Between the Zeiss 50mm f1.8 and Sony's recently introduced G-Master set of glass, the FE lens family is finally getting some well-deserved attention, and now the company is announcing a new macro lens.
Although Sony users already have the choice of three other 50mm normal lens, the new Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro is designed to take extreme close-up shots. Shooters will be able to capture subjects at 1:1 life size at distances as close as 6.3 inches (16cm).
The 50mm focal length isn't common for a macro lens; typically, we're used to seeing 60mm or 100mm serve this photography niche. However, Sony claims the shorter focal length offers a wider field of view for capturing more of the background in the shot.
The lens also features extra-low dispersion elements to help compensate for axial chromatic aberrations when shooting subjects at close range. The end result should be a consistently sharp and high-quality image.
Beyond macro shooting, the FE 50mm f/2.8 is also relatively light, weighing only 0.5 pounds (0.2kg) while being dust- and moisture-resistant. All together it's a portable and rugged enough lens for everyday shooting.
The Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro will be available this September for $499 (about £380, AU$660).
- Here are 10 things you probably didn't know about Sony lenses
Get the best Black Friday deals direct to your inbox, plus news, reviews, and more.
Sign up to be the first to know about unmissable Black Friday deals on top tech, plus get all your favorite TechRadar content.
Kevin Lee was a former computing reporter at TechRadar. Kevin is now the SEO Updates Editor at IGN based in New York. He handles all of the best of tech buying guides while also dipping his hand in the entertainment and games evergreen content. Kevin has over eight years of experience in the tech and games publications with previous bylines at Polygon, PC World, and more. Outside of work, Kevin is major movie buff of cult and bad films. He also regularly plays flight & space sim and racing games. IRL he's a fan of archery, axe throwing, and board games.