Photo: Sony Europe (CC BY 4.0)
FE 85mm F1.8
- 85mm
- f/1.8
- Prime
- 371 g
- Min focus 0.8 m
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Quick answer
An 85mm portrait prime for full-frame E-mount with an f/1.8 aperture, weighing about 371 g. It uses a 67mm filter thread.
Pros
- Light at about 371 g
- Natural portrait perspective
- Wide f/1.8 aperture
Cons
- Less background blur than f/1.4 85mm lenses
- Closest focus is 0.8 m
Verdict
Consider it a light, simple 85mm for Sony. Step up to the GM versions for a wider aperture and sturdier build.
About this lens
This 85mm f/1.8 full-frame fast short-telephoto prime lens from Sony fits Sony E mount cameras. A compact, affordable portrait prime for Sony full-frame E-mount cameras.
Sony FE 85mm F1.8 specifications
- Brand
- Sony
- Mount
- Sony E
- Focal length
- 85mm
- Maximum aperture
- f/1.8
- Lens type
- Prime
- Format coverage
- full-frame
- Released
- 2017
- Minimum focus distance
- 0.8 m
- Maximum magnification
- 0.13x
- Filter thread
- 67 mm
- Weight
- 371 g
- Length
- 82 mm
- Diameter
- 78 mm
Specification source: en.wikipedia.org
What can you shoot with the Sony FE 85mm F1.8?
- Portraits
- Headshots
- Low-light portrait work
Its fast maximum aperture helps in dim light and gives good subject separation.
Full-frame equivalent and field of view
Calculated from the focal length and crop factor. Not measured.
| Sensor | Crop | Equivalent | Horizontal FOV | Diagonal FOV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full frame | 1.0x | 85mm | 23.9° | 28.6° |
| APS-C | 1.5x | 128mm | 16.1° | 19.3° |
Frequently asked questions
Is 85mm f/1.8 good for portraits?
Yes. 85mm is a classic focal length for headshots and half-length portraits.
How does it compare to the GM?
The GM has a wider aperture and sturdier build, but it is considerably larger and heavier.
Does the Sony FE 85mm F1.8 have stabilization?
No. The lens has no built-in stabilization, so handheld sharpness at slow shutter speeds depends on the camera's in-body stabilization or a faster shutter speed.
Alternatives for Sony E from other brands
All Sony E lensesSame mount, overlapping focal range, closest maximum aperture first.