Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro vs Sony FE 85mm f/1.8
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro is 50mm, the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 is 85mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro for short-telephoto / portrait, the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 50mm vs 85mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You shoot close-ups — 1x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
- ✓You value portability — at 236g (8.3 oz) it's lighter than the 371g (13.1 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Sony FE 85mm 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 85mm vs 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sony FE 85mm 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 FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro is 50mm, Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 is 85mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro is $499, $100 under the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8.
- ›Close-up: the Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro reaches 1x magnification vs 0.13x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Weight: the Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro is 236g (8.3 oz) vs 371g (13.1 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›Durability: the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro or the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro is 50mm, the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 is 85mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro for short-telephoto / portrait, the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 for short-telephoto / portrait.
Who should choose the Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro?
Choose the Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro if you shoot wide — it starts at 50mm vs 85mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you shoot close-ups — 1x magnification gets you true macro the other can't. Choose it if you value portability — at 236g (8.3 oz) it's lighter than the 371g (13.1 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Who should choose the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8?
Choose the Sony FE 85mm 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 85mm vs 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
What is the main difference between the Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro and the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8?
Aperture: the Sony FE 85mm 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 | 50mm | 85mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 10 | 9 |
| Optical Groups | 8 | 8 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | No | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 47° | 29° – 29° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | DDSSM |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 16 cm | 80 cm |
| Max Magnification | 1x | 0.13x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $499 | $599 |
| Filter Size | 55mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 70.8mm | 78mm |
| Length | 98.5mm | 82mm |
| Weight | 236g (8.3 oz) | 371g (13.1 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
