PUBLISHED: April 24, 2017 / UPDATED: March 8, 2023
As the Sony FE lens line-up rapidly grows, here’s a list of the BEST Fullframe E-mount Prime and Zoom Lenses for Sony a1, a7, a7 II, a7 III, a7 IV, a7C, a7R, a7RII, a7R III, a7R IV, a7R V, a7S, a7S II, a7S III, a9 & a9 II cameras and FX3, FX6 & FX9 cinema cameras. All of these lenses will also work on Sony APS-C E-mount mirrorless cameras including Sony a5000, a5100, a6000, a6100, a6300, a6400, a6500, a6600, ZV-E10, FX30 & Sony NEX mirrorless cameras.
Best Super-Wide Zoom: 12-24mm
BEST-IN-CLASS: Sony FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM Lens | Price: $2,998
This ultra-wide zoom features a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture ideal for working in available light and controlling depth of field. Its advanced optical design includes a series of XA, aspherical, Super ED, and ED elements, which combine to reduce a variety of aberrations and distortions for a high degree of sharpness, accurate rendering, and notable color accuracy.
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Sony FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM at 12mm + Sony a7R IV • F8 • 1/125 • ISO 100
BEST BARGAIN: Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens | Price: $1,399
Fast f/2.8 constant maximum aperture wide-angle zoom is ideal for shooting in low light. This MASSIVE lens features optical design with low dispersion and aspherical elements to minimize both chromatic and spherical aberrations throughout the zoom range to achieve high sharpness, clarity, and color accuracy. Super Multi-Layer Coating combined with a Nano Porous Coating help to suppress lens flare and ghosting for improved contrast and color-accuracy in harsh light.
BEST COMPACT: Sony FE 12-24mm F4 G Lens | Price: $1,773
Ultra-wide zoom lens for full-frame Sony E-mount features constant f/4 maximum aperture. Sophisticated optical design incorporates aspherical and low dispersion glass elements to control both spherical and chromatic aberrations for improved sharpness and clarity. Nano AR Coating is applied to individual elements to reduce surface reflections, flare, and ghosting for greater contrast and color fidelity in bright, backlit situations.
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Sony FE 12-24mm F4 G Lens + Sony a9 • F4 • 1/1250 • ISO 100
Best Wide Angle Zoom: 16-35mm
BEST IN CLASS: Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II Lens | Price: $2,298
Sony’s 2nd generation FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II features a new optical design with the lightest and smallest form factor in its class, Sony rounds out its trinity of f/2.8 G Master zoom lenses with its latest wide-angle offering for video and stills shooters, the FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II Lens, which boasts a variety of optical, focusing, and handling upgrades.
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BEST BARGAIN: Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM Lens | Price: $1,898
Before losing the title to the GM II listed above, this G Master wide-angle f/2.8 zoom was the sharpest wide angle zoom ever made according to DxO Mark. It offers consistent performance throughout the zoom range ideal for shooting in low-light. Optical design incorporates two extra-low dispersion elements to reduce chromatic aberrations along with two XA elements and three aspherical elements, which significantly control spherical aberrations for a high degree of image sharpness and clarity. Nano AR coating has been applied to limit ghosting and lens flare for increased contrast and color fidelity when working in harsh lighting.
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Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM + Sony a7R IV • F2.8 • 1/160 • ISO 100
BEST FOR VIDEO: Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G Lens | Price: $1,198
Compact wide-angle power-zoom lens offers refined image quality, reliable G lens rendering, and industry-leading AF performance in a remarkably compact form factor that will appeal to both photo and video content creators. The FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G is ideal for everything from video production and vlogging to street and landscape photography, offering a variety of outstanding hybrid features such as incredible resolution, beautiful bokeh, and fast and precise AF.
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BEST COMPACT: Sony FE 16-35mm f/4 ZA OSS Lens | Price: $1,348
Constant f/4 maximum aperture wide-angle zoom lens designed for fullframe E-mount cameras, can also be used with Sony APS mirrorless cameras. Features a circular aperture that, through the use of curved blades, keeps the aperture almost perfectly circular from its wide-open setting to when it is closed for smoother, more natural defocusing highlights.
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Sony FE 16-35mm f/4 ZA OSS Lens at 16mm + Sony A7R • F8 • 4 seconds • ISO 100
BEST BARGAIN: Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD Lens | Price: $899
Fast budget-priced option for landscape, astrophotography and architecture. Its bright f/2.8 constant maximum aperture is ideal for low-light along with control over depth of field. RXD stepping motor enables quick, near-silent autofocus performance for stills and video, along with full-time manual focus override and a minimum focusing distance of 7.5″.
Best Standard Zoom: 24-70mm
BEST IN CLASS: Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens | Price: $2,298
If you can only afford one lens – this would be my choice. Sony’s 2nd generation FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II is the smallest and lightest 24-70mm F2.8 lens in class – weighing in 22% lighter than the original. Autofocus is dramatically improved thanks to FOUR XD Linear AF motors for much faster AF than the stepping motor used in the original (and by competing lenses in class). Dual XD linear floating focus groups not only provide faster AF – they also provide sharper images from infinity all the
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BEST BARGAIN: Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM Lens | Price: $1,698
The original Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 set the standard for the class. Optical design incorporates three aspherical elements including one XA (extreme aspherical) and two extra-low dispersion elements for both excellent sharpness and exceptional bokeh.
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Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM OSS + Sony a9 • F7.1 • 1/200 • ISO 100
BEST THIRD-PARTY: Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN ‘Art’ FE Lens | Price: $1,099
Versatile f/2.8 mid-range zoom offers the most bang for the buck. Ideal for shooting in available light with increased control over depth of field offers. Optical design incorporates a series of low dispersion and aspherical elements that greatly reduce aberrations to achieve high sharpness, enhanced clarity, and improved color accuracy. Both Super Multi-Layer and Nano Porous Coatings improve contrast and color rendering by suppressing lens flare and ghosting under harsh lighting.
BEST WIDE RANGE: Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G Lens | Price: $1,098
This groundbreaking standard zoom lens offers an ultra-wide range of focal lengths in a compact and lightweight form. Ideal for vloggers and content creators, this ultra-wide to portrait-length zoom provides excellent edge-to-edge sharpness and outstanding image quality. Expansive field of view suits suit selfie, landscape, cityscape, this lens also offers fast, precise, and quiet autofocus performance as well as excellent close-up performance at all focal lengths.
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BEST TELE RANGE: Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS Lens | Price: $1,298
The most-requested lens by our readers features a constant f/4 maximum aperture, maintains consistent performance throughout the wide-angle to short-telephoto zoom range. Designed for corner-to-corner sharpness at all focal lengths, its advanced optical design employs aspherical and extra-low dispersion glass elements to control color fringing, distortion, and a variety of aberrations for greater sharpness and clarity. Nano AR Coating suppresses lens flare and ghosting for high contrast and color accuracy when working in harsh light.
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BEST COMPACT: Sony FE 28-60mm f/4-5.6 Lens | Price: $498
Compact wide-angle to long-normal zoom features retractable design ideal as a walkaround lens for street & travel photography. Optical design incorporates three aspherical elements to reduce distortion and spherical aberrations for greater sharpness and accurate rendering. Linear motor and internal focusing provide quick and quiet autofocus for stills and video.
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Sony FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 + Sony a7C • F8 • 1/80 sec • ISO 100
Best Telephoto Zoom: 70-200mm
BEST IN CLASS: Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II Lens | Price: $2,798
The new standard for Best-in-Class with faster next-generation AF, improved sharpness while trimming weight nearly 30% from the previous model. AF is more responsive thanks to use of dual XD Linear AF groups.Optical design includes an XA element, an aspherical element, two extra-low dispersion aspherical elements, two extra-low dispersion elements, and two Super ED elements and Sony’s latest generation Nano AR II Coating to reduce reflections, flare, and ghosting
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BEST BARGAIN: Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS Lens | Price $1,998
Sony’s original FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS lens features exceptional optics, intuitive handling and outstanding speed in all aspects as a reliable, go-to telephoto zoom for professionals. A member of the G Master series, this 70-200mm delivers high sharpness alongside smooth, clean bokeh, and the bright f/2.8 constant maximum aperture and optical image stabilization also help to ensure sharp handheld shots in available lighting conditions.
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Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens + Sony a9 • F2.8 • 1/500 • ISO 4000
BEST BARGAIN F4: Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS Lens | Price: $1,198
Versatile telephoto zoom lens that takes over right where the FE 24-70mm leaves off. Nicely balanced in size and weight for Sony a7 Series cameras to give you telephoto reach without weighing you down. The OSS settings on this lens are designed to work with Sony a7 Mark II IBIS.
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Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G OSS at 200mm + Sony A7R • F7.1 • 1/800 • ISO 100
Best All-in-One Zoom: 24-200mm+
BEST IN CLASS: Sony FE 24-240 F3.5-6.3 OSS Lens | Price: $998
Full-frame E-Mount telephoto zoom lens with the versatility to stretch from true wide-angle to super telephoto perspectives. Its advanced optical design includes 5 aspherical elements and 1 ED glass element for reduced chromatic and spherical aberrations in a compact design. Optical SteadyShot image stabilization facilitates sharper imaging in low light situations and when shooting at long telephoto lengths.
Sony FE 24-240 F3.5-6.3 OSS at 24mm and 240mm + Sony A7R • F4.5 • 1/100 • ISO 100
BEST BARGAIN: Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD Lens | Price: $729
This compact zoom offers a unique mixture of an all-in-one wide-to-super-tele zoom range along with a f/2.8 maximum aperture at the wide end of the zoom, along with its sleek and portable design. A series of specialized elements are used to maintain high sharpness and clarity throughout the zoom range. RXD stepping motor enables quick, quiet autofocus performance for stills and video, along with full-time manual focus override.
Best Super Telephoto Zoom: 100mm-400mm
BEST IN CLASS: Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS Lens | Price: $2,498
This telephoto zoom is designed for outstanding resolution and sharpness with minimal aberrations using one Super ED and two ED elements and Nano AR coating. Weighing in at just 49.2 oz, this compact 100-400mm lens features dual floating elements for fast AF and a 3.2′ minimum focusing distance for 0.35x magnification. It’s equipped with Optical SteadyShot image stabilization for outstanding performance at all focal lengths.
Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS Lens + Sony a9 • F10 • 1/1000 • ISO 100
BEST BARGAIN: Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Lens | Price: $949
As part of the Contemporary line within Sigma’s Global Vision series, this telephoto zoom lens is designed to achieve a balance between convenience and performance, and meshes a compact, lightweight build and versatile handling with notable optical performance at a very affordable price.
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Best Super Telephoto Zoom: 200mm-600mm
Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS Lens | Price: $1,998
The top-requested lens by our readers offers outstanding resolution and sharpness with minimal aberrations features five ED elements and one aspherical element, plus Nano AR and fluorine coatings. It also features a relatively compact size through the use of an f/5.6-6.3 maximum aperture range, and it is equipped with both a Direct Drive SSM autofocus system and Optical SteadyShot image stabilization for performance at all focal lengths.
BEST BARGAIN: Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens | Price: $1,499
Ideal for wildlife, sports, landscapes, motorsports, and countless other photographic endeavors, offering features and image quality that professionals demand. This lens provides high rendering throughout the entire zoom range at all apertures, and ghosting, flare, and various types of aberrations are all well controlled. An updated and redesigned autofocus system offers both speed and precision using both an AF actuator driven by a stepping motor and a high-precision magnetic sensor.
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Best Ultra-Wide Prime: 10mm and Wider
WIDEST: Venus Optics Laowa 9mm f/5.6 FF RL Lens | Price: $799
Featuring a 135° angle of view, the new Laowa 9mm f/5.6 is currently the widest non-fisheye lens ever developed for fullframe mirrorless cameras. Landscape photographers can now experience an ultimate wide-angle photography with beautiful scenery captured in one shot. The ultra-wide angle of view is particularly helpful for interior shooting as it helps exaggerated the sense of space.
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BEST COMPACT: Voigtlander 10mm F5.6 Hyper-Wide-Heliar Lens | Price: $1,099
Voigtlander’s widest rectilinear full frame lens offers a whopping 130 degree angle of view featuring an updated Heliar design to limit distortion and maintain consistent sharpness and illumination to suit mirrorless camera designs. One aspherical element is employed in the 13 elements, 10 groups optical design to control spherical aberrations and distortions throughout the aperture range. The lens also uses a manual focus design to permit fine-tuned control over focus placement, with a minimum focusing distance of 11.8″
Best Ultra-Wide Prime: 14-15mm
BEST IN CLASS: Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM Lens | Price: $1,558
Extreme wide angle lens with fast f/1.8 maximum aperture is ideal for landscape, nature, architectural and astrophotography shooting low-light and increased control over depth of field Optical design incorporates two extra-low dispersion elements and one super ED element to reduce chromatic aberrations, plus two XA (extreme aspherical) elements that significantly control spherical aberrations for a high degree of image sharpness and clarity.
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BEST MANUAL FOCUS: Venus Optics Laowa 15mm f/2 FE Lens | Price: $849
Fast and bright wide-angle prime incorporates sophisticated rectilinear optical design to effectively limit distortion across 110° Angle of View. The ultra-fast f/2 maximum aperture makes this lens especially useful for astrophotography and low-light use. When paired with the 5.9″ minimum focusing distance, distinct shallow depth of field images.
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BEST COMPACT: Voigtlander 15mm F4.5 Super-Wide-Heliar Lens | Price: $799
Features an updated Heliar design to limit distortion and maintain consistent illumination to suit mirrorless camera designs. One aspherical element is also used in the 11 elements, 9 groups design, and helps to reduce spherical aberrations throughout the aperture range. The manual focus design affords fine-tuned control over focus placement, along with a minimum focusing distance of 11.8″
Best FAST Ultra-Wide Prime for Astrophotography
BEST IN CLASS: Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM Lens | Price: $1,558
Extreme wide angle lens with fast f/1.8 maximum aperture is ideal for landscape, nature, architectural and astrophotography shooting low-light and increased control over depth of field Optical design incorporates two extra-low dispersion elements and one super ED element to reduce chromatic aberrations, plus two XA (extreme aspherical) elements that significantly control spherical aberrations for a high degree of image sharpness and clarity.
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BEST MANUAL FOCUS: Venus Optics Laowa 15mm f/2 FE Lens | Price: $849
Fast and bright wide-angle prime incorporates sophisticated rectilinear optical design to effectively limit distortion across 110° Angle of View. The ultra-fast f/2 maximum aperture makes this lens especially useful for astrophotography and low-light use. When paired with the 5.9″ minimum focusing distance, distinct shallow depth of field images.
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Best 18mm Prime:
BEST IN CLASS: Zeiss Batis 18mm F2.8 E-mount Lens | Price: $1,549
Featuring a Distagon concept with a floating elements design that maintains consistent sharpness and illumination throughout the focusing range, and a series of aspherical and special glass elements help to control both chromatic and spherical aberrations. Well-suited to interior, architectural and astrophotography, the Batis 18mm f/2.8 blends its extremely wide 99° angle of view with a high degree of functionality.
BEST BARGAIN: Rokinon AF 18mm f/2.8 FE Lens for Sony E | Price: $399
Ultra-wide angle rectilinear compact and lightweight primelens is well-suited for landscape, architecture interiors, and astrophotography. Optical design includes a series of aspherical, high refractive index, and extra-low dispersion elements, which reduce a variety of aberrations. Ultra Multi-Coating is applied to individual elements to suppress flare and ghosting for improved contrast and color accuracy. Linear STM autofocus motor works in conjunction with Sony cameras’ AF systems for quick, quiet, and precise focusing performance.
Best 20-21mm Prime:
BEST IN CLASS: Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G | Price: $898
Sony’s widest prime lens combines F1.8 max aperture with excellent corner-to-corner optical quality. Dual XD Linear Motor system that is quick and quiet, and also lends more responsive control for manual focus operation. The lens also has a dust- and moisture-sealed design, along with a fluorine coating, to support shooting in inclement conditions.
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BEST COMPACT: Tamron 20mm F/2.8 Di III OSD M 1:2 Lens | Price: $349
Lightweight wide-angle prime designed for full-frame Sony E-mount cameras is ideal as everyday, walkaround shooting. Offers half life-size 1:2 maximum magnification ratio and 4.3″ minimum focusing distance for working with close-up subjects. OSD stepping motor achieves fast and near-silent autofocus along with full-time manual focus override. Features moisture-resistant design and fluorine coating for working in inclement conditions.
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BEST MANUAL FOCUS: Zeiss Loxia 21mm F2.8 T* Lens for Sony E Mount | Price: $1,549
Featuring a compact form factor well-suited for full-frame Sony E mount mirrorless cameras, based on the Distagon optical concept for reduced distortion as well as consistent, even illumination and sharpness from edge to edge. The optical design also incorporates four anomalous partial dispersion elements and one aspherical element to control chromatic aberrations and increase overall clarity and color accuracy. Zeiss T* anti-reflective coating minimizes lens flare and ghosting for greater contrast.
Best 24mm-25mm Prime:
BEST IN CLASS: Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM Lens | Price: $1,398
A great lens for photojournalists measuring just 3.0 inches x 3.64 inches and weighing 15.7 ounces making it the smallest and lightest in its class. This is a departure from previous GM lenses, which tend to be large in order not to sacrifice optical performance. Yet this lens manages to minimize size and weight without sacrificing optical performance.
BEST COMPACT: Sony FE 24mm F2.8 G lens | $598
Combining ultra-compact form factor with advanced optical design for high degree of sharpness and clarity. The wide angle prime suits shooting everything from street to landscape and documentary photography. Its ultra-compact fo rm factor and light weight won’t weigh you down. XD Linear Motor system that uses two separate focusing motors to deliver especially quiet, precise, and quick autofocus performance. (Full Review)
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Sony FE 24mm F2.8 G + Sony a7C • F10 • 1/100 • ISO 100
OTHERS OF NOTE:
Tamron 24mm F/2.8 Di III OSD M 1:2 Lens | Price: $349
Lightweight wide-angle prime designed for full-frame Sony E-mount cameras is ideal as walkaround travel lens. Offers half life-size 1:2 maximum magnification ratio and 4.7″ minimum focusing distance for working with close-up subjects. OSD stepping motor achieves fast and near-silent autofocus along with full-time manual focus override. Features moisture-resistant design and fluorine coating for working in inclement conditions.
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Samyang AF 24mm f/1.8 FE lens | Price: $499
Weighing only 8.1 ounces and measuring just 2.8 inches in length, this new 24mm combines a compact and light form factor, a fast 1.8 aperture and a host of special features including customizable focus-hold button, astrophotography mode and custom switch. Other notable features include weather sealing in ve areas to protect from dust, light rain and snow, a wide-angle view of 83.7° and a short minimum focusing distance of 7.48”
Rokinon AF 24mm f/2.8 FE Lens | Price: $399
Compact wide-angle prime designed for full-frame Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras is ideal for landscape and street photography. Lightweight design is well-suited to its use as a travel or everyday lens. Optical design incorporates three aspherical elements and a pair of high refractive index elements to suppress spherical aberrations and achieve a high degree of sharpness and clarity throughout the aperture range. Ultra Multi-Coating has also been applied to control flare and ghosting for increased contrast when working in strong lighting.
Best 28mm Prime:
BEST FOR SPEED: Sigma 28mm F1.4 DG HSM Art Lens for Sony E | Price: $1,399
This DSLR-design Sigma wide-angle model stands out with its thoroughly corrected magnification chromatic aberration and sagittal coma flare, as well as completely minimized distortion thanks to its optical design. It features water- and oil-repellent coating on the front lens element and its overall dust- and splash-proof structure ensures excellent performance even in the most challenging shooting conditions.
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BEST COMPACT: Sony FE 28 F2.0 Lens | Price: $448
Full-frame compatible wide-angle prime lens for E-Mount mirrorless cameras. Its wide focal length and fast aperture make it a practical and versatile lens. Its optical design features Extra-low Dispersion glass elements which reduce chromatic aberrations and provide improved contrast. Also, aspherical and advanced aspherical elements minimize spherical aberrations and help to maintain the lens’ compact, lightweight form.
Best 35mm Prime:
BEST IN CLASS: Sony FE 35mm F1.4 GM Lens | Price: $1,398
Fast wide-angle prime features updated, sleek design and compact form factor. Ideal for street shooting, landscape and documentary photography, its fast maximum aperture excels in low light and for controlling depth of field. G Master lens design features advanced optical design for well-corrected imagery with a high degree of sharpness and clarity. Two XA (eXtreme Aspherical) elements and one extra-low dispersion element reduce a variety of aberrations, color fringing and distortion. Nano AR II coating suppresses flare and ghosting for improved contrast. XD Linear Motor system features two separate focusing motors to deliver especially quiet, precise and quick autofocus performance.
Sony FE 35mm F1.4 GM + Sony a7R IV • F4.5 • 1/400 • ISO 320
BEST FOR SPEED: Sigma FE 35mm f/1.2 DG DN Art Lens | Price: $1,499
Sigma’s first prime lens with a f/1.2 maximum aperture which helps to achieve shallow depth of field as well as extremely selective focus effects and is also suited for working in very difficult lighting conditions. Three low dispersion glass elements and three aspherical elements, including a double-sided element, effectively control spherical aberrations and distortion for increased sharpness and accurate rendering.
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BEST BARGAIN: Sony FE 35 F1.4 ZA Lens | Price: $998
Classic wide-angle focal length, this fast f/1.4 lens provides low light capability and shallow depth of field control. Optical design includes aspherical and advanced aspherical (AA) lens elements combined with Zeiss T* coating to deliver outstanding image resolution and suppresses reflections for excellent contrast and clarity. Responsive aperture ring can be clicked or de-clicked with the flip of a switch on the lens barrel.
Sony FE 35 F1.4 ZA + Sony A7R • F5 • 1/125 • ISO 100
BEST COMPACT: Sony FE 35mm f/2.8 ZA Lens | Price: $598
Featuring Zeiss Sonnar design with three double-sided aspherical to provide the relatively fast f/2.8 aperture with minimal aberrations, this compact prime lens is my favorite wide angle walk-around lens for street photography on Sony a7 Series cameras. Despite being the smallest Sony FE lens, this baby is deceptively sharp. (Full Review)
Sony FE 35mm F2.8 ZA + Sony a7R • F5.6 • 1/320 • ISO 200
BEST MANUAL FOCUS: Zeiss Loxia 35mm f/2 Biogon T* Lens for Sony E Mount | Price: $1,349
Marrying traditional handling with a digitally-optimized design, the Zeiss Loxia 35mm f/2 Biogon T* Lens is a prime wide-angle lens for full-frame Sony E-mount mirrorless digital cameras. Utilizing a nearly symmetrical optical layout based on the Biogon concept, this lens incorporates one element made from anomalous partial dispersion glass in order to suppress chromatic aberrations and distortion.
Zeiss Loxia 35mm f/2 Biogon T* + Sony A7R • F8 • 1/200 • ISO 100
OTHERS OF NOTE:
Sony FE 35mm F1.8 Lens | Price: $748
Here’s the lens many of you asked for – the Sony FE 35mm F1.8 prime lens. Like Sony’s extremely popular FE 85 F1.8, Sony FE 35mm F1.8 offers excellent image quality at a moderate price. Linear XD Autofocus not only provides extremely fast and responsive AF and allows the lens to be lighter and smaller than the competition.
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Tamron 35mm F/2.8 Di III OSD M 1:2 Lens | Price: $349
Lightweight wide-angle prime f/2.8 design strikes a balance between speed and compact design, making it a highly portable lens for use in a variety of situations. Offers half life-size 1:2 maximum magnification ratio at 5.9″ minimum focusing distance. OSD stepping motor achieves fast and near-silent autofocus performance along with full-time manual focus override. Features moisture-resistant design and fluorine coating for working in inclement conditions.
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Best 40-45mm Prime:
BEST IN CLASS: Zeiss Batis 40mm f/2 CF Lens | Price: $1,349
This lens employs a Distagon optical concept with a floating elements design, which maintains consistent sharpness and illumination throughout the focusing range, and a series of aspherical and low dispersion glass elements help to control both chromatic and spherical aberrations. Fast autofocus is provided by a linear motor that maintains quick, quiet, and smooth performance.
BEST FOR SPEED: Voigtlander 40mm f/1.2 Nokton Aspherical Lens | Price: $1,059
Nokton 40mm f/1.2 Aspherical is a short normal prime designed for full-frame Sony E mirrorless cameras with an impressively fast f/1.2 maximum aperture that enables shallow depth of field and ideal for shooting in low light. Its optical layout includes two aspherical elements to suppress spherical aberrations and distortion for notable sharpness, clarity, and accurate rendering. Its manual focus design permits working with subjects as close as 1.1′
BEST COMPACT: Sony FE 40mm F2.5 G lens | $598
Combining ultra-compact form factor with advanced optical design for high degree of sharpness and clarity. The versatile focal length suits shooting everything from street to landscapes, portraiture, and documentary photography. Its ultra-compact form factor and light weight won’t weigh you down. XD Linear Motor system that uses two separate focusing motors to deliver especially quiet, precise, and quick autofocus performance.
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Sony a7C + FE 40mm F2.5 G • 1/125 • F8 • ISO 100
BEST BARGAIN: Rokinon AF 45mm f/1.8 FE Lens for Sony E | Price: $399
Normal-length compact prime with bright f/1.8 maximum aperture. Optical design incorporates a pair of aspherical elements and one extra-low dispersion element, which help to suppress spherical and chromatic aberrations for improved sharpness, color accuracy, and clarity. Ultra Multi-Coating has also been applied to reduce flare and ghosting when working in strong light. Linear STM autofocus motor works in conjunction with Sony cameras’ AF systems for quick, quiet, and precise focusing performance.
OTHERS OF NOTE:
Sigma 40mm F1.4 DG HSM FE Art Lens for Sony E | Price: $1,399
The 40mm F1.4 DG HSM Art is Sigma’s first lens developed originally to live up to the sought-after angle of view and performance standard for a benchmark cine lens. This lens effectively arranges three FLD (“F” Low Dispersion) glass elements and three SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements to correct axial chromatic aberration and magnification chromatic aberration.
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Sigma 45mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary Lens for Sony E | Price: $549
Normal prime optimizes size as well as weight while rendering notably smooth bokeh with rounded out-of-focus highlights in both the foreground and background. Coupled with its ability to soften the periphery of blurred images while enhancing the three-dimensional impression of an object with its 9.5″ minimum focusing distance.
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Best 50-55mm Prime:
BEST IN CLASS (TIE) Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM Lens | Price: $1,998
Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM combines ultrafast f/1.2 maximum aperture and 11-blade circular aperture for gorgeous G Master bokeh, along with best-in-class autofocus speed thanks to four XD linear AF motors. Three XA (eXtreme Aspherical) elements provide excellent spherical aberration control by reducing a variety of aberrations, color fringing, and distortion.
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Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM + Sony Alpha 1 • F1.2 • 1/60 • ISO 2500
BEST ALL-AROUND: Sony FE 50mm F1.4 GM | Price: $1,298
The latest addition to the Sony G Master lens line is the smaller, lighter, cheaper brother to the FE 50mm F1.2 GM – weighing just 18 oz and and measuring 3.7 inches long and 3.1 inches in diameter. It features lightning fast XD Linear AF, and beautiful bokeh thanks to an 11-blade circular aperture and a pair of XA (extreme aspherical) lens elements. An iris lock switch prevents the aperture ring from being accidentally moved and can be unlocked allowing the aperture ring to rotate seamlessly and silently.
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Sony FE 50mm F1.4 GM + a7R V • F4 • 1/2000 • ISO 100
BEST COMPACT: Sony FE 55mm/1.8 ZA Lens | $998
This is one of the sharpest lenses I’ve ever owned – virtually on par with the performance of the legendary $4,000 Zeiss 55mm/1.4 Otus lens yet at a perfect size for Sony E-mount cameras. Great look when used wide open for shallow depth-of-field portraits.
FE 55mm F1.8 ZA + Sony a7R • 1/4000 • F2.2 • ISO 200
BEST MANUAL FOCUS: Zeiss Loxia 50mm f/2 Planar T* Lens for Sony E Mount | Price: $999
Pairing an all-manual control-set with a digitally-optimized design, the Zeiss Loxia 50mm f/2 Planar T* Lens is a normal prime lens for full-frame Sony E-mount mirrorless digital cameras. Based on the symmetrical Planar optical concept, this lens is adept at correcting for chromatic aberrations and distortion throughout the aperture range for maintained image consistency and clarity.
OTHERS OF NOTE:
Sony FE 50mm F2.5 G lens | $598
Combining ultra-compact form factor with advanced optical design for high degree of sharpness and clarity. This classic normal focal length prime lens suits shooting everything from street, portraiture, and documentary photography. Its ultra-compact form factor and light weight won’t weigh you down. XD Linear Motor system that uses two separate focusing motors to deliver especially quiet, precise, and quick autofocus performance. (Full Review)
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Sony FE 50mm F2.5 G + Sony a7C • F2.5 • 1/50 • ISO 100
Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 ZA Lens | Price: $1,498
This Zeiss Planar-design normal lens features one Advanced Aspherical, one aspherical, and one extra-low dispersion element for ultimate corner-to-corner sharpness along with pleasing bokeh. Like the FE 35mm 1.4 ZA, it shares the same Zeiss glass formulation and offers a manual de-clickable aperture ring ideal for video.
Rokinon AF 50mm f/1.4 FE Lens for Sony E-mount | Price: $699
Specifically designed for full frame Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras. Samyang’s first autofocus lenses are compatible with both phase detect and contrast detect sensors to operate fast and accurate focus detection. Based on Samyang Optics’ optical technology, aspherical lenses have been included to minimize aberration and unnecessary light dispersion, delivering high resolution from the center to the corners of the image.
Best Macro: 50mm-65mm
BEST IN CLASS: Voigtlander Macro APO-Lanthar 65mm f/2 Aspherical Lens | Price: $999
Apochromatic lens design delivers crisp, aberration-free imagery and finest details. This lens designed to work with full-frame Sony E-mount cameras offers users the ability to get close to their subjects thanks to the 1:2 magnification ratio afforded by the 12.2″ minimum focus distance. Its relatively fast f/2 aperture, allows shooting with shallow depth of field and in low-light.
BEST MAGNIFICATION: Venus Optics Laowa 60mm f/2.8 2X Ultra-Macro | Price: $399
World’s First 2:1 Macro Lens with infinity focus, this lens ideally suited for rapidly changing macro photography scenarios without using any extension tube. The wide magnification range is very useful for shooting macro objects (e.g. insects) with different sizes. The lens is also designed for normal shooting purposes with a 60mm focal length, providing an all-in-one solution for normal portrait shooting as well as ultra-macro photography.
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BEST BARGAIN: Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro Lens | Price: $498
Sony’s latest FE lens is a compact, sub-$500 macro that many Sony user have asked for. The optical design also incorporates both an aspherical and an extra-low dispersion element, which work to suppress chromatic and spherical aberrations for increased clarity throughout the focus range.
Best 85mm Prime:
BEST IN CLASS: Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM Lens | Price: $1,798
One of the original GM lenses, this is an absolutely great lens for tight portraits. It’s extremely sharp wide open at F1.4 with shallow depth of field and beautiful bokeh. If you’re a portrait photographer, the FE 85mm F1.4 G Master plus the FE 24-70 F2.8 G Master could easily cover 99% of you your needs.
Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM + Sony a7RII • F1.4 • 1/640 sec • ISO 100
BEST COMPACT: Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 Lens | Price: $1,249
This short telephoto portrait lens has a f/1.8 maximum aperture for greater focus control and enhanced low-light shooting and is the first lens manufactured by Zeiss that includes Optical Stabilization. While I personally prefer the Bokeh and speed of the Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM this Zeiss lens offers a smaller, lower-priced option when F1.8 is “fast enough.”
BEST BARGAIN: Sony FE 85mm F1.8 Lens | Price: $598
Joining the FE 28mm f/2 and FE 50mm f/1.8 in creating a more affordable and accessible system while still providing excellent optical performance. It uses an ED element to reduce aberrations, as well as a nine-blade circular aperture for smooth bokeh. It features a double linear motor system for fast, quiet autofocus. The lens is designed for manual focus, as well, and it has a programmable focus hold button.
Best 100-105mm Prime:
BEST SPEED: Sigma 105mm F1.4 DG HSM Art Lens for Sony E | Price: $1,599
Short-telephoto, portrait prime with bright maximum aperture and advanced optical layout. Fast f/1.4 design is ideal for working in low-light and selective control over depth of field for isolating subjects and working with selective focus. As part of the Art line of lenses, this lens is also designed for high-resolution rendering, and utilizes FLD and SLD glass to control chromatic aberrations and color fringing for notable clarity.
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BEST BOKEH: Sony FE 100mm F2.8 STF GM OSS lens | Price: $1,498
Incorporating an apodization lens element to create exceptionally smooth, rounded bokeh while maintaining tack-sharp focus on the subject. This newly designed element nearly eliminates peripheral highlight distortion from vignetting and works with the 11-blade circular aperture to produce pleasing out-of-focus areas. The apodization lens element reduces light transmission to T5.6 when set to the lens’s maximum f/2.8 aperture.
Sony FE 100mm F2.8 STF GM OSS + Sony a7RII • F2.8/T5.6 • 1/20 sec • ISO 100
Best Macro: 90mm-110mm
BEST IN CLASS: Sony FE 90 F2.8 Macro G OSS Lens | Price: $1,098
Optimized for macro and close-up portrait photography, this medium telephoto lens utilizes an aspherical element along with extra-low dispersion and super extra-low dispersion glass and Nano AR Coating that suppresses reflections for exceptional image quality. Internal focus system in which only the middle optical groups move when focusing provides fast autofocus action and a short minimum focus distance of 11″.
Sony a7R II + Sony FE 90mm F2.8 G OSS • 1/320 • F/2.8 • ISO 400
BEST BARGAIN: Sigma 105mm f/2.8 DG DN Macro Art Lens | Price: $799
Short-telephoto prime optimized for macro use with a minimum focusing distance of 11.6″ offering life-size, 1:1 reproduction. Optical design incorporates one SLD element, which also helps to realize high clarity and color accuracy by suppressing various aberrations and color fringing. Super Multi-Layer Coating is applied to control flare and ghosting for greater contrast.
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BEST MANUAL FOCUS: Venus Optics Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO Lens | Price: $499
Unique and versatile short-telephoto macro prime permits working with subjects as close as 2:1 with a minimum focusing distance of 9.7″. A pair of low dispersion elements to virtually eliminate color fringing and chromatic aberrations throughout the focusing range and achieve high clarity and color accuracy. A 13-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing bokeh.
Order from B&H Photo | Venus Optics
OTHERS OF NOTE:
Voigtlander MACRO APO-LANTHAR 110mm f/2.5 E-mount | Price: $1,099
APO-Lanthar inscription is given to particularly high performance Voigtlander Fokentrender lenses designed to eliminate impediments to image quality including chromatic aberrations. Optimized for fullframe Sony E mount cameras using a floating mechanism, it provides excellent image quality from the shortest shooting distance to the distant view.
Best 135mm Prime:
BEST IN CLASS: Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM Lens | Price: $1,898
The lens YOU readers asked for – Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM which may be Sony’s best lens to date thanks to fast responsive AF from Twin XD Linear Floating Focus Groups, XA Extreme and Super ED Glass for extreme sharpness and beautiful bokeh! This is a great lens for portraits, weddings, sports and pretty much any time you want a razor sharp medium telephoto. (Full Review)
Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM + Sony a7R (IR modified) • F16 • 1/15 • ISO 200
BEST BARGAIN: Sigma 135mm F1.8 DG HSM Art Lens for Sony E | Price: $1,399
Fast telephoto prime pairs bright and sophisticated optics with intuitive handling and design. As part of the Art line of lenses, this 135mm f/1.8 is designed for high-resolution rendering, and utilizes FLD and SLD glass to control chromatic aberrations and color fringing for notable clarity.
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BEST COMPACT: Zeiss Batis 135mm F2.8 OSS lens | Price: $1,999
Mid-length telephoto prime designed for full-frame E-mount mirrorless cameras is perfect for portraiture, weddings and travel photography. Characterized as an apochromat, the Sonnar optical design helps to virtually eliminate chromatic aberrations and color fringing, and also benefits overall sharpness and clarity.
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Zeiss Batis 135mm F2.8 + Sony a7RII • 1/60 sec • F5.0 • ISO 100
BEST MANUAL FOCUS: Rokinon 135mm f/2.0 ED UMC E-Mount Lens | Price: $549
Manual focus telephoto prime lens with fast f/2.0 maximum aperture for low light and shallow depth of field control. With a rounded 9-blade diaphragm, shallow depth of field imaging will be rendered with pleasing out-of-focus highlights. Compatible with both full frame and APS-C format mirrorless E mount cameras.
Best 400mm Telephoto Prime:
Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS Lens | Price: $11,998
Sony finally made a FE 400 2.8…and it’s a beaut! Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS is the lightest, sharpest and fastest focusing four-hundred-two-eight ever made thanks to ground-breaking lens design featuring a XD Linear focus motor! The fast 2.8 aperture provides great depth of field control for isolating subjects as well as maximizing performance for low-light shooting situations. Three fluorite elements reduce chromatic aberration and one ED element further increases performance and image quality by reducing flare and ghosting while shooting in harsh conditions. (Full Review)
Compatible with Sony FE 1.4X & 2X Teleconverters which offer the added versatility of a 560mm F4 and 800mm F5.6
Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS + Sony a9 • F2.8 • 1/800 • ISO 800
Best 600mm Telephoto Prime:
Sony FE 600mm F4 G Master OSS Lens | Price: $12,998
This bright aperture super telephoto features lightweight design ideal for sports, news, wildlife, and nature photographers. The f/4 aperture and eleven-blade circular diaphragm provide great depth of field control for isolating subjects, as well as maximizing performance for low-light shooting situations. Three fluorite elements and one XA (extreme aspherical) element reduce chromatic aberration and color bleeding, while two ED (extra-low dispersion) elements and a Nano AR lens coating further increase performance and image quality by reducing flare, ghosting, and spherical aberations in harsh lighting.
Compatible with Sony FE 1.4X & 2X Teleconverters which offer the added versatility of a 840mm F5.6 and 1200mm F8
Sony FE 600mm F4 GM OSS + Sony a9 • F4 • 1/1000 • ISO 200
Sony FE 1.4X & FE 2X Teleconverters ($548 each)
Order FE 1.4X Teleconverter from B&H Photo | Amazon
Order FE 2X Teleconverter from B&H Photo | Amazon
Best Natural Bokeh
BEST IN CLASS: Sony FE 100mm F2.8 STF GM OSS lens | Price: $1,498
Incorporating an apodization lens element to create exceptionally smooth, rounded bokeh while maintaining tack-sharp focus on the subject. This newly designed element nearly eliminates peripheral highlight distortion from vignetting and works with the 11-blade circular aperture to produce pleasing out-of-focus areas. The apodization lens element reduces light transmission to T5.6 when set to the lens’s maximum f/2.8 aperture.
Sony FE 100mm F2.8 STF GM OSS + Sony a7RII • F2.8/T5.6 • 1/20 sec • ISO 100
Best Funky Bokeh
Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Trioplan 100 F2.8 II Lens | Price: $999
Meyer-Optik Gorlitz has announced a modern remake of their cult classic Trioplan 100mm f2.8 known for its dream-like soap bubble ‘bokeh’ effect. The modern remake of the famous lens uses experience and modern technology to emulate this stunning effect more authentically than ever before.
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Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Trioplan 100 F2.8 II
[Please Note: all of these lenses will also work on Sony APS-C E-mount mirrorless cameras including Sony a5000, a5100, a6000, a6100, a6300, a6400, a6500, a6600 & Sony NEX mirrorless cameras.]
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112 thoughts on “Best Fullframe E-mount FE Lenses for Sony Mirrorless Cameras”
The shot with the Batis 135mm shows amazing details and narrow DOF regardless it was made at F5.0, still some people complain that it should be a F2 and not a F2.8.
I have the Samyang and I wonder how it is compared to the Batis in IQ. 135mm is my favourite lens for portaits and I can wait to try the Batis.
For all around lens, the 24-70mm is too short to my like. I wish Sony could have a 24-105mm F4 in FE as they have in E Mount (35mm equiv.) In the meantime I’m happy using a Sigma Art 24-105 F4 with the MC-11, top performer and I even get Eye AF on my A7 (original). What would be next for me? I think a camera body upgrade.
I own the lens you want. It is in the list as well, under tie best bargain. I know some time has passed.
Hi Brian, the PeachPit web site says that discount code has expired
Thanks, I’ll have try to get that restored and let you know when it’s back
I’m told that Discount Code: BRIANSMITH has been restored.
Hi Brian,
Which of these lens would best suit close up water shots of surfing in the tube and also a lens for forest scenes with dappled light .
Either the FE 16-35mm f/4 ZA OSS or the upcoming FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM Lens would be a great choice for that (obviously in a housing when shooting in ther water that is…)
hi Brian ,
Trying to find a good telephoto lens for sony a7r2.
I dont need over 300mm and have read reviews of the ones you have recommended. But I also want to get weight down as well.Sharpness and quality is important …..what are your thoughts because some folks on the web are saying the DXO scores are not reflective of the image quality produced and this is just confusing me.
DxO are the best independent tests out there. You’ll always find people who “know” more than experts, if you know what I mean.
can i use 24-240mm as my ONLY LENS for wedding CINEMATOGRAPHY on sony A7SII.. Do you recommend doing so?
Only if the weddings are in really bright light. The FE 24-105 F4 would be a better choice.
Would the 24-105 f4 be a good choice if I only plan to buy one lens to start with?
(A7III 🙂 )
Absolutely!
It’s just that I’m a little worried about that f4.. like getting photos that have somewhat darker tones and obviously not having the ability to capture fast action.
On the other side, an alternative to that lens that caught my eye would possibly be the 55mm 1.8f. But then again, I’ve never had that experience of shooting with a constant focal length so I’m not sure about that as well.
Would love to hear your take on these doubts 🙂
FE 24-105 F4 G OSS and FE 55 F 1.8 ZA would be a great combination.
Hey Brian,
I just pre-ordered the a7iii and the 24-105. Started to obsess and now thinking the 27-70 GM would be a better investment for my go to lens. Would you agree? If I start there, what would you recommend for wider angle and telephoto on the other end to round out my kit. Additional GMs are not an option, but am open to primes and zoom. I also am intrigued by the new sigma art lenses that were announced.
Brian,
To add on to this… I have two big trips this summer. One an african safari in Kenya and another in Eastern Europe. Trying to dial my kit what that trip in mind is making me anxious as all these awesome full frame lenses are expensive and I don’t want to make a costly mistake. Keeping this in mind as you ponder my first question… in your opinion am I better of investing in the 100-300, 70-200 f.4, or something like the tamron 150-600 w mc-11 adapter. My other option is to rent a zoom, maybe the 100-400 GM. I don’t think I need more than 300 for a Kenyan safari.. as a data point. But… always nice to have extra reach. Would love your thoughts on this. Thanks!
Take the money you saved buying Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS instead of the 24-70 GM and apply it to a FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS. It’s a spectacular lens and much better than any of the 150-600s that are currently available.
Thank you! Love this.
So stick with the 70-105, add the 100-400 GM and that’s a pretty great kit to start. Given this and your comments about the size and heft of the sigmas, (and I know this is a broad question as you don’t know my use case – but I am an avid hobbyist and shooting on travel, adventure trips, and an ongoing student of photography) any other lenses I should be looking at in the future? I am asking now as I feel like having some sort of strategy really helps in not wasting money on these expensive full frame lenses. Thanks again for all your help.
I don’t think you’ll find a 70-105…you might want to go with the FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS 😉
The 24-70 GM has prettier Bokeh but either lens is extremely sharp. If you are traveling you might prefer the Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS for it’s longer range.
Just be aware that Sigma primes are large and heavy because they are designed for DSLRs and modified for mirrorless.
The 24-70 GM has prettier Bokeh but either lens is extremely sharp. If you are traveling you might prefer the Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS for it’s longer range.
Just be aware that Sigma primes are large and heavy because they are designed for DSLRs and modified for mirrorless.
Sorry Brian. Fast fingers. Didn’t mean 70-105. Meant 24-105 f/4. I will keep that as my centerpiece lens with an eye on the 100-400 GM fort my trip. Given that combo, any other lenses I should be eyeing for the future? Maybe 12-24 wide angle or 55 prime?
That’s a great plan.
Thanks so much.
Hi Brian,
About to pull the trigger on this and having some second thoughts. I am concerned that after Africa the 100-400 GM will be too much as something to be in my normal carry quiver and don’t want that. I am now considering the 70-200 GM with either a 1.4 or 2x teleconverter. As I mentioned I have the 24-105 and the 55 1.8 prime. Would that be a good way to get the most economy of my budget and set me up for all sorts of shooting? I was going to also add a Batis 85 but I’m going to hold off on that for now and would like to be pretty set with those 3 lenses for a bit. In addition to Africa I have a trip to europe, other fun summer adventures, and then I will be shooting a rock climbing adventure for a week. I like the idea of a faster lens but I hear so much good about the 100-400 and the sharpness, etc. Am I right in that the size of the two lenses is comprable? Given I can only go one option – for covering Africa but also making sure those dollars serve me best into the future, do you have a sense on what might be the better investment? Body is A7iii if I didn’t mention that already. And I do also have a 6300 body I could attach use for extra reach at any given time… So many thanks in advance. your advice and perspective is truly valuable and appreciated.
Hi Brian … which of the Telephoto Zoom Lens who be the Best for Fast Far Moving Object in the Sky for both Night and Day ? Plz
Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS which also works quite well with the Sony FE 1.4X Teleconverter if you need a bit more reach.
What about the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens ? Plz…
When you said “Far”, I assumed you meant you needed more reach than 200mm, but the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS is also an exceptional lens.
Reason why iam mentioning the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS is for the Night Shots being a f/2.8 which is twice as much Light than the f/4.5 and for more reach would use a Sony FE 1.4X Teleconverter or a Sony FE 2x Teleconverter … which would bring me to 98-280 mm and 140-400mm … but im taking also of Fast Moving Objects at Distances of 10 kms away and above at Night as for Day … without loosing Sharpness and easy to Focus too … what do you think ? Please
Once again, great lens, but when you’re talking 10 KILOMETERS away, you’re probably gonna need a LOT more lens than 200mm, unless those fast moving flying saucers are HUGE!
Ha ha ha … good one, love it … so i understand Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS is the way to go and add the Sony FE 1.4X Teleconverter for more reach … and how would it perform with Sony FE 2.0X Teleconverter ? Plz
A 2X Teleconverter will drop the FE 100-400 down to F11, so unless you’re shooting with a9, that means you’ll only get Contrast AF which won’t fut it for fast moving action.
Thank You so much for your great advice and swift reply … im also interested in the Sony FE 24-240mm f3.5-6.3 OSS lens for its amazing 10x Superzoom and been said on your Website as the Best All-in-One Sony FE Lens … how would it perform in Low Light ( e.g for Astrophotography ) And fast Moving objects ( e.g Planes ( not Flying Saucers lol ) in Airshows ) or even distant moving Objetcs ? Please…
I recommended the lenses that I did for a reason
Hello Brian,
I just ordered the A7S. I’m having trouble finding an appropriate first lens for my set up. I plan to make videos/broadcasts for fashion shows, break dance events, dj nights and concerts; I’m probably asking for too much but I’d love an affordable, sharpest, low light, full frame lens. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a cine, manual or adapted lens using the MC-11 or any other adapter. I plan to shoot fully manual. What would be your top 2 lens (or if you’re feeling generous, top 3). Thanks in advance..
When you say manual focus video, I immediately think of Zeiss Loxia…until you mention affordable… So have a look at Voigtlander.
Voigtlander 40mm f/1.2 Nokton Aspherical and Voigtlander Macro APO-Lanthar 65mm f/2 Aspherical Lens are both on the upper range of ‘affordable’ but they’re worth every penny. You’ll probably eventually want something in the 21-28mm range, but that’s a great start.
Thank you Brian. So, which Zeiss Loxia len(s) would you recommend; just in case I decided to save up for one or even rent one?
Zeiss Loxia 21mm f/2.8 Distagon T* Lens, Zeiss Loxia 35mm f/2 Biogon T* Lens & Zeiss Loxia 50mm f/2 Planar T* Lens are all exceptional manual focus lenses.
I’m less fond of the Zeiss Loxia 85mm f/2.4 Sonnar T* Lens because I consider the stop-faster and equally sharp Sony FE 85mm F1.8 a better lens that also happens to be half the price.
Thank you Brian
Hey Brian, doing a little reading and wondering; for my video purposes, how do the loxia you suggested above compare to the sony ZA 50 f1.4 in terms of low light sharpness (probably stopped down to 2.8)?
Both are excellent lenses but you said you wanted manual focus.
The Sharpest image (edge to edge) in low light is my main concern. I added manual or cine in my query coz I’m under the impression they could be sharper; I’m probably wrong about that coz I’m still a newbie to this; but at the moment ‘the sharpest’ is my first concern; whether manual or autofocus
For video, any of these lenses are excellent in that respect.
In Low Light Conditions which of the Sony FE Telephoto Lenses are to Choose : for Pictures ? Which One for Videos ? And which One for Both ? Please …
Maybe you need to read this: Best Fullframe E-mount FE Lenses for Sony Mirrorless Cameras
Well with Your Expertise Brian which TELEPHOTO Lens would you Advise for Shooting OUTDOORS in Low Light Conditions ? Please …
Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens
Hi Brian … i finally bought the Sony FE 100-400mm GM Lens as per your recommendation… thank You so much for that … i remember you mentioned that with the 2X Teleconverter it will drop the FE 100-400 down to F11, unless shooting with the Sony A9, that means i will only get Contrast AF which won’t fut it for fast moving action…
Will the same combo on a Sony A7S be OK for Aviation Photography Air Shots of e.g Fighter Jets ??? Please
No. A7S is Contrast AF only.
And with the SEL14TC (1.4x ) will it be Working fine ? Please
Which camera? You mentioned a7S before. It doesn’t have Phase Detection AF.
Yes Brian , Sony A7S … So , which Full Frame E-Mount Camera with Fast Auto Focus and high fps would you Recommend me to be the perfect Combination with the Sony FE 100-400mm GM for Aviation Photography , fast Fighter Jets ? Please
Sony a7S (and a7S II) will always be limited due to lack of Phase Detection AF, but Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS Len is a great lens.
Thank You for the reply … good to know.
As i asked You, which Full Frame E-Mount Camera with Fast Auto Focus and high fps would you Recommend me to be the perfect Combination with the Sony FE 100-400mm GM for Aviation Photography , fast Fighter Jets ? Please
Sony a9 would be the fastest at 20 FPS with Phase Detection AF to F11.
Sony a7 III & a7R III will give you 10 FPS with Phase Detection AF to F8.
Thank You heaps Brian , really appreciated … cheers
Just got a new A73 with FE 28 F2. First FF camera!
I mostly shoot landscapes and mountains and the occasional casual portraits of friends. If I only want one more lens for telephoto would you choose the FE 85 F1.8 or the 70-300 G?
I loved my 50mm on Canon crop for low light and portraits but I can only afford one non wide angle lens. I’m afraid despite loving primes that I’m going to miss out on mountain compression without a long zoom.
That kind of like asking should I buy a sports car or a SUV.
Those are both excellent lenses but totally different.
Hi Brian,
I am after a Sony lens mainly for birthday parties and weddings. My body is A7iii.
I already got 16-70mm F4. its not that bad but I need a better lens.
I prefer with a zoom but someone said, get a prime and Gimbal and move instead of standing and shoot! That’s not a bad idea though.
I also seen a
Sony E PZ 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS Lens, Mount E mount BUT the down fall is cropped sensor as what I’ve got already.
please light up my buying guide with reasons 🙂
The E 16-70 F4 is also an APS-C crop lens. You’ll want to stick to lenses on this list.
A great prime lens for gimbals is Sony FE 28 F2.0
Hi Brian … is a Sony Alpha 9 II going to be Released very Soon ? Please
I have no idea, but it seems a bit soon for that. I’d expect one closer to the 2020 Olympics…
I’m really in between the A7 III and the A9 but the A9 Price is X2 the Price of the A7 III … and on the other side the Zero Blackout , 20 fps of the A9 is OUTSTANDING for Aviation Photography… is the A9 rwally worth it ? what would you advise ? Please
Will 10 FPS fulfill your needs or is 20 FPS valuable to what you shoot?
Having a Zero-blackout at 20fps is such an Amazing thing … already got a Canon 7D Mark II APS-C with 10fps …
Hello Brian, I just made a contribution to my nephew so he could buy a used Sony A7ll for Christmas. He shoots mostly motocross sports and he is looking for a telephoto lens with a low aperture for that creamy bokeh effect. Of course, the Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS lens would do the trick but at $12,000 it’s way out of our budgets. Is there a third party equivalent telephoto lens that is much cheaper? Your help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. – Uncle David.
Dear Uncle Dave,
Any 400 2.8 lenses will be in the $10K + price range. I’m hoping that Sony will release a FE 400 F4 G to offer a moderately priced alternative – a stop slower but likely half the price. Until they do, the best option is adapting a Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM Lens using either Metabones T Smart Adapter V or Sigma MC-11 – not as fast as Native AF – but not bad for predictable motion like motocross.
Hi Brian, a little question here from a Uni Student in Singapore.
Currently I am using Sony A7 iii with Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 and I am looking for a telephoto zoom lens to shoot for indoor sports with poor lighting. However, I am still on budget (sadly). Then I saw this review on Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 Sport EF mount + MC 11 adapter in Sony A7 iii too. However I am a little bit concerned about the auto focus, especially for fast moving subject.
Are there anything that you can recommend me on what to do next? Should I buy the Sony 70-200mm f4? Or save up for the f2.8 GM?
For wide lens, I am thinking on buying Laowa 15mm f2 Zero-D, as I like to take astrophotography. However, if there are better lens for it. Please, don’t hesitate to tell me.
Thanks, hoping for your fast reply
I know quite a few people who had very good results the Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G OSS before the FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens was released, but my suggestion is to save up for GM. It’s an incredible lens! Adapted glass just won’t match the performance of native when it comes to AF speed.
Venus Optics Laowa 15mm f/2 FE Zero-D Lens is a great lens for astrophotography.
Is there a downside to buying a full frame camera but using a non full frame lense?
You’d be throwing away over half the pixels – 2.36x to be exact.
I don’t advise using APS-C crop mode except in certain cases with video.
Hey , I was just wondering how is 70-210mm lens with Sony a6000 for travel / wildlife Photography. I am completely novice and do not want to spend a lot of money . Please suggest.
70-210mm lens? Are you referring to one of the two FE 70-200mm lenses?
Hi Brian;
Greatly appreciate the time you take to respond to these posts!
I’m about to purchase a new camera. Was torn between A7riii and A9. Leaning toward A7riii for the megapixels because I love the detail and ability to blow up photos for framing…..I have 3 young kids; so I’ll be photographing them in sports and outdoors frequently. We also really enjoy hiking and camping so I plan on taking a lot of outdoor landscape photos. Which camera do you think is the best fit for me and what lens(s) Would be the best starters for my purposes. I prefer buying top quality and tend to shy away from the jack of all trades,master of none.
Thank you!
If landscapes is your main objective, you can’t beat the Sony a7R III for resolution and overall performance. for people, Sony a9 has an edge thanks to it’s unmatched AF system. It just depends which is most of your shooting.
As for lenses, I alway suggest starting with a mid-range zoom like the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM or FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS
Thanks for all of the hard work. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the new 600mm lenses.
Hi Brian. I have the A7III and the Sony 24-104 F4 G lens. I am still a novice but looking forward learning over time. I am going on a 4 day photography course in Canada. We will be doing combo of landscape, wildlife and some night. I am considering the Zeis batia 18 mm f2.8. In addition for telephoto I may try to rent the Sony FE 100-400 or the FE 200-600. Does this group of lenses sound good and would you choose the 100-400 or 200-600 if I can’t find either to borrow? I am I off base ? Thanks.
That sounds like a great plan!
Hi Brian,
I’m an one year beginner in photography.
I love street photography and portrait photography in natural looking.
I own a7iii and 55mmf1.8 za.
I’m planning to buy 24mmf1.4 gm and 135mmf1.8 gm.
Let me hear any suggestions on pairing these lens.
Thanks a lot for your time and reply.
Those are three of my favorite lenses.
Hello Briam. I´m goin to buy a Sony A7 III very soon. I want a lens for indoor sports, that be fast in the focus, and also light to take to travels. I´ve read lots of great reviews about the Tamron 28-75 mm 2.8f, the Sony 24-105 mm 4f, or if i get the usual A7 III kit (with the 28-70) and later I buy the 1.8f 85 mm to take indoor sports where i use iso around 3200. Please help me!
Thanks!
I’d put the FE 85mm F1.8 at the very top of your list. It’s an excellent lens for the uses you describe.
Hi Brian. I just bought a Sony A7iii and so far I have the Sony FE 16-35 f4 (mainly for real estate) and the Sony FE 24-105 f4 (for traveling to make cinematic videos and pictures) I don’t know if that lens will be good enough for hand held low light situations when I travel. What would you recommend I buy mainly for low light photography? Sony 24mm 1.4, Sony 35mm 1.4, or the Sony 55mm 1.8? Or is the 24-105 f4 good enough in night street photography that I should invest in a Sony 70-200 f4 instead? Please help.. Thank you!
My hands down choice for low-light street photography is the Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM – an absolute jewel of a lens!
As for 24-105 F4 vs 70-200 F4 – they’re basically equal in low light and image quality – just very different focal ranges. Both are good compact choices for what they are.
What would you recommend for a tilt and shift lens for so y A7R IV?
Hi Jenny, the best option is to adapt Canon TS-E lenses.
Don’t even consider Nikon PC-E lenses – they won’t adapt.
Hi Brian,
I have:
16-35mm 2.8 GM
24-70mm 2.8 GM
35mm 2.8 zeiss
85mm 1.8 sony
I love my zooms but find them a little too heavy. I want the best IQ and if possible portability, but IQ is my most important factor.
Which lens would you sell and which would you buy?
My camera is Sony A7Riii.
Those are all really great choices. What to add really depends how you shoot but since you don’t have anything over 85mm, I’d be inclined to add a longer prime.
There are two great FE 135mm primes to choose from. My choice would be the Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM which is easily the sharpest lens I’ve ever owned all the way down to its minimum focus distance thanks to its floating focus system which moves to focus groups independently. However, if weight & size is your primary concern you could go with the Zeiss Batis 135mm f/2.8. I think you’ll be happy either way.
Hi Brian,
I just recently made a switch to Sony and would like to build my 3 lens setup. I like doing portrait photography and macro the most, then some landscape and street. I was initially thinking of the 24GM, 85GM and 90 macro combo.. or the 24GM, 55 1.8 and 90 macro combo or 24GM, 90 macro and 135GM combo. It’s so hard to make a choice. I would like something that I can use not only as a portrait setup but also for landscape and street and some other things as well.
You mentioned that the 24-70GM and 85GM covers 99% of a portrait photographers needs. What would be the 3rd lens in this combo?
Thank You Brian
First off, I like your plan. I’d take three great lenses over 10 average quality lenses all day, every day.
Let’s start with the essential buiding block – a wide to tele zoom. Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM is the perfect lens to build upon as it’s perfect for everything from wide environmental portraits (basically landscapes with a person) to full-length and half-body portraits that I generally shoot in the 45-55mm range to tight intimate portraits at 70mm.
Next, Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM and FE 90 F2.8 Macro G OSS are both exceptional lenses, but only going to own three lenses I wouldn’t double down on the 85-90mm focal range. Since you mentioned you like to shoot macro, the exceptionally sharp 90mm Macro is a great way to go.
For the final lens, let’s go with the FE 135mm F1.8 GM. Not only is it one of the sharpest lenses ever made, it extends your focal range as far as you ever really need for portraits. Thanks to it’s F1.8 aperture it offers better low-light performance than either of the other two lenses. Finally it’s extremely sharp at minimum focus thanks to dual floating focus groups which also provide extremely responsive Eye AF.
Thank You Brian for your recommendation 🙂
I was thinking the same thing because the 85 and 90 are essentially almost the same focal length so it would be almost as if the photos were shot on the same lens, in a way. I like that setup. 24-70 2.8, 90 2.8 macro and 135 1.8 I think I’ll go for that. Thanks Brian!
I’ll see you at Kando Everywhere!
Chris
I have A7R III
Sony 70 -200 GM
Sony 135 1.8 GM
Sony 85 1.4 GM
Sony 50 1.4
Sony 24 1.4 GM
Sigma 35 1.2
For Portrait
New at7III owner and building lens group. Mostly landscape and backpacking with occassional indoor sports and portrait work.
have:
venus optics laowa 15m f2.0 fpr astro – early am late pm backpacking
Sony 85mm f 1.8 for portrait and indoor sports
buying – general walk around lenses
– either tamron 17-28 f 28 or sony 16-35 f4 ?? – generally keep a wide on camera when hiking – also the party/wedding lens = thoughts?? .
– either sony 24-105 f4 or tamron 28-75 f2.8 ?? – generally use something like this for everyday and city travel – thoughts
That leave long wildlife lens and i’m stuck – tamron 70-180 f2.8, sony 70-200 f4, sigma 100-400 f5-6.3 or just a long prime to save wight like a sigma 135 f 1.8
Any help narrowing choices is appreciated. thanks = jol
I like your first two lenses, so you’re off to a good start.
As for Hiking & Party/Wedding I have to give you different answers.
For Hiking, 28mm is not wide enough. I’d much rather go with the Sony FE 16-35mm f/4 ZA OSS.
But for Parties & Weddings I’d rather have a F2.8 like the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III RXD.
There’s not a huge overlap between then (28-35mm) so I could definitely imagine eventually owning both – but you don’t have to buy both now. Start with the one you need most.
As for wildlife – 400mm is an absolute minimum and the ability to add a 1.4 TC is even better. Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS is one of my absolute favorite lenses – but it’s not cheap. Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary Lens for Sony E is a cheaper way to play that. It lacks the extremely responsive dual linear AF groups that FE 100-400 GM make the G Master best-in-class (Sigma opts for a cheaper single rotational stepping motor instead) and it’s 1/3 stop slower, but it gets you in that range for a lower price.
Thank you so much – lloks like a decent set.
venus optics laowa 15m f2.0
sony 16-35 f4
tamron 28-75 f2.8
Sony 85mm f 1.8
sigma 100-400 f5-6.3
First upgrade would be telephoto,, then faster ultra wide
Thanks again for your thoughts/ JOL
You’re welcome.
Good afternoon Brian.
Thanks for your help and comments overall. Appreciate it.
I am actually quite new to full frame just upgrade from a6400 to A7C. My only lens is the Sony 85mm 1.8, as love to do portrait and the bokeh is amazing.
Thinking on my next lens I have doubts whether fixed or Standard.
My main goal is to have superb quality image, as I am using for travelling was thinking to have a standard one which can give me more range. I do love macro/detail photography and landscape and architecture is secondary.
My thinking after reading all the above is the Sony 24-70 f/2.8 (don’t mind too much the price as long is worth it) but any help/advice would be much appreciate it.
PD. I am not a photographer, just a traveler who enjoys photography 🙂
Sony FE 24-70 F2.8 GM is a Spectacular lens! It often the one lens that I’ll take with me for a day of shooting. While it’s not tiny, having a single lens that’s tack sharp with that beautiful bokeh makes it my favorite lens.
Hi Brian,
Hoping you can recommend a few good lenses for shooting video, mostly 3 light interviews. I have the A7iii and A9 and have been using a Sony 85 1.8 along with the Tamron 17-28 2.8. Also own Sony 70-200 2.8, 90mm macro and Tamron 28-75 2.8. Considering adding the Sony 55mm 1.8 or one of the Tamron primes. Any thoughts appreciated.
Hey Doug,
If you didn’t already have one, Sony FE 85mm F1.8 would be one of my top recommendations, so let’s start there. When using that lens do you wish you had a slightly wider option? If so,the FE 55mm F1.8 ZA is a great choice. On the other hand if you wish you had something longer for a tighter shot, the Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM is an exceptional lens.
Brian, your thoughts on using the Sony 24-105 mm 4f for 3 light interviews. How would the video quality compare to the Sony FE 85 or FE 55 that you mentioned above?
The obvious upside to Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS is that it offers a wide range of framing options. The downside is that the max aperture is limited to F4 so you would be able to match the limited depth of field and bokeh possible with a faster aperture prime.
I’m considering either the FE 200-600 or the FE 100-400 GM (with 1.4 TC to get that extra reach) – which would you recommend with an a9 camera?
Either is a great choice. If you really want it for the long end and compact size is not an issue – go with FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS. Its fixed length offers better balance when shooting at the long end.
On the other hand, if you want a smaller lens for travel and shoot mostly in the 100-400mm range but simply want the option of extending to 560mm when you need to – the FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS + FE 1.4X Teleconverter is a great choice.
Thank you so much for taking the time to reply Brian. Very helpful. And I’ll go for the FE 100-400mm! 😉
You’re most welcome, Leanne. That’s the route I went largely because I already owned the FE 100-400mm GM & FE TC 1.4 before the FE 200-600 was announced. You should be very happy with that combination
Hello Brian,
I do not see the new Sigma 28-70 in your list. Wanted to see how would you compare the Sigma 28-70 vs the Tamron 28-75mm and which of the two you would recommend.
Thanks
Hello Eugene,
Tamron has improved greatly their build quality in recent years and Sigma has finally gotten away from making lenses as heavy as boat anchors so both the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III RXD & Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN are a good choice in the budget category. I’d lean toward the Sigma.
Hi Brian,
Hoping you could help me with a recommendation for lenses. I recently got an A7C and mostly shoot landscapes when hiking or backpacking and street when traveling. I was thinking of the Sony FE 40mm F2.5 G. What do you think?
Hello Brandon, yes FE 40mm F2.5 G in an excellent lens and it’s perfectly suited for a7C.