Filwood1's reviews

  • Sony 50mm f/1.8 DT SAM SAL-50F18

    8 out of 10 points and not recommended
    Light, modern coatings, inexpensive, reasonably fast.
    Plastic construction, APS-C only.

    The Sony 50mm f1.8 DT is a pretty good lens working effectively as a 75mm on APS-C cameras. If you have such a camera and have no ambition to move to full frame then it will serve you well.

    However, for less money you could buy a full frame Minolta 50mm f1.7 on the secondhand market that is faster (marginally), better built (much, much better), only marginally worse for flare (older coatings), and has the fabled Minolta colour.

    I also have a full frame Minolta 50mm f2.8 Macro that gives tack sharp images and 1:1 macro for around the price of a new Sony 50mm f1.8 DT - if you don't need the extra stop of light and can cope with the extra weight it's a far, far better lens.

    If the Minoltas weren't so easy to come by I'd rate this lens a point higher and recommend it to the budget conscious buyer - it's not a bad lens it just isn't as good as a cheaper alternative.

    reviewed August 24th, 2018 (purchased for $40)

  • Sony 85mm f/2.8 SAM SAL85F28

    10 out of 10 points and recommended
    Sharp, light, full frame
    Plastic build.

    I'd rather have an 85mm f1.4 (Sony or Minolta), but I can't afford one - so the Sony 85mm f2.8 is the lens in my bag. It is a great little lens, sharp even wide open and incredibly sharp once closed down a stop or two. I was lucky to get one for a great price ex-demo and love it. It has become my go to lens for tack sharp images when I don't have one of my much heavier Minolta macro primes with me.

    reviewed August 24th, 2018 (purchased for $130)