Sony DT 50 mm f/1.8 SAM § 03 Head to head
Sony DT 50 mm f/1.8 SAM vs Tamron SP 45 mm f/1.8 Di VC USD
Sony 50mm f/1.8 has a longer reach. Tamron 45mm f/1.8 has a wider field of view.
The Sony DT 50 mm f/1.8 SAM is a 50mm f/1.8 prime, and the Tamron SP 45 mm f/1.8 Di VC USD is a 45mm f/1.8 prime. On paper the Tamron SP 45 mm f/1.8 Di VC USD comes out ahead, 6 advantages to 4, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.
Sony DT 50 mm f/1.8 SAM 
Tamron SP 45 mm f/1.8 Di VC USD 01
Key differences
Why is the Sony DT 50 mm f/1.8 SAM better than the Tamron SP 45 mm f/1.8 Di VC USD?
- Longer reach (50mm vs 45mm)
- 370 g lighter (170 g vs 540 g)
- 35 mm shorter (45 mm vs 80.4 mm long)
- Smaller filter thread (49 mm vs 67 mm)
Why is the Tamron SP 45 mm f/1.8 Di VC USD better than the Sony DT 50 mm f/1.8 SAM?
- Wider field of view (45mm vs 50mm)
- Focuses 5 cm closer (0.29 m vs 0.34 m)
- Has optical image stabilization
- More aperture blades (9 vs 7)
- Covers a larger sensor format (full-frame vs APS-C)
- Newer design (2015 vs 2009)
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Which should you buy?
- portrait For portrait photography, the Sony DT 50 mm f/1.8 SAM has the edge: it is 370 g lighter to carry.
- low-light For low-light shooting, the Tamron SP 45 mm f/1.8 Di VC USD has the edge: it has optical image stabilization.
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Specification
| Specification | Sony DT 50 mm f/1.8 SAM | Tamron SP 45 mm f/1.8 Di VC USD |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 50mm | 45mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.8 |
| Minimum aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| Lens type | Prime lens | Prime lens |
| Format | APS-C | Full frame |
| Weight | 170 g (6.00 oz) ◆ | 540 g (19.05 oz) |
| Dimensions | 70 x 45 mm | 91.7 x 80.4 mm |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.34 m (13.39 inches) | 0.29 m (11.42 inches) ◆ |
| Image stabilization | No | Yes ◆ |
| Weather sealing | — | Yes |
| Aperture ring | — | No |
| Aperture blades | 7 | 9 ◆ |
| Optical construction | 6 elements in 5 groups | 10 elements / 8 groups |
| Filter size | 49 mm ◆ | 67 mm |
| Lens mount | Sony A | Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony A |
| Released | 2009 | 2015 |
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Size
- A · Sony
- B · Tamron
- 45 × 70 mm
- 80.4 × 91.7 mm
The Tamron SP 45 mm f/1.8 Di VC USD is 35 mm longer and 370 g heavier than the Sony DT 50 mm f/1.8 SAM.
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Sample frames
Sony DT 50 mm f/1.8 SAM
Tamron SP 45 mm f/1.8 Di VC USD
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Video reviews
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Questions
- Which is lighter, the Sony DT 50 mm f/1.8 SAM or the Tamron SP 45 mm f/1.8 Di VC USD?
- The Sony DT 50 mm f/1.8 SAM weighs 170 g, 370 g less than the Tamron SP 45 mm f/1.8 Di VC USD (540 g).
- Which focuses closer, the Sony DT 50 mm f/1.8 SAM or the Tamron SP 45 mm f/1.8 Di VC USD?
- The Tamron SP 45 mm f/1.8 Di VC USD focuses down to 0.29 m, against 0.34 m for the Sony DT 50 mm f/1.8 SAM.
- Do the Sony DT 50 mm f/1.8 SAM and the Tamron SP 45 mm f/1.8 Di VC USD have image stabilization?
- Only the Tamron SP 45 mm f/1.8 Di VC USD has optical image stabilization.
- Is the Sony DT 50 mm f/1.8 SAM or the Tamron SP 45 mm f/1.8 Di VC USD better for portrait photography?
- For portrait photography, the Sony DT 50 mm f/1.8 SAM has the edge: it is 370 g lighter to carry.
- Is the Sony DT 50 mm f/1.8 SAM or the Tamron SP 45 mm f/1.8 Di VC USD better for low-light shooting?
- For low-light shooting, the Tamron SP 45 mm f/1.8 Di VC USD has the edge: it has optical image stabilization.
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