BENOISON vs Sony E 55-

Overview of the 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens and Sony E 55-210mm Lens

When comparing the 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens by BENOISON and the Sony E 55-210mm lens, distinct purposes and features emerge. The BENOISON lens is priced at $96.22, making it about 70% cheaper than the Sony lens, which costs $328.00. This price difference reflects the unique capabilities offered by each lens, tailored for different types of photography.

The BENOISON lens is a manual focus lens designed for portraiture and close-up photography, while the Sony E 55-210mm lens caters to those needing a versatile zoom option suitable for various shooting scenarios, such as sports or wildlife photography.

Design and Build Quality

Both lenses exhibit unique designs that cater to their specific functionalities. The BENOISON 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens features a traditional manual focus design, requiring the photographer to manually adjust focus, which can be appealing for those who prefer hands-on control. On the other hand, the Sony E 55-210mm lens boasts a sleek and compact build, ideal for travel and everyday use, with an elegant aluminum alloy exterior that enhances its aesthetic appeal.

While the BENOISON lens is compatible with a range of Nikon DSLR cameras, the Sony lens is made specifically for Sony E-mount cameras, making it essential for photographers to consider their camera systems when choosing between these options.

Focusing Mechanisms

Focusing is one of the most critical aspects of any lens. The BENOISON 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens relies entirely on manual focusing, meaning photographers must take the time to adjust the focus ring until their subject appears sharp in the viewfinder. This can be a rewarding experience, particularly for those who appreciate the art of manual photography.

Conversely, the Sony E 55-210mm lens features a direct manual focus capability that allows for precise adjustments even during autofocus. This dual functionality is particularly beneficial for videographers and those who need to switch between manual and automatic focus quickly. The internal focusing mechanism also ensures smooth and quiet operation, which is essential for capturing high-quality video without distracting noise.

Aperture and Image Quality

The aperture settings significantly impact the quality of images captured. The BENOISON lens has a large f1.8 aperture, allowing for beautiful background bokeh and a shallow depth of field, making it an excellent choice for portrait photography. This aperture enables stunning detail in half-body and full-body portraits while providing the natural perspective needed for street photography.

In contrast, the Sony E 55-210mm lens features a variable aperture of f4.5-6.3, which is less suited for low-light conditions compared to the constant f1.8 of the BENOISON lens. While the Sony lens does provide a broader zoom range (55-210mm), its aperture limitations can hinder performance in challenging lighting situations.

Versatility in Usage

In terms of versatility, the Sony E 55-210mm lens takes the lead with its wide zoom range equivalent to 82-315mm in 35mm terms. This capability makes it suitable for a range of photography styles, from sports to wildlife, allowing photographers to capture distant subjects with ease. The minimum focus distance of 3.28 feet further enhances its versatility, making it a great option for various scenarios.

The BENOISON lens, while excellent for portraits, does not offer the same level of versatility. It is designed specifically for portraiture and close-ups, which may limit its use in other photography genres. However, for those committed to mastering portrait photography, the BENOISON lens provides the necessary tools for stunning results.

Image Stabilization

Image stabilization can significantly enhance shooting performance, particularly in low-light conditions or when using zoom lenses. The Sony E 55-210mm lens features Optical SteadyShot image stabilization, which allows for stable video capture and helps avoid blurry images when shooting handheld. This feature is particularly advantageous for videographers or those capturing spontaneous moments.

On the other hand, the BENOISON 85mm lens does not include any form of image stabilization, which may result in challenges when shooting at slower shutter speeds or without a tripod. Photographers using this lens will need to ensure they have steady hands or use additional stabilization techniques to achieve sharp images.

Price Comparison

The price difference between the two lenses is significant, with the BENOISON lens retailing for $96.22 and the Sony lens priced at $328.00. This means the BENOISON lens is about 70% cheaper than its Sony counterpart. For photographers on a budget or those just starting, the BENOISON lens offers a cost-effective way to achieve high-quality portrait shots without breaking the bank.

However, the higher price of the Sony lens reflects its advanced features, such as a broader zoom range, built-in image stabilization, and faster autofocus capabilities. Photographers must consider their specific needs and shooting styles when evaluating whether the additional investment in the Sony lens is justified.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the BENOISON 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens and the Sony E 55-210mm lens ultimately depends on your photography needs. If you are focused on portrait photography and desire a lens that excels in creating stunning backgrounds and sharp details, the BENOISON lens is a fantastic choice at an affordable price.

However, if you require a versatile zoom lens capable of handling a range of subjects, including sports and wildlife, the Sony E 55-210mm lens may be worth the investment. Its advanced features and image stabilization provide significant advantages for dynamic shooting scenarios. Ultimately, your decision should align with your specific photography goals and budget.