(From Sony lens literature) The Sony DT 50mm F1.8 SAM is a compact, lightweight, high-quality lens with a 50mm focal length (35mm format camera equivalent: 75mm) that is ideal for portraits and general-purpose photography. It is designed exclusively for use with α digital SLRs incorporating an APS-C type image sensor. Compact and weighing only 170g (approx.), the DT 50mm F1.8 SAM reduces the need to carry heavy gear when shooting, yet offers crisp, natural imaging that is ideal for everything from portraits to scenic photos and snapshots. It also boasts a large, bright F1.8 maximum aperture and a circular aperture mechanism for smooth background defocusing. Distinguished by ultra-sharp imaging across the focal plane, the DT 50mm F1.8 SAM also features a minimum focusing distance of 0.34m and a maximum magnification ratio of 0.2. In addition, a newly developed Smooth Autofocus Motor (SAM) is used to drive the focusing lens group.
Bright, F1.8 maximum aperture and 50mm focal length (35mm-format equivalent: 75mm)
With a maximum aperture of F1.8, the DT 50mm F1.8 SAM delivers outstanding image quality in a wide range of shooting situations. And because the aperture range extends from F1.8 to F22, it provides you with expanded control over depth of field and dynamic expression. As a result, it offers a valuable of range of photographic expression that goes beyond what you can experience with standard zoom lenses. In addition, the DT 50mm F1.8 SAM's large maximum aperture setting can be used in tandem with your camera body's integrated SteadyShot™ image stabilization to assure excellent low-light shooting performance.
Compact and lightweight design
The DT 50mm F1.8 SAM (SAL50F18) is exceptionally light and compact, with a weight of only 170g (approx.), dimensions of 70mm (max. diameter) x 45mm (length) and a filter size of 49mm. This lens and boasts excellent portability and operability that make it an ideal introductory-level portrait lens for α DSLRs with an APS-C type sensor.
Circular aperture mechanism for beautiful background defocusing
A circular aperture mechanism assures smooth background defocusing when shooting at larger apertures, making subjects stand out from the background more prominently when shooting portraits.
High contrast, resolution, and image quality
The DT 50mm F1.8 SAM is an ideal choice for first-time fixed focal length lens buyers. In addition to excellent colour balance, it offers crisp, natural imaging across the focal plane, with high contrast and resolution even at the periphery of the image frame. Straightforward optical design positions 6 elements in 5 groups for exceptionally clear imaging and a range of expression that is distinctly different from lenses like the a DT 18-55mm F3.2-5.6 SAM zoom.
Newly-developed Smooth Autofocus Motor (SAM) for smooth AF operation
The DT 50mm F1.8 SAM's focusing lens group is driven by a new Smooth Autofocus Motor (SAM) in the lens itself, instead of a motor in the camera body. Responding instantly to AF drive control signals from the camera, the motor delivers power with smoothness and precision.
0.34m minimum focusing distance, 0.2 maximum magnification ratio
At 0.34m, the DT 50mm F1.8 SAM has one of the shortest minimum focusing distances in its class, with a maximum magnification ratio of 0.2x that makes it usable for macro shooting, too.
