The Sony E 85mm f/1.8 is a medium‑tele portrait prime that combines a flattering focal length with a bright maximum aperture to yield excellent subject separation and sharpness for headshots and tight portraits. On full‑frame bodies the 85mm perspective compresses features pleasingly while offering a comfortable working distance that suits interaction with subjects and controlled studio setups. The fast f/1.8 aperture enables shooting in lower light and produces a shallow depth of field when required; optical design typically emphasises strong centre resolution, attractive out‑of‑focus transitions and controlled chromatic aberration to deliver clean portraits. Autofocus systems in Sony E lenses are generally tuned for rapid and reliable acquisition, making this lens suitable for wedding and event work where consistent results matter. Compared with heavier, faster 85mm primes the f/1.8 variant offers an excellent balance of performance, size and value, often producing crisp, contrasty images with pleasing bokeh when used correctly. Review data and sample galleries linked provide detail on edge behaviour, microcontrast and AF tracking to help photographers decide whether the 85/1.8 matches their needs in studio or on location. In short, the Sony 85mm f/1.8 is a pragmatic, high‑quality portrait lens that performs well for professional and enthusiast portraiture alike.
Mount | E |
Format | FF |
Weight (g) | 470 |
lens groups | 8 |
lens elements | 12 |
Diaphragm blades | 9 |
Filter thread (mm) | 67 |
Maximum aperture | f/1.8 |
Minimum aperture | f/1.8 |
Max focal length (mm) | 85 |
Min focal length (mm) | 85 |
Image stabilization | No |
maximum magnification | 0.15x |
Min focus distance (m) | 0.8 |