Weighing in at a best-in-class 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. I don’t advise using APS-C crop mode except in certain cases with video. BEST MAGNIFICATION: Venus Optics Laowa 60mm f/2.8 2X Ultra-Macro | Price: $399 I am I off base ? It wasn’t my intention to lead with such an expensive lens for Sony a 7 series bodies, but it’s impossible not to recommend this bad boy. Please, And with the SEL14TC (1.4x ) will it be Working fine ? Thank you so much – lloks like a decent set. BEST COMPACT: Sony FE 16-35mm f/4 ZA OSS Lens | Price: $1,348 For the final lens, let’s go with the FE 135mm F1.8 GM. The corners trail behind but catch up nicely once you step down and continue improving until you hit f/11. They’re easy to predict, though, so you can frame your shots in a way that avoids them. The newest and longest FE lens is also the fifth lens in the G Master line. That kind of like asking should I buy a sports car or a SUV. 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. I plan to shoot fully manual. 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. The distance scale rotates as you focus, and shifting from automatic to manual will position the focus point to match the scale. 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. It just depends which is most of your shooting. The other two 35mm lenses in the FE Alpha line up are the f/2.8 and f/1.4 models – both excellent lenses in their own right, and ones I’ve shot thousands with over the years. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Hello Brian, I just made a contribution to my nephew so he could buy a used Sony A7ll for Christmas. Tamron’s lens levels the playing field, offering superb central image sharpness, close focusing distances, and portability as its main draws. I know some time has passed. BEST IN CLASS: Sony FE 600mm F4 G Master OSS Lens | Price: $12,998 BEST FOR SPEED: Sigma 28mm F1.4 DG HSM FE Art Lens | Price: $1,399 Its barrel distortion is academic, and you won’t notice color fringing or general CA unless you’re shooting highly contrasting scenes. The apodization lens element reduces light transmission to T5.6 when set to the lens’s maximum f/2.8 aperture. Whichever model you own, all the Sony FE (e-mount) lenses below offer the best bang for your buck. When it comes to zoom lenses this is what I suggest: Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G (Amazon, B&H)Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM (Amazon, B&H)Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM (Amazon, B&H)Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS (Amazon, B&H)Sony has the entire range covered, and the zooms and AF combine perfectly with the a7/a7 series of cameras. 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. I have the Samyang and I wonder how it is compared to the Batis in IQ. 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. BEST IN CLASS: Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Trioplan 100 F2.8 II Lens | Price: $999 I have A7R III In addition for telephoto I may try to rent the Sony FE 100-400 or the FE 200-600. The 24-70 GM has prettier Bokeh but either lens is extremely sharp. The name isn’t a marketing gimmick either as the 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III RXD focuses with precision no matter what mode you’re in, including Eye AF. 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. Build quality isn’t up there with Sony’s top models. The lens has a metal mount and a degree of moisture & dust protection, but Tamron doesn’t claim it is weather-sealed. The Sony 55mm f/1.8 is incredibly sharp, and combined with the shallow depth of field when shot wide open, you can create some amazing subject separation. BEST BARGAIN: Rokinon AF 45mm f/1.8 FE Lens for Sony E | Price: $399 Yep, this lens took it. 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 ? So, which Zeiss Loxia len(s) would you recommend; just in case I decided to save up for one or even rent one? BEST BARGAIN: Rokinon AF 50mm f/1.4 FE Lens for Sony E-mount | Price: $699 The focus ring is set towards the front and ribbed for optimum grip. The 24-105mm f/4 G OSS exhibits severe vignetting at 24mm f/4. Sony a7R IV | Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM | 1/160 | F/2.8 | ISO 100. Which camera? Sony a9 would be the fastest at 20 FPS with Phase Detection AF to F11. Sophisticated optical design incorporates aspherical and low dispersion glass elements to control spherical and chromatic aberrations for improved sharpness and clarity. 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)? If I start there, what would you recommend for wider angle and telephoto on the other end to round out my kit. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. what would you advise ? Its performance in direct sunlight is almost as good as that of Sony’s wide-angle zoom. Hi Brian, a little question here from a Uni Student in Singapore. Compatible with Sony FE 1.4X & 2X Teleconverters offer the added versatility of a 560mm F4 and 800mm F5.6, Sony a9 | Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS | 1/800 | F2.8 | ISO 800 (Click to View Larger) Featuring a compact form factor well-suited for full-frame Sony E mount mirrorless cameras, the latest lens in the Loxia line-up is based on the Distagon optical concept for reduced distortion as well as consistent, even illumination and sharpness from edge to edge. The only reason I didn’t recommend them in the main list above is their somewhat prohibitive prices – it’s usually only professionals, or enthusiastic amateurs who are willing to spend thousands on lenses! Landscape photographers can now experience an ultimate wide-angle photography with beautiful scenery captured in one shot. Find out what each has to offer and pair your class-leading camera with an equally worthy lens. All in all, the 28mm f/2 is a great all-round lens and the perfect fit for compact mirrorless bodies. And I do also have a 6300 body I could attach use for extra reach at any given time… So many thanks in advance. We pomise.). BEST F4: Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS Lens | Price: $1,498 Which camera do you think is the best fit for me and what lens(s) Would be the best starters for my purposes. 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! Our budget pick is a lens Sony’s mirrorless system sorely needed – an affordable but capable standard zoom. I mostly shoot landscapes and mountains and the occasional casual portraits of friends. I like your first two lenses, so you’re off to a good start. Sigma 45mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary Lens for Sony E | Price: $549 Barrel distortion is expected, but two percent pincushion distortion at 35mm is excessive. It’s equipped with both a Direct Drive SSM autofocus system as Optical SteadyShot image stabilization for outstanding performance at all focal lengths. 135mm is my favourite lens for portaits and I can wait to try the Batis. It’s so hard to make a choice. 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. Please. BEST IN CLASS: Voigtlander Macro APO-Lanthar 65mm f/2 Aspherical Lens | Price: $999 Features moisture-resistant design and fluorine coating for working in inclement conditions. Its manual focus design permits working with subjects as close as 1.1′ away, and a Selective Aperture Control System allows you to de-click the manual aperture ring for smooth, silent exposure adjustment for filmmaking. Characterized as an apochromat, the Sonnar optical design helps to virtually eliminate chromatic aberrations and color fringing, and also benefits overall sharpness and clarity. I am going on a 4 day photography course in Canada. BEST IN CLASS: Sony FE 24-240 F3.5-6.3 OSS Lens | Price: $998 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 . The 16-35mm f/2.8 GM shows moderate distortion at both ends of its zoom range. 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. Sony A7R | FE 55mm F1.8 ZA | 1/4000 | F2.2 | ISO 200. Sony 35mm f/1.8. Just be aware that Sigma primes are large and heavy because they are designed for DSLRs and modified for mirrorless. Copyright © 2020 Shotkit • Privacy Policy. Given that combo, any other lenses I should be eyeing for the future? The apodization lens element reduces light transmission to T5.6 when set to the lens’s maximum f/2.8 aperture. Sony’s latest FE lens is a compact, sub-$500 macro that many Sony user have asked for. Versatile f/2.8 mid-range zoom offers the most bang for the buck. 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. Its relatively fast f/2 aperture, allows shooting with shallow depth of field and in low-light. 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. Lenses for Sony a7 Cameras Comparison Table, 1. It will withstand a drizzle but shouldn’t be exposed to harsh weather. I’m about to purchase a new camera. I own the lens you want. Sony finally makes a FE 400 2.8 and man is it a beaut! This is an absolutely great lens for tight portraits. 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. Additional GMs are not an option, but am open to primes and zoom. I have: 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. First FF camera! Laowa 15mm f/2 becomes another member in their “Close-to-Zero Distortion” lineup. The 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS excels at delivering tack-sharp images whichever aperture you use. Leave your questions below – I’d be happy to answer them! 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. BEST BARGAIN: Tamron 24mm F/2.8 Di III OSD M 1:2 Lens | Price: $349 Designed to provide control over out-of-focus quality and to enhance bokeh, this short telephoto prime incorporates an apodization (APD) element, as well as two separate diaphragms (8- and 14-blade) to provide separate adjustment over the bokeh as well as the exposure and depth of field. Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5. Having a Zero-blackout at 20fps is such an Amazing thing … already got a Canon 7D Mark II APS-C with 10fps …. Laowa 15mm f/2 becomes another member in their “Close-to-Zero Distortion” lineup. Features moisture-resistant design and fluorine coating for working in inclement conditions. Sony a7RII | Sony FE 100mm F2.8 STF GM OSS | F2.8/T5.6 | 1/20 sec | ISO 100 | (View Larger). Finally, it’s a compact, lightweight FE lens which is still robustly built – there’s really nothing negative to say about it! Linear STM autofocus motor works in conjunction with Sony cameras’ AF systems for quick, quiet, and precise focusing performance. With a rounded 9-blade diaphragm, shallow depth of field imaging will be rendered with pleasing out-of-focus highlights. Build quality is superb as the lens is made from an aluminum alloy colored white in strategic areas so that exposure to sunlight doesn’t warp the barrel. If you have the budget for these two amazing lenses, don’t hesitate – they really are that good. Thank you! 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. However, if you’re lost where to start your collection, I hope this roundup will serve as guidance for your first purchases. 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. Thanks again for all your help. Its build quality and general optics are equally impressive, and the price reflects this. Plz…. If you’re in need of a longer zoom, the Sony 70-200mm is the gold-standard, and part of the so-called ‘Holy Trinity’. Samyang’s first autofocus lenses are compatible with both phase detect and contrast detect sensors to operate fast and accurate focus detection. I enjoy running when I'm not thinking about tech. I am after a Sony lens mainly for birthday parties and weddings. Classic wide-angle focal length, this fast f/1.4 lens provides low light capability and shallow depth of field control. There are close to three stops of vignetting at 28mm f/2.8 you can get rid of with the usual means. Would love to hear your take on these doubts . That’s not a bad idea though. Please …, 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 ??? The products in this post may contain affiliate links. Hey , I was just wondering how is 70-210mm lens with Sony a6000 for travel / wildlife Photography. Switching to f/4 improves their evenness considerably. Sony 85mm f 1.8 Incorporating an apodization lens element to create exceptionally smooth, rounded bokeh while maintaining tack-sharp focus on the subject. Please…, I recommended the lenses that I did for a reason. Adapted glass just won’t match the performance of native when it comes to AF speed. I also am intrigued by the new sigma art lenses that were announced. I want the best IQ and if possible portability, but IQ is my most important factor. It’s suitable for all manner of photography, from landscapes through photojournalism to architecture and wildlife. Or save up for the f2.8 GM? The world’s widest production rectilinear full frame lens ever made has a whopping 130 degree angle of view. 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? I love diving into the latest and greatest in emerging technologies and seeing what they can do. Optical design includes low dispersion and aspherical elements to correct a variety of aberrations and a BBAR-G2 coating to reduce flare and ghosting. You’d be throwing away over half the pixels – 2.36x to be exact. Both Super Multi-Layer and Nano Porous Coatings improve contrast and color rendering by suppressing lens flare and ghosting under harsh lighting. ‘Sony A7 Series: From Snapshots to Great Shot’ is available NOW from Amazon and Amazon UK. The 85mm f/1.4 GM has minor issues with vignetting and more serious ones with pincushion distortion. For more tips and tricks about getting the most out of your Sony a7 series camera, check out my new book ’Sony a7-Series: From Snapshots to Great Shots’. Ultra Multi-Coating has also been applied to reduce flare and ghosting when working in strong light. DxO are the best independent tests out there. Best Budget Option – Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III RXD. Body is A7iii if I didn’t mention that already. The 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS is optically sound. A reversible lens hood is included, as well. The ultra-wide angle of view is particularly helpful for interior shooting as it helps exaggerated the sense of space. Zeiss T* anti-reflective coating minimizes lens flare and ghosting for greater contrast. A fluorine coating protects its outer glass from fingerprints and dirt, while a stationary 77mm filter thread accepts polarizers. Ultra-wide zoom lens for full-frame Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras features constant f/4 maximum aperture. It’s an incredible lens! OSD stepping motor achieves fast and near-silent autofocus along with full-time manual focus override. 1. When I shoot with a Sony APS-C sensor body like the a6000 series, I use it a lot too. Plz. The 85mm f/1.4 GM is ideal for portrait photographers looking for the silkiest backgrounds and perfect blurry highlights. Disclaimer: All recommendations are impartial and based on user experience, with no bias to the products or the brand. 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. BEST BOKEH: Sony FE 100mm F2.8 STF GM OSS lens | Price: $1,498 Fast f/2.8 constant maximum aperture wide-angle zoom is ideal for shooting in low light. This is a bulky and heavy lens that balances poorly without a tripod. Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS is one of my absolute favorite lenses – but it’s not cheap. BEST IN CLASS (TIE): Zeiss Batis 40mm f/2 CF Lens | Price: $1,299 Plz. have: It doesn’t matter whether it’s a cine, manual or adapted lens using the MC-11 or any other adapter. Frog Eye Coating has been applied to repel dust and moisture from the front element of the lens when working in trying environmental conditions. Using manual focus involves pushing the ring backward. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. This increases the exposure time you can set the lens to and still get usable photos in perfect focus. Incorporating an apodization lens element to create exceptionally smooth, rounded bokeh while maintaining tack-sharp focus on the subject. Here you’ll find comprehensive reviews for the six best Lenses for Sony a7 cameras. BEST BARGAIN: Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro Lens | Price: $498 I dont need over 300mm and have read reviews of the ones you have recommended. Both values soar as you step down and hold steady until diffraction starts to decrease image quality at f/11. Check out the image above – there’s no Photoshopping required when the bokeh balls look this good! He shoots mostly motocross sports and he is looking for a telephoto lens with a low aperture for that creamy bokeh effect. BEST IN CLASS: Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G | Price: $898 You could also go for the Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS if you don’t mind one stop less and slightly less sharp images at a better price. This compact prime lens is my favorite wide angle walk-around lens for street photography on Sony a7 Series cameras. Any 400 2.8 lenses will be in the $10K + price range. I don’t think I need more than 300 for a Kenyan safari.. as a data point. Finally the most-requested lens by our readers is here. hi Brian , On the other side, an alternative to that lens that caught my eye would possibly be the 55mm 1.8f. However, if there are better lens for it. Sony says that the 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS is weather-resistant, but it lacks proper sealing. A great lens for photojournalists! f/1.8 is also fast enough for darker situations, while not being too cumbersome like an f/1.4 prime lens. I’m an one year beginner in photography. This E-mount lens is an updated version of Voigtlander’s 15mm f/4.5 III with a 110 degree angle of view. You can step in at any time and adjust the focus manually. While it’s not a macro lens, you can shoot subjects as close as 7.5 inches from the sensor and achieve a magnification that goes from 1:2.9 to 1:4 as you increase the focal length.