Last updated at 15/06/2026 07:39:49
Sony 50mm F2.8 Macro SAL50M28 Tested
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Sony Minolta AF 50mm f/2.0-8.0 AF Lens
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Sony 50mm f/2.8 Macro E-Mount Lens
Delivery $14.95
originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
This 50mm f2.8 Macro lens hasn't changed internally since the Minolta Rokkor days but it doesn't need to. It has been dragged into the new 'Sony age' by redesigning the looks and it sits well, visually, amongst the other Sony gear. What is indisputable is the easy of use, amazing sharpness and lack of stray light affecting the shots. This is a superb lens and value for money is exceptional. B+H's website also suggested a UV filter and a snap on lens hood for it but in reality you don't need either. The glass is so far recessed into the construction of the lens that stray light is not a problem and the filter will detract from the sharpness. I'd only put it on when using the lens in adverse weather conditions.
originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
I appraise personal property and often have to take close up photos in poorly lit environments where a flash may not be permitted. I recently purchased a Sony A-330 with an 18-55mm standard lens to replace a Nikon Coolpix 5400 that I had been using. I found that the Sony with the standard lens would not autofocus close enough to be effective for the macro photography that I required. Hence the 50mm macro lens. Fiddling around with the macro lens, I found that in order to get good close ups I had to use the manual focus mode. When I used the manual focus mode, the standard lens produced acceptable results as well. That said, the 50mm macro lens is noticeably sharper than the zoom lens and will produce better results in a museum environment. It will also, because of ... MoreI appraise personal property and often have to take close up photos in poorly lit environments where a flash may not be permitted. I recently purchased a Sony A-330 with an 18-55mm standard lens to replace a Nikon Coolpix 5400 that I had been using. I found that the Sony with the standard lens would not autofocus close enough to be effective for the macro photography that I required. Hence the 50mm macro lens. Fiddling around with the macro lens, I found that in order to get good close ups I had to use the manual focus mode. When I used the manual focus mode, the standard lens produced acceptable results as well. That said, the 50mm macro lens is noticeably sharper than the zoom lens and will produce better results in a museum environment. It will also, because of the shorter depth of field, provide better portraits in my time off. If I had to do over again I might have waited for the 30mm macro and used it as my normal lens. I docked the rating one star because the focusing ring is awkwardly located at the front of the lens, and the lens cap does not have provision for a leash.
originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
This lens is quite usable wide open and really nice and sharp when you stop it down a little. My two minor beefs are: 1. It's an external focusing lens which can be a slight inconvienience when using it in the macro mode. 2. It's not supplied with a lens hood because the lens is sunken into the front of the barrel but, when you put a filter on (and who doesn't at least use a UV for lens protection) the effect of the sunken front element is negated. Both of these problems are minor, and can be worked around. The optics are great and I have no propblem recomending this lens. If you're going to use filters I would recomend buying a 55mm colapsable rubber lens hood to screw into the filter.
| Focal Length | 50mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/32 |
| Lens Mount | Sony A |
| Lens Format Coverage | Full-Frame |
Sony 50mm F2.8 Macro SAL50M28 Tested
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Sony Minolta AF 50mm f/2.0-8.0 AF Lens
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Sony 50mm f/2.8 Macro E-Mount Lens
Delivery $14.95
This 50mm f2.8 Macro lens hasn't changed internally since the Minolta Rokkor days but it doesn't need to. It has been dragged into the new 'Sony age' by redesigning the looks and it sits well, visually, amongst the other Sony gear. What is indisputable is the easy of use, amazing sharpness and lack of stray light affecting the shots. This is a superb lens and value for money is exceptional. B+H's website also suggested a UV filter and a snap on lens hood for it but in reality you don't need either. The glass is so far recessed into the construction of the lens that stray light is not a problem and the filter will detract from the sharpness. I'd only put it on when using the lens in adverse weather conditions.
I appraise personal property and often have to take close up photos in poorly lit environments where a flash may not be permitted. I recently purchased a Sony A-330 with an 18-55mm standard lens to replace a Nikon Coolpix 5400 that I had been using. I found that the Sony with the standard lens would not autofocus close enough to be effective for the macro photography that I required. Hence the 50mm macro lens. Fiddling around with the macro lens, I found that in order to get good close ups I had to use the manual focus mode. When I used the manual focus mode, the standard lens produced acceptable results as well. That said, the 50mm macro lens is noticeably sharper than the zoom lens and will produce better results in a museum environment. It will also, because of ... MoreI appraise personal property and often have to take close up photos in poorly lit environments where a flash may not be permitted. I recently purchased a Sony A-330 with an 18-55mm standard lens to replace a Nikon Coolpix 5400 that I had been using. I found that the Sony with the standard lens would not autofocus close enough to be effective for the macro photography that I required. Hence the 50mm macro lens. Fiddling around with the macro lens, I found that in order to get good close ups I had to use the manual focus mode. When I used the manual focus mode, the standard lens produced acceptable results as well. That said, the 50mm macro lens is noticeably sharper than the zoom lens and will produce better results in a museum environment. It will also, because of the shorter depth of field, provide better portraits in my time off. If I had to do over again I might have waited for the 30mm macro and used it as my normal lens. I docked the rating one star because the focusing ring is awkwardly located at the front of the lens, and the lens cap does not have provision for a leash.
This lens is quite usable wide open and really nice and sharp when you stop it down a little. My two minor beefs are: 1. It's an external focusing lens which can be a slight inconvienience when using it in the macro mode. 2. It's not supplied with a lens hood because the lens is sunken into the front of the barrel but, when you put a filter on (and who doesn't at least use a UV for lens protection) the effect of the sunken front element is negated. Both of these problems are minor, and can be worked around. The optics are great and I have no propblem recomending this lens. If you're going to use filters I would recomend buying a 55mm colapsable rubber lens hood to screw into the filter.
Light weight and durable. Had great results with my Sony A fit, A99ii camera so far. Lens extends but silently so no real problems.
This has become my default lens when walking around outside! I only wish I had invested in this lens years ago.
Macro lenses are sharp by design. They usually are able to focus closer to the subject then a regular lens. Depth of field is critical, sometimes the autofocus system of the camera hunts or goes in or out of focus. Sony purchased Minoltas Photo division some years ago and continued to develop and improve some products. This 50mm f2.8 Macro is almost identical to Minoltas last version using the old focus drive. The older Minolta lens is a better buy if you can find one. Nice colors as usual and good build.
If you are like me you like to walk around as a tourist, or in your own backyard, with a single lens and try make the most of it. Often the lens you select will be a normal zoom in an attempt to cover more of your bases. You long for the light weight and small size of a prime, but fear you might be missing something if you only carry a 50mm.Enter the 50mm 2.8 Macro!On a Full size body is is your standard walk around normal that allows you to take it as close to that action as you can get, even up to 1:1. This lens has allowed me to capture more Macro shots by the very fact it is always with me. Instead of leaving the larger short telephoto dedicated macro at home I can carry around this little guy that is more suitable for street photography with its normal focal ... MoreIf you are like me you like to walk around as a tourist, or in your own backyard, with a single lens and try make the most of it. Often the lens you select will be a normal zoom in an attempt to cover more of your bases. You long for the light weight and small size of a prime, but fear you might be missing something if you only carry a 50mm.Enter the 50mm 2.8 Macro!On a Full size body is is your standard walk around normal that allows you to take it as close to that action as you can get, even up to 1:1. This lens has allowed me to capture more Macro shots by the very fact it is always with me. Instead of leaving the larger short telephoto dedicated macro at home I can carry around this little guy that is more suitable for street photography with its normal focal length.Perfectly sharp, light and compact, the only thing missing is a nicer build quality and internal focusing design. (I am looking at the excellent Nikon 60mm AFS when I say this.) Don't get me wrong, this lens is a champ, it could just be built a little better given the $ price tag.
I am a professional photographer, illustrator and graphic designer. I use this lens for small products, in fact, as more and more nano technology enters the market the need to get in close is a growing demand in my market and thus beating out the amature point and shot competition. This lens produces sharp results - and seems equivelant to the Nikkor Macro series of lenses. There is nothing that I dislike about this lens - it fulfills the need and feeds well into the digital demands where by I am able to exceed film. Can not wait for SONY to bring out their 30+ mega pixel replacement to the a900. I understand their chip is already in the Nikon D800 as rumor has it, maybe some of you know for sure - I'm often to busy these days to stay on top of the latest technology ... MoreI am a professional photographer, illustrator and graphic designer. I use this lens for small products, in fact, as more and more nano technology enters the market the need to get in close is a growing demand in my market and thus beating out the amature point and shot competition. This lens produces sharp results - and seems equivelant to the Nikkor Macro series of lenses. There is nothing that I dislike about this lens - it fulfills the need and feeds well into the digital demands where by I am able to exceed film. Can not wait for SONY to bring out their 30+ mega pixel replacement to the a900. I understand their chip is already in the Nikon D800 as rumor has it, maybe some of you know for sure - I'm often to busy these days to stay on top of the latest technology - but moving over to SONY was slow in coming - but I am glad I did. Of course I have more maga pixels as a goal, but that is slower in coming as well. Waiting for the prices to reach that clearance level is enough agony as well. But when it comes to product photography and Photoshop I can turn my SONY a900 along with stitching six shots together in Photoshop - well I've turned that 24.6 mega pixel camera into a well over 100 mega pixel rendering of a product. Thanks SONY - keep up the good work - and let Zeiss do more lenses for you. OH and don't let me forget to say this B&H is the best resource of equipment and supplies, very helpful folks when I call to quiz them - patient and understanding as well. Living out in the boonies web shopping is a must.
I purchased this as a compromise. Sony also makes 30 mm and 100 mm macro lenses. I chose the 50 mm because it was in the middle in terms of price and close-focusing distance. I have played with the lens for a week under less than optimum conditions. I am thinking about switching it for 100 mm lens but am deterred by the added weight of the longer lens. Ideally, I would prefer a macro lens that opens a little wider and is a little sharper. Not sure if such a creature exists in my price range.
I bought this lens primarily to use its macro capabilities with an old copy slide attachment by Nikon (the es-1), with the purpose of doing a quick and dirty scan of thousand of old slides. Seeing the magnitude of the project, I did not have time yet to test the lens in any other use than copying slides (roughly macro 1:1.5). For this, it works superbly. The focus limiter is a nice feature, and the autofocus worked well for all but a few slides, but seeing these were shot in extreme fog, I cannot blame the lens... From what I see, all the macro shots are sharp at f8.0.
| Focal Length | 50mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/32 |
| Lens Mount | Sony A |
| Lens Format Coverage | Full-Frame |
Sony 50mm f/2.8 Macro Lens, Mount A Mount, Full Frame ES, Prime, Only, Standard, Focus Autofocus, f/2.8 or Faster, f/2.8,
Get incredibly close to small subjects with the Sony SAL-50M28 macro lens. It allows you to easily capture the most subtle details with spectacular clarity. A compact macro-focus lens that covers the full range from life-size to infinity. "Life size" macro imaging means that the image you capture is the same size as the subject in reality, giving you spectacularly sharp photos of insects, flowers, gemstones, postage stamps and other small nature subjects and collectibles. Mounted on the Sony a (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera, this lens provides a 75mm focal length (35mm equivalent), which means it can also be used as a standard and midrange telephoto lens. You can get closer to your subject to capture low-angle shots of insects, flowers and other natural wonders, and broad depth of field lets you keep backgrounds in focus too. In conjunction with the Super SteadyShot image stabilization system of the Sony a (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera, this lens captures bright, steady images even working with hand-held camera in low light. Excellent optical precision gives your shots greater visual accuracy for close analysis of your subject. Speeds auto-focus response by limiting the range of distances that are brought into focus, Close-up Range, or Telephoto Range. For full creative control, a focus hold button located on the lens can lock auto-focusing. In auto-focus mode, the manual focus ring does not rotate -- which improves handling ease. Because aperture blades form a near circle at the wide openings used for low-light shots, spot-light sources have a pleasing circular defocused effect.
Get incredibly close to small subjects with the Sony SAL-50M28 macro lens. It allows you to easily capture the most subtle details with spectacular clarity. A compact macro-focus lens that covers the full range from life-size to infinity. "Life size" macro imaging means that the image you capture is the same size as the subject in reality, giving you spectacularly sharp photos of insects, flowers, gemstones, postage stamps and other small nature subjects and collectibles. Mounted on the Sony a (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera, this lens provides a 75mm focal length (35mm equivalent), which means it can also be used as a standard and midrange telephoto lens. You can get closer to your subject to capture low-angle shots of insects, flowers and other natural wonders, and broad depth of field lets you keep backgrounds in focus too. In conjunction with the Super SteadyShot image stabilization system of the Sony a (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera, this lens captures bright, steady images even working with hand-held camera in low light. Excellent optical precision gives your shots greater visual accuracy for close analysis of your subject. Speeds auto-focus response by limiting the range of distances that are brought into focus, Close-up Range, or Telephoto Range. For full creative control, a focus hold button located on the lens can lock auto-focusing. In auto-focus mode, the manual focus ring does not rotate -- which improves handling ease. Because aperture blades form a near circle at the wide openings used for low-light shots, spot-light sources have a pleasing circular defocused effect.
Get incredibly close to small subjects with the Sony SAL-50M28 macro lens. It allows you to easily capture the most subtle details with spectacular clarity. A compact macro-focus lens that covers the full range from life-size to infinity. "Life size" macro imaging means that the image you capture is the same size as the subject in reality, giving you spectacularly sharp photos of insects, flowers, gemstones, postage stamps and other small nature subjects and collectibles. Mounted on the Sony a (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera, this lens provides a 75mm focal length (35mm equivalent), which means it can also be used as a standard and midrange telephoto lens. You can get closer to your subject to capture low-angle shots of insects, flowers and other natural wonders, and broad depth of field lets you keep backgrounds in focus too. In conjunction with the Super SteadyShot image stabilization system of the Sony a (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera, this lens captures bright, steady images even working with hand-held camera in low light. Excellent optical precision gives your shots greater visual accuracy for close analysis of your subject. Speeds auto-focus response by limiting the range of distances that are brought into focus, Close-up Range, or Telephoto Range. For full creative control, a focus hold button located on the lens can lock auto-focusing. In auto-focus mode, the manual focus ring does not rotate -- which improves handling ease. Because aperture blades form a near circle at the wide openings used for low-light shots, spot-light sources have a pleasing circular defocused effect.
Get incredibly close to small subjects with the Sony SAL-50M28 macro lens. It allows you to easily capture the most subtle details with spectacular clarity. A compact macro-focus lens that covers the full range from life-size to infinity. "Life size" macro imaging means that the image you capture is the same size as the subject in reality, giving you spectacularly sharp photos of insects, flowers, gemstones, postage stamps and other small nature subjects and collectibles. Mounted on the Sony a (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera, this lens provides a 75mm focal length (35mm equivalent), which means it can also be used as a standard and midrange telephoto lens. You can get closer to your subject to capture low-angle shots of insects, flowers and other natural wonders, and broad depth of field lets you keep backgrounds in focus too. In conjunction with the Super SteadyShot image stabilization system of the Sony a (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera, this lens captures bright, steady images even working with hand-held camera in low light. Excellent optical precision gives your shots greater visual accuracy for close analysis of your subject. Speeds auto-focus response by limiting the range of distances that are brought into focus, Close-up Range, or Telephoto Range. For full creative control, a focus hold button located on the lens can lock auto-focusing. In auto-focus mode, the manual focus ring does not rotate -- which improves handling ease. Because aperture blades form a near circle at the wide openings used for low-light shots, spot-light sources have a pleasing circular defocused effect.
in 3 offers
The lowest price for Sony 50mm f/2.8 Macro Lens, Mount A Mount, Full Frame ES, Prime, Only, Standard, Focus Autofocus, f/2.8 or Faster, f/2.8, right now is $204.06 at eBay.com.au, compared across 2 retailers.
The all-time low was $87.43 on 1 May 2026 — today's price is 133% above the lowest ever. It has been notably cheaper before — worth setting a price alert.
Prices last updated 15 June 2026.
