Sony 55mm F1.8 Lens
The Sony 55mm f/1.8 is a 55mm f/1.8 lens designed for Sony E mount cameras. Used copies start from $390.84 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Sony 55mm F1.8 Lens
Used Sony 55mm f/1.8 Listings on GearFocus
Lens Overview — Sony 55mm f/1.8
Key Features — Sony 55mm f/1.8
55mm F1.8 Prime Lens: A standard focal length with a fast maximum aperture, useful for portraits, street photography, and everyday shooting with natural perspective.
Sony E-Mount, Full-Frame: Designed specifically for Sony's full-frame E-mount mirrorless system, compatible with bodies like the A7 and A9 series.
Zeiss T* Coating: Carl Zeiss T* anti-reflective lens coating helps reduce flare and ghosting for improved contrast and clarity.
Internal Autofocus Motor: Fast and near-silent autofocus operation suited to both stills and video shooting.
Auto and Manual Focus: Supports both autofocus and manual focus, giving shooters the flexibility to switch based on the situation.
Lightweight Build at 281g: At 281g, the lens adds minimal weight to a kit, making it a practical choice for extended handheld or travel use.
Lens Specifications — Sony 55mm f/1.8
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Portrait, Street, Travel |
| Lens Type | Prime |
| Format | Full Frame |
| Zoom/Prime | Prime |
| Focal Length | 55mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.8 |
| Camera System | Mirrorless |
| Lens Mount | Sony E |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Focus Type | Auto, Manual |
| Image Stabilization | None |
| Filter Thread | 49mm |
Description — Sony 55mm f/1.8
The Sony 55mm f/1.8 is a full-frame prime lens designed for the Sony E-mount mirrorless system. Its f/1.8 maximum aperture allows for capable performance in lower light conditions and gives photographers meaningful control over depth of field. Focal length is fixed at 55mm, placing it squarely in standard prime territory — a versatile perspective for portraits, street work, and general photography.
The lens supports both autofocus and manual focus, making it adaptable across different shooting scenarios. Weighing just 281g, it strikes a balance between being light enough for all-day use while still covering full-frame sensors. The 49mm filter thread is a compact, cost-friendly size.
One consideration is the absence of image stabilization, so stabilization-dependent shooters should factor in whether their camera body compensates for this.
Pros — Sony 55mm f/1.8
- ✓Fast f/1.8 maximum aperture for improved low-light shooting and depth-of-field control
- ✓Full-frame coverage suits Sony's full-frame E-mount mirrorless bodies
- ✓Lightweight at 281g, practical for handheld and travel use
Cons — Sony 55mm f/1.8
- ✗No image stabilization, relying entirely on any in-body stabilization the camera may provide
- ✗Single fixed focal length at 55mm offers no zoom flexibility
- ✗49mm filter thread, while compact, is a less common size that may require step-up rings for existing filter sets
Reviews — Sony 55mm f/1.8
- Sony FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA Lens Review
Photography Life · 2015-04-01 - Sony FE 55mm F1.8 ZA Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* Lab Test Review
DPReview · 2015-04-09 - Sony Zeiss 55mm f/1.8 Sonnar T* (1.8/55) | Final Review | 4K
Dustin Abbott - Sony (Zeiss) 55mm f/1.8 ZA lens review & comparison (Full-frame & APS-C)
Christopher Frost
Videos — Sony 55mm f/1.8
Sony 55mm F1.8 vs 50mm F1.2 GM // I Was VERY Surprised.. — Chris Brockhurst
Frequently Asked Questions — Sony 55mm f/1.8
What camera mount does this lens use?+
This lens uses the Sony E mount, making it compatible with Sony's E-mount mirrorless camera system. It is designed for full-frame coverage.
Does this lens have image stabilization?+
No, this lens does not include built-in image stabilization. If stabilization is important to you, you will need to use a camera body that offers in-body image stabilization.
Does this lens support autofocus?+
Yes, the lens supports both autofocus and manual focus. This gives you the option to switch between focusing modes depending on your shooting style or subject.
What filter size does this lens take?+
The lens has a 49mm filter thread. This is a relatively compact filter size, which can help keep the cost of compatible filters lower than larger thread sizes.
How heavy is this lens?+
The lens weighs 281g, making it a relatively lightweight full-frame prime option that is comfortable for extended handheld shooting.