For an entry-level/budget lens you can't beat it. I just sold mine not too long ago with the 85 1.8 because they had been gathering dust since I upgraded to GM glass. (24 and 135.) Because of the amount of distortion inherent to the optical design of this lens, the field of view makes it more like a 26mm lens, so you're getting a little wider than advertised if you leave camera corrections off.
I bought mine 5 years ago and I love it. I stopped using it awhile back after shiny new object syndrome, but I recently came back to it for a few projects.
This lens is absolutely sharp wide open. I've made massive prints with it with my 24mp camera too. Probably some of my favourite photos I've ever taken have been with this lens. It's definitely not the focal length for everyone since 24/35 are so widely accepted as standard primes but 28mm is the go-to for many of the street photography greats. I'm loving these quick lens tests on your channel. Keep it up.
The biggest feature of this lens you forgot to mention. There are 2 attachable converters. One to make it at 21mm ultra-wide and one to make it a 16mm (180 degree) fisheye, which is the only Sony native fisheye lens for full-frame. The other advantage to these converters that are placed on the front of the lens, is it keeps them at f/2.
I was just thinking about how this is actually my most used Sony lens, yet every technical reviewer acts like this is a throwaway lens. It's so unpopular that you can easily find them for under $200 used. No, this isn't an A+ lens, but this lens scores a solid B performance while being $200. Sony cameras and lenses can often feel a little bit like they're trying too hard to be technically perfect, so it's almost refreshing to have a lens that just aims to be good enough. There's a reason why 28mm was the default focal length for disposable cameras and remains the default for cell phone cameras. With its fast, silent focus, reasonably large aperture, and small size and weight, the FE 28mm is never the perfect lens for anything, but it's never the wrong lens, either.
I use the 28 for talking head videos, it's a nice focal length. you dont have to reach as far as 35/space concerns, and it's naturally a more flattering focal length than 24. it is kind of embarrassing being seen with that lens on a $3K body 😂. It does the job, and super practical.
It's worth noting that the Sigma 28mm f/1.4 Art is now selling at $799, new. So I bought it for tripod use. For hand-held shots on the street, the Sony 28mm f/2 is appealing when shot at f/2.8 or at narrower apertures.
This was my first E-Mount lens. I quite like the focal length. It would be cool if they updated it maybe in a G format with a bigger filter thread size and an aperture ring. Probably wouldn't be a big seller, I guess
Looking to purchase this lens as my prime starter lens for my A7IV, would this be ideal for capturing racing/drifting cars or just fast movement in general?
Hi Chris, I know that you are not in love with this lens but I would love it if you challenge yourself to do one of your one lens videos with it much like you did with the 501.8. I bought this lens used way back in the day when I was using the a6000 /6500. I have kept it as a compact lens for the A7C. The mic sound quality seems decent, btw.
watch out for early copies they had centering problems in the early days if you can get one made after i think its 2017 it will have different aperture blades from the early version and the later model has much nicer sunstars . If in doubt buy new you can't go wrong.
I've bought this lens twice! First Sony lens I ordered, but soon got the 24GM so I sold it. Then I shot for a mate with his gear and realised how nice this tiny thing is for flying on a gimbal, ended up buying it again. Doesn't see that much use, but for the price it's worth keeping around 💁♂️
May not be a 28mm.. but you do have the excellent budget Sigma 30mm F1.4 DC DN lens out there.. that is a very good contender to match against sony's 28 :)
Cool lens that desperately need a version II :) The old one - 2 versions. There was a secret change in the aperture mechanism around 2018. All of them suffer from decentering. It is one of the worst Sony lenses in terms of quality control. I haven't seen a good copy of this one. I had 5 copies so far. This is for me the worst problem with it. It is fixable - I bought some spacers from Sony and fixed my latest copy because I was tired of searching for a good copy. The spacers are like a thin plastic part that you put under the bayonet to tilt it slightly in the right direction. Video shooters - search for the newer copies because some of the older ones tend to hunt a lot for focus. They are not that smooth...
For an entry-level/budget lens you can't beat it. I just sold mine not too long ago with the 85 1.8 because they had been gathering dust since I upgraded to GM glass. (24 and 135.) Because of the amount of distortion inherent to the optical design of this lens, the field of view makes it more like a 26mm lens, so you're getting a little wider than advertised if you leave camera corrections off.
I bought mine 5 years ago and I love it. I stopped using it awhile back after shiny new object syndrome, but I recently came back to it for a few projects.
This lens is absolutely sharp wide open. I've made massive prints with it with my 24mp camera too. Probably some of my favourite photos I've ever taken have been with this lens. It's definitely not the focal length for everyone since 24/35 are so widely accepted as standard primes but 28mm is the go-to for many of the street photography greats.
I'm loving these quick lens tests on your channel. Keep it up.
It’s a weird focal length but for the cost not at all bad. Appreciate the kind words, these vids are a lot more fun to film
The biggest feature of this lens you forgot to mention. There are 2 attachable converters. One to make it at 21mm ultra-wide and one to make it a 16mm (180 degree) fisheye, which is the only Sony native fisheye lens for full-frame. The other advantage to these converters that are placed on the front of the lens, is it keeps them at f/2.
Did I forget or did I leave it out because I have another video coming 😉
I was just thinking about how this is actually my most used Sony lens, yet every technical reviewer acts like this is a throwaway lens. It's so unpopular that you can easily find them for under $200 used. No, this isn't an A+ lens, but this lens scores a solid B performance while being $200. Sony cameras and lenses can often feel a little bit like they're trying too hard to be technically perfect, so it's almost refreshing to have a lens that just aims to be good enough. There's a reason why 28mm was the default focal length for disposable cameras and remains the default for cell phone cameras. With its fast, silent focus, reasonably large aperture, and small size and weight, the FE 28mm is never the perfect lens for anything, but it's never the wrong lens, either.
Great point about the disposable cameras
I use the 28 for talking head videos, it's a nice focal length. you dont have to reach as far as 35/space concerns, and it's naturally a more flattering focal length than 24. it is kind of embarrassing being seen with that lens on a $3K body 😂. It does the job, and super practical.
Might have to give it a go with talking head stuff
This lens has been a workhorse for me.🔥
I used 28 f2 for a longer period of time for my live streams until I switch to 24 f1.4. Just because I can control F stop
Having control on the lens itself is huge for me too
It's worth noting that the Sigma 28mm f/1.4 Art is now selling at $799, new. So I bought it for tripod use. For hand-held shots on the street, the Sony 28mm f/2 is appealing when shot at f/2.8 or at narrower apertures.
Can't beat this for the price! Do agree that a 28mm is an odd focal length.
A weird one but not bad!
This was my first E-Mount lens. I quite like the focal length. It would be cool if they updated it maybe in a G format with a bigger filter thread size and an aperture ring. Probably wouldn't be a big seller, I guess
Looking to purchase this lens as my prime starter lens for my A7IV, would this be ideal for capturing racing/drifting cars or just fast movement in general?
Hi Chris, I know that you are not in love with this lens but I would love it if you challenge yourself to do one of your one lens videos with it much like you did with the 501.8. I bought this lens used way back in the day when I was using the a6000 /6500. I have kept it as a compact lens for the A7C. The mic sound quality seems decent, btw.
It’s already in the works 😊
watch out for early copies they had centering problems in the early days if you can get one made after i think its 2017 it will have different aperture blades from the early version and the later model has much nicer sunstars . If in doubt buy new you can't go wrong.
I've bought this lens twice! First Sony lens I ordered, but soon got the 24GM so I sold it. Then I shot for a mate with his gear and realised how nice this tiny thing is for flying on a gimbal, ended up buying it again. Doesn't see that much use, but for the price it's worth keeping around 💁♂️
So good you bought it twice haha nice
Probably the most underrated lens in Sony E-mount lineup.
This
3:44 btw AF is worse in AF-A setting ;) you have to use AF-C.
May not be a 28mm.. but you do have the excellent budget Sigma 30mm F1.4 DC DN lens out there.. that is a very good contender to match against sony's 28 :)
Cool lens that desperately need a version II :)
The old one - 2 versions. There was a secret change in the aperture mechanism around 2018.
All of them suffer from decentering. It is one of the worst Sony lenses in terms of quality control.
I haven't seen a good copy of this one. I had 5 copies so far. This is for me the worst problem with it.
It is fixable - I bought some spacers from Sony and fixed my latest copy because I was tired of searching for a good copy.
The spacers are like a thin plastic part that you put under the bayonet to tilt it slightly in the right direction.
Video shooters - search for the newer copies because some of the older ones tend to hunt a lot for focus. They are not that smooth...
28mm is my favorite
Good to hear!
What's the first cheapest?
Surprised you didn’t mention the two attachments for it. Wide and fisheye. Best thing about that lens imo.
Keep an eye out for another video 😛
The first 1,000 people to use this link will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare: skl.sh/chrisbrockhurst03221
The little hover on the thumbnail previewed Cooper. I clicked so fast.
I use mine on a podcast. 3 camera setups can start getting very costly.
What is the crop factor for Active Stab? And Focus Breathing?
0.1x (10%)
I use this lens LOADS for videos. Not keen on it for stills, but video...
👌🏻
♥️🙌🏻
I just got this lens for $180 today
Ok so I subscribed when you asked because you’re right. LOL I wonder if you can really see that, ha
Haha yeh we actually can see
It’s the only lense I keep on my a7riii