* Item pictured for illustrative purposes only, actual item not pictured. See ‘Notes’ next to grade for included items.
Sony 85mm f/2.8 SAM A-Mount Autofocus Lens [55]
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$116.00
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KEH Certified™ pre-owned gear, expertly inspected†
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All rental gear is between Excellent and Like New Minus condition
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Standard accessories included
Sony's 85mm f/2.8 SAM portrait prime for Alpha shooters.
An 85mm focal length has long been the go-to choice for portrait work, and Sony's SAL85F28 brings that reach to the A-mount system at f/2.8 maximum aperture. The SAM (Smooth Autofocus Motor) designation means focus is driven by a motor built into the lens body itself, which keeps it compatible across the full range of Sony Alpha DSLR and SLT bodies without relying on a body-side drive screw.
On a full-frame Alpha body, you get the classic 85mm field of view. On an APS-C body, the crop factor pushes the effective angle of view closer to a short telephoto portrait-to-headshot range, which suits tighter compositional work. A-mount glass also crosses over to Sony's E-mount mirrorless system with an appropriate adapter, so this lens has a path forward if your kit ever shifts in that direction.
At f/2.8, there's enough aperture to separate subjects from backgrounds in good light, and 85mm gives you working distance that keeps subjects comfortable during a session. For a fixed-aperture prime at this focal length in the A-mount lineup, it fills a specific gap between the slower kit zooms and the more expensive f/1.4 options.
Who It's For
Portrait photographers shooting on Sony Alpha DSLR or SLT bodies will find the 85mm focal length and f/2.8 aperture a workable combination for single-subject sessions where background separation matters. Event and wedding shooters who need a dedicated short telephoto without the bulk of a zoom will appreciate the prime's simplicity. APS-C users get a tighter effective angle of view suited to headshots. Photographers already invested in A-mount glass who are considering a move to E-mount can adapt this lens via a standard LA-EA adapter, protecting the investment across system transitions.
Key Features
- 85mm fixed focal length for portrait work
- f/2.8 maximum aperture for subject separation
- SAM autofocus motor built into lens body
- Compatible across all Sony Alpha DSLR and SLT bodies
- Works with E-mount mirrorless via adapter
- Effective telephoto range on APS-C crop bodies
FAQ
- What autofocus motor does this lens use?
- The SAM (Smooth Autofocus Motor) is built into the lens body itself, making it compatible across all Sony Alpha DSLR and SLT bodies without requiring a body-side drive screw.
- How does this lens perform on APS-C versus full-frame Alpha bodies?
- On full-frame, you get the standard 85mm field of view for portraits. On APS-C, the crop factor shifts the effective angle of view closer to a short telephoto range, tightening framing for headshots and tighter compositions.
- Can I use this A-mount lens on Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras?
- Yes, with an appropriate adapter. A-mount glass can cross over to E-mount mirrorless bodies, giving you a migration path if you switch systems.
- Is f/2.8 enough to separate subjects from the background?
- At f/2.8, you'll get usable subject separation in good light. The 85mm focal length combined with the aperture gives you working distance that keeps subjects comfortable while still providing background isolation.
- Where does this lens sit in Sony's A-mount 85mm lineup?
- It fills the gap between slower kit zooms and more expensive f/1.4 options, offering a fixed-aperture prime at f/2.8.
- What's the practical range for using this lens?
- The 85mm focal length keeps you at a comfortable working distance during portrait sessions - far enough to avoid distortion and keep subjects at ease, close enough to capture detail.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 85mm |
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Mount | Sony A |
This description was generated using AI based on KEH's internal product standards, product expertise, and knowing what customers care about most. While we strive for accuracy, details may vary by individual item.
| Brand Name | Sony |
|---|---|
| Filter Size | 55mm |
| Focus Type | Autofocus (lens motor) |
| Lens Mount | Sony A & Minolta A |
| Lens Type | Telephoto / Long |
| Max Focal Length | 85mm |
| Min Focal Length | 85mm |
Learn what to expect from each condition, cosmetically. Images are representative of each grade and may not show the exact item you receive. All equipment is guaranteed to work as intended, unless otherwise noted. We also occasionally offer items that fall .
Exceptions
- New
- New in box complete with manufacturer's USA warranty. Not previously owned or used.
- Like New
- Essentially new with no signs of use. “Open box.” In manufacturer's packaging with original accessories and instructions. 180-day warranty.
- As Is
- Non-functional or damaged. Equipment will not work. Usable for parts. Not covered under KEH warranty and non-returnable.
Like New Minus
Like New Minus
Barely used with virtually no traces of wear. Only the closest inspections will reveal slight use. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Excellent Plus
Excellent Plus
Lightly used with limited signs of wear. Exceptionally nice but may have slight wear on finish visible. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Excellent
Excellent
Noticeably used with average signs of wear. Shows moderate wear for the age of the item, with the possibility of blemishes and/or minimal dings. Lens glass may have average dust and zoom/focus ring tension may have slight looseness or tightness overall, but will not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Bargain
Bargain
Frequently used with above-average wear. May have dents, dings, or finish loss. Lens glass may have small scratches, dust, and blemishes, and zoom/focus ring tension may have moderate looseness or tightness overall, but should not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Ugly
Ugly
Heavily used with extensive visible wear. Equipment is rough, with multiple impressions in the finish, excessive finish loss and brassing. Glass will have marks, fungus and/or heavy/cloudy haze which could affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. Not covered under KEH warranty.
