Cameraegg Compare logoCameraegg

Sony

E 16-55mm F2.8 G

Sony E Mount

E 16-55mm F2.8 G — 16–55mm f/2.8 for Sony E, a popular choice in the sony lineup.

$1,399

Launch price

Released Oct 2019

vs

Sony

FE 50mm F1.2 GM

Sony E Mount

Exquisite resolution and dreamy bokeh combine in a masterful f/1.2 prime.

$1,999

Launch price

Released Mar 2021

FE 50mm F1.2 GM is 1.4 years newer.

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.

Wins

4categories

E 16-55mm F2.8 G

LandscapeTravel

Wins

3categories

FE 50mm F1.2 GM

PortraitSports & Action

1 categories tied

TL;DR — Key differences

E 16-55mm F2.8 G wins 3 categories·FE 50mm F1.2 GM wins 2 categories
  • BFE 50mm F1.2 GM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.2 vs f/2.8)
  • BFE 50mm F1.2 GM has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.2 vs f/2.8)
  • AE 16-55mm F2.8 G has lower Weight (494 g vs 778 g)
  • AE 16-55mm F2.8 G has higher Max magnification (0.25 × vs 0.17 ×)
  • AE 16-55mm F2.8 G has lower Diameter (65 mm vs 87 mm)

Key specs at a glance

E 16-55mm F2.8 GFE 50mm F1.2 GM
Focal Length16-55 mm50 mm
Max Aperturef/2.8f/1.2
MountSony ESony E
CoverageAPS-CFull Frame
StabilizationNoNo
Weight494 g778 g
Min Focus38 cm40 cm
Filter Size62 mm72 mm

Use-case scoring

Which one for what?

Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class

Use caseE 16-55mm F2.8 GFE 50mm F1.2 GM
Portrait
4.5Fair
9.0Excellent
Sports & Action
6.5Good
6.5Good
Video & Hybrid
5.0Fair
4.5Fair
Landscape
8.0Excellent
3.0Limited
Travel
7.0Good
2.0Limited
Wildlife
3.0Limited
3.0Limited
Macro & Close-up
2.0Limited
0.0Limited

Why pick one over the other

Reasons to choose the E 16-55mm F2.8 G

  • Special elements

    Adds Aspherical

  • Weight

    494 g vs 778 g — lower is better

  • Diameter

    65 mm vs 87 mm — lower is better

  • Max magnification

    0.25 × vs 0.17 × — higher is better

  • Min focus distance

    38 cm vs 40 cm — lower is better

Reasons to choose the FE 50mm F1.2 GM

  • Special elements

    Adds 3 XA (extreme aspherical)

  • Max aperture (Wide)

    f/1.2 vs f/2.8 — lower is better

  • Max aperture (Tele)

    f/1.2 vs f/2.8 — lower is better

  • Length

    108 mm vs 119 mm — lower is better

Shared specifications

Internal focus

Both support internal focus

Weather sealing

Both support weather sealing

Control ring

Both support control ring

Custom function button

Both support custom function button

Pros & cons at a glance

Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.

E 16-55mm F2.8 G

Pros

  • Versatile zoom range covers multiple focal lengths in one lens
  • Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
  • Native Sony E mount compatibility

Cons

  • Third-party or older alternatives may offer better value

FE 50mm F1.2 GM

Pros

  • Outstanding sharpness wide open at f/1.2
  • Stunningly smooth, circular bokeh with 11 aperture blades
  • Extremely quiet and fast autofocus tracking
  • Manageable size and weight for an f/1.2 lens

Cons

  • Expensive investment for a single focal length
  • Heavy compared to standard f/1.8 options
  • Some visible vignetting wide open

Decided which one is right for you?

Compare live prices for the E 16-55mm F2.8 G and FE 50mm F1.2 GM at major authorized retailers.

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.

Full specifications

= category winner

E 16-55mm F2.8 G
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
Focal length (Min)
16 mm
50 mm
Focal length (Max)
55 mm
50 mm
Max aperture (Wide)
f/2.8
f/1.2+2.4 stops wider
Max aperture (Tele)
f/2.8
f/1.2+2.4 stops wider
Elements
16
14
Groups
12
10
Special elements
Aspherical
3 XA (extreme aspherical)
E 16-55mm F2.8 G
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
Min focus distance
38 cm−2 cm less
40 cm
Max magnification
0.25 ×+47%
0.17 ×
Autofocus motor
Linear / Stepping Motor
XD Linear Motors
Internal focus
Yes
Yes
E 16-55mm F2.8 G
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
Optical stabilization
No
No
OIS effectiveness
0 stops
0 stops
E 16-55mm F2.8 G
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
Weight
494 g−284 g less
778 g
Length
119 mm
108 mm−11 mm less
Diameter
65 mm−22 mm less
87 mm
Filter thread size
62 mm
72 mm
Weather sealing
Yes
Yes
Diaphragm blades
9
11
E 16-55mm F2.8 G
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
Lens mount
Sony E
Sony E
Format coverage
APS-C
Full Frame

Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.