Small 50mm options
p.1 #1Small 50mm options
I'm looking to add a small 50mm prime for my A7CII and debating between the Sony f1.8 (59mm, 185g), Sony f2.5 G (45mm, 174g) and Viltrox f2 Air (57mm, 205g). I am not considering the Zeiss 55 since I think it is too large and heavy. My weight limit is around 220-230 grams.
I know the Viltrox and the Sony G are both sharp lenses, but how do they differ in terms of rendering? Is the G lens worth the extra cost? And are all these lenses true 50s or is one of them slightly wider or tighter?
My only concern is I have the Sigma i45 and I'm worried it might be too close to the 50 G. At least with the Sony 1.8 or the Viltrox I'd gain almost a stop of light vs the Sigma.
I know the Viltrox and the Sony G are both sharp lenses, but how do they differ in terms of rendering? Is the G lens worth the extra cost? And are all these lenses true 50s or is one of them slightly wider or tighter?
My only concern is I have the Sigma i45 and I'm worried it might be too close to the 50 G. At least with the Sony 1.8 or the Viltrox I'd gain almost a stop of light vs the Sigma.
Dec 17, 2025 at 05:17 PM
p.1 #2Small 50mm options
jaygould wrote:
My only concern is I have the Sigma i45 and I'm worried it might be too close to the 50 G.
Of course it will. TBH it's unclear what you want in a small 50. Small means it will be about the same speed as your excellent Sigma, so you're getting the same speed and nearly the same FOV. Based on the inputs, it's clearly a GAS case and therefore my advice would be to get the second copy of the Sigma i45. It's actually kind of cool, because you can pretend that you own two and the 2nd copy is "temoprarily" stored at B&H in case you need it, so you can actually avoid sending them money right away.
Win-win!
My only concern is I have the Sigma i45 and I'm worried it might be too close to the 50 G.
Of course it will. TBH it's unclear what you want in a small 50. Small means it will be about the same speed as your excellent Sigma, so you're getting the same speed and nearly the same FOV. Based on the inputs, it's clearly a GAS case and therefore my advice would be to get the second copy of the Sigma i45. It's actually kind of cool, because you can pretend that you own two and the 2nd copy is "temoprarily" stored at B&H in case you need it, so you can actually avoid sending them money right away.
Win-win!
Dec 18, 2025 at 12:09 AM
p.1 #3Small 50mm options
Hi,
I’d keep the Sigma i45. It’s a truly amazing lens with a unique rendering.
The advantage of the Sigma compared to the two Sony lenses and the Viltrox is its “dual personality”: it’s soft with subjects that are 0–2 meters away when shot wide open (portraits are amazing), yet ultra‑sharp at longer distances. In any case, the bokeh is really nice. Need an extra stop? With the A7C II, the ISO boost is handled very well.
You can also have a look at manuel lenses (Voigtlander, …).
Edited on Dec 18, 2025 at 06:48 AM · View previous versions
I’d keep the Sigma i45. It’s a truly amazing lens with a unique rendering.
The advantage of the Sigma compared to the two Sony lenses and the Viltrox is its “dual personality”: it’s soft with subjects that are 0–2 meters away when shot wide open (portraits are amazing), yet ultra‑sharp at longer distances. In any case, the bokeh is really nice. Need an extra stop? With the A7C II, the ISO boost is handled very well.
You can also have a look at manuel lenses (Voigtlander, …).
Edited on Dec 18, 2025 at 06:48 AM · View previous versions
Dec 18, 2025 at 02:43 AM
p.1 #4Small 50mm options
I have the nokton 1.2, and replace the sony g 2.5 with the viltrox air.
so, why did I replace the the G with the air?
Well, the air is sharper and much less expensive. (With the money I got selling it, I bought the 50mm air and the 85mm evo!) I did not see any differences in af on my A7rIV, but it might differ on your camera. Both are fast and reliable.
The G obviously has a custom button and a aperture ring. It's better built, and it's smaller and lighter. The hood is really well made
The air, is sharper everywhere, and has less CA. It's plastic, and a bit larger. But still light. Optically it's much better.
Despite the G is not really known for its rendering I took really nice pictures with it. I'm sure I won't be disappointing with the air compared to this lens. (I just have it for a few weeks, and did not have time for using it)
When I really want a special look I use my nokton, like you have your Sigma.
so, why did I replace the the G with the air?
Well, the air is sharper and much less expensive. (With the money I got selling it, I bought the 50mm air and the 85mm evo!) I did not see any differences in af on my A7rIV, but it might differ on your camera. Both are fast and reliable.
The G obviously has a custom button and a aperture ring. It's better built, and it's smaller and lighter. The hood is really well made
The air, is sharper everywhere, and has less CA. It's plastic, and a bit larger. But still light. Optically it's much better.
Despite the G is not really known for its rendering I took really nice pictures with it. I'm sure I won't be disappointing with the air compared to this lens. (I just have it for a few weeks, and did not have time for using it)
When I really want a special look I use my nokton, like you have your Sigma.
Dec 18, 2025 at 03:53 AM
p.1 #5Small 50mm options
Samyang 45 1.8
162 g
ø: 61.8 x L: 56.1 mm
$289 at BnH
162 g
ø: 61.8 x L: 56.1 mm
$289 at BnH
Dec 18, 2025 at 04:44 AM
p.1 #6Small 50mm options
Thanks guys. I remembered I have the 50mm f2.8 Macro and that one is actually quite small and light weight, and is only 1/3rd of a stop slower than the 50 G. So I'll be using that one going forward.
I guess I wanted to know whether the 50 G was worth the money or not, but it seems that is not the case.
I might pick up the Viltrox f2 sometime in the future.
I guess I wanted to know whether the 50 G was worth the money or not, but it seems that is not the case.
I might pick up the Viltrox f2 sometime in the future.
Dec 19, 2025 at 09:27 PM
p.1 #7Small 50mm options
jaygould wrote:
I guess I wanted to know whether the 50 G was worth the money or not, but it seems that is not the case.
That of course is very subjective - for me it was worth the money.
I guess I wanted to know whether the 50 G was worth the money or not, but it seems that is not the case.
That of course is very subjective - for me it was worth the money.
Dec 19, 2025 at 10:34 PM
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p.1 #8Small 50mm options
The Sigma 50mm f/2 is quite small and IQ is really good as well so may be an option for you.
Dec 19, 2025 at 11:51 PM
p.1 #9Small 50mm options
jaygould wrote:
I'm looking to add a small 50mm prime for my A7CII and debating between the Sony f1.8 (59mm, 185g), Sony f2.5 G (45mm, 174g) and Viltrox f2 Air (57mm, 205g). I am not considering the Zeiss 55 since I think it is too large and heavy. My weight limit is around 220-230 grams.
I know the Viltrox and the Sony G are both sharp lenses, but how do they differ in terms of rendering? Is the G lens worth the extra cost? And are all these lenses true 50s or is one of them slightly wider or tighter?
My only concern...Show more →
I have no idea how you determined the focal lengths in parentheses, but these figures cannot possibly be correct.
Dec 20, 2025 at 01:31 AM
p.1 #10Small 50mm options
I have 40G and is very good lens in its class. Not the smoothest out of focus areas rendering lens, but it is sharp and does the job. If you want a small 50mm for Sony, get 50G - cannot go wrong with that.
Dec 20, 2025 at 02:14 AM
p.1 #11Small 50mm options
Nifty Fifty wrote:
jaygould wrote
I'm looking to add a small 50mm prime for my A7CII and debating between the Sony f1.8 (59mm, 185g), Sony f2.5 G (45mm, 174g) and Viltrox f2 Air (57mm, 205g). I am not considering the Zeiss 55 since I think it is too large and heavy. My weight limit is around 220-230 grams.I know the Viltrox and the Sony G are both sharp lenses, but how do they differ in terms of rendering? Is the G lens worth the extra cost? And are all these lenses true 50s or is one of them slightly wider or tighter?
My only concern is I have the Sigma i45 and I'm worried it might be too close to the 50 G. At least with the Sony 1.8 or the Viltrox I'd gain almost a stop of light vs the Sigma.
Oh, sorry, those figures probably refer to the length and not the actual focal length. I shouldn't read while half asleep. 😄
Dec 20, 2025 at 03:30 AM
p.1 #12Small 50mm options
jaygould wrote:
I know the Viltrox and the Sony G are both sharp lenses, but how do they differ in terms of rendering? Is the G lens worth the extra cost?
Purely in terms of image quality, the extra cost is absolutely not worth it in my opinion; quite the opposite, in fact. The 50 Air clearly delivers a technically superior image in my eyes. However, I didn't use the two side-by-side, as I returned the 50G immediately after trying it out and only bought the 50 Air months later. Image quality aside, the 50G is of course top-notch. Smaller, lighter, better feel in the hand, better autofocus, nicer manual focusing, aperture ring, and function button.
But it's also even less bright than the 50 Air.
My opinion, and completely disregarding the considerable price difference: If it's about handling, then go for the 50 G; if it's about the image, then go for the 50 Air.
I know the Viltrox and the Sony G are both sharp lenses, but how do they differ in terms of rendering? Is the G lens worth the extra cost?
Purely in terms of image quality, the extra cost is absolutely not worth it in my opinion; quite the opposite, in fact. The 50 Air clearly delivers a technically superior image in my eyes. However, I didn't use the two side-by-side, as I returned the 50G immediately after trying it out and only bought the 50 Air months later. Image quality aside, the 50G is of course top-notch. Smaller, lighter, better feel in the hand, better autofocus, nicer manual focusing, aperture ring, and function button.
But it's also even less bright than the 50 Air.
My opinion, and completely disregarding the considerable price difference: If it's about handling, then go for the 50 G; if it's about the image, then go for the 50 Air.
Dec 20, 2025 at 05:04 AM
p.1 #13Small 50mm options
On balance, taking into account image quality, handling, build, AF, etc., my vote is for the 50G. IQ won’t let you down with this lens. AF is fantastic. Size is great as is build quality. That’s my review.
Quoting from a very detailed review by Phillip Reeve, who I greatly respect:
“This Sony FE 50mm 2.5 G is a well balanced, compact lens with high resolution and contrast from f/2.5 as well as non-existent field curvature. The latter being an area where many compact lenses struggle.
I also really like that Sony decided to give this lens the full feature set of a higher end lens, something other manufacturers often like to cheap out on with their compact lenses.”
Here’s a link to Phillip’s full review with lots of sample images:
https://phillipreeve.net/blog/review-sony-fe-50mm-2-5-g/
Quoting from a very detailed review by Phillip Reeve, who I greatly respect:
“This Sony FE 50mm 2.5 G is a well balanced, compact lens with high resolution and contrast from f/2.5 as well as non-existent field curvature. The latter being an area where many compact lenses struggle.
I also really like that Sony decided to give this lens the full feature set of a higher end lens, something other manufacturers often like to cheap out on with their compact lenses.”
Here’s a link to Phillip’s full review with lots of sample images:
https://phillipreeve.net/blog/review-sony-fe-50mm-2-5-g/
Dec 20, 2025 at 10:57 AM
p.1 #14Small 50mm options
I have the Samyang 45/1.8 and Viltrox 5/2 Air - both lightweight and affordable. I am currently giving them both a run for their money to see which I will keep; will be happy to post results here.
Took the Samyang out today with the on y A7RV and was reasonably impressed.I've had it for years but barely used it, that was clearly a mistake:
?s=eyJpIjo1NDk5NTMzNTE3NywiZSI6MTc2NjMwODAzNywicyI6IjM0MjQxMWFlMGY0MjIxYzkwMDU0ODI1NDlkYzY1NzJlYzY2MDBmN2YiLCJ2IjoxfQ">Crossing the street 1a by Brian Laguardia, on Flickr
?s=eyJpIjo1NDk5NzA0MjA2OSwiZSI6MTc2NjMwODAzNywicyI6IjI2ODMxMWJiMzllZWY4ZmRlOGMxZGEyMDc1MzM2MjYxMDU5MmUzOWIiLCJ2IjoxfQ">Chinatown. NY by Brian Laguardia, on Flickr
Took the Samyang out today with the on y A7RV and was reasonably impressed.I've had it for years but barely used it, that was clearly a mistake:
?s=eyJpIjo1NDk5NTMzNTE3NywiZSI6MTc2NjMwODAzNywicyI6IjM0MjQxMWFlMGY0MjIxYzkwMDU0ODI1NDlkYzY1NzJlYzY2MDBmN2YiLCJ2IjoxfQ">Crossing the street 1a by Brian Laguardia, on Flickr?s=eyJpIjo1NDk5NzA0MjA2OSwiZSI6MTc2NjMwODAzNywicyI6IjI2ODMxMWJiMzllZWY4ZmRlOGMxZGEyMDc1MzM2MjYxMDU5MmUzOWIiLCJ2IjoxfQ">Chinatown. NY by Brian Laguardia, on FlickrDec 21, 2025 at 02:08 AM