Sony stands as a formidable brand renowned for crafting top-tier mirrorless cameras that offer remarkable flexibility in their usage. One noteworthy advantage of Sony mirrorless cameras is the ease of finding compatible lenses. With a separate mount, these cameras can readily accommodate lenses from third-party brands, mitigating any concerns of compatibility. However, Sony itself has also ventured into the world of optics, introducing a selection of lenses that are nothing short of extraordinary. These lenses are not only high-performing but also exceptionally dependable, catering to the diverse needs of photographers. In this guide, we’ve curated a list of some of the best Sony lenses that will undoubtedly appeal to Sony enthusiasts. Whether you’re seeking a macro lens or a standard option, you can expect premium quality at a price that won’t break the bank.
Before delving into the reviews, we believe it would be better to make you familiar with the Sony mount systems and the type of lenses available for them, first.
The Sony FE-Mount System: The FE-mount system, short for “Full-Frame E-mount,” is an extension of the E-mount, designed for Sony’s full-frame mirrorless cameras. FE lenses are meticulously optimized to cover the entire full-frame sensor, ensuring unparalleled image quality. This lens lineup encompasses a diverse array of options, including wide-angle, standard, telephoto, macro, and specialty lenses. Sony’s premium G-series and G Master (GM) lenses are part of the FE-mount system, celebrated for their outstanding optical quality and robust build. They provide photographers and videographers the versatility to cater to their unique creative requirements while fully leveraging the capabilities of Sony’s full-frame mirrorless cameras.
The Sony E-Mount System: Sony’s E-mount system, originally named after the “Exmor” image sensors, is a versatile lens mount featured in their mirrorless cameras. Designed for APS-C sensor cameras, E-mount lenses offer a wide array of choices, including wide-angle, telephoto, zoom, and prime lenses. Their compact size and weight make them an ideal choice for photographers on the move. Notably, the E-mount system’s adaptability allows for the use of lenses from other manufacturers with compatible adapters, expanding the creative possibilities for Sony mirrorless camera users. For instance, Sony has not introduced a fisheye lens or Tilt and shift lens yet. Thankfully, we have a Rokinon 8mm F2.8 UMC Fisheye Lens. It is one of the popular fisheye lenses, which can be used on Sony A6000 cameras. Likewise, the Rokinon T-S 24mm f/3.5 ED AS UMC is a good Tilt-Shift Lens for Sony E mount.
Note: The good thing about these mounts is that you can use FE lenses on the E mount and E lenses on the FE mount. The bad thing is FE lens on the E mount will always give a 1.5x cropped image, and the same goes for the E lens on the FE mount.
You may also need to read: Different Types Of Camera Lenses
Top 8 Best Sony Lenses In 2024
| 1 | Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS – Macro Lens |
| 2 | Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS – Standard Lens |
| 3 | Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS – Telephoto Lens |
| 4 | Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS – Standard Lens |
| 5 | Sony E 30mm f/3.5 – Macro Lens |
| 6 | Sony E 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 OSS – Standard Lens |
| 7 | Sony E 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 G OSS – Telephoto lens |
| 8 | Sony E 10-18mm F/4 OSS – Wide-Angle lens |
Best Sony Lenses – Reviews
Below are the reviews of the best Sony lenses available for FE and E-mount systems. We have made sure that we include every type of lens available for both mount systems.
Sony FE Lenses
1. Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS – Macro Lens
- Specifications
- Mount Type: Sony E (Full-Frame)
- Autofocus: Yes
- Diaphragm Blades: 9
- Image Stabilizer: Yes
- The angle of View: 27°
- Minimum focus distance: 11.02″
- Maximum magnification: 1x
- Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
- Weight: 1.32 lb / 602 g
- Dimensions: 3.11 x 5.14″
It was the first macro lens from Sony, compatible with its full-frame mirrorless cameras. The lens is capable of delivering magnification up to 1x at a distance of 28 cm. Currently, the 100mm focal length is a typical focal length for macro photography. However, this 90mm focal length is also significant for macro-photography and general-purpose photography because it offers more working distance. It will help you to capture small insects without harming them.
The lens is famous because of its reasonable price and stunning photography. There is Optical Steady Shot (OSS) image stabilization to help in capturing fantastic photographs while holding the camera with your hands. At the same time, f/2.8 aperture is quite efficient during low-light photography. Both of these features make the lens more versatile and more popular among its users. Besides, these features also improve image quality. In addition, you can activate AF mode by using an AF-lock button, and you will also get an MF mechanism on this lens. Thus, it produces sharp and vibrant images with the help of all those advanced features.
2. Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS – Standard Lens
- Specifications
- Mount Type: Sony E (Full-Frame)
- Autofocus: Yes
- Diaphragm Blades: 9
- Image Stabilizer: Yes
- The angle of View: 84° to 23°
- Minimum focus distance: 1.25′
- Maximum magnification: 0.31x
- Maximum Aperture: f/4
- Weight: 1.46 lb / 663 g
- Dimensions: 3.28 x 4.46″
Sony is committed to producing high-end lenses for its APS-C and Full-frame cameras. Sony FE 24-105 mm f/4 is one of them. It is an excellent addition to Sony standard zoom lenses, which primarily target pro-photographers. The overall construction is fantastic as it is resistant to various weather conditions. Nothing can come between you and your photography, whether it is fierce ocean waves or strong wind. You can shoot those thrilling moments with your super-awesome Sony FE 24-105 mm f/4.
In addition, it also brings you image stabilization to compensate for shaky effects. It delivers perfect images with this valuable range of focal lengths. It gives a noteworthy performance in photographing various events. The lens can be an ultimate choice for landscape photography or capturing people on numerous occasions. You can cover interviews, fashion, or lifestyle with it. The Autofocus is fast and offers accurate focusing for any focal distance. It gives you sharp images from edge to edge on a full frame.
3. Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS – Telephoto Lens
- Specifications
- Mount Type: Sony E (Full-Frame)
- Autofocus: Yes
- Diaphragm Blades: 11
- Image Stabilizer: Yes
- Angle of View: 12° 30′ to 4° 10′
- Minimum focus distance: 7.87′
- Maximum magnification: 0.2x
- Maximum Aperture: f/5.6 to 6.3
- Weight: 4.65 lb / 2115 g
- Dimensions: 4.39 x 12.52″
It is the longest native telephoto lens for Sony full-frame mirrorless cameras. Like other Super telephoto zoom lenses such as FE 100-400 mm f/4.5-5.6, Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 provides brilliant sharpness and fast AF. The Autofocus is proficient in working silently; as a result, no unwanted noise is produced from the lens when you are focusing on a timorous subject in the forest. Moreover, it can be an excellent choice for wild and sports photography because of its most extended focal length range. Simultaneously, it covers a great list of outdoor subjects.
The lens promises to deliver high-end image quality, available for a relatively affordable price. It is a G-lens with a modest size and a compact design. You can easily hold it in your hands despite its focal-length range. Furthermore, it comes with OSS image stabilization that complements handheld photography. The lens is protected by magnesium alloy housing that is water-proof and dust-proof. All nature photographers and adventurous photographers can take advantage of that.
4. Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM Lens – Wide-Angle Lens
- Specifications
- Mount Type: Sony E (Full-Frame)
- Autofocus: Yes
- Diaphragm Blades: 11
- Image Stabilizer: No
- The angle of View: 107° to 63°
- Minimum focus distance: 11.02″ / 28 cm
- Maximum magnification: 0.19x
- Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
- Weight: 1.5 lb / 680 g
- Dimensions: 3.48 x 4.79″
Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 is an attractive addition to its Flagship Grand Master (GM) series. It carries all the essential qualities of G Master lenses, such as fantastic build quality, and weather-sealing features, and is supplied with a hood and case. There is a rubber seal to protect the mounting plate, whereas the fluorine coating to resist dust and moisture. Besides, the 107° viewing angle along with a 16 mm focal length is super-wide, which can go down to 63° to give a narrow angle. It is significant to make a front object appear large relative to the distant object, keeping everything focused and covering the beautiful background equally.
There is much to cover with this lens. You can even use it to shoot your aquatic adventures underwater but remember to use underwater housing. It allows you to capture your subject by reducing the chances of water clarity issues affecting the image. It has a fast Autofocus and a manual focus that is used by turning the focus ring. Like its Autofocus, the manual focus is also very precise and smooth. It can be of great use for videographers.
Sony E Lenses
5. Sony E 30mm f/3.5 – Macro Lens
- Specifications
- Mount Type: Sony E (APS-C)
- Autofocus: Yes
- Diaphragm Blades: 07
- Image Stabilizer: No
- The angle of View: 50°
- Minimum focus distance: 3.74″ / 9.5 cm
- Maximum magnification: 1x
- Maximum Aperture: f/3.5
- Weight: 4.87 oz / 138 g
- Dimensions: 2.44 x 2.19″
The Sony 30mm f/3.5 is a very lightweight macro lens for Sony APS-C cameras. It is one of the best macro lenses that brings quick and noiseless Autofocus for seamless focusing. The build quality of the lens is impressive as it has a metal body and a metal focus ring. In contrast, the interior is all plastic, making it easy to carry. It has a standard angle of view same as a 45mm lens on a full-frame. The 1x magnification enables the photographers to capture outstanding close-ups.
At the same time, the angle of view is wide enough to be used for general-purpose photography. You will get excellent images with sharpness and contrast. It also reduces distortion and monochromatic aberrations. However, this APS-C Macro lens has some limitations, such as a lack of image stabilization and weather protection. Sony APS-C Lenses are primarily available without these two features, unlike Sony full-frame lenses.
6. Sony E 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 OSS – Standard Lens
- Specifications
- Mount Type: Sony E (APS-C)
- Autofocus: Yes
- Diaphragm Blades: 07
- Image Stabilizer: Yes
- The angle of View: 76° to 12°
- Minimum focus distance: 1.48′ / 45 cm
- Maximum magnification: 0.29x
- Maximum Aperture: f/3.5 to 5.6
- Weight: 11.5 oz / 326 g
- Dimensions: 2.65 x 3.46″
Standard lenses used to be versatile lenses with a wide range of angles of view. Likewise, Sony E 18-135mm brings 76° to 12° angle of view. Besides, it offers a 7.5x zoom range. The lens is compact and lightweight, precisely designed for APS-C mirrorless cameras such as A6000. There is more use of plastic for its construction except for the metal mount to enhance durability. It is well-designed; however, it lacks weather sealing. Unfortunately, it limits your day-to-day uses.
Still, there is so much to offer, such as its incredible optical image stabilization, quick performer AF, and dedicated MF. You can switch between auto and manual focusing with the help of the AF/MF button on the ring. It makes the lens an easy-to-use device. The lens is equipped with advanced optical glass that combines extra-low dispersion glass and aspherical elements to minimize chromatic and spherical aberrations. Thus, sharpness and clarity are not compromised when delivering high-quality images.
7. Sony E 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 G OSS – Telephoto Lens
- Specifications
- Mount Type: Sony E (APS-C)
- Autofocus: Yes
- Diaphragm Blades: 07
- Image Stabilizer: Yes
- Angle of View: 22° to 4° 40′
- Minimum focus distance: 3.61′ / 1.1 m
- Maximum magnification: 0.23x
- Maximum Aperture: f/4.5 to 6.3
- Weight: 1.38 lb / 625 g
- Dimensions: 3.03 x 5.59″
It targets all the enthusiasts of super-telephoto photography with the delivery of a versatile focal range, a compact, lightweight body, stunning image quality, consistent AF, and efficient stabilization for a reasonable price. The G lens quality is visible through its noticeable features. You won’t stop appreciating its build quality when you look at its price point. Besides, you will get an amazing weather-resistant lens that promises both quality and accuracy. It sports an incredible Autofocus that gives a precise focus within Nano-seconds. There is a focus hold button to assist you in focusing.
Moreover, the lens performs exceptionally against ghosting and flare by reducing the color fringing at the corners of the image. At the same time, it doesn’t compromise the sharpness and contrast throughout the zoom range, even at the fastest aperture. You can confidently use the lens for versatile photography purposes such as landscape photography and street photography. It is a dedicated telephoto lens for APS-C mirrorless cameras from Sony.
8. Sony E 10-18mm F/4 OSS – Wide-Angle Lens
- Specifications
- Mount Type: Sony E (APS-C)
- Autofocus: Yes
- Diaphragm Blades: 07
- Image Stabilizer: Yes
- The angle of View: 109° to 76°
- Minimum focus distance: 9.84″ / 25 cm
- Maximum magnification: 0. 1x
- Maximum Aperture: f/4
- Weight: 7.94 oz / 225 g
- Dimensions: 2.76 x 2.5″
Sony E 10-18mm F/4 is one of the oldest wide-angle lenses from Sony. It was launched even before the Sony G-series lenses. Still, it is a premiere APS-C lens with some exceptional features available for an inexpensive price. The lens brings you brilliant sharpness, reliable Autofocus, and an ultra-wide angle. Autofocus is committed to performing quietly, but it really struggles to focus precisely in some situations. It happens mostly in low-light conditions. The good thing is that it has a manual focus to apply manual focus for better results.
Besides, the wide-angle lens also offers optical image stabilization that reduces wobbles. Sony E 10-18mm F/4 can be a great option for vloggers and landscape photographers because of its reasonable price and its perfect collection of features. The lens is lightweight, so it is easy to use anywhere. However, the lack of dust or water protection may limit its usage outside.
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