Sony E 50mm F1.8 OSS Portrait Lens (SEL50F18/B) Instruction Manual

1. Product Overview

The Sony E 50mm F1.8 OSS Portrait Lens (SEL50F18/B) is a compact and lightweight mid-range telephoto prime lens designed for Sony E-mount cameras. It features a bright F1.8 maximum aperture, which is ideal for creating beautiful background defocus (bokeh) effects and performing well in low-light conditions. The built-in Optical SteadyShot image stabilization system provides a 4-stop shutter speed advantage, helping to achieve crisp, blur-free images and video.

This lens is particularly well-suited for portrait photography due to its 50mm focal length (equivalent to 75mm on APS-C cameras), which offers a natural perspective and excellent subject isolation. Its responsive and quiet autofocus and aperture operation make it suitable for both still photography and movie recording.

Figure 1: Front view of the Sony E 50mm F1.8 OSS Portrait Lens.

2. What's in the Box

Upon opening the product packaging, ensure all the following items are present:

• Sony E 50mm F1.8 OSS Portrait Lens (SEL50F18/B)
• Lens hood (ALC-SH116: round shape, bayonet type)
• Lens front cap
• Lens rear cap

Figure 2: The Sony E 50mm F1.8 OSS Portrait Lens shown with its dedicated lens hood.

3. Setup

3.1 Attaching the Lens

1. Remove the rear lens cap from the lens and the body cap from your camera.
2. Align the white index dot on the lens barrel with the white index dot on your camera's lens mount.
3. Insert the lens into the camera mount and rotate it clockwise until it clicks into place. Do not force the lens.

3.2 Attaching the Lens Hood

1. Align the red dot on the lens hood with the red dot on the front of the lens.
2. Insert the lens hood onto the lens and rotate it clockwise until it clicks into place.

Figure 3: The rear mount of the Sony E 50mm F1.8 OSS Portrait Lens, showing the E-mount connection points.

4. Operating the Lens

4.1 Optical SteadyShot (OSS)

The lens features built-in Optical SteadyShot image stabilization. This system automatically compensates for camera shake, allowing for sharper images when shooting handheld, especially in lower light conditions or at slower shutter speeds. The OSS function is typically controlled via your camera's menu settings.

4.2 Aperture (F1.8)

The large F1.8 maximum aperture allows a significant amount of light to reach the camera sensor, which is beneficial for shooting in dim environments. It also enables a shallow depth of field, creating a pleasing background blur (bokeh) that helps your subject stand out. Adjust the aperture through your camera's settings to control depth of field and exposure.

4.3 Autofocus and Manual Focus

This lens supports both autofocus (AF) and manual focus (MF). The focus mode can be selected on your camera body. For precise control, especially in creative photography, manual focus can be utilized. The internal focusing mechanism ensures that the overall length of the lens does not change during focusing, which is advantageous for stability and quick operation.

Figure 4: The Sony E 50mm F1.8 OSS Portrait Lens attached to a compatible Sony E-mount camera.

4.4 Video Features

The responsive and quiet autofocus and aperture operation of this lens make it well-suited for video recording, minimizing distracting noises during filming. The Optical SteadyShot also contributes to smoother, more stable video footage.

5. Maintenance

5.1 Cleaning the Lens

To maintain optimal image quality, keep the lens surfaces clean. Use a soft, lint-free cloth or a lens brush to gently remove dust and debris. For smudges or fingerprints, use a lens cleaning solution specifically designed for optical surfaces and a microfiber cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.

5.2 Storage

When not in use, always attach the front and rear lens caps to protect the optical elements. Store the lens in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. If storing for an extended period, consider using a dehumidifying agent to prevent mold growth.

6. Troubleshooting

6.1 Blurry Images

• Check focus: Ensure the lens is properly focused on your subject. If using autofocus, confirm the camera's AF mode is appropriate for the scene.
• Camera shake: Utilize the Optical SteadyShot feature or a tripod, especially in low light or with slower shutter speeds.
• Dirty lens: Clean the front and rear elements of the lens as described in the Maintenance section.

6.2 Autofocus Issues

• Low light: Autofocus performance may be reduced in very dim conditions. Consider switching to manual focus or using an external light source.
• Subject contrast: Autofocus systems perform best with subjects that have clear contrast.
• Camera settings: Verify your camera's autofocus settings are correctly configured for the shooting situation.

7. Specifications

Figure 5: Key specifications and dimensions of the Sony E 50mm F1.8 OSS Portrait Lens.

8. Warranty and Support

This product is covered by Sony's standard manufacturer's warranty. For detailed warranty information, including terms and conditions, please refer to the warranty card included in your product packaging or visit the official Sony support website. For technical assistance, troubleshooting, or service inquiries, please contact Sony customer support.

Legal Disclaimer: This product is subject to Proposition 65 warnings. For more information, please refer to the product packaging or official Sony documentation.