The Sony FE 85 mm F1.8 lens is currently on sale for 409.00 € on Amazon Prime, which is about 19% less than its typical price. This discount is based on a comparison between the lowest price of the day and the average of the lowest prices from other retailers over the past month. Certain stores are excluded from this calculation if their VAT (value-added tax) policies are unclear. The lens has been on the market since the beginning of 2017 as a more affordable option compared to Sony's G Master FE 85 mm f/1.4 lens, which offers a brighter aperture but is pricier and heavier. The FE 85 mm f/1.8 is designed for photographers who enjoy portrait photography and the soft, blurred background effect known as bokeh. It works with both full-frame 24 x 36 mm and APS-C cameras, where it effectively becomes a 127 mm focal length. The lens is praised for its smooth bokeh, resistance to dust and moisture, a programmable side button, and silent focusing. However, it also has some drawbacks, such as slower autofocus, no distance markings, no aperture ring, and some inconsistencies in performance. Its autofocus softness may require users to be cautious and avoid capturing fast-moving subjects. A possible alternative to the Sony lens is the Samyang AF 75mm F1.8 FE, which is smaller and lighter but has a slightly less precise aperture performance when fully open.