Sony DT 50mm f/1.8 SAM Lens
The Sony SAL50F18 is a 50mm f/1.8 lens designed for Sony A mount cameras. Used copies start from $93.84 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Sony DT 50mm f/1.8 SAM Lens
Used Sony SAL50F18 Listings on GearFocus
Lens Overview — Sony SAL50F18
Key Features — Sony SAL50F18
50mm f/1.8 Prime Lens: A fast, fixed focal length delivering a natural perspective well-suited to portraits, street photography, and everyday use.
APS-C Native Design: Built specifically for Sony APS-C sensors, providing full coverage without vignetting on compatible A-mount DSLR bodies.
Sony A-Mount Compatibility: Native A-mount connection ensures full communication with compatible Sony and Minolta DSLR bodies for seamless operation.
SAM Autofocus Motor: Smooth Autofocus Motor (SAM) built into the lens enables autofocus on bodies that lack an in-body focus drive.
Auto and Manual Focus: Supports both AF and MF modes, giving photographers flexible control depending on the shooting situation.
170g Lightweight Build: Compact and light construction makes it easy to carry all day without adding significant weight to your kit.
Lens Specifications — Sony SAL50F18
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Portrait, Street, Beginner-Friendly |
| Lens Type | Prime |
| Format | APS-C / DX |
| Zoom/Prime | Prime |
| Focal Length | 50mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.8 |
| Camera System | DSLR |
| Lens Mount | Sony A |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Focus Type | Auto, Manual |
| Image Stabilization | None |
| Filter Thread | 49mm |
Description — Sony SAL50F18
The Sony DT 50mm f/1.8 SAM is an APS-C format prime lens built for Sony A-mount DSLR cameras. Its f/1.8 maximum aperture makes it well-suited for low-light photography and situations where a shallower depth of field is desirable. Operating at a 50mm focal length, it sits in the standard focal length range, offering a natural perspective for a wide variety of subjects.
The lens supports both auto and manual focus, giving photographers the control they need across different shooting scenarios. Weighing in at just 170 grams with a 49mm filter thread, it is a compact and travel-friendly option that won't add significant bulk to your kit. Note that this lens has no image stabilization, so handheld shooting in lower light will depend on technique or any stabilization available within the camera body itself.
Pros — Sony SAL50F18
- ✓Wide f/1.8 maximum aperture enables shooting in challenging low-light conditions
- ✓Lightweight at just 170g, making it easy to carry for extended use
- ✓Supports both auto and manual focus for flexible shooting control
Cons — Sony SAL50F18
- ✗No image stabilization, which can be a limitation in low-light or handheld video situations
- ✗APS-C-only format (DT designation) limits use to crop-sensor bodies in the Sony A-mount lineup
- ✗50mm prime offers no zoom flexibility, requiring the photographer to move to reframe
Videos — Sony SAL50F18
Sony 50mm f1.8 - Still worth getting today? — Mike Will
Frequently Asked Questions — Sony SAL50F18
Which cameras is this lens compatible with?+
The Sony DT 50mm f/1.8 SAM is designed for the Sony A mount and is intended for use with APS-C format Sony DSLR cameras. It is a DSLR lens and requires an A-mount body.
Does this lens have image stabilization?+
No, the lens specifications confirm that image stabilization is listed as 'None.' If stabilization is needed, you would need to rely on any in-body stabilization system your camera provides.
Can I use this lens in manual focus mode?+
Yes, the lens supports both auto and manual focus modes according to its specifications, giving you the flexibility to switch between the two as your shooting situation demands.
What filter size does this lens use?+
The Sony DT 50mm f/1.8 SAM uses a 49mm filter thread, which is a relatively small and common size, making compatible filters affordable and widely available.
How heavy is this lens?+
The lens weighs 170 grams, making it one of the lighter options available for the Sony A-mount system and easy to handle for all-day shooting.