Today the Sony Digital Imaging team announced their latest lens addition, the FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro for full-frame E-mount cameras. Shipping at the end of September, the new lightweight macro lens will offer a 1:1 reproduction and 6.3-inch minimum focusing distance. See all the specifications here as Fstoppers gets a first look at the FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro.
The FE 50mm f/2.8 will weigh 8.4 ounces and have a compact footprint of about 2 7/8 by 2 7/8 inches. The lens is constructed of eight elements in seven groups, with an extra-low dispersion (ED) glass to compensate for axial chromatic aberration at close focus. There are seven aperture blades that will form a circular aperture. Sony claims the lens will produce “outstanding image quality and bokeh” and that the “optical and mechanical construction of the lens has less glare and ghosting, even without a lens hood.” Like other Sony FE lenses, the 50mm f/2.8 Macro will be dust and moisture resistant.
On the outside of the lens, there are physical controls that make macro photography easier. These include a focus-mode switch, focus-range limiter, and a focus-hold button. However, there is no aperture ring present on this lens.
| Model Name | SEL50M28 |
|---|---|
| Lens Mount | Sony E-mount |
| Format | 35mm Full Frame |
| Focal Length | 50mm |
| 35mm Equivalent Focal Length (APS-C) | 75mm |
| Lens Construction | 7 groups / 8 elements |
| Angle of view (APS-C) | 32 degrees |
| Angle of view (35mm) | 47 degrees |
| Minimum Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Maximum Aperture | f/16 |
| Number of Aperture Blades | 7 |
| Circular Aperture | Yes |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 0.16 meters — 0.53 feet |
| Maximum Magnification Ratio | 1.0x |
| Filter Diameter | 55 millimeters |
| Image Stabilization (SteadyShot) | No |
| Teleconverter Compatibility (1.4x) | Incompatible |
| Teleconverter Compatibility (2.0x) | Incompatible |
| Dimensions (diameter X length) | 70.8 mm X 71 mm — 2 7/8 in X 2 7/8 in |
| Weight | 236 grams — 8.4 ounces |
The Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro lens will be available for $500 USD, or $650 CA. The lens can be pre-ordered now and is expected to ship in late September 2016.
I don't understand why such short focal length macros are still made. They're pretty impractical in real-world use for actual macro work. If they're rectilinear enough they can be used in copy camera work at least.
I use them a lot. Both for copy work and product photography. Best focal length for product photography, for me at least.
Yeah, but any lens can do product work. Copy work for sure is a good use for one of these. A 100+mm is more practical for macro, even on crop frame.
Sort of. The working distances of a 50mm has a better perspective than for the same image at 100mm working distance. Then there is the amount of room needed. I would much rather use a 50mm. Same for art reproduction.
Copy work, yes. It's hard to set up lights properly with the 50 on top of subject in macro however.
It's great Sony is adding more E-mount lenses, but does it improve the Minolta design Sony has been using for so long?
E is not A.