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 priceReleased Mar 2021
Sony
FE 85mm F1.8
Sony E Mount
FE 85mm F1.8 — 85mm f/1.8 for Sony E, a popular choice in the sony lineup.
$599
Launch priceReleased Feb 2017
FE 50mm F1.2 GM is 4.1 years newer.
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Wins
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
Wins
FE 85mm F1.8
1 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- BFE 85mm F1.8 has lower Weight (371 g vs 778 g)
- AFE 50mm F1.2 GM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.2 vs f/1.8)
- AFE 50mm F1.2 GM has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.2 vs f/1.8)
- BFE 85mm F1.8 has lower Min focus distance (30 cm vs 40 cm)
- AFE 50mm F1.2 GM has higher Max magnification (0.17 × vs 0.15 ×)
Key specs at a glance
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose the FE 50mm F1.2 GM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 3 XA (extreme aspherical)
- ✓
Weather sealing
Only FE 50mm F1.2 GM supports it
- ✓
Control ring
Only FE 50mm F1.2 GM supports it
- ✓
Custom function button
Only FE 50mm F1.2 GM supports it
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.2 vs f/1.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.2 vs f/1.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.17 × vs 0.15 × — higher is better
Reasons to choose the FE 85mm F1.8
- ✓
Special elements
Adds Aspherical
- ✓
Weight
371 g vs 778 g — lower is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
30 cm vs 40 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
81 mm vs 87 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Length
102 mm vs 108 mm — lower is better
Shared specifications
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
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
FE 85mm F1.8
Pros
- ✓Prime design typically delivers strong sharpness and lighter weight
- ✓Lightweight design easy to carry all day
- ✓Native Sony E mount compatibility
Cons
- –Third-party or older alternatives may offer better value
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the FE 50mm F1.2 GM and FE 85mm F1.8 at major authorized retailers.
Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM
Sony FE 85mm F1.8
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.