Best Sony E Mount Lenses – Prime, Telephoto, Macro & More
The Sony APS-C mirrorless cameras are among the best on the market. They're small, but they're packed with innovative features like 4K video, fast burst speeds, and autofocus frameworks that will test any compatible lens. Also, they come with a collection of kit lenses that are suitable for casual photography.
Nonetheless, since Sony E-mount lenses are cost-efficient, lightweight, and compact than their FE counterparts, investing in the best Sony e mount lenses based on the kind of work you do most often can yield better results. Plus, some of them are much sharper than others since they're made especially for E-mount cameras.
But, since there are so many options, I've narrowed it down to the ten best Sony e mount lenses to save you time. I've even included everything from wide-angle to telephoto and everything in between. Besides, I've chosen such lenses in this buying guide that provide the best blend of functioning and value for each type of lens, as well as other options for those on a budget or without one.
TOP BEST SONY E MOUNT LENSES
10 BEST SONY E MOUNT LENSES REVIEW
Best Sony e mount Prime lenses
1.SONY FE 24MM F1.4 GM - BEST SONY E MOUNT WIDE ANGLE LENS
PRODUCT DETAILS:
The FE 24mm f / 1.4 GM from Sony's G Master range brings together all of the brand's technical know-how autofocus motor, high-end optical construction, and above all, great lightness. It shows how Sony can produce quality optics without the help of the Zeiss optician. I save you the suspense: this goal is one of those that marked me the most! Whether portrait in landscape or astrophotography, it works miracles.
Design:
Like all GM lenses, it arrives in a black box and a bag with a strap. Remarkably compact, this Sony FE 24mm is composed of 11 elements, including 2 XA elements. Starting from the left, you first have the ring that adjusts the aperture. It can be clickable or not, thanks to the on-off button on the side.
You also have another customizable button on which you will put the function of your choice (the detection of the eyes most often). There is also the button that is used to activate or deactivate the autofocus. The focus ring is smooth and linear: it's perfect for shooting video.
This FE 24mm is compatible with filters with a diameter of 67mm, and its minimum focusing distance is 24mm. Obviously, this is a tropicalized lens. And his weight? It is very compact and weighs only 445 grams. Once it's on the case of your Sony hybrid, you quickly forget it.
In short, it is a complete lens on all of its technical characteristics. Everything is there to make it a top-of-the-range focal length, which justifies its price.
Performance
I have tested this Lens with all my Sony hybrids: the A7III, A7R III, and A7R IV. Whatever the resolution of the sensor, it responds present and is particularly effective. This proves that its optical design has no flaws! It has overcome many challenges, while other objectives cannot.
From f / 1.4, the sharpness is already outstanding, no matter where you look in the image. And that is really rare on an f / 1.4 lens! Having a full-frame and a usable 1.4 aperture had never happened to me before.
It offers a high-performance fixed focal length in all situations. In the field, you will enjoy yourself with the Sony FE 24mm: landscape, astrophotography, portrait, fireworks… it can do it all! If you like to do astrophotography, this Lens is definitely for you. Even at f / 1.4, it masters all the optical flaws that most lenses can't control. It does not have a coma or astigmatism, and the stars are not distorted. Until now, I had never seen such performances in astrophotography.
The bokeh is very soft, and you can forget it. The Lens just separates its subject from the background. The sharpness is always exceptional, even at f1.4 on 45 Mpx. As for the autofocus, it reacts very well and has never disappointed me. Very responsive, it is perfect for photos taken on the spot.
WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS LENS:
2.SONY SEL35F18 35MM F/1.8 - BEST SONY FULL FRAME E MOUNT LENS
PRODUCT DETAILS:
The SEL35F18 35mm f/1.8 is a lightweight standard prime lens with an aluminum outer shell and a plastic inner casing that houses the Lens's components. The outermost glass is protected by front and rear caps and a petal-shaped hood that attaches in seconds. Its single focus ring is also large enough for a secure grip and responds to shifts in rotation speed.
Furthermore, Sony has equipped the Lens with Optical Steady Shot stabilization, compensating for three stops in the field, while the autofocus motor ensures silent operation. Moreover, its f value of 1.8 allows you to shoot long exposures and operate in conditions that would be too dark for other lenses. Shooting at high apertures often results in a shallow depth of field, which is a nice bonus.
Finally, the Lens excels at bringing a subject into sharp focus and isolating it from its surroundings. Besides this, the large aperture accommodates rapid shutter speeds, making it ideal for portraits, products, and even sports photography.
WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS LENS:
3.SONY SEL85F18 85MM F/1.8-22 - BEST SONY E MOUNT PORTRAIT LENS
PRODUCT DETAILS:
Another contender to the list of best Sony e mount lenses is this Sony's FE 85mm f/1.8 lens, a stylish short-telephoto lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras with the E-mount. The bright f/1.8 - maximum aperture makes it ideal for low-light photography and allows to get a lot of depth of field adjustment when using selective focus techniques.
The nine-element, eight-group lens structure utilizes one extra LD function to diminish chromatic aberrations and color fringes for enhanced transparency and color fidelity. Plus, a plain, intuitive physical interface with a customizable focus hold button and a physical AF/MF switch complements the optical design.
Moreover, its double linear AF motor provides fast, quiet, and smooth autofocus output, as well as snappy manual focus performance for fine-tuned control. Finally, for added safety, the Lens is designed to be dust and moisture-resistant.
Plus, the prime portrait-length Lens is optimized for Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras, but it can also be used on APS-C cameras, providing a 127.5mm equivalent focal length.
WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS LENS:
BEST SONY E MOUNT MACRO LENS
4. SONY SEL30M35 30MM F/3.5 LENS - BEST SONY APS-C MACRO LENS
PRODUCT DETAILS:
The Sony E 30mm F3.5 Macro lens is a lightweight and inexpensive Lens that is easy to carry around when recording videos and images. It can concentrate on subjects that are almost touching the front glass, thus, creating a spectacular life-size macro effect. Also, it's a good match for Sony mirrorless cameras, and if you're looking for a versatile lens that can focus tight, then this Lens is a decent option for you.
Design
The Lens is designed to work with APS-C format E-mount cameras. This sony 30mm Lens is a Compact and lightweight macro lens with superb image quality. This Lens is manufactured with an excellent build quality using light metal and good quality plastic.
It might look similar to SEL50F18, but comparatively, it is much lighter. To be more specific, it will be the lightest macro Lens you could find on the market (138g). And the whole camera (NEX-5, NEX-7) is well balanced with this Lens.
The aperture range from f/3.5 to f/22 allows you to work with a wide range of shooting situations and offer the photographers to get better control over the depth of field.
It has an internal focusing system, helps in fast autofocusing speeds, and prevents the Lens's overall length from protruding or rotating during the focusing. The 9.5cm Quality optics with aspherical lenses and ED glass lenses provide exceptional sharpness and clarity at all aperture and focus settings. Overall, the build quality of the Sony SEL30M35 30mm f/3.5 Lens is pretty good.
Performance
Despite being 2.2 by 2.4 inches, it only weighs 4.9 ounces. The outer barrel is made of lightweight metal material and is coated in silver, whereas a front filter line assists its 49mm filters. Moreover, the lens caps for the front and back lenses are also included. The hood is very compact, with a flat design that keeps your fingers and other stray items out of the way of the front window.
While on an APS-C camera, the E 30mm Lens captivates a typical angle, roughly identical to a 45mm Lens ascended to a full-frame body. Also, it's a good choice for general photography because it's long enough to separate subjects but wide enough to capture everyday moments.
It can also be used with a Sony full-frame sensor, and when you do so, you have the option of automatically cropping the full-format sensor to APS-C dimensions, decreasing your camera's working resolution. Lastly, this E 30mm F3.5 Macro proves to be the best Sony e mount lens, particularly if you're on a limited budget.
Plus, it concentrates close enough to evade overshadowing your subject and offers genuine life-size magnification at its nearest focus distance. Also, it's compact and one of the most affordable lenses for the Sony system.
WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS LENS:
BEST STANDARD SONY E MOUNT LENSES
5. SONY FE 50MM F/1.8 - best STANDARD lens for night photography
PRODUCT DETAILS:
The Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 Lens is generally one of the cheapest lenses in the manufacturers' catalog and is a great addition to the zoom that most users permanently leave on their camera. It is a small, light lens with a common "natural" focal length and a very appealingly large aperture. This lens creates very sharp images when stopped down a little. Plus, it is an excellent introduction to the world of prime lenses, and beginners may find it to be the best Sony e mount lenses, suitable for most general-purpose needs.
Design
The Lens is equipped with an E mount which is compatible with all Sony hybrids. This 50mm Lens can be combined with a 24x36 hybrid from the A7 series or APS-C hybrids such as the A6500 or the A6300. These will offer a field equivalent to 75 mm and will therefore be more suitable for portraits.
Very simple in design, the Lens incorporates 6 elements divided into 5 groups, including 1 aspherical lens. Its minimum focusing distance is unfortunately limited to 45 cm for a maximum magnification ratio of 0.14x. So don't expect to take macro shots. On the other hand, you will undoubtedly appreciate its lightness since it weighs only 186 g for 68.6 x 59.5mm.
Despite its lightweight design and all-plastic finishes, the Sony FE 50mm f / 1.8 boasts beautiful workmanship, precise part machining, and a pleasant-to-the-touch coating. Although more cumbersome than a "pancake" model, its dimensions are perfectly adapted to those of Sony boxes, and the whole remains perfectly balanced, in addition to being light and pleasant to handle.
Performance
The usual focal length of the 24x36 system, the 50 mm, is both an essential in the wallet of many photographers and a lens unloved by reporters, who blame it for an angle too tight for street photography, or portrait painters, who on the contrary find it a little too large. It is clear that in the field, it is, all the same, a very versatile lens with which we were able to achieve both landscapes, portraits, street scenes, and still lifes.
Above all, it is a very inexpensive light lens that offers a very generous f / 1.8 aperture. And this is its main asset, as it opens up so many creative possibilities compared to a standard f / 3.5-5.6 zoom or even an f / 2.8 aperture lens. With Sony FE50mm f/1.8, you can get indispensable in low light, which makes it perfect for night photography.
This is the most obvious technical advantage: a large aperture assumes that more light can enter, and therefore that it is possible to photograph in low light conditions. It will not have escaped you: this optic is a fixed focal length, which means that you cannot zoom
As long as you have only lived with zooms, this might sadden you. On the other hand, we welcome the almost total absence of distortion of this objective. Its quality/price ratio is excellent. If your looking for a standard lens at an affordable price, then Sony - FE 50mm F1.8 Standard Lens will be the best option for you.
WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS LENS:
6. SONY 28-70MM F3.5-5.6 LENS - Best sony full frame e mount lens
PRODUCT DETAILS:
This small, lightweight mid-range zoom lens for 35mm full-frame format cameras blends high optical performance with affordability. The FE 28-70mm is perfect for a wide variety of subjects, and it is dust and moisture-proof, too, for a reliable outcome. Optical Steady Shot also provides image stabilization. Besides this, the circular aperture blades used in this Lens will improve the bokeh effect of the blurred background.
The flat sides on traditional aperture blades result in unappealing polygonal-shaped defocused points of light, these best Sony e mount lenses solve this problem by using a special design that holds the aperture almost completely circular from wide open to two stops closed.
As a consequence, a polished, paramount original defocusing can be achieved. Even at a mid-telephoto broad aperture spot, its ED glass particularly diminishes chromatic aberration at telephoto ranges and offers high-quality contrast across the comprehensive picture.
Moreover, the chromatic aberration is better compensated with Super ED glass. The Lens's gyro sensors sense even the tiniest movement, and the stabilization lens is precisely shifted to compensate for any image blur. Lastly, its image stabilization is remarkably quiet and reliable thanks to the quiet linear motors, precision, and technology inherited from high-end Sony professional camcorders, thus, leading to high-quality movies and stills.
WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS LENS:
7. SONY FE 24-105MM F/4 G LENS
PRODUCT DETAILS:
The Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G Lens is a broad-angle to a small-scale telephoto zoom lens for E-mount mirrorless cameras, optimized for flexibility. A constant f/4 maximum aperture complements the useful range of focal lengths, ensuring good performance across the zoom range while also giving you more power over the depth of field.
An enhanced optical structure utilizes aspherical and extra LD glass components to supervise color fringes, deformations, and various aberrations for better sharpness and transparency, thereby contributing to the scope. And when functioning in rigorous light, a Nano AR finishing has been provided to lessen the lens flare and ghosting for higher contrast and color accuracy.
This 24-105mm f/4 Lens also has an Optical Steady Shot image stabilization system that reduces the appearance of camera shake for precise manual filming. This mechanism can be used in conjunction with selected cameras' sensor-shift image stabilization for even better blur control.
Plus, a Direct Drive Super Sonic wave AF motor, blended with an innate focusing structure, offers quick and silent focusing performance. It also provides natural handheld focus control for twain stills and video filming, making it one of the best Sony e mount lenses. This model also has a weather-resistant physical construction and a fluorine-coated front element, allowing it to be used in inclement weather.
WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS LENS:
BEST SONY E MOUNT TELEPHOTO LENSES
8. SONY 18-135MM F/3.5-5.6 LENS
PRODUCT DETAILS:
The Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 is a versatile 27-202.5mm analogous zoom lens for APS-C mirrorless cameras that includes a worthwhile broad-angle to mid-telephoto range. An Optical Steady Shot image stabilization system complements the selection of focal lengths, reducing the presence of camera shake for sharper handheld shooting.
In addition to the handling characteristics, this Lens has an intelligent optical architecture that controls chromatic and spherical aberrations for high sharpness and clarity across the zoom range by combining extra-low dispersion glass and Aspherical components.
Design
The Sony 18-135mm includes 16 optical elements classified into 12 groups and incorporates 1 aspherical lens and 2 low dispersion glass lenses to reduce aberrations. Its sliding aperture is limited to f / 3.5 at wide-angle and f / 5.6 at telephoto, but it has a stabilization system that users of A6000 and A6300 will particularly appreciate. Its minimum focusing distance is 0.45 m for a magnification ratio of 0.29x, and its autofocus motor is linear.
Despite its high zoom coefficient, this 18-135 mm retains relatively small dimensions: only 67 mm in diameter and 88 mm in length when folded up for a weight of 325 g. The change from 18 to 35 mm does not vary its length, and the Lens extends only about 2 cm at its longest focal length. It comes with a corolla sun hood, the attachment of which, although free from a lock, is firm and without any play. We also appreciate the central fixing mechanism of the cover, which ensures easy handling when the lens hood is in position.
The absence of a distance scale will not be penalized for the users targeted by this objective either, although it is extremely useful for us in use. On the side of the Lens, a button easily switches from manual focus to autofocus. In contrast, the Lens doesn't offer any lever to disable stabilization - it might be annoying for tripod shots.
Performance
Mounted on our A6500, the Sony E 18-135mm f / 3.5-5.6 OSS showed its versatility by lending itself to the realization of landscapes, still life, or portraits. As far we tested, efficient surface treatment of the lenses will allow us to take photos in front of the sun without any significant flare or parasitic reflections.
This Sony e mount telephoto lens suffers virtually no distortion, and there is only a slight over-correction at the wide-angle. An elongate autofocus motor, which offers rapid and precise focusing performance while remaining silent enough for video shooting uses, also contributes to clearer imagery.
As for side vignetting, the results are less flattering. Note that despite the mediocre aperture f / 3.5-5.6, it is possible to take photos with a shallow depth of field to detach the subject from its background. This is not the level of what we would have obtained with an aperture at f / 1.8 or f / 2.8, but the circular diaphragm with 7 blades still gives a harmonious bokeh.
This Sony E 18-135mm f / 3.5-5.6 OSS trans standard zoom lacks consistency and brightness, but its results were a pleasant surprise to us, given its wide focal length range. It is a versatile lens, quite interesting for users of Sony APS-C hybrids who only want to buy one Lens to cover all of their photographic needs.
WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS LENS:
9. SONY E 55-210MM F/4.5-6.3 LENS
PRODUCT DETAILS:
The E 55-210mm lens from Sony is appropriate in addition to paramount kit zooms; because its focal length on APS-C format E-mount cameras is equal to 82.5-315mm, which paves the way to paramount viewpoints. And since there is an option of instant switching between auto and manual focus via its switch, it makes the operation faster and easier, thus letting you take control manually focus on the accurate points you choose.
Also, users can enjoy images with minimal aberrations thanks to an optical architecture that includes two extra-low dispersion and two aspherical components. Moreover, the camera shake can be greatly minimized due to its Optical SteadyShot image stabilization, resulting in clearer images.
Plus, quick, sensitive autofocus and a minimum focus distance of 3.3' are made possible by an internal focus design. Lastly, this telephoto lens has a circular diaphragm with seven blades for smooth, rounded bokeh.
WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS LENS:
10. SONY ALPHA 70-350MM F/4.5-6.3 G LENS
PRODUCT DETAILS:
Sony's E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS is a 105-525mm equivalent zoom lens for E-mount cameras with an APS-C sensor. The long reach of telephoto lens is ideal for sports, nature, and landscape photography, and it comes with Optical Steady Shot image stabilization to reduce camera shake for sharper handheld shooting.
An XD Linear Motor, which provides fast and quiet autofocus output and responsive manual focus control, rounds out the handling.
Finally, this 70-350mm Lens is distinguished by its refined handling and control and its optical design, which includes one aspherical element and a trio of extra-low dispersion components.
These components minimize a variety of aberrations to achieve sharp, transparent imagery across the zoom range.
WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS LENS:
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST Sony e mount LENS
It deserves an article entirely dedicated to this subject, but basically, the important points to take into account before choosing your next lens are:
1. What do you need:
Zoom or fixed focal length? Do you need an all-in-one and versatile lens for traveling or for macro photography (insects, flowers, etc.)? Maybe a wide-angle to take pictures of landscapes or architecture? You have to select the lens based on the purpose.
2. Compatibility
Sony E and FE lenses can be used on all E-mount hybrids. APS-C cameras like NEX-3, NEX-5, NEX-6, NEX-7, a 3000, a 5000, a 5100, a 6000, a 6100, a 6300, a 6400, a 6500, a 6600. Regarding Sony full-frame hybrid cameras, FE lenses are particularly suitable for a7R, a7, a7S, a7II, a7RII, a7SII, a9, a7RIII, a7III, a7RIV, a9II, a7SIII, and the very latest, the Sony a7C. The advantage of the very low mechanical draft between the lens and the sensor of hybrids means that there is no great interest in using these lenses on a reflex, especially since the equivalent already exists for reflex.
3. Focal length
One of the best ways for novice photographers to improve themselves is to take fixed focal length photos with an angle of view close to that of human vision. By using a fixed focal length lens (which doesn't zoom), you will get into the habit of thinking about your composition: you will "zoom in with your feet," as they say, actively moving around your subject.
Things get complicated at Sony, between lenses for hybrids and SLRs, then 24 × 36 lenses or only APS-C compatible. Here are some clarifications to help you avoid making a mistake by choosing the wrong optics. Of course, standard 35mm and 50mm lenses are available from Sony.
If you have a Sony SLR, you have to look at DT optics (APS-C compatible only) and A / ZA optics (APS-C and 24 × 36 compatible). If you have a Sony hybrid camera, you should use E-mount (APS-C compatible only) and FE-mount (APS-C and 24 × 36 compatible) lenses. It is also possible to mount reflex lenses on hybrid cameras via an LA-EA adapter ring.
CONCLUSION
The list given above contains a list of the Sony E-mount lenses. This list doesn't just mention the names of the models but covers useful information on all of the main features of each lens. Apart from this information you also get an understanding of the pros and cons that you get with each lens.
More than anything, you will see how Sony E-mount lenses deliver high-quality optics at an affordable price. Sony E-mount lenses area viable alternative to all conventional and mainstream lenses when it comes to DSLRs. So if you're looking for lenses to buy for your DSLR then Sony E-mount lenses is the best way to go.
