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Sony FE 85mm F1.8

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°

Try the field-of-view calculator

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 lenses

Same mount, overlapping focal range, closest maximum aperture first.

More Sony lenses for Sony E

All Sony lenses

Other 85mm lenses

All 85mm lenses

Cameras that fit the Sony E mount

All Sony E cameras (33)