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Sony SEL85F18 85mm F/1.8 Prime Camera Lens

Curated from 83 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: February 4, 2025

Sony SEL85F18 85mm F/1.8 Prime Camera Lens

Brand: Sony

Price: $598

Snoop Score:

6.2

Sentiment

6.7

Popularity

4.6

Technical

6.3

Buy on Amazon for $598 See All SLR Camera Lenses Reviews

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Snoop's Take

The Sony SEL85F18 is an 85mm F/1.8 medium-telephoto fixed prime camera lens designed for photographers seeking high-quality images with beautiful defocusing effects. With its wide maximum aperture and advanced optical design, this lens excels in creating stunning bokeh and sharp images across the frame. Consumer feedback reveals a strong appreciation for the lens's optical performance, with many users labeling it as a "stellar lens" that delivers exceptional image quality. Positive sentiments highlight the lens's ability to produce pleasing defocused backgrounds, while some criticism points to the ergonomics of Sony's camera bodies, suggesting that users may find handling somewhat lacking. For instance, one user noted that "Sony is cheaper and lighter," indicating a trade-off in build quality compared to other brands. Considering the overwhelmingly positive feedback regarding image quality and bokeh, the Sony SEL85F18 is highly recommended for photographers looking for a reliable and high-performing lens in its category. Despite some concerns about ergonomics, its strengths in optics make it a valuable addition to any photographer's gear.

Not for you? Check out our other rated SLR Camera Lenses

Which lenses to get? Hi alphas! I recently came in to a decent amount of money and I am looking to
Positive Feedback

My findings so far are that Sony is (except for the Body) cheaper and lighter.
Negative Feedback

6.2

Sony SEL85F18 85mm F/1.8 Prime Camera Lens

Buy on Amazon for $598

Portrait Photography

9 / 10

Action & Sports

4 / 10

Landscape & Travel

5 / 10

Low-Light & Night Photography

9 / 10

See how this compares to all SLR Camera Lenses

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.

Sony 85mm F/1.8 is a stellar lens

“Which lenses to get? Hi alphas! I recently came in to a decent amount of money and I am looking to ”➕

“I went from the Sony 85mm F/1.8, which is already a stellar lens, to the Samyang 85mm F/1.4.”➕

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.

Sony ergonomics and body handling are poor

“My findings so far are that Sony is (except for the Body) cheaper and lighter.”➕

Zeiss 24-70mm is a heavy lens

“One drawback, minus the price of admission, is that the Zeiss 24-70mm is not a light lens, you're paying for that 2.8 aperture with all those large glass elements.”➕

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

Product Name	Price	Score	See Details	Buy Now
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Standard Zoom Lens	$928	9.2	Details	Buy
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM Lens	$2099	8.9	Details	Buy
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens	$125	8.5	Details	Buy
Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens	$1149	8.2	Details	Buy
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm Zoom Lens	$231	7.7	Details	Buy
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm Zoom Lens	$268	7.6	Details	Buy
Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX VR Lens	$108	7.2	Details	Buy
Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens	$155	6.9	Details	Buy
Sony SEL85F18 85mm F/1.8 Prime Camera Lens	$598	6.2	Details	Buy
MEKE 85mm F1.8 Auto Focus Lens for Nikon Cameras	$189	6.1	Details	Buy
Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED IF AF-S VR Nikkor Lens	$479	5.6	Details	Buy
Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens	$131	4.4	Details	Buy
LAOWA 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO Lens	$499	4.0	Details	Buy
Tamron Auto Focus 18-200mm Zoom Lens for Canon	$249	3.5	Details	Buy
Lightdow EF 420-800mm F8.3 Telephoto Zoom Lens	$67	3.0	Details	Buy
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 is II Lens	$129	2.2	Details	Buy

Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.

Exploration of lens optics vs. spotting scope optics

“What is the fundamental difference between scope optics with (for instance) "60x" magnification and ”➕

“The spotting scope only needs to resolve an image as big as your eye. The telephoto lens needs to re”➕

“So basically, the P1000 (or the iPhone, if you're digiscoping) can do it by having a tiny, tiny sens”➕

“agree 100% the image circle to cover full-frame is 36mm, the exit pupil (image circle) of a spotting”➕

Exploration of gear used in landscape photography

“The A7iii has been just great, all the battery issues I had are completely gone and I can comfortably shoot a whole winter day without the battery roulette :)”➕

Clarification on the meaning of 'DSLR' in photography

“mirrorless cameras tend to be smaller, lighter, and mechanically less complex than SLR cameras.”➕

Discussion about lens compatibility across systems

“Yes, all E mount lenses can work on all bodies.”➕

Discussion about lens choices for specific photography needs

“Best Sony Lens for Professional Model Photography: Day, Night, & Studio?”➕

“How well does the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II lens handle evening street photography?”➕

“Model would mean portrait, those are both not portrait lenses.”➕

“I do enjoy my 50mm but you're in a studio. So I would prefer the zoom.”➕

Perspective on older lenses compared to Zeiss

“the look of the older lenses are anywhere from 80-95% as good as a ziess and for 5-15% of the price.”➕

Discussion on the RAW buffer comparison between newer and older Sony models

“the a6600 has a RAW buffer of 46, that is actually worse than the a6500 (107)”➕

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.

Exploration of using third-party adapters for lens compatibility

“I'm brand-spanking-new to photography, so while I love that auto-focus is available and robust, I would still really enjoy the chance to develop manual skills too.”➕

Discussion about FTZ adapter for using Nikon lenses on Sony

“F-mount lenses can be had on the cheap and work better with focus peaking than they ever did on any SLR camera.”➕

Discussion about Sony's frequent release of new models causing market saturation

“I like it, but I'm kind of annoyed by Sony's constant spitting out of new models.”➕

Comment on Canon's innovation compared to Sony's newer sensors

“DAE CANON INNOVATES LESS THAN SONY BY USING 5 YEAR OLD SENSORS???”➕

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’

Interchangeability of lenses across systems

“which I think would be pretty overkill”➕

“Throw on a 50 1.2 and it’s so much fun.”➕

Discussion on lens choices for specific photography needs

“I usually keep my 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II on my camera 80% of the time because it’s such a workhorse.”➕

“Now in all seriousness, congrats, what you do is very inspiring!”➕

Subjectivity of lens choice based on photography style and budget

“"Good lens" is going to be subjective to what you intend to take photos of & what your budget is.”➕

Alternative lens recommendations for different photography needs

“If you want a broader zoom range, consider the tamron 28-200 or 28-300.”➕

Inquiries about external battery charger compatibility

“Which is a very convenient type of charger.”➕

Discussion on the cost-effectiveness of adapting older lenses

“there are some awesome minolta lenses for the old A-mount that you can get pretty cheap.”➕

Clarification on the functionality of macro lenses

“The first lens it's a macro lens, meaning it's meant for very close subjects like insects, action figures details, etc but it can be used as a regular lens as well.”➕

Anecdote about switching from Nikon to Sony and being surprised by AF

“I was positively surprised about the AF (which was my main reason for Sony) as it is indeed very good and tracking works.”➕

Comment on differences in advice between Reddit communities

“I guess the answers in this reddit differ from the answers in the Sony reddit ;o)”➕

Comparison of Samyang 85mm f/1.4 and Sony 85mm F/1.8

“My 85mm is the lens on my camera the most by far and almost all of my favorite photos were taken with it.”➕

Discussion about prime vs zoom lenses

“I used to believe primes were where it’s at until I realised how much my shots improved with zooms.”➕

Limitations of adapting modern lenses to film cameras

“If you're talking about modern or current production E-mount lenses, forget it.”➕

“No, you generally can't adapt mirrorless lenses to SLR cameras because you would need an adapter of negative length.”➕

“E-mount will not work on anything other than Sony e-mount as others have stated.”➕

A-Mount lenses remain a budget-friendly option due to adapters

“It is still a great option for amateurs on a tight budget because of the adapters.”➕

Inquiry about comparing the A6600 to the A7III in terms of photo quality

“Does the flagship(a6600) really demonstrate better quality pictures than a full frame?”➕

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.

Limitations of modern lenses on older film cameras

“can you use a modern lens on an older film camera? What about cross-brand?”➕

“You can fit a ton of modern Nikon lenses on your camera natively.”➕

“yes you can use modern lenses on film bodies, but there are some limitations.”➕

“Using a Sony e-mount lens on a Nikon? Nope, not going to happen.”➕

Discussion on limitations of DSLR cameras at concerts

“DSLR cameras are 99/100 not allowed at concerts.”➕

Debate on the optical quality of Sony vs Nikon lenses

“Indeed, the Sony f/1.8 range is arguably overpriced for what it is; the 'value' range.”➕

Sentiment of loyalty towards Minolta A-Mount lenses

“I am just too stuck on my A mount lenses. Since I am never getting rid of my Minolta Maxxum 7000.”➕