In a short time, best Sony lenses have also come to be thought of as some of the best you can buy. Most of the time, Sony’s G Master lenses, which are big, beautiful, and pricey, are the best. There are a lot of options for photographers and videographers who want camera lenses that are lighter, smaller, or just not as expensive. Many of these optics are so good on their own that they can really compete with Sony’s G Master optics.
The best Sony lenses aren’t just made for Sony’s full-frame models, which are some of the best cameras for professionals. There are also a number of great lenses for Sony’s wide range of APS-C models, which are more for hobbyists and enthusiasts, like the Sony A6400 or the Sony ZV-E10 vlogging camera. And don’t forget that you can also use full-frame E-mount lenses on APS-C models. This is often the best option for telephoto, macro, and other lenses with a longer focal length. Below we have mentioned some of the best Sony lenses.
Best Sony Lenses
Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM
Specifications
Focal length | 24mm (36mm APS-C) |
Maximum aperture | f/1.4 |
Aperture blades | 11 |
Weather seals | Yes |
Sony’s newest wide-angle prime lens is the FE 24mm f/1.4 GM. It is also the company’s eighth high-end G Master lens. Sony made the lens with four important things in mind: resolution, bokeh, speed, and a small, light design. It doesn’t disappoint. The image quality is amazing, with best Sony lenses all over the frame. The 11-blade circular aperture makes bokeh that looks smooth and natural.
The Direct Drive SSM (DDSSM) makes it easy to focus quickly, and it only weighs 445g (15.7oz). That’s a lot lighter than the Canon 24mm f/1.4 (650g or 22.9oz), the Nikon 24mm f/1.4 (620g or 21.9oz), and the Sigma 24mm f/1.4 (665g or 23.5oz). The only real problem is that it costs a lot.
Pros
- Excellent image quality
- Beautiful bokeh
Cons
- Expensive
- Not much else
Sony FE 70-200mm f2.8 G Master OSS II
Specifications
Focal length | 77mm |
Lens Type | Telephoto |
Maximum aperture | f/1.4 |
Minimum focus distance | 0.4-0.82m |
Maximum Focal Length | 200 |
The Sony FE 70-200mm f2.8 G Master OSS II is the second generation of the company’s 70-200mm f2.8 lens. At 1045g, it is the lightest 70-200mm f2.8 lens for any system. It is also very sharp all the way through the zoom range, making it a great choice for anyone who wants a flexible zoom lens. The lens has a quick focus and direct aperture control, making it easy to use and always giving great results. So, if you want one of the best Sony lenses, we highly recommend this product.
Pros
- Very light for a 70-200mm
- Excellent sharpness
- Fast, reliable autofocus
Cons
- Some corner softness at 200mm
Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 Specs
Specifications
Focal length | 77mm |
Lens Type | Telephoto |
Aperture Range | f/1.8 to f/22 |
Minimum focus distance | 1.48’ / 45 cm |
Angle of view | 47° |
The lens cap isn’t very sturdy, and the plastic spring mechanism on mine broke after less than six months. So, it doesn’t hold on to the front of my lens any more. You’ll also find a plastic lens hood that clicks into place inside the box. Everything but the glass and the metal bayonet is made of plastic, and the lens fits smoothly onto the camera without being too tight or too loose, which is often the case with low-quality third-party glass. Overall, it is one of the best Sony lenses that you can buy.
As with most lenses made on a tight budget, the only smooth part is the focusing ring, which may be a little light for some people’s tastes. Since the focus ring is electronic instead of mechanical, it has a different feel. To keep costs low, there is no AF/MF button, no aperture ring or customizable ring, and no customizable button.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Compact
- Very affordable
Cons
- Budget feel
- Spherochromatic aberration can be pronounced when shooting wide open
- No bayonet gasket for keeping dust and moisture away from the sensor
Samyang AF 24-70mm F2.8 FE
Specifications
Lens construction | 17 elements in 14 groups |
Diaphragm blades | 9 |
Maximum magnification ratio | 0.1-0.27x |
Minimum focusing distance | 0.35m |
The Samyang AF 24-70mm F2.8 FE, which is also labelled as a “Rokinon,” is the best Sony lenses that the company has ever made. However, the company has hit the ground running. It has a constant aperture and a range of focal lengths that are typical of a “trinity” standard zoom.
It was made for Sony E-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras, but it also works well on APS-C format bodies and has an effective zoom range of 36-105mm. Still, it’s big and weighs just over a kilogramme, which makes it a bit heavy compared to Sony’s smaller cameras. Any way you look at it, this Samyang lens is just as good as the excellent Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master zoom, but it costs only half as much.
Pros
- Impressive performance
- Robust weather-sealed build
- Half the price of Sony’s competitor
Cons
- No optical stabilization
- Fairly stiff zoom ring
- Typically chunky and weighty
Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G
Specifications
Lens construction | 17 elements in 14 groups |
Diaphragm blades | 9 |
Maximum magnification ratio | 0.1-0.27x |
Minimum focusing distance | 0.3-0.25m |
The Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G is a standard zoom lens with an unusually wide field of view at its widest end. This gives the user a little more range than they’d get from a standard 24-70mm. Sony says it’s a good choice for vloggers and videographers, which is something they say about almost everything they make these days.
They also say it’s a good choice for landscape photographers who don’t want to carry too much gear. It makes a good case for itself in this area because it is very sharp and can be used in any weather. Even up close, they do a great job. Currently, this is one of the best Sony lenses that you can buy right now.
Pros
- Extended wideangle range
- Very good close up
- Edge-to-edge sharpness
Cons
- Very expensive
- And there are plenty of cheaper options for this range
FAQs
What is the sharpest Sony lens?
The Sony FE 50mm F1.2 G Master is the brightest prime lens for Sony E-Mount cameras. Sony fans have been asking for a lens brighter than F1.4, and the Sony FE 50mm F1.2 G Master is the answer. Even with the aperture set to f1.2, the lens is very sharp and has very little chromatic aberration.
What is the most versatile Sony lens?
Sony 24-105mm F4 G Lens: If you don’t mind the slower F4 aperture, the Sony 24-105mm F4 G lens is the best all-purpose lens you can get for your Sony camera.
What is the fastest Sony GM lens?
Sony’s 50mm F1.2 GM lens is the fastest prime lens that the company has ever made. With the amazing F1.2 aperture, you can take sharp pictures even when there isn’t a lot of light.