Does this 50mm prime lens deliver on its low price? Find out with the Sony DT 50mm f/1.8 SAM lens review

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  Compact and very affordable

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  Non-internal focusing

Gary Wolstenholme investigates this budget 50mm lens for Sony's range of crop sensor digital SLRs. Sony's DT 50mm f/1.8 SAM lens boasts a smooth autofocus motor (SAM), bright f/1.8 maximum aperture and lightweight construction all for around £145.

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  Lightweight, Quality when stopped down, Cheap

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  Basic design may be off-putting to some, Softness at maximum aperture, AF hunts occasionally

Sony shooters committed to the APS-C-sized sensor have a new fast 50 to consider. Launched alongside Sony's latest entry-level DSLRs (including the Alpha 380 ), it gives everyday shooters the benefits of limited depth of field without breaking the bank.

Gary Wolstenholme takes a look at this budget 50mm lens for APS-C DSLRs sporting Sony's new smooth autofocus.

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  Lightweight, Quality when stopped down, Cheap

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  Basic design may be off-putting to some, Softness at maximum aperture, AF hunts occasionally

The new Sony NEX E Mount 50mm portrait lens gives anyone who has the standard NEX E Mount kit lens (18-55mm), or the NEX E Mount 16mm pancake, the ability to take portrait photos with a wide f/1.8 aperture, for more out of focus backgrounds, and better subject seperation.

Optically speaking, the Sony 50mm f/1.8 DT ( SAL-50F18 ) is a good performer on the Sony NEX. The lens is sharp even at f/1.8 and it reaches more than very good results across the image frame around f/5.6. Lateral CAs are absolutely negligible which adds to the high sharpness perception.

The Sony 50mm f/1.8 DT ( SAL-50F18 ) is pretty much a no-brainer for Sony APS-C DSLR users. The lens is very sharp even at f/1.8 and the resolution is about as good as it gets around f/5.6. Lateral CAs are absolutely negligible which adds to the outstanding sharpness perception.

The DT 50mm f/1.8 SAM lens was introduced as one of four lenses announced with the A230, A330 and A380 DSLR cameras in early May 2009. The DT 50mm f/1.8 SAM lens is the first DT prime lens Sony has introduced and it's being promoted as a ‘portrait' lens.

This lens is a steal. They sacrificed some build quality by reducing some metal, but MORE than made up for it with the optics. This lens is tack sharp.I did a bit of research over at DXO, and for my SonyA77II, only a Zeiss lens beat it for sharpness...by a hair... a hair.

This lens is great. The f1.8 aperture allows more light to enter allowing for slower shutter speeds and better lighting. The prime lens sometimes gets awkward when trying to take photos from an intermediate distance, but that is the trade off with a prime lens.

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  Great clarity. Better lighting.

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  Because it's a prime lens, it cannot zoom in or out. This isn't really a problem, just a consideration.

Its perfect ！！！ 1st used lens I was worried about the quality. This company knows how to pack the lens, they care about the lens like customers!the lens is much Better than my another 36m f1.8 lens which is bought from another company!!

One of the best lenses that I have ever owned. This lens is the least expensive 50mm offered by Sony. By using this lens you will be able to take great picture in low light condition, and if you are into portrait photography this lens is a must have if you are looking for a capable portrait lens...

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  -Perfect price. - Good focal length. - low light capability.

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  - Build quality is a bit plastic. - Slow and noisy Auto focus.

I bought this lens because I really wanted a portrait lens with a wide aperture, and I was very excited to get it. But upon buying it, I've noticed that pictures I've taken where my subject is in direct sunlight or is backlit, are subjected to EXTREME color fringing.

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  Great depth of field

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  Color fringing

I use the lens for close up shots or just shooting for fun. <br />I like the fact that this lens is good for natural setting photos and great for doing people candids. <br />It takes a quick minute for the auto-focus to acquire the target, but a very good lens.

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  Consistent Output, Durable, Easily Interchangeable, Fast / accurate auto-focus, Lightweight, Rugged, Strong Construction

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  Slow Focus

awesome lens for Sony A58 but while seeing all other reviews seller said that it's not a china product but i have receive china product.

Great for the price!

Perfect lense for Portraits. One of the must have!

the price reflects the quality of the lens. Its good for close portrait shots as the image you get is sharp.. havent used it outdoors yet, but studio performance is worth the price.. posted a sample taken with sony a58 at HSS. A must have lens.