f/2.8 vs f/1.2 Mirrorless Lens: Which Should You Buy?
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This f28 vs f12 mirrorless lens comparison examines two very different optics. You get a Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS and a TTArtisan 50mm f/1.2 Manual Focus Prime Lens. Both are fixed focal length primes designed for mirrorless systems. They differ significantly in aperture, mount compatibility, and focus mechanism. The Sony offers image stabilization and macro capabilities, while the TTArtisan provides a wider maximum aperture for low light. You must choose based on your camera system and shooting style.
Key differences
| Aspect | Sony FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS | TTArtisan 50mm f/1.2 Manual Focus Prime Lens |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.2 |
| Lens Mount | Sony E-mount | Micro Four Thirds |
| Focus Type | Direct Drive SSM (DDSSM) | Manual Focus |
| Sensor Format | 35mm full-frame | APS-C |
| Image Stabilization | Optical Steady Shot | not listed |
| Weight | 1.33 pounds | not listed |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Sony FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS if
- You shoot with a Sony E-mount full-frame camera and need macro capabilities.
- You require autofocus and optical image stabilization for handheld shooting.
- You prioritize corner-to-corner sharpness and dust-resistant construction.
Choose TTArtisan 50mm f/1.2 Manual Focus Prime Lens if
- You use a Micro Four Thirds camera and want a lightweight, portable prime.
- You need a wider aperture for low-light situations and background blur.
- You are comfortable with manual focus and prefer an all-metal build.
Verdict: The Sony lens suits full-frame users who need precision autofocus, stabilization, and macro performance. The TTArtisan lens is better for Micro Four Thirds shooters who prioritize a wider aperture and portability. Your camera mount and need for autofocus will dictate the correct choice.
Aperture and Build Comparison
Sensor format
The Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS is designed for 35mm full-frame sensors. This format captures a wider field of view and generally offers better low-light performance with larger pixels. The TTArtisan 50mm f/1.2 is specified for APS-C sensors, though it is also listed as compatible with Micro Four Thirds mounts in its variations. Using the TTArtisan on a full-frame camera would result in significant vignetting. If you shoot with a full-frame body, the Sony lens is the only option that covers the entire sensor area without cropping or dark corners. This makes the Sony lens more versatile for professional full-frame workflows.
Aperture size
The TTArtisan 50mm f/1.2 features a massive f/1.2 maximum aperture. This allows significantly more light to reach the sensor than the Sony lens, which tops out at f/2.8. In practical terms, the f/1.2 aperture enables you to shoot in very dim environments without raising the ISO, preserving image quality. It also creates a much shallower depth of field, isolating subjects with intense background blur. The Sony f/2.8 aperture is still bright for a macro lens, but it cannot match the light-gathering capability or the extreme bokeh separation of the f/1.2 option. For low-light creativity, the TTArtisan has a clear advantage.
Focus mechanism
Autofocus capability differs greatly between these two lenses. The Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 uses Direct Drive SSM (DDSSM) for quiet and precise autofocus, plus Optical Steady Shot for stabilization. It also includes a sliding focus ring for instant manual or auto focus selection. In contrast, the TTArtisan 50mm f/1.2 is a manual focus lens only. You must adjust focus by rotating the ring yourself. While manual focus offers creative control, it is slower for moving subjects. The Sony lens is far superior for action, events, or quick snapshots where speed and accuracy matter.
Lens weight
Portability is a key consideration for many photographers. The TTArtisan 50mm f/1.2 is notably lighter, weighing approximately 336 grams. Its all-metal body is compact and easy to carry all day. The Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 is heavier at 602 grams. While still manageable, the Sony lens is nearly twice as heavy. If you prioritize a lightweight setup for travel or long shooting sessions, the TTArtisan is the more comfortable choice. The Sony lens includes more complex internal optics and stabilization, which adds to its mass. For pure portability, the TTArtisan wins.
Image stabilization
Handheld shooting stability is another major difference. The Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 includes Optical Steady Shot image stabilization. This helps reduce blur from camera shake, allowing you to use slower shutter speeds in low light or for macro work where even slight movement ruins the shot. The TTArtisan 50mm f/1.2 does not list any image stabilization feature. You must rely on the camera body’s stabilization or a faster shutter speed. For macro photography, where magnification amplifies shake, the Sony’s built-in stabilization is a significant practical advantage for sharp images.
Choose your lens by use case
Macro photographers needing stability
The Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS includes Optical Steady Shot image stabilization. This feature helps you capture sharp images during handheld shooting. It also offers a 1.0x magnification ratio with a minimum focus distance of 0.28 meters. You get precise focusing via Direct Drive SSM and corner-to-corner sharpness from Advanced Spherical elements.
Users wanting large aperture bokeh
The TTArtisan 50mm f/1.2 provides a massive f/1.2 maximum aperture. This allows for excellent background blur and strong low-light performance. It features a 10-blade diaphragm for smooth bokeh. The lens weighs only 336g and uses an all-metal body. It is compact and portable, making it easy to carry for portraits or street photography.
Full-frame camera owners
If you own a 35mm full-frame mirrorless camera, the Sony lens is the correct mount choice. It is designed specifically for E-mount full-frame sensors. The 90mm focal length provides a 27-degree angle of view on full-frame bodies. This setup is ideal for detailed macro work or portrait photography where you need optical stabilization and weather resistance.
Quick picks
| # | Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sony FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS | Handheld macro photography on full-frame bodies | Check price of Sony FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS on Amazon |
| 2 | TTArtisan 50mm f/1.2 Manual Focus Prime Lens | portraits and low-light on M4/3 cameras | Check price of TTArtisan 50mm f/1.2 Manual Focus Prime Lens on Amazon |
The products compared
Sony FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS
Best for: Handheld macro photography on full-frame bodies
- Aperture
- f/2.8 (what this guide is about)
- Lens Mount
- E-mount
- Focal Length
- 90 mm
- Maximum Aperture
- F2.8
- Sensor Format
- 35mm full-frame
- Focus Type
- Manual/auto focus, DDSSM
View on Amazon: Sony FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS Affiliate link
This is a 90mm macro lens for Sony E-mount cameras. It features a maximum aperture of f/2.8 and 1.0x magnification. You get Optical Steady Shot stabilization and a direct drive SSM motor for focusing. The design includes dust and moisture resistance. It suits photographers who need sharp, close-up details on full-frame bodies without the bulk of faster primes.
Pros
- 1.0x maximum magnification ratio
- Optical Steady Shot image stabilization
- Direct Drive SSM focusing motor
- Dust and moisture resistant design
Cons
- f/2.8 maximum aperture is slower than f/1.2 alternatives
- Manual focus only on this lens
- Heavier at 1.33 pounds
Good fit if
- You need 1:1 macro capability
- You shoot handheld in variable weather
- You prefer sharpness over shallow depth of field
Skip if
- You require f/1.2 light gathering
- You need autofocus for macro work
- You prioritize lightweight gear
Verdict: Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS delivers precise macro performance with stabilization. It fits users who value optical quality and weather sealing over low-light speed.
TTArtisan 50mm f/1.2 Manual Focus Prime Lens
Best for: portraits and low-light on M4/3 cameras
- Aperture
- f/1.2 (what this guide is about)
- Lens Mount
- Micro Four Thirds
- Focal Length
- 50mm
- Maximum Aperture
- f/1.2
- Sensor Format
- APS-C
- Focus Type
- Manual Focus
View on Amazon: TTArtisan 50mm f/1.2 Manual Focus Prime Lens Affiliate link
This TTArtisan lens offers a 50mm focal length with a wide f/1.2 maximum aperture on Micro Four Thirds cameras. It features an all-metal body weighing 336g and uses 10 diaphragm blades for background blur. You get a manual focus experience that mimics human-eye perspective. It is suitable for portraits, landscapes, and low-light shooting. The compact size makes it easy to carry for everyday photography.
Pros
- Wide f/1.2 maximum aperture for low-light performance
- All-metal construction weighing only 336g
- 10 diaphragm blades for smooth bokeh
- 50mm focal length matches human-eye perspective
Cons
- Manual focus only, no autofocus motor
- Designed for APS-C sensor format, not full-frame
- Limited to Micro Four Thirds mount cameras
Good fit if
- You want a lightweight lens with a wide aperture
- You are comfortable using manual focus
- You shoot with Micro Four Thirds cameras
Skip if
- You need automatic focusing for fast action
- You use full-frame mirrorless cameras
- You require electronic aperture control
Verdict: TTArtisan 50mm f/1.2 Manual Lens is a compact, manual-focus option for Micro Four Thirds users who prioritize portability and wide apertures. It fits those who enjoy controlling focus manually and want a lightweight lens for portraits or low-light scenes.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Sony FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS | TTArtisan 50mm f/1.2 Manual Focus Prime Lens |
|---|---|---|
| Lens Mount | E-mount | Micro Four Thirds |
| Focal Length | 90 mm | 50mm |
| Maximum Aperture | F2.8 | f/1.2 |
| Sensor Format | 35mm full-frame | APS-C |
| Focus Type | Manual/auto focus, DDSSM | Manual Focus |
| Image Stabilization | Optical Steady Shot | not stated |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 0.92 ft (0.28 m) | not stated |
| Color | Black | Black |
| Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.2 |
| Lens Type | Macro | not stated |
| Dimensions | 5.16 × 3.11 × 3.11 inches | 2.36 × 2.44 × 2.44 inches |
| Weight | 1.33 pounds | not stated |
| Size | 4.70 | M4/3 |
| Model | SEL90M28G | TTArtisan 50-f/1.2 M4/3B |
Frequently asked questions
Is an f/2.8 lens good for portraits?
Yes, an f/2.8 lens can produce pleasing portraits with background separation. The Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS is a full-frame prime designed for macro work but offers sharp optical quality. Its fixed focal length helps you compose consistent shots. You get precise performance and weather sealing, which adds durability for outdoor portrait sessions.
Does f/1.2 mean better low light performance?
A wider aperture like f/1.2 allows more light to reach the sensor, aiding low-light shooting. The TTArtisan 50mm f/1.2 Manual Focus Prime Lens features this wide aperture for APS-C cameras. This helps you capture images in dim environments without raising ISO too high. You must control focus manually, which requires practice but offers creative control.
Which lens is better for handheld macro photography?
The Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS is built for handheld macro work. It includes Optical Steady Shot image stabilization to reduce blur from camera shake. This full-frame lens provides a 1.0x magnification ratio for detailed close-ups. You get weather sealing for protection against dust and moisture, making it a robust choice for field macro photography.
Is the f/1.2 lens suitable for Micro Four Thirds cameras?
Yes, the TTArtisan 50mm f/1.2 is designed for Micro Four Thirds systems. It is specified for APS-C sensor formats but fits M4/3 mounts. This compact manual focus prime is lightweight and portable. You get a wide f/1.2 aperture for shallow depth of field. It is ideal for users who enjoy manual focusing and want a small lens for portraits.
Do I need image stabilization with f/2.8?
Image stabilization helps when shooting handheld at slower shutter speeds. The Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS includes Optical Steady Shot to assist with sharpness. This is useful for macro work where camera movement is magnified. You get stabilization in a full-frame lens that also offers weather sealing and precise optical performance for detailed close-up images.
What is the weight difference between these lenses?
The Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 weighs 1.33 pounds, while the TTArtisan 50mm f/1.2 is lighter. The TTArtisan measures 2.44 inches wide and 2.36 inches long. It is a compact manual focus option for APS-C or M4/3 cameras. You get a portable lens for travel or street photography. The Sony is heavier due to its full-frame build and stabilization system.