Duplicate listing of Sony's APS-C fast fifty — the DT 50mm f/1.8 SAM, same as ID 3434.
The Sony DT 50mm f/1.8 SAM is a duplicate listing of the APS-C fast prime described under ID 3434. Introduced in 2009-2010 for Sony A-mount cameras, it provides a 75mm equivalent field of view as a budget portrait prime. The SAM designation indicates a Smooth Autofocus Motor built into the lens for body-independent AF operation.
Optical performance is good for the price. Sharpness is respectable from f/1.8 with the centre becoming very good by f/2.8. Bokeh is pleasant with seven rounded aperture blades. The SAM motor provides functional autofocus — not the fastest but adequate for portraits and casual shooting. A well-proven design for Sony A-mount APS-C systems.
Sony A mount, DT designation for APS-C. Filter thread is 49mm. Weight is approximately 170 grams — very compact. Build quality is functional plastic with a metal mount. No weather sealing. Benefits from Sony's SteadyShot INSIDE body stabilisation. The A-mount system is discontinued but the lens adapts to E-mount via LA-EA adapters.
Affordable on the used market. Check SAM motor operation. A solid budget fast prime for existing A-mount users. The declining A-mount demand keeps prices very low. Can be adapted to Sony E-mount with full AF via LA-EA5. The Sony E 50mm f/1.8 OSS is the mirrorless-native equivalent.