Embracing an old photographic lens, with Amazon's offer proving too enticing to avoid
In the world of photography, the combination of the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 lens and the Sony A7 IV mirrorless camera is proving to be a popular choice for photographers seeking a lightweight, versatile option with excellent image quality.
Chris George, a renowned photographer and author of The Book of Digital Photography, has recently upgraded to the Sony A7 IV and has paired it with the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 lens. With a weight of just 186g, this lens is a lightweight option for photographers, making it an ideal choice for travel and walkaround photography.
The 50mm lens on the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 provides an angle of view equivalent to 75mm on the Sony A6000 camera. This makes it a great lens for head and shoulder portraits on the Sony A6000 due to its angle of view. Moreover, the limited angle of view it provides is similar to the photographer's first ever system camera, offering a sense of familiarity.
The Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 has a maximum aperture of f/1.8, making it faster than the standard zoom. This fast aperture allows for good performance in dim environments without pushing ISO too high, making it ideal for low-light shooting. Additionally, the wide aperture of f/1.8 creates pleasing background blur (bokeh), helping to isolate subjects from the background, making them stand out in portraits.
For everyday photography, the 50mm focal length is very natural, making it suitable for casual shooting, street photography, and environmental portraits. Its compact size makes it easy to carry all day for spontaneous shots and travel photography.
When using the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8, photographers should consider using a wide-open aperture (f/1.8) for shallow depth of field to create a soft, creamy bokeh for portraits or detail shots. However, stopping down to f/2.8 or f/4 improves sharpness across the entire frame.
Managing vignetting is another important consideration. Expect some noticeable vignetting at f/1.8, which can be corrected in post-processing or in-camera profiles. Focusing carefully is also crucial, especially in close-up or portrait work, as the lens autofocus is fast and reliable on the A7 IV, but manual focus or focus peaking can help achieve perfect focus.
Finally, photographers can leverage the A7 IV's sensor capabilities when paired with this lens. The A7 IV offers high resolution and superb dynamic range, allowing for cropping images without losing too much detail.
In conclusion, the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 is a highly capable and affordable prime lens that complements the Sony A7 IV well for photographers seeking a lightweight, versatile option with excellent image quality and natural perspective. The lens is currently available at a discounted price of £128.90 in the UK and $223 in the US.
- In his recent upgrade, acclaimed photographer Chris George chose the Sony A7 IV mirrorless camera and paired it with the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 lens, a lightweight option that's popular among travel photographers.
- With an 75mm equivalent angle of view on the Sony A6000 camera, the 50mm lens of Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 is ideal for head and shoulder portraits, providing a familiar angle of view similar to photographers' first ever system camera.
- The Sony FE 50mm f/1.8's maximum aperture of f/1.8 makes it faster than standard zoom lenses, offering good low-light performance and pleasing background blur ideal for portraits.
- For everyday photography, the 50mm focal length's natural feel makes it suitable for casual shooting, street photography, and environmental portraits, allowing for all-day usage in travel photography.
- In photo reviews focusing on technique, it's suggested to use a wide-open aperture (f/1.8) for shallow depth of field in portraits or detail shots, but stopping down to f/2.8 or f/4 improves overall sharpness.
- Managing vignetting and focusing carefully are crucial aspects when using the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8, as noticeable vignetting might occur at f/1.8 and manual focus or focus peaking can help achieve the perfect focus.
- The Sony FE 50mm f/1.8's combination with the Sony A7 IV offers impressive image quality, featuring high resolution and superb dynamic range that allows for cropping images without significant detail loss. This lens, now available at discounted prices of £128.90 in the UK and $223 in the US, is an affordably valuable addition to any lifestyle and home-and-garden photography, as well as technology news and video content creation.
