Pentax HD PENTAX-FA 50mm f/1.4 50mm
Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS
What Buyers Say
Pentax HD PENTAX-FA 50mm f/1.4 50mm
The HD FA 50mm f/1.4 lens is widely praised for its exceptional sharpness, beautiful color rendition, and smooth bokeh. Users appreciate its fast and silent autofocus, solid build quality, and compatibility with both film and digital Pentax bodies. Some mention the need for a firmware update on older cameras and occasional back-focus issues, but overall it's considered a top-tier prime lens.
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness
- Beautiful color rendition
- Smooth bokeh
- Fast and silent autofocus
- Solid build quality
Cons
- Firmware update required on older cameras
- Occasional back-focus issues
- Slight magenta cast wide open
- Heavier than some other lenses
- Price may be higher than Pentax direct
Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS
The Sony DT 16-50mm F2.8 SSM lens is a notable upgrade from the kit 18-55mm, offering a constant fast aperture, silent autofocus, and superior image quality. Users praise its sharpness, bokeh, and build, though they note it is heavier and bulkier. A few refurbished units had minor scratches or early malfunction, but overall the lens is highly recommended for Sony Alpha APS-C cameras.
Pros
- Constant F2.8 aperture
- Fast and silent autofocus
- Excellent image sharpness and contrast
- Pleasing bokeh
- Solid build quality
Cons
- Heavy and bulky
- Some units have early malfunctions
- Not compatible with full-frame cameras
- Moderate flare issue
- Limited zoom range to 50mm
Scores
Specifications
| Pentax HD PENTAX-FA 50mm f/1.4 50mm | Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | prime | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 50 mm | 16 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 50 mm | 50 mm |
| Elements | 7 | 9 |
| Groups | 6 | 8 |
| Aspherical Elements | 1 | 4★ |
| ED Elements | 1 | 1 |
| Coating | Multilayer HD Coating | — |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/22 | f/3.5 |
| Min Aperture | f/1.4 | 3.5-5.6 |
| Constant | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 8★ | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Pentax K | Sony E |
| Format | full-frame★ | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.91 kg | 0.11 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 49 mm | 41 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Stabilization Stops | — | 4 stops★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 450 mm | 250 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 1:6.67★ | 0.215x |
Pros & Cons
Pentax HD PENTAX-FA 50mm f/1.4 50mm
- Strong social proof (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Below average bokeh (19th percentile)19th %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
- Below average stabilization (34th percentile)
Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS
- Strong build (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong stabilization (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong versatility (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Strong aperture (82nd percentile)82nd %ile
Pricing
Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS offers 5.3x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 90 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 5 of 22 specs.
