The best lenses for Sony cameras capture stunning images. As of 2024, the market has a wide array of lenses designed for the company’s mirrorless cameras. Whether you are a professional photographer or a hobbyist, these lenses offer exceptional quality, versatility, and performance. From standard zoom lenses to telephoto options, the choices are abundant, allowing photographers to elevate their craft and achieve outstanding results.
This article lists the five best lenses for Sony cameras. It considers factors like versatility, image quality, performance, and budget to cater to a range of photographic needs and aspirations.
Note: This list is subjective and solely reflects the opinions of the writer
A look at the 5 best lenses for Sony cameras in 2024
1) Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8
The Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 is a versatile and high-quality standard zoom lens. It features a 24-70mm focal range, f/2.8 aperture, G Master optics, Direct Drive SSM (DDSSM), fast autofocus, as well as dust and moisture resistance.
The Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 is suitable for various photography styles. It is an excellent choice for those who want a reliable and versatile lens for their full-frame Sony camera. Its unmatched aperture range, G Master build, and versatility make it one of the best lenses for Sony cameras.
Ideal Use: Professionals or serious enthusiasts seeking top-tier quality and flexibility.
Pros:
- Unmatched versatility for landscapes, portraits, street photography, and travel
- Exceptional sharpness and low-light performance
- Bokeh is smooth and pleasing
Cons:
- Has a relatively bulky build
- More expensive than some standard zooms
You can buy the lens here.
2) Sony 12-24mm F2.8
The Sony 12-24mm F2.8 is an ultra-wide zoom lens and is ideal for capturing expansive landscapes, architectural details, and night sky photography. It is one of the best lenses for Sony cameras as it offers a wide focal length range and a fast and constant F2.8 aperture. Its high-quality optics ensure sharp and vibrant images, making it a worthy addition to any camera kit.
The Sony 12-24mm F2.8 features an ultra-wide 12-24mm focal range, constant f/2.8 aperture, G Master optics, Nano AR coating, and advanced autofocus.
Ideal Use: Capturing expansive landscapes or architectural interiors. Perfect for professionals and enthusiasts exploring ultra-wide possibilities.
Pros:
- Breathtaking landscapes, astrophotography, architectural details
- Exceptional sharpness and minimal distortion
- Fast aperture excels in low light
Cons:
- Relatively heavy and on the expensive side
- Has a limited zoom range.
You can buy the lens here.
3) Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM E Mount
The Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM E Mount, designed specifically for portrait photography, is one of the best lenses for Sony cameras. Its fast and wide F1.4 aperture allows for dreamlike bokeh and sharp focus on the subject, making it an ideal choice for capturing stunning portraits and headshots.
The Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM E Mount features an 85mm focal length, f/1.4 aperture, G Master optics, fast autofocus, and smooth bokeh control.
Ideal Use: Portraiture, weddings, fashion photography.
Pros:
- Unrivaled sharpness and creamy bokeh for stunning portraits
- Offers excellent low-light performance
- Focus peaking feature simplifies manual focusing
Cons:
- On the pricey side
- Its limited focal length makes it less versatile
You can buy the lens here.
4) Sony E 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 G OSS
The Sony E 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 G OSS is one of the best lenses for Sony cameras in the telephoto segment. It offers a long focal length range and Optical SteadyShot image stabilization, making it an excellent choice for capturing distant subjects. It offers great value for its price range.
The Sony E 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 G OSS features a 70-350mm focal range and Optical SteadyShot image stabilization. It is lightweight, compact, and affordable.
Ideal Use: Nature photography, sporting events, and general telephoto versatility on a budget.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly telephoto reach for wildlife, sports, and events
- It's image stabilization minimizes camera shake
- Has a compact and portable build
Cons:
- The variable aperture limits low-light performance
- Not as sharp as higher-end telephoto lenses
You can buy the lens here.
5) Sony E 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 OSS
The Sony E 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 OSS is a versatile standard zoom lens that offers a wide focal length range and Optical SteadyShot image stabilization. Its versatility, compact size, and affordability make it one of the best lenses for Sony cameras. It is ideal for travel and everyday photography, allowing photographers to capture a variety of scenes and subjects with ease.
The Sony E 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 OSS features an 18-135mm focal range and Optical SteadyShot image stabilization.
Ideal Use: Landscapes, cityscapes, portraits. Perfect for beginners and casual photographers seeking an all-in-one solution.
Pros:
- Offers a wide range from wide-angle to telephoto
- Has a compact build and is easy to carry
- Image stabilization offers shake-free images
Cons:
- Has a variable aperture that limits low-light performance
- Not as sharp as prime lenses
You can buy the lens here.
Things to consider before buying:
Before exploring specific lenses, it's crucial to remember that the "best" lens is subjective, depending on your individual needs and photographic goals. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
Sensor format: Sony offers lenses for both full-frame and APS-C cameras. Make sure the lens you choose is compatible with your camera's sensor size.
Budget: Lenses range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. Determine your budget and prioritize features accordingly.
Genre: Look into different genres like landscape, portraiture, and wildlife. Know which one you enjoy most and choose your lens accordingly.
Aperture: A wider aperture (lower f-stop) allows more light in, producing a shallower depth of field and better low-light performance.
Image stabilization: This feature minimizes camera shake for sharper images, especially at slower shutter speeds.
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