The Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM is a zoom (50-150mm) and the Sony FE 50mm f/2.5 G is a 50mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.

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 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 50-150mm zoom covers what the fixed 50mm can't reframe. Choose it if you use filters or shoot video — internal zoom keeps length and balance constant.

Who should choose the Sony FE 50mm f/2.5 G?

Choose the Sony FE 50mm 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 50mm prime over a zoom. Choose it if you value portability — at 174g (6.1 oz) it's lighter than the 1340g (2.95 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

What is the main difference between the Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM and the Sony FE 50mm f/2.5 G?

Aperture: the Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM opens to f/2 vs the Sony FE 50mm f/2.5 G's f/2.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.

Product
Optical Design
Focal Length50-150mm50mm
Lens TypeZoomPrime
Optical Elements199
Optical Groups178
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/2f/2.5
Minimum Aperturef/22f/22
Aperture Blades119
Rounded ApertureYesYes
Coverage & Angle
Format CoverageFull-FrameFull-Frame
Lens MountSony ESony E
Angle of View47° – 16°47°
35mm Equivalent−−
Focus
AutofocusYesYes
Focus MotorXD LinearXD Linear
Focus LimiterYesNo
AF/MF SwitchYesYes
Min Focus Distance40 cm25 cm
Max Magnification0.2x0.23x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationNoNo
Aperture RingYesYes
Declickable ApertureYesYes
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomYesNo
General
Price (MSRP)$3,899$599
Filter Size95mm49mm
Diameter102.8mm68mm
Length200mm45.5mm
Weight1340g (2.95 lb)174g (6.1 oz)
Weather SealedYesYes
Tripod CollarYesNo