Sony's A-mount 50mm f/1.4 — inherited Minolta design for the Alpha DSLR system.
The Sony 50mm f/1.4 (SAL50F14) is a standard prime for Sony A-mount, continuing the Minolta AF 50mm f/1.4 design. It provides the classic normal perspective at f/1.4 for portraits and low-light work on Sony Alpha DSLRs and SLT cameras.
Optically good — sharp from f/2.8 with characterful rendering at f/1.4. The inherited Minolta optical design produces pleasant images with smooth bokeh. Body-driven screw AF on this lens — speed depends on the camera body's AF motor.
Sony A-mount with 55mm filter thread. Approximately 220g — compact. Full-frame coverage. 7 aperture blades — not rounded. No stabilisation — relies on body SteadyShot. Minimum focus distance 45cm.
Available used very cheaply. A-mount is discontinued. The Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM is the modern FE-mount successor. On A-mount, this remains a solid fast standard prime. Works on mirrorless via LA-EA adapters. Check for smooth focus operation.