Sony 85mm f/2.8 Telephoto Lens for A Alpha DSLR Cameras

2016-11-13T16:37:25

I use Nikon and Sony gear. With my D800 I use a Nikkor AF-D 85 f1.4, it's a fantastic lens but big and heavy and doesn't have Image Stabilization. When I got into the Sony system I bought an A77 and recently added an A900. When I discovered this lens for less than ($) I bought it. It's so small, the lightweight is an added bonus but more importantly it's very sharp even wide open and stunning at f4 or f5.6. Optically it's on par with my Nikkor at f2.8. Another important aspect of this lens and a Sony A-mount camera is the camera's built in SS which makes taking photographs in low light a joy to use.

MARK S.

2014-06-02T20:00:00

Bought this as a second lens when I got my Sony A58 - immediately happy with its autofocusing and speed.

StueyTwo

Originally posted at

2014-06-02T20:00:00

Bought this as a second lens when I got my Sony A58 - immediately happy with its autofocusing and speed.

stueyuey

Originally posted at

2013-08-20T20:00:00

The lens build quality is very good. Focusing of the lens is smooth, sharp and accurate. Bokeh affect of the lens is very smooth, sharpness is excellent from corner to corner of the frame and contrast is impressive. Even if you have 50mm lens, this is a good addition to your portrait lenses. Very happy to have this lens and definitely recommend to others. You will not be disappointed with the performance of this lens.

Envor

Originally posted at

2013-07-23T20:00:00

for anyone looking to add a nice portrait lens to their collection, this is the lens you want...look at the graphs, look at the online reviews, then look with your own eyes...shooting into the light cropped in at 100%...you will get a little magenta CA that's easily taken care of in post...and the AF tends to hunt in low light situations, the lightweight feature makes it great if you're doing pet or children where capturing a moving subject is part of it...i really think you'll love this lens if you're looking for sharp images without having to take out a second to get them

deltadave44

Originally posted at

2013-03-22T21:00:00

Considering the optical performance and the price, I could not think of a CON. This is an amazing lens! It covers the FF sensors, but it is the same size as Sony's own 35/1.8 DT lens. Lightweight, compact, and excellent picture quality. I am willing to forgive the plastic construction for all of the positive aspects. The plastic mount might not be durable to withstand a drop or a hard knock, but who handles their gear that way anyhow?

VIET T.

2013-01-06T19:00:00

I've only had this lens a short time, but I've used it indoors, outdoors, and for sports photography (indoors at basketball games). In all cases, it's focused quickly and delivered sharp, clear images. What more can you really ask for?

ERIC G.

2012-04-29T21:00:00

Excellent lens for doing photos of persons (and pets). Nice blur on the background, keeps you reasonable distance from the subject so they don't feel crowded. Smooth and quick auto focus, hand focus is a tad dragging, but this makes it stay put and doesn't accidentally move on you.

JIM C.

2012-01-28T19:00:00

This lens is super sharp starting at f2.8. Great for low-light photography. I appreciate the compact, light-weight design. The focus ring turns 180 degrees!!! This is very rare in the era of AF lenses where MF operation takes a back seat. However, this makes AF slightly slower, for example compared the 50/1.8. Fine by me as I prefer greater MF precision. This is the lens that Nikon and Canon users can only wish they had. It will always have a place in my bag.

superphoto

Originally posted at

2011-06-01T21:00:00

This is a great lightwieght lens that renders sharp images throughout its range and it produces a nice creamy bokeh. I would have liked to see a more solid metal mount on this lens, as I change out lenses often. You can't beat this lens for the money!

Cameron C.

2011-03-20T20:00:00

At this price it is a marvelous Portarit Lens for your full frame body, extremely light and unobstrusive, The pictures are simply marvelous with incredible sharpness. It also can be used as a macro lens. Focus is a little slow and the motor is not very quiet. Some will complain abou the speed having a maximum aperture of F2.8, but I have been using a Hasselblad for portait with a 150mm F3.2. and feel that the speed is much more than adequate, especially at this price point. Reviewing should be easier, ICould not find a way to rotate the picture!

cdubois2

Originally posted at

2011-03-05T19:00:00

Used for casual photography.

Wes

2010-10-09T21:00:00

This is an excellent lens at a great price. Sharp even wide open, really sharpens up when stopped down a stop or two. Very light - a carry anywhere lens. Buy one, you'll use it a lot.

Winston L.