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Sony E 50mm F1.8 OSS vs Carl Zeiss E 50mm F2

Both are Sony E prime lenses. Here is what actually differs.

Pick the Sony E 50mm F1.8 OSS if

  • You need ⅓ stop more light for low light or background blur (f/1.8 vs f/2)
  • You want the lighter lens to carry: 118 g lighter (202 g vs 320 g)
  • You shoot handheld in dim light or video: it has optical image stabilization and the Carl Zeiss E 50mm F2 does not
  • You shoot close-ups: it focuses down to 0.39 m vs 0.45 m
  • You want bigger close-ups: 0.16× vs 0.14× maximum magnification
  • Our notes say it suits: Portraits on APS-C, indoor events, subject separation in low light

Pick the Carl Zeiss E 50mm F2 if

  • You shoot full frame: the Sony E 50mm F1.8 OSS is made for APS-C

Spec differences

12 differences
Specifications that differ between the Sony E 50mm F1.8 OSS and the Carl Zeiss E 50mm F2
Sony E 50mm F1.8 OSS Carl Zeiss E 50mm F2
Brand
Sony
Carl Zeiss
Format
APS-C
Full frame
Max aperture
f/1.8 ⅓ stop faster
f/2
Weight
202 g lighter
320 g
Length
62 mm
59 mm shorter
Filter thread
49 mm
52 mm
Min focus distance
0.39 m closer
0.45 m
Max magnification
0.16× larger
0.14×
Optical design
not listed
6 elements / 4 groups
Autofocus motor
not listed
Manual focus
Image stabilization
Yes stabilized
No
Released
2011
not listed
4 identical specs hidden: mount, type, focal length, diameter. Show all
Mount
Sony E both
Type
Prime both
Focal length
50mm both
Diameter
62 mm both

Our notes

Sony E 50mm F1.8 OSS

A stabilized APS-C short telephoto for E-mount, with a fast f/1.8 aperture. It weighs about 202 g and has a 49mm filter thread.

Pros

  • Optical SteadyShot
  • Fast f/1.8 aperture
  • Light at 202 g
  • Close focus of 0.39 m

Cons

  • APS-C only
  • Plastic build
  • Soft wide open at f/1.8

Our notes

Carl Zeiss E 50mm F2

This 50mm f/2 fast standard prime lens from Carl Zeiss fits Sony E mount cameras. The natural field of view suits street, documentary and everyday photography.

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