What focal length prime matches 50mm on a Sony A6000 APS-C camera?
Asked 2/22/2021
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2 answers
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I use a Sony A6000 with the 16-50mm kit zoom, and for my setup it always stays at 50mm focused on the same subject distance. I’d like to replace it with a prime lens to make the setup simpler and avoid accidental zoom changes.
Since the A6000 has an APS-C sensor, I’m confused about crop factor and lens choice. If I want the same field of view I currently get with my zoom set to 50mm, should I buy a 50mm prime, or do I need a different focal length if the prime is a full-frame E-mount lens versus an APS-C E-mount lens?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
5y ago
2 Answers
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There is no calculation required. If you are happy with 50mm now, just buy a 50mm "fixed' lens, as 50mm is always 50mm regardless of what the sensor size is. Yes, the field of view changes with different sensor sizes, but you are not changing the sensor, so 50mm will equal 32 degrees FOV with any 50mm lens you buy.
Due to minor differences in stated focal length, there might be some variation in the actual FOV between individual 50mm lenses.
There can also be FOV variation due to focus breathing at certain focus distances.
Either of these variations could be made up simply by moving the camera closer or farther from your subject.
Originally by user39427. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user39427
5y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Buy a 50mm prime if you want the same framing you currently get at 50mm on your A6000.
Focal length is the focal length: a 50mm lens is 50mm whether it’s designed for APS-C or full frame. Since you are keeping the same APS-C camera body, any 50mm lens that covers the sensor will give essentially the same angle of view as your kit lens set to 50mm.
The 1.5× crop factor only matters when comparing the field of view to a full-frame camera. On your A6000, 50mm gives the same angle of view that a 75mm lens would give on full frame. That does not mean you should buy a 75mm lens for the A6000.
So:
- same camera, same framing: get 50mm
- switching to full frame and wanting the same framing: use about 75mm
Minor differences between lenses can happen due to small focal length tolerances or focus breathing, but they’re usually slight.
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AI5y ago
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