Sony 50mm F2.8 Macro

Sony

50mm F2.8 Macro

Released July 2006

A full-frame A-mount macro prime with life-size magnification and a focus limiter.

Mount
Sony A
Focal length
50 mm
Max aperture
f/2.8
Stabilisation
–
Weight
295 g

What reviewers say

Both find strong detail from F2.8, negligible distortion and some wide-open fringing. OpticalLimits, on Alpha700, praises smooth blur but finds the plastic construction and focus ring less impressive for the price. LensTip, on Alpha100, likes construction and accurate autofocus, while criticising F2.8 vignetting. Their different bodies and samples qualify the contrast.

From photozone.de, photozone.de, photozone.de, lenstip.com and lenstip.com

Optics

Lens type
Prime
Focal length
50 mm
Maximum aperture
f/2.8
Minimum aperture
f/32
Macro lens
Yes
Optical construction
Seven elements in six groups; double-floating focus design
Diaphragm
Seven rounded blades
Angle of view
47° full-frame; 32° APS-C

Mount and compatibility

Mounts
Sony A
Image circle
Full frame
Image circle detail
Full-frame A-mount coverage; 75 mm equivalent field of view on APS-C
Teleconverter support
Sony 1.4× and 2× teleconverters unsupported

Focus and stabilisation

Autofocus
Yes
Minimum focus distance
0.2 m
Maximum magnification
1×
Autofocus detail
Camera-driven screw autofocus (OpticalLimits); auto-clutch keeps focus ring stationary during AF
Focus distance detail
0.2 m minimum focus; double-floating mechanism maintains close-focus correction
Magnification detail
Life-size 1.0× maximum magnification
Stabilisation detail
No lens stabilisation specification published in read maker pages; body stabilisation compatibility is camera-dependent

Design

Filter diameter
55 mm
Maximum diameter
71.5 mm
Length
60 mm
Weight
295 g
Controls
Focus-hold button and focus-range limiter
Filter detail
55 mm front filter thread
Lens hood
Maker lists no separate hood; front element is recessed
Release detail
Sony 6 June 2006 Alpha lens announcement, revised 12 July, specifies 21 July sale in Japan. Sony Store currently does not handle this historical lens.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • 1.0× maximum magnification
  • Focus limiter and focus-hold button
  • 295 g weight

Cons

  • Autofocus requires camera screw drive
  • Barrel extends during close focusing

Closest rivals

Model
MountFocal lengthMax apertureStabilisationWeightReleased
Sony A50 mmf/1.4No220 gJul 2006
Sony A50 mmf/1.4No518 gMay 2013
Sony A50 mmf/1.8–170 gJun 2009

Sources

  1. sony.jp/ichigan/products/SAL50M28/spec.html
  2. sony.jp/ichigan/products/SAL50M28/feature_1.html
  3. sony.jp/CorporateCruise/Press/200606/06-0606/lens.html
  4. photozone.de/sony-alpha-aps-c-lens-tests/391-sony-50_28

Photo: sony.jp

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