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Sony DT 50mm F1.8 SAM vs Hartblei Superrotator 40mm F4 IF TS

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Sony DT 50mm F1.8 SAM

Standard Prime | Sony Alpha

Sony DT 50mm F1.8 SAM
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Hartblei 40mm F4 IF TS

Perspective Control Prime | Sony Alpha

Hartblei Superrotator 40mm F4 IF TS
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Sony DT 50mm F1.8 SAM vs Hartblei 40mm F4 IF TS Comparison Overview

Here we are comparing two lenses with different focal types: Sony DT 50mm F1.8 SAM for the A Mount is a Standard Prime lens with a 50mm focal range and a max aperture of F1.8 whereas the Hartblei 40mm F4 IF TS for the A Mount is a Perspective Control Prime lens with a 40mm focal range and max aperture of F4.0.

We will start by looking briefly at the main specs of these two lenses, and in the next section, we will start analyzing them in more detail and listing the pros and cons of each lens.

Sony DT 50mm F1.8 SAM Key Specs

  • 50mm Focal Range
  • F1.8 Max Aperture
  • Filter Thread: 49mm
  • Max Format: APS-C / DX
  • Sony Alpha Mount
  • Weight: 170g.
  • Diameter: 70mm
  • Length: 45mm
  • Min Focus Distance: 0.34m
  • Max Magnification: 0.2x

Hartblei 40mm F4 IF TS Key Specs

  • 40mm Focal Range
  • F4.0 Max Aperture
  • Filter Thread: 86mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Sony Alpha Mount
  • Weight: 1550g.
  • Diameter: mm
  • Length: mm
  • Min Focus Distance: 0.49m

What type of photography are the Sony DT 50mm F1.8 SAM and Hartblei 40mm F4 IF TS lenses good for?

The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sony DT 50mm F1.8 SAM and the Hartblei 40mm F4 IF TS for their suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type Sony DT 50mm F1.8 SAM Hartblei 40mm F4 IF TS
Bird/WildlifeFairFair
SportsAverageFair
PortraitExcellentFair
TravelAverageFair
StreetGoodFair
WeddingExcellentFair
Walk AroundAveragePoor
VloggingAveragePoor
LandscapeAverageGood

Size and Weight Comparison

The weight of a lens is as important as its external dimensions, especially if you are planning to hand hold your camera and lens combination for longer periods. Sony DT 50mm F1.8 SAM weighs 170g, which means it is 1380g (89%) lighter than the Hartblei 40mm F4 IF TS which has a weight of 1550g.


Lens Mounts

Both the Sony DT 50mm F1.8 SAM and the Hartblei 40mm F4 IF TS has the same Sony Alpha lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Sony Alpha lenses are Sony A68, Sony A77 II and Sony A58.

Hartblei 40mm F4 IF TS is also available in Canon EF , Pentax KAF and Nikon F (FX) mounts.

Focal Range

Sony DT 50mm F1.8 SAM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 50mm which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of 75mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera. Hartblei 40mm F4 IF TS is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 40mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 60mm.

Reasons to choose Sony DT 50mm F1.8 SAM over Hartblei Superrotator 40mm F4 IF TS

Focal Length - Tele 50mm vs 40mm 10mm more Tele coverage
Max Aperture - Wide 1.8 vs 4 Wider aperture at wide end
Max Aperture - Tele 1.8 vs 4 Wider aperture at tele end
Diaphgragm Blades 7 vs Potentially more rounded and smooth bokeh
Autofocus Yes vs No Easier, faster and more accurate focusing
Weight 170g vs 1550g 1380g lighter
Filter Thread 49mm vs 86mm Smaller filters are cheaper and easier to find
Minimum Focus Distance 0.34m vs 0.49m can focus closer to the subject
Max Magnification 0.2x vs x higher magnification better for close-up shots

Reasons to choose Hartblei Superrotator 40mm F4 IF TS over Sony DT 50mm F1.8 SAM

Focal Length - Wide 40mm vs 50mm 10mm Wider coverage
Depth-of-Field Scale Yes vs No Depth of Field scale to assist focusing
Aperture Ring Yes vs No able to adjust the aperture on the lens
Max Sensor Coverage 35mm FF vs APS-C / DX covers larger sensors
Diameter mm vs 70mm 70mm smaller in diameter
Length mm vs 45mm 45mm shorter

Common Strengths of Sony DT 50mm F1.8 SAM and Hartblei Superrotator 40mm F4 IF TS
Autofocus Yes vs Yes Easier, faster and more accurate focusing
Distance Scale Yes vs Yes Distance Scale to assist focusing
Common Weaknesses of Sony DT 50mm F1.8 SAM and Hartblei Superrotator 40mm F4 IF TS
Image Stabilization No vs No Reliant on in-body Image Stabilization
Weather Sealing No vs No not safe under rain and dust


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Sony DT 50mm F1.8 SAM vs Hartblei 40mm F4 IF TS Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications
General
Brand Sony Hartblei
Lens Type Prime Prime
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Lens Type Standard Prime Perspective Control Prime
Lens Mount Sony Alpha Sony Alpha
Max Format APS-C / DX 35mm FF
Focal Range 50mm 40mm
Image Stabilization No No
Colour Black -
Zoom Method No Zoom No Zoom
Power Zoom No No
Zoom Lock No No
Zoom Ratio 1.0X 1.0X
Aperture
Max Aperture F1.8 F4.0
Min Aperture F32.0 F22.0
Aperture Ring No Yes
Diaphragm Blades 7 -
Optics
Optical Elements 6 12
Optical Groups 5 10
Focusing
Min Focus Distance 0.34m 0.49m
Max Magnification 0.2X -
Autofocus Yes No
AF Motor Type Micromotor None
Full Time Manual No N/A
Focus Method Extending front -
Distance Scale Yes Yes
DoF Scale No Yes
Distance Scale Yes Yes
Focus Distance Limiter No No
Physical Specs
Weight 170g 1550g
Diameter 70mm -
Length 45mm -
Materials Plastic barrel, plastic mount metal barrel, metal mount
Weather Sealing No No
Filter Thread 49mm 86mm
Filter Notes - does not rotate on focus
Hood Supplied No -
Tripod Collar No Yes
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