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Sony FE 50mm F2.8 Macro vs Sony FE 55mm F1.8 ZA Carl Zeiss Sonnar T

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Sony FE 50mm F2.8 Macro

Macro Prime | Sony E

Sony FE 50mm F2.8 Macro
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Sony FE 55mm F1.8 ZA CZ

Standard Prime | Sony E

Sony FE 55mm F1.8 ZA Carl Zeiss Sonnar T
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Sony FE 50mm F2.8 Macro vs Sony FE 55mm F1.8 ZA CZ Comparison Overview

Here we are comparing two Sony lenses lenses with different focal types: Sony FE 50mm F2.8 Macro is a Macro Prime lens with a 50mm focal range and a max aperture of F2.8 whereas Sony FE 55mm F1.8 ZA CZ is a Standard Prime lens with a 55mm focal range and max aperture of F1.8.

We will start with briefly looking and the main specs of these two lenses and in the section, we will start analyzing in more detail and list the pros and cons of each lenses.

Sony FE 50mm F2.8 Macro Key Specs

  • 50mm Focal Range
  • F2.8 Max Aperture
  • Weather Sealed
  • Filter Thread: 55mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Sony E Mount
  • Weight: 236g.
  • Diameter: 71mm
  • Length: 71mm
  • Min Focus Distance:0.16m
  • Max Magnification:1x

Sony FE 55mm F1.8 ZA CZ Key Specs

  • 55mm Focal Range
  • F1.8 Max Aperture
  • Weather Sealed
  • Filter Thread: 49mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Sony E Mount
  • Weight: 281g.
  • Diameter: 64mm
  • Length: 71mm
  • Min Focus Distance:0.5m
  • Max Magnification:0.14x

What type of photography are the Sony FE 50mm F2.8 Macro and Sony FE 55mm F1.8 ZA CZ lenses good for?

The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sony FE 50mm F2.8 Macro and the Sony FE 55mm F1.8 ZA CZ for their suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type Sony FE 50mm F2.8 Macro Sony FE 55mm F1.8 ZA CZ
Bird/WildlifeFairFair
SportsFairAverage
PortraitGoodExcellent
TravelAverageGood
StreetGoodVery Good
WeddingGoodExcellent
Walk AroundAverageGood
VloggingAverageGood
LandscapeGoodGood
MacroVery GoodPoor

Size and Weight Comparison

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 FE 50mm F2.8 Macro weighs 236g, which means it is 45g (16%) lighter than the Sony FE 55mm F1.8 ZA CZ which has a weight of 281g.


Lens Mounts

Both Sony FE 50mm F2.8 Macro and Sony FE 55mm F1.8 ZA CZ has the same Sony E lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Sony E lenses are Sony A7R V, Sony FX30 and Sony A7 IV.

Focal Range

Sony FE 50mm F2.8 Macro is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 50mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides an 35mm (FF) equivalent of 75mm.
Sony FE 55mm F1.8 ZA CZ is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 55mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides an 35mm (FF) equivalent of 82.5mm.

Reasons to choose Sony FE 50mm F2.8 Macro over Sony FE 55mm F1.8 ZA Carl Zeiss Sonnar T

Focal Length - Wide 50mm vs 55mm 5mm Wider coverage
Distance Scale Yes vs No Distance Scale to assist focusing
Weight 236g vs 281g 45g lighter
Minimum Focus Distance 0.16m vs 0.5m can focus closer to the subject
Max Magnification 1x vs 0.14x higher magnification better for close-up shots

Reasons to choose Sony FE 55mm F1.8 ZA Carl Zeiss Sonnar T over Sony FE 50mm F2.8 Macro

Focal Length - Tele 55mm vs 50mm 5mm more Tele coverage
Max Aperture - Wide 1.8 vs 2.8 Wider aperture at wide end
Max Aperture - Tele 1.8 vs 2.8 Wider aperture at tele end
Diaphgragm Blades 9 vs 7 Potentially more rounded and smooth bokeh
Focus Type Internal Focusing vs Extending front Length of the lens doesn't change during focusing
Diameter 64mm vs 71mm 7mm smaller in diameter
Filter Thread 49mm vs 55mm Smaller filters are cheaper and easier to find

Common Strengths of Sony FE 50mm F2.8 Macro and Sony FE 55mm F1.8 ZA Carl Zeiss Sonnar T
Weather Sealing Yes vs Yes safer to use under rain and dust
Common Weaknesses of Sony FE 50mm F2.8 Macro and Sony FE 55mm F1.8 ZA Carl Zeiss Sonnar T
Image Stabilization No vs No Reliant on in-body Image Stabilization



**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 FE 50mm F2.8 Macro vs Sony FE 55mm F1.8 ZA CZ Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications
General
Brand Sony Sony
Lens Type Prime Prime
Price CHECK PRICE CHECK PRICE
Lens Type Macro Prime Standard Prime
Lens Mount Sony E Sony E
Max Format 35mm FF 35mm FF
Focal Range 50mm 55mm
Image Stabilization No
Colour Black Black
Zoom Method No Zoom Rotary (internal)
Power Zoom No No
Zoom Lock No No
Zoom Ratio 1.0X 1.0X
Aperture
Max Aperture F2.8 F1.8
Min Aperture F16 F22.0
Aperture Ring No No
Diaphragm Blades 7 9
Optics
Optical Elements 8 7
Optical Groups 8 5
Focusing
Min Focus Distance 0.16m 0.5m
Max Magnification 1X 0.14X
Autofocus Yes Yes
AF Motor Type unknown Stepper motor
Full Time Manual No
Focus Method Extending front Internal
Distance Scale Yes No
DoF Scale No No
Distance Scale Yes No
Focus Distance Limiter Yes Unknown
Physical Specs
Weight 236g 281g
Diameter 71mm 64mm
Length 71mm 71mm
Materials Unknown All-metal construction
Weather Sealing Yes Yes
Filter Thread 55mm 49mm
Filter Notes - -
Hood Supplied No Yes
Hood Code Unknown ALC-SH131
Tripod Collar No No
Optional Accessories - -
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