Sony SEL85F18 85mm F/1.8 Lens

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89%
92%
Autofocus Speed
95%
Image Sharpness
89%
Low-Light Performance
88%
Build Quality
90%
Portability
93%
Bokeh Quality
85%
Ease of Use
78%
Focus Accuracy
94%
Compatibility with Sony E-mount
87%
Value for Money
91%
Size and Weight
80%
Price Stability
More

Overview

The Sony SEL85F18 85mm F/1.8 Lens is a prime lens designed for Sony E-mount cameras, offering excellent performance for a variety of photography styles. This fast aperture of F/1.8 makes it a standout choice for low-light conditions, delivering sharp images even in dim environments. The lens is particularly well-suited for portrait photography, with its ability to create beautiful background blur. Additionally, its compact design makes it easy to carry, making it an ideal choice for photographers on the go.

Features & Benefits

This 85mm lens boasts a nine-blade circular aperture, which contributes to its stunning smooth bokeh effects, a key feature for portrait photography. The lens incorporates an ED glass element, ensuring improved sharpness across the frame, especially at the edges. Its double linear motor provides fast, quiet autofocus performance, which is crucial for both video and stills. The customizable focus hold button and AF/MF switch offer enhanced control over focusing, making it a versatile tool for creative professionals.

Best For

The Sony SEL85F18 lens is ideal for portrait photographers who want to capture stunning subject isolation with sharp details and smooth backgrounds. It’s also great for travel photographers who need a lightweight, portable lens that still offers fast performance. Sony mirrorless camera users will appreciate its speed and quality, making it perfect for both beginners and professionals. Additionally, content creators looking for crisp, clear focus in various lighting conditions will find this lens invaluable for their low-light shooting needs.

User Feedback

Users consistently praise the Sony prime lens for its sharpness and clarity, especially when capturing detailed portraits. The autofocus is highlighted as fast and accurate, even in dim environments. Many users also appreciate the lens's compact size and light weight, which makes it a practical choice for extended shoots. However, some reviewers note that the lens can occasionally experience autofocus hunting in challenging lighting conditions or fast-moving subjects, though this is not a widespread issue.

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Pros

  • This 85mm lens delivers exceptional sharpness, especially for portrait photography.
  • The fast F/1.8 aperture excels in low-light conditions, allowing for beautiful background blur.
  • Weighing just 10.4 ounces, this lens is ideal for long shoots or travel photography.
  • Autofocus performance is fast, accurate, and impressively quiet, even in challenging lighting.
  • The nine-blade circular aperture creates smooth, creamy bokeh that's ideal for portraits.
  • Compact design makes it easy to carry around without compromising image quality.

Cons

  • Some users report occasional autofocus hunting in very low light or when tracking fast-moving subjects.
  • While lightweight, the build might feel too plastic for those accustomed to metal-bodied lenses.
  • The lens can feel slightly bulky when mounted on smaller Sony mirrorless bodies.
  • Not the best choice for photographers who need extreme macro capabilities or close-up detail.
  • The lack of weather sealing may limit its use in harsh outdoor environments.
  • Price may be a concern for budget-conscious photographers looking for an affordable portrait lens.

Ratings

After analyzing verified user feedback across multiple platforms and languages, including a variety of photography-focused sites, the ratings for the Sony SEL85F18 85mm F/1.8 Lens reflect a well-rounded mix of strengths and areas for improvement. Only authentic, high-quality reviews were considered, ensuring an accurate reflection of the lens's overall performance and user experience. Both the lens’s performance in various shooting conditions and its compact design are often highlighted, with some critiques on autofocus behavior in specific scenarios.

Autofocus Speed
92%
Users consistently praise the fast autofocus speed, particularly in dynamic environments. The double linear motor ensures quick and precise focusing, even during action shots or low-light conditions, making it perfect for both portrait and event photography. This efficiency contributes to smoother workflows and higher-quality shots with minimal effort.
Some users mention occasional issues with autofocus hunting in challenging conditions, such as low-contrast or poorly lit scenes. While generally fast, the autofocus can sometimes struggle to lock onto a subject quickly in certain situations, which might lead to missed moments or slight delays during shooting.
Image Sharpness
95%
The sharpness of images captured with this lens is highly regarded, with many users noting its exceptional clarity, especially for portraiture. Even wide open at f/1.8, the lens provides impressively crisp details from the center to the edges, making it a top choice for professionals seeking quality in every shot.
A few reviewers point out that sharpness can drop slightly at the very edges when shooting at wide apertures. While still good, some would prefer more consistency throughout the entire frame when using this lens for certain wide-angle compositions or in very demanding applications.
Low-Light Performance
89%
The fast f/1.8 aperture excels in low-light situations, allowing photographers to capture sharp, clear images without the need for a flash. Users appreciate the lens's ability to gather ample light even in dimly lit environments, which is especially beneficial for indoor events, evening portraits, or shooting in challenging lighting conditions.
While the lens performs admirably in low-light, some users note that its ability to maintain focus can be slightly hindered in extremely dark conditions. The autofocus, though generally quick, may struggle a bit when there is little ambient light, leading to occasional delays in capturing the perfect shot.
Build Quality
88%
Many users find the build quality to be solid and durable for its size. The lens is made from quality materials, and despite its compact nature, it feels sturdy in hand. The design ensures that it can withstand the rigors of regular use while remaining lightweight enough to carry around for long periods without fatigue.
While the lens is generally well-built, some buyers feel that it lacks a bit of the premium feel found in higher-end Sony lenses. A few have noted that the plastic elements, although sturdy, may not feel as robust as those found in more expensive models, which could affect long-term durability.
Portability
90%
The compact and lightweight design makes this lens an excellent choice for travel photographers who need a high-quality prime lens without the bulk. Weighing only 10.4 ounces, it's easy to pack and carry, and many users appreciate how it fits seamlessly into a travel or daily camera kit.
Some users mention that while the lens is light, the size may still be too large for some users who prefer ultra-compact lenses for everyday carry. Though smaller than many professional lenses, it’s still noticeable in a smaller camera bag or when trying to travel with an even lighter setup.
Bokeh Quality
93%
The nine-blade circular aperture creates smooth, creamy bokeh that is highly praised by portrait photographers. This bokeh enhances the subject isolation and provides a pleasing, aesthetic blur in the background, making it ideal for portraiture or any shot requiring a soft out-of-focus effect.
A small group of users have mentioned that the bokeh isn't as smooth as expected in certain light conditions, with some visible edge artifacts when shooting wide open. While still very good overall, it might not meet the highest expectations for those accustomed to lenses designed specifically for bokeh performance.
Ease of Use
85%
The lens is straightforward to use, with a simple, intuitive design that makes focusing and shooting effortless. The customizable focus hold button and the AF/MF switch offer added control, ensuring that both novice and experienced photographers can easily handle it in various scenarios.
A few users feel that the focus hold button is somewhat difficult to access in certain shooting positions. While the lens is generally easy to use, the placement of some buttons may not be as ergonomic for all photographers, leading to minor discomfort during extended use.
Focus Accuracy
78%
22%
When the lens locks onto a subject, the accuracy is highly praised. Many users report excellent focus tracking during normal conditions, ensuring sharp results in portraits and other focused shots. This accuracy makes it a reliable tool for capturing important moments.
Some reviewers have pointed out occasional focus inaccuracies, particularly when shooting in low-contrast or challenging conditions. This can result in blurry images if the autofocus struggles to lock onto the subject, which can be frustrating for those capturing fast-moving or intricate shots.
Compatibility with Sony E-mount
94%
The lens is fully optimized for Sony E-mount cameras, providing a seamless integration with both full-frame and APS-C sensor models. Users note that it works exceptionally well across various Sony camera bodies, ensuring smooth performance and reliable results, making it a perfect choice for Sony shooters.
A very small number of users mention minor compatibility issues when using third-party adapters or certain older Sony camera models. While the lens is generally compatible across the board, some may experience slight limitations in autofocus speed or tracking when using non-native mounts or older bodies.
Value for Money
87%
Given its excellent performance in autofocus, image quality, and portability, users generally feel that this lens offers great value for money. Many appreciate the combination of a fast aperture, high-quality optics, and build at a relatively affordable price compared to other premium lenses in its class.
Some buyers argue that, while it's priced competitively, the lens still falls into the higher-end range for a prime lens. A few users feel that for the price, they could have found other options with slightly better performance in certain areas, such as autofocus in very challenging conditions.
Size and Weight
91%
The balance between size and weight is one of the most frequently praised features. At just 10.4 ounces and compact dimensions, it's comfortable to carry and use throughout long shoots. This makes it ideal for those who want a powerful prime lens without the burden of carrying a heavy setup.
While many users find the size ideal, some feel that it's still slightly bulky compared to ultra-compact options. It's worth noting that a few photographers prefer even lighter, more compact lenses for everyday carry, though the size is generally not a dealbreaker for most.
Price Stability
80%
20%
Several users appreciate the value this lens offers given its consistent price over time. It's seen as a good investment for serious photographers who want a high-performing lens at a reasonable cost, especially when compared to higher-end prime lenses from other brands.
A few users express frustration with the price remaining somewhat high even after the product has been on the market for a while. For those on a tight budget, the price can seem a bit steep, especially when competing with other lenses that offer similar performance for a lower price point.

Suitable for:

The Sony SEL85F18 85mm F/1.8 Lens is an excellent choice for portrait photographers who value sharpness, smooth bokeh, and excellent low-light performance. Its fast f/1.8 aperture allows for stunning depth-of-field control, making it ideal for creating beautiful subject isolation. Travel photographers will also appreciate its lightweight, compact design, which ensures easy portability without compromising image quality. Additionally, Sony mirrorless camera users looking for a high-quality, reliable prime lens that excels in autofocus speed and accuracy will find this lens highly suited to their needs. Whether shooting in natural light or controlled studio settings, this lens meets the demands of both professionals and serious enthusiasts.

Not suitable for:

However, the Sony SEL85F18 85mm F/1.8 Lens may not be the best choice for users who primarily shoot in extremely low-light environments or need superior autofocus tracking in those conditions. While the lens performs well in most lighting, some users have reported occasional autofocus hunting in challenging situations, which can be frustrating for fast-paced shooting or sports photography. Additionally, those looking for a smaller, more discreet lens may find this prime lens a bit bulky compared to ultra-compact alternatives, especially for casual or street photographers who prefer lightweight setups. Finally, users on a tight budget might find the price point a bit high compared to other lenses offering similar performance.

Specifications

  • Focal Length: The lens has a focal length of 85mm, ideal for portrait and telephoto shots.
  • Maximum Aperture: The maximum aperture is F/1.8, which allows for excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field.
  • Minimum Aperture: The lens can be stopped down to a minimum aperture of F/22 for greater depth of field.
  • Lens Type: This is a prime lens, offering high optical quality with no zoom function.
  • Mounting: The lens is designed for Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras.
  • Autofocus Type: The lens features an autofocus system powered by a double linear motor for fast and precise focus.
  • Aperture Blades: It includes 9 aperture blades, contributing to smooth and aesthetically pleasing bokeh.
  • Glass Element: The lens incorporates an ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass element to improve sharpness and reduce chromatic aberrations.
  • Minimum Focusing Distance: The minimum focusing distance is 2.6 feet (0.8 meters), allowing for detailed close-up shots.
  • Maximum Magnification Ratio: The maximum magnification ratio is 0.13, which is suitable for portrait photography but not macro-level detail.
  • Dimensions: The lens measures 3.19 x 3.19 x 2.83 inches, making it compact and easy to carry.
  • Weight: It weighs 10.4 ounces, making it lightweight for extended shooting sessions.
  • Angle of View: The lens has an angle of view of 29 degrees, which is typical for an 85mm focal length.
  • Lens Coating: The lens features a standard coating that helps minimize flare and ghosting.
  • Included Accessories: The lens comes with a lens hood, as well as front and rear lens caps for protection.
  • Focus Hold Button: The lens includes a customizable focus hold button, allowing for easy control during shooting.
  • AF/MF Switch: The lens is equipped with an AF/MF switch, providing direct control over autofocus or manual focus mode.

FAQ

The Sony SEL85F18 85mm F/1.8 Lens offers excellent sharpness, a fast F/1.8 aperture for low-light shooting, and beautiful background blur, making it ideal for portrait photography. The nine-blade circular aperture enhances the bokeh, and the lens’s lightweight design allows for extended shooting sessions.

This lens is designed specifically for Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras. It will work perfectly with most Sony mirrorless bodies, including both full-frame and APS-C models. However, if you're unsure, double-check the compatibility with your camera's lens mount.

The autofocus system on this lens is powered by a double linear motor, which delivers fast, accurate, and quiet focusing, even in low-light conditions. Users have reported impressive performance, making it ideal for both indoor portraits and night-time photography.

The Sony 85mm F/1.8 lens has a maximum aperture of F/1.8. This wide aperture allows for more light to reach the camera sensor, which helps in low-light conditions and enables a shallow depth of field for beautiful background blur in portraits.

Yes, this 85mm lens is compact and weighs only 10.4 ounces, making it easy to carry for long shoots or travel. Its portability is one of its strongest points, offering a balance between quality and convenience for photographers on the go.

Yes, this lens is a good option for video shooting, especially for portrait-style or bokeh-heavy content. Its fast and quiet autofocus makes it a great choice for vlogging, ensuring smooth focus transitions without distracting noise.

No, the Sony 85mm F/1.8 lens does not feature built-in image stabilization. However, many Sony mirrorless cameras have in-body stabilization, which can compensate for any minor shakes, making it a good fit for handheld shooting.

Some users have reported occasional autofocus hunting in low-light or challenging conditions, particularly in low-contrast environments. While the lens performs excellently in most situations, this is something to be aware of in certain lighting conditions.

The minimum focusing distance of the Sony 85mm F/1.8 lens is 2.6 feet (0.8 meters), which allows you to get relatively close to your subject for detailed portrait shots or telephoto close-ups, though it's not ideal for macro photography.

While the lens is well-built and durable for regular use, it does not have weather sealing. If you plan to shoot in very rainy or dusty conditions, you may want to be cautious, or consider additional protective gear to shield the lens from the elements.