For portrait and macro shots ideal! Combined with Sony A58 a very good tool. The two together provide beautiful images. I also lens SAL-18135 SAL-55300 SAL-1855 and Sam II (kit) and I have to admit that SAL 50F18 SAM is now become my favorite lens. For the price of 143 to get a great lens I never expected and has now been taught better. Processing is also quite good. Sure, it's made of plastic, which lenses are not for today? Important but is ultimately the end result that is good pictures, you do not necessarily have to correct and edit with Photoshop, Lightroom etc.. That's crucial for me and this lens copes very well. Autofocus is fast and precise, manual can be also very good (if you are not suffering from Parkinson) set. About the focus and intensity has been reported several times and I can only agree with the positive reviews here.
All in all, a very successful lens that is worth every penny and I can recommend it with a clear conscience.
