SAL50F14 vs SAL50F18


JWong

New Member
Mar 26, 2009
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I am interested in getting an additional lens to shoot portrait photo. Looking at the SAL50F14 and SAL50F18. Other than the price and the focal length, can anyone share what are the differences between the 2? What are the factors I should consider?
Currently I am using SAL1870 on my A300.
 

Hi,

SAL50F18 is a DT lens for APS-C format while SAL50F14 is a Full Frame lens (35mm). This means that the SAL50F18 cannot be used on a A850 or A900 unless you use the cropped mode. The build quality is also different. Just look at the mount, SAL5018 is plastic while SAL50F14 is metal.

You might also want to consider an used minolta 50mm F1.7 which is around the same price but this is a FF lens.
 

If you want a 50mm 1.4 should consider the Sigma 50mm instead. Very sharp wide open.
 

Thanks guys for the info.

IS minolta 50mm F1.7 around the same price as SAL50F14 or F18?

Is sigma 50mm F1.4 better than SAL50F14?
 

If looking for sharpness, just go for the sigma.....none of the Minolta/Sony 50mm are tat sharp.
Minolta have much more interesting flare and nice natural colours.

A used Minolta 50/1.7 RS is about the same price as a new Sony 50/1.8 and Sigma is not that costly afterall.
However my choice would always be Minolta 50mm F1.4 RS!!
 

Suggest you try out SAL50F18 first for your A300, it may be just good enough.

Unless you are getting a full frame DSLR like A850 or A900 soon, then you should consider a SAL50F14 or Sigma 50mm f1.4
:)
 

get the 50mmf1.8 DT...is good enough for yr use. Unless u need the extra stop at f1.4, u can try the 50mm f1.4. The sony version is soft at f1.4 and somehow the older versions- minoltas are actually better at f1.4 in term of sharpest. Overall the best now for 50mm is still the sigma.

price wise is a big diff, at $170 to $850 between the 3 versions.
 

If you are not planning on going full frame, get the sony 50mm 1.8; it's a great lens, very sharp, and creamy bokeh that massacres the old minolta 1.7.
 

get the sony 50mm f1.8
all the variants of the 50mm mentioned abv i had owned and used...
the sigma 1.4 and the sony 1.8 version are the sharpest
 

Thanks guys for the info. I think i will start with SAL50F18 then. = )
 

A300 is APS-C sensor, I found the 50mm is ait difficult for framing on APS-C.
I prefer to use 24 F2.8 on my a700 for indoor portrait or 135 F2.8 for outdoor.
 

So now does it matter that the SAL-50F14 had a diameter of 55 and the SAL-50F18 has a diameter of 49? I have a alpha a300 as well and looking into prime lenses.
 

The filter size doesn't matter, SAL50F14 is a Full Frame Lens, and SAL5018 is Crop Factor lens, but SAL5018 are sharper than the SAL50F14.
 

The filter size doesn't matter, SAL50F14 is a Full Frame Lens, and SAL5018 is Crop Factor lens, but SAL5018 are sharper than the SAL50F14.

Really?! I didn't know that.. I thought 50F14 would be sharper.. >.<
 

Really?! I didn't know that.. I thought 50F14 would be sharper.. >.<

yup if its set f2 onwards. from my copy it seems ;)
 

I see.. but price difference is kinda large... :(

See wat u wan to take? If u wan take night portrait with nice dreamy bokeh lights, maybe 50f1.4? I also dunno. I'm just a newbie :D For me 50F18 good for me liao, my favorite "poor man lens" :sweat:
 

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To me, enough budget get Song 50 f1.4 though sigma 50 1.4 is much sharper as what review stated. But my copy, 50 1.4 really is very sharp. Want wider, go for 35 1.4 :D
 

See wat u wan to take? If u wan take night portrait with nice dreamy bokeh lights, maybe 50f1.4? I also dunno. I'm just a newbie :D For me 50F18 good for me liao, my favorite "poor man lens" :sweat:

Yeah I bought the 50F18 already and I am quite satisfied with the bokeh. But in some situations, f/1.8 isn't big enough.. and I should be going full frame too.. so kinda regretted not getting the f/1.4..