Best Lenses for Sony a7C II in 2024

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Looking for the best lenses for Sony a7C II? This guide will help you get the top recommended E-mount lenses for Sony a7C II mirrorless camera.

The Sony a7C II boasts a full-frame image sensor with an impressive 33.0 effective megapixels, offering cutting-edge still image and video capabilities, all packaged within a remarkably compact and lightweight design. As the second-generation iteration of the a7C series, it continues to excel in blending high-performance capabilities with a small form factor, making it ideal for a diverse array of shooting situations, including travel and street photography.

Whether you are a proud owner of the Sony a7C II or contemplating its purchase, you may be curious about which lenses are the best companions for this exceptional camera. In the pursuit of achieving professional-grade imagery, we have curated a selection of the best E-mount lenses that pair seamlessly with the Sony a7C II mirrorless camera. This curated list includes prime and zoom options, spanning the gamut from wide-angle to telephoto, effectively catering to a wide spectrum of shooting scenarios, encompassing street photography, travel, landscape, portraiture, weddings, macro photography, videography, sports, and wildlife. With the assistance of this comprehensive guide, you can effortlessly select the lens that perfectly aligns with your distinct photographic requirements.

And if you’re interested in other accessories for your Sony a7C II, be sure to check out our Sony a7C II Memory Card Guide and Sony a7C II Gimbal Guide for even more helpful recommendations.

Sony a7C II Store Links: B&H, Adorama.

Top 10 Recommended Lenses for Sony a7C II

If you’re looking for a quick and straightforward lens recommendation for your Sony a7C II, we’ve thoughtfully curated a selection of the top choices. We’ve considered factors like performance, compatibility, and value to ensure that these lenses surpass your expectations, making it a breeze to capture outstanding photos and videos.

Top Recommendations – The Best Lenses for Sony a7C II:

  1. Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens: Best all-round standard zoom lens
  2. Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Lens: The sharpest and widest ultra-wide zoom lens
  3. Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Lens: A versatile, compact, and affordable lens for vloggers, travel photographer and hybrid creator.
  4. Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G Lens: A great lens for content creators and vloggers
  5. Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD Lens: A versatile and advanced all-in-one zoom lens
  6. Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM Lens: A remarkable ultra-wide-angle prime lens for landscape, nature, architectural, and astrophotography
  7. Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM Lens: A very popular lens for landscape, nature, street, and architectural photography
  8. Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM Lens: An ideal lens for various photography genres, including street, landscapes, portraits, and more. 
  9. Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM Lens: Best standard prime lens, great for portraits, street photography, and even astrophotography.
  10. Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM Lens: The ultimate portrait prime lens
  11. Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS Lens: Great for macro photography and close-up shooting
  12. Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM Lens: Lovely bokeh and color, excellent for portrait, wedding, and sports photography.
  13. Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II Lens: An ideal telephoto zoom lens for wildlife, portrait, wedding and sports photography.
  14. Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS Lens: Great for wildlife, sports, and action photography.
  15. Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS Lens: A versatile telephoto zoom lens for capturing wildlife, birds, aircraft, and sports action.

However, if you’re eager to explore a wider array of lens options that complement your Sony a7C II mirrorless camera, we provide comprehensive reviews for each lens below. Our assessments delve beyond technical specifications, offering in-depth insights into functionality, build quality, image quality, and more. These detailed evaluations provide a thorough understanding of each lens’s strengths and weaknesses, empowering you to make an educated choice that aligns perfectly with your unique preferences and needs. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a passionate enthusiast, our lens reviews offer invaluable insights to help you unlock the full potential of your Sony a7C II mirrorless camera.

Best Lenses for Sony a7C II

1. Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens

Best all-round standard zoom lens

Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Sony E
  • Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
  • Focal Length: 24-70mm
  • Image Stabilization: No
  • Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
  • Minimum Aperture: f/22
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 8.3″ / 21 cm
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.32x
  • Optical Design: 20 Elements in 15 Groups
  • Diaphragm Blades: 11, Rounded
  • Filter Size: 82 mm
  • Dimensions: 3.5 x 4.7″ / 87.8 x 119.9 mm
  • Weight: 1.5 lb / 695 g
  • at B&H, Adorama.

Pros:

  • Great size and weight for a standard zoom
  • Stellar image quality
  • Excellent to Outstanding sharpness
  • Excellent AF performance
  • Gorgeous bokeh
  • Relatively low distortion and vignette
  • Great build quality and weather sealing
  • High magnification figure and good up close performance

Cons:

  • Very expensive
  • Lack of Image Stabilization
  • Some distortion and vignette

The Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens is a remarkable upgrade from its predecessor, offering enhanced features and improved performance in a smaller and lighter package. This lens is a top-tier choice for professional photographers, providing versatility and exceptional image quality for a wide range of applications.

With its 24-70mm zoom range, this lens is ideal for capturing various subjects, including landscapes, portraits, and street photography. The constant f/2.8 maximum aperture ensures sharp and bright images, even in low-light conditions, while offering greater control over depth of field for beautiful bokeh.

The optical design of the lens incorporates advanced elements to minimize chromatic aberrations and distortion, resulting in clear and vibrant images. The autofocus system is fast and precise, complemented by Nano AR coating to reduce reflections and ghosting. Whether you’re shooting stills or capturing moving subjects, the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II delivers reliable and high-performance results.

Despite being 20 percent lighter and 18 percent smaller than its predecessor, the build quality of the lens remains top-notch. It is weather-sealed to protect against dust and moisture, and the fluorine-coated front element adds an extra layer of protection. The lens also features two focus stop buttons, a dedicated aperture ring that can be set to clickless mode for video shooting, and adjustable zoom friction to prevent zoom creeping.

While the lens is on the pricier side, it offers unparalleled quality and performance. It excels in image sharpness, has comprehensive weather sealing, and utilizes advanced autofocus technology. If budget is a concern, alternatives like the Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN Art or the Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 G2 offer excellent optics and features at a more affordable price.

In conclusion, the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens is the best all-round standard zoom lens for Sony Alpha full-frame cameras. It surpasses its predecessor in various aspects, including autofocus speed, handling, size, and close-up performance. The lens delivers exceptional image quality, with sharpness throughout the zoom and aperture range, minimal aberrations, and impressive bokeh. Its build quality is superb, featuring weather sealing and a range of useful features. While it may come with a high price tag, the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II is worth every penny for photographers who demand the best in terms of performance and versatility.

Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens at B&H, Adorama.

Best Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens Alternatives

The Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II lens may come with a hefty price tag, but its exceptional performance and features more than justify the cost. This lens delivers impeccable image quality, precise autofocus, and outstanding handling, establishing itself as a top-tier choice for professional photographers. For those on a tight budget, there are viable alternatives like the Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN Art lens or the Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 G2 lens. These options offer excellent performance at a more affordable price point. Nevertheless, if you seek the absolute pinnacle of standard zoom lenses, the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II sets a new benchmark to strive for as the ultimate choice.

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens for Sony E at B&H, Adorama.

Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 Lens for Sony E at B&H, Adorama.

2. Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Lens

The sharpest and widest ultra-wide zoom lens

Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Sony E
  • Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
  • Focal Length: 12-24mm
  • Image Stabilization: No
  • Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
  • Minimum Aperture: f/22
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 11.02″ / 28 cm
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.14x
  • Optical Design: 17 Elements in 14 Groups
  • Diaphragm Blades: 9, Rounded
  • Filter Size: Gel Filter (Rear)
  • Dimensions: 3.84 x 5.39″ / 97.6 x 137 mm
  • Weight: 1.86 lb / 847 g

Pros:

  • Ultra-wide angle of view
  • F2.8 aperture
  • Near-perfect image quality
  • Fast, quiet, and accurate autofocus
  • Excellent wide open sharpness across the frame and across the zoom range
  • High grade of build
  • Quality weather sealing
  • Good features and general handling
  • Low chromatic aberrations
  • Amazing flare resistance
  • Sunburst is nice
  • Color rendition is fabulous
  • Rear filter support

Cons:

  • Fairly large and heavy
  • Can’t use traditional filters
  • Very expensive

The Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Lens is a standout option for anyone seeking the sharpest and widest ultra-wide zoom lens on the market. It offers exceptional corner-to-corner sharpness throughout its focus range, from 11 inches to infinity. While it may not be the most affordable option in the ultra-wide zoom category, it is certainly the best.

One of the lens’s standout features is its excellent sunstars and the innovative front cap design. The lens cap is a plastic device with four cam-controlled internal tabs that securely attach and protect the lens. This is a significant advantage, especially for those who frequently shoot with ultra-wide lenses, as it ensures the lens remains protected and clean.

In terms of image quality, the Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM lens delivers supreme results. Its no-compromise optical design produces outstanding edge-to-edge sharpness, even at the shortest focal length. The lens also exhibits remarkable resistance to ghosting and flare.

While the lens comes with a hefty price tag, its performance justifies the cost. The autofocus system is rapid, smooth, and nearly silent, making it suitable for various photography genres. The lens’s build quality is superb, ensuring durability and weather resistance.

When considering alternatives, the Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 lens is a cheaper option that sacrifices a bit of image quality. Sony’s own 12-24mm f/4 G zoom lens and the Sigma 12-24mm f/4 HSM ART lens offer similar field of view but at considerably lower prices. However, the Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM lens’s brighter aperture and superior build quality justify its premium price.

This lens is an engineering marvel and is perfect for landscape photographers, architecture photographers, and those who require a wide field of view. It excels in capturing action, cityscapes, and photojournalism, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of photography applications.

In conclusion, the Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Lens is an outstanding piece of equipment, offering excellent image quality and impressive performance. While it may not be suitable for casual photographers or those with budget constraints, it is a top choice for professionals and enthusiasts who demand the best results from their ultra-wide zoom lens.

Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Lens at B&H, Adorama.

Best Sony FE 12-24mm f2.8 GM Lens Alternatives

The Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM lens is undoubtedly a high-performing lens, delivering outstanding image quality and build quality that is expected from Sony’s prestigious G Master series. However, its price of $2,999 puts it in the premium range. If you’re seeking more affordable alternatives with similar features and field of view, there are three noteworthy options: the Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G lens, the Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art lens, and the Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 lens.

Priced at $1,773, the Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G lens offers a narrower aperture of one stop compared to its f/2.8 counterpart. While it may not match the ultimate sharpness and low-light capabilities of the f/2.8 lens, it provides a budget-friendly option without compromising on image quality.

On the other hand, the Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art lens is priced even lower at $1,399 and delivers similar optical performance to the Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM lens. It’s a slimmer and lighter alternative, making it a more portable choice.

For an exceptional all-around f/2.8 wide-angle zoom lens under $1,000, the Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD Lens is an excellent option. While its zoom range is narrower compared to the 16-35mm options, the lens compensates with remarkable portability, which is highly desirable for many photographers. Moreover, its sharpness is truly impressive, delivering stunning image quality.

Ultimately, your choice among these lenses will depend on your specific needs, budget, and the importance of a wider aperture. If you prioritize the brightest aperture and have the budget for it, the Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM lens is a fantastic investment. However, if you’re seeking more affordable options without compromising image quality, the Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G lens and the Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art lens are excellent alternatives to consider.

Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G Lens at B&H, Adorama.

Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens for Sony E at B&H, Adorama.

Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD Lens for Sony E at B&H, Adorama.

3. Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Lens

A versatile, compact, and affordable lens for vloggers, travel photographer and hybrid creator.

Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Sony E
  • Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
  • Focal Length: 20-40mm
  • Image Stabilization: No
  • Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
  • Minimum Aperture: Not Specified by Manufacturer
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 6.7″ / 17 cm
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.26x
  • Macro Reproduction Ratio: 1:3.8
  • Filter Size: 67 mm (Front)
  • Weight: 12.9 oz / 365 g
  • at B&H, Adorama.

Pros:

  • Unique and versatile focal range
  • Fast, constant f/2.8 aperture
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Good quality of construction including robust weather sealing
  • VXD autofocus is quick, quiet, and accurate
  • Good sharpness across the zoom range
  • Good magnification and close up performance
  • Nice bokeh rendering
  • Fantastic coma performance
  • Distortion and vignette is moderate
  • CA well controlled
  • USB-C port allows for customization and firmware updates
  • Low price when compared with other wide angle F2.8 options

Cons:

  • Some flaring at smaller apertures
  • Slightly complex distortion pattern at 20mm
  • No optical stabilization
  • Limited on-lens controls

The Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Lens is a highly versatile and portable lens designed for everyday shooting. It offers a useful range of focal lengths, making it suitable for a wide variety of subjects, including landscapes, cityscapes, street scenes, and portraits. Whether you’re capturing still images or shooting video, this lens delivers beautiful results.

One of the standout features of this lens is its compatibility with gimbals, making it an excellent choice for vloggers. It offers an extra-wide view that both photographers and videographers will appreciate. The Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Lens fills a gap in the Sony lens system, providing an affordable alternative without compromising on important features like weather protection and autofocus speed.

With a price tag of around $699, this lens offers great value for money compared to higher-end options. While it may not have on-barrel controls like some pricier alternatives, it more than makes up for it with its compact size, lightweight design, and excellent performance. The lens’s fast f/2.8 aperture allows for beautiful background blur, adding a touch of creativity to your shots.

For vloggers using the Sony ZV-E1, the Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Lens is hard to beat. It weighs only 367g, making it comfortable to hold for extended periods, and its unique focal range provides flexibility in framing your shots. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced content creator, this lens is a great choice for capturing high-quality vlogs and travel videos.

Overall, the Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Lens is an impressive option that combines portability, affordability, and excellent performance. It’s suitable for a wide range of shooting situations and offers great value for both still photographers and videographers. With its versatile focal range and fast aperture, this lens is a smart investment for anyone looking to elevate their creative work.

Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Lens for Sony E at B&H, Adorama.

4. Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G Lens

A great lens for content creators and vloggers

Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Sony E
  • Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
  • Focal Length: 16-35mm
  • Image Stabilization: No
  • Maximum Aperture: f/4
  • Minimum Aperture: f/22
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 9.4″ / 24 cm
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.23x
  • Optical Design: 13 Elements in 12 Groups
  • Diaphragm Blades: 7, Rounded
  • Filter Size: 72 mm (Front)
  • Dimensions: 3.2 x 3.5″ / 80.5 x 88.1 mm
  • Weight: 12.5 oz / 353 g
  • at B&H, Adorama.

Pros:

  • Wide zoom with full-frame coverage
  • Compact, gimbal-friendly design
  • Outstanding to excellent sharpness
  • Remote power zoom control features
  • Quick, quiet autofocus
  • Low CA
  • Excellent flare resistance
  • Superb handling
  • Dust and moisture resistant
  • Smooth bokeh
  • Ample on-barrel controls
  • Breathing corrected, parfocal optics

Cons:

  • Plasticky build
  • No optical stabilisation
  • Technical greatness sometimes feels a bit sterile
  • Just f4

The Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G Lens is a versatile and compact ultra-wide zoom lens designed specifically for creators, including both photo and video content makers. With its superb optics and power zoom functionality, this lens is suitable for a wide range of applications, making it an excellent choice for vloggers, travel photographers, and video shooters.

One of the standout features of this lens is its constant f/4 aperture, striking a perfect balance between bright enough for available-light shooting and portable enough for all-day use. Sony’s expertise in lens design is evident in the outstanding performance and control it delivers, making it the world’s lightest full-frame wide-angle power-zoom lens with a constant f/4 aperture.

The lens offers exceptional image quality, reliable G lens rendering, and industry-leading autofocus performance. It performs admirably in both photo and video shooting scenarios, providing incredible resolution, beautiful bokeh, and fast, precise autofocus.

For vloggers and video creators, the power zoom function is a valuable feature that allows for smooth zooming while shooting, and the internal zoom barrel ensures compatibility with gimbals without the need for constant rebalancing. This opens up creative possibilities for cinematic techniques like the dolly zoom.

Photographers will appreciate the lens’s compact and lightweight form factor, making it an ideal companion for travel and landscape photography. The lens’s build quality is commendable, and its dust and moisture-resistant design enhance its durability.

While the lack of optical image stabilization might be seen as a downside, the in-camera stabilization on Sony cameras mitigates this issue. Additionally, the lens’s smooth motion optics reduce focus breathing, maintaining compositional accuracy during focus adjustments.

Overall, the Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G Lens is an outstanding choice for content creators and vloggers, offering a wide range of features in a compact and affordable package. Whether you’re shooting video, stills, landscapes, or vlogs, this lens delivers impressive results and earns its place as an Editor’s Choice for its combination of technical excellence and aesthetic quality.

Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G Lens at B&H, Adorama.

5. Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD Lens

Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Sony E
  • Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
  • Focal Length: 35-150mm
  • Image Stabilization: No
  • Maximum Aperture: f/2-2.8
  • Minimum Aperture: f/16-22
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 13″ / 33 cm
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.18x
  • Macro Reproduction Ratio: 1:5.7
  • Optical Design: 21 Elements in 15 Groups
  • Diaphragm Blades: 9, Rounded
  • Filter Size: 82 mm (Front)
  • Dimensions: 3.5 x 6.2″ / 89 x 158 mm
  • Weight: 41.1 oz / 1165 g
  • at B&H, Adorama.

Pros:

  • Innovative and useful focal range
  • Beautiful image quality
  • Professional build quality
  • Larger maximum aperture than competitors at points
  • Quick and quiet autofocus
  • Strong optical performance throughout zoom range
  • Exceptional contrast and “pop” to images
  • Excellent control of chromatic aberrations
  • Nice looking bokeh
  • Advanced weather sealing with 11 seal points
  • Fluorine coating
  • New finish and lens sculpting attractive
  • Powerful VXD focus motor
  • Useful new features like custom buttons and USB-C port

Cons:

  • Quite large and heavy
  • No tripod collar
  • No lens stabilization
  • Poor flare resistance
  • Ring position reversed from other Tamron zooms

The Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD Lens is a versatile and advanced all-in-one zoom lens designed for travel photography. It offers a wide to medium telephoto range and a bright maximum aperture, making it an ideal choice for capturing various scenes such as beautiful landscapes, architectural details, and street photography.

One of the standout features of this lens is its wide-open aperture range of f/2-2.8, allowing photographers to shoot in low-light conditions while also controlling depth of field and achieving selective focus. This makes it easier to capture stunning images with beautiful bokeh and isolate subjects from the background. Additionally, the lens features a VXD autofocus system, providing quick, quiet, and precise autofocus performance suitable for both stills and videos.

The lens covers a focal length range from 35mm to 150mm, allowing photographers to capture a wide variety of subjects without the need to switch lenses. From wide-angle shots to telephoto perspectives, this lens offers flexibility and convenience, making it a great option for travel photography. The lens also incorporates four LD (Low Dispersion) lens elements and three GM (Glass Molded Aspherical) lens elements, ensuring high optical performance with reduced aberrations and improved image quality.

The Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD Lens is not only optically impressive but also packed with useful features. It offers weather sealing, making it suitable for shooting in various weather conditions, and the lens barrel includes a Connector Port for connecting to the TAMRON Lens Utility software. This software allows users to customize functions and update firmware, providing additional flexibility and convenience.

Overall, the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD Lens is a powerful tool for photographers who value versatility and image quality. With its wide aperture, excellent autofocus performance, and customizable features, this lens is well-suited for a range of photography genres, including travel, portrait, and event photography.

Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD Lens for Sony E at B&H, Adorama.

6. Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM Lens

A remarkable ultra-wide-angle prime lens for landscape, nature, architectural, and astrophotography

Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Sony E
  • Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
  • Focal Length: 14mm
  • Image Stabilization: No
  • Maximum Aperture: f/1.8
  • Minimum Aperture: f/16
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 9.8″ / 25 cm
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.1x
  • Optical Design: 14 Elements in 11 Groups
  • Diaphragm Blades: 9, Rounded
  • Filter Size: Gel Filter (Rear)
  • Dimensions: 3.3 x 3.9″ / 83 x 99.8 mm
  • Weight: 1 lb / 460 g
  • at B&H, Adorama.

Pros:

  • Excellent wide open sharpness across the frame
  • Fast, quiet, and accurate autofocus
  • Low chromatic aberrations
  • Amazing flare resistance
  • Sunburst is gorgeous
  • Color rendition is fabulous
  • Smaller and lighter than competitors
  • High grade of build
  • Quality weather sealing
  • Good features and general handling

Cons:

  • Can’t use traditional filters
  • Relatively competitively priced, but still expensive
  • Some odd distortion with off center shots at MFD

The Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM Lens is an exceptional piece of equipment that caters to the needs of photographers who specialize in landscape, nature, architectural, and astrophotography. Its ultra-wide-angle focal length of 14mm allows for dramatic and imposing perspectives, making it a must-have lens for capturing unique and striking compositions.

One of the standout features of this lens is its f/1.8 maximum aperture, which excels in low-light conditions and enables photographers to gather more light, especially beneficial for astrophotography. The lens’s compact form factor adds to its versatility, making it suitable for both casual walkaround shooting and staged architectural shoots.

In terms of performance, the Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM delivers breathtaking center sharpness and impressive image quality throughout its aperture range. While it may not achieve “tack sharp” results in the corners, which is typical for ultra-wide-angle lenses, the overall image quality is still exceptional. Image distortion is minimal, even in raw images, and the lens exhibits low chromatic aberration.

The build quality of the lens is top-notch, with a solid construction and anti-dust and moisture sealing, making it suitable for professional use in challenging conditions. The autofocus is fast and silent, providing a seamless shooting experience, and video makers will appreciate the clickless aperture option.

In terms of price, the Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM is relatively expensive, but considering its performance and the fact that it competes well with other options on the market, it is reasonably priced for a pro-grade lens in its category. It offers a level of optical quality and versatility that justifies its cost.

While the lens may be considered a specialty lens due to its focal length and price, it is highly recommended for photographers who are passionate about ultra-wide-angle photography. Whether photographing architecture, landscapes, or the night sky, this lens delivers outstanding results and is a valuable addition to any photographer’s kit.

Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM Lens at B&H, Adorama.

7. Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM Lens

A very popular lens for landscape, nature, street, and architectural photography

Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Sony E
  • Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
  • Focal Length: 24mm
  • Image Stabilization: No
  • Maximum Aperture: f/1.4
  • Minimum Aperture: f/16
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 9.45″ / 24 cm
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.17x
  • Optical Design: 13 Elements in 10 Groups
  • Diaphragm Blades: 11, Rounded
  • Filter Size: 67 mm
  • Dimensions: 2.97 x 3.64″ / 75.4 x 92.4 mm
  • Weight: 15.7 oz / 445 g
  • at B&H, Adorama

Pros:

  • Excellent balance of size to performance
  • Very smooth bokeh
  • Beautiful, feature rich build
  • Weather sealed design
  • Smooth, quiet, and fast autofocus
  • Low vignette and distortion
  • Extremely sharp corners from F2.8 on
  • Manual focus ring is linear and nicely damped
  • Excellent wide open performance over most of the frame

Cons:

  • Fairly expensive
  • Coma performance isn’t incredible
  • A bit of focus pulsing in certain backlit situations

The Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM Lens is a highly recommended option for landscape, nature, street, and architectural photography. With its wide-angle focal length and bright design, this lens is versatile and well-suited for various shooting situations. It excels in low-light conditions and offers increased control over depth of field, thanks to its maximum aperture of f/1.4.

One of the standout features of this lens is its exceptional sharpness across the frame, even when shooting wide open at f/1.4. The bokeh produced by the lens is silky smooth, adding a pleasing background blur to your images. The lens incorporates 13 lens elements in 10 groups, including two XA (extreme aspherical) elements and three ED (extra-low dispersion) elements, which effectively eliminate sagittal flare and chromatic aberrations. This results in high-resolution images with excellent color fidelity, making it an ideal choice for landscape and architectural photography.

The Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM Lens also features Nano AR coating on the glass elements to reduce lens flaring and ghosting, ensuring increased contrast and improved image quality, even in harsh lighting conditions. The lens offers fast and precise autofocus, making it suitable for capturing moving subjects, and it provides top-level control and reliability, making it a favorite among professionals.

Despite its impressive performance, the lens maintains a compact and lightweight design, measuring approximately 75mm x 92mm (3.0 x 3.64 inches) and weighing only 445 grams (15.7 ounces). It is also weather-sealed, adding to its durability and suitability for outdoor photography.

Overall, the Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM Lens is a winner in its class. Its resolution and sharpness are highly impressive, and it delivers excellent image quality throughout the aperture range. The build quality is superb, meeting professional standards, and the lens offers smooth and precise manual focusing along with fast and near-silent autofocus. Despite its small size, it delivers outstanding optical performance, proving that compact lenses can still provide top-notch results. Whether you’re a landscape photographer, astrophotographer, street photographer, or even a portrait photographer, the Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM Lens is a highly recommended choice that justifies its price tag.

Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM Lens at B&H, Adorama.

8. Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM Lens

Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Sony E
  • Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
  • Focal Length: 35mm
  • Image Stabilization: No
  • Maximum Aperture: f/1.4
  • Minimum Aperture: f/16
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 9.8″ / 25 cm
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.26x
  • Optical Design: 14 Elements in 10 Groups
  • Diaphragm Blades: 11, Rounded
  • Filter Size: 67 mm
  • Dimensions: 3 x 3.8″ / 76 x 96 mm
  • Weight: 1.2 lb / 524 g
  • at B&H, Adorama

Pros:

  • Smaller and lighter than competitors
  • Beautifully soft bokeh
  • Fast, quiet, and accurate autofocus
  • Excellent wide open sharpness across the frame
  • Aperture retains a circular shape better than most
  • Low chromatic aberrations
  • Good flare resistance
  • Good handling of coma
  • Excellent build quality
  • Quality weather sealing
  • High magnification and excellent up close performance

Cons:

  • Some pronounced focus breathing
  • More expensive than most other 35mm options on Sony
  • Manual focus ring could use a little more feeling and weight

The Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM Lens is a highly versatile and top-performing lens suitable for various photography genres, including street, landscapes, portraits, and more. With its compact and lightweight design, it delivers exceptional image quality and stunning bokeh, making it a go-to lens for professionals and serious hobbyists.

One of the standout features of this lens is its F1.4 maximum aperture, which provides outstanding brightness and depth of field control. It allows photographers to isolate their subjects effectively, separating them from the foreground and background with remarkable light gathering capabilities, particularly when shooting wide open. The lens boasts 11 circular aperture blades and two XA (extreme aspherical) lens elements, which contribute to sharp in-focus areas and beautiful soft bokeh. Additionally, two XA elements and one extra-low dispersion element minimize aberrations, color fringing, and distortion, while the Nano AR II coating reduces flare and ghosting for improved contrast.

The autofocus performance of the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM Lens is exceptional, thanks to the XD Linear Motor system, which utilizes two separate motors for precise, quiet, and quick autofocus. The lens is also dust- and moisture-sealed, making it suitable for shooting in challenging weather conditions. Its compact size and light weight further enhance its usability, especially when paired with E-mount mirrorless bodies or used with gimbals or accessory grips.

While the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM Lens comes with a higher price tag compared to some alternatives, it offers excellent value for its quality and performance. It is competitively priced among other professional-grade 35mm lenses and is considered one of the best options available for Sony cameras. The lens is well-suited for environmental portraits, travel, documentary photography, events, and landscape work.

However, it may not be the ideal choice for video shooters who require better control over focus breathing, and photographers who prioritize traveling as light as possible. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM Lens remains a compelling option due to its superb image quality, reliable autofocus, and solid build quality.

In conclusion, the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM Lens is a high-end, versatile prime lens that exceeds expectations in terms of optics and construction. It is an excellent choice for photographers seeking a fast 35mm lens for Sony E-mount cameras, offering exceptional sharpness, smooth bokeh, and precise autofocus. While it may be pricier compared to some alternatives, its performance and features justify the investment, making it a top pick for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM Lens at B&H, Adorama.

Best Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM Lens Alternatives

Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 Lens (at B&H, Adorama)

The Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 lens is a compact powerhouse that has won the hearts of many photographers. Weighing in at just 281 grams, it’s incredibly lightweight, making it a top choice for those who value portability. Its compact dimensions, measuring 73 mm in length and 65.6 mm in diameter, make it easy to carry around without sacrificing performance.

What sets this lens apart is its sharpness. Images captured with the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 are consistently crisp and detailed, allowing photographers to capture stunning shots with ease. While it may not have the wide aperture of its f/1.4 counterpart, it more than makes up for it with its excellent quality-to-cost ratio.

Comparing it to the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM Lens, you’ll notice differences in aperture blades, filter size, and motor type, but what remains constant is the affordability of the f/1.8 lens. For those who don’t require the wider aperture, the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 Lens is a compelling choice that delivers outstanding performance without breaking the bank.

Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 Lens at B&H, Adorama.

Sony Distagon T* 35mm f/1.4 ZA (at B&H, Adorama):

Despite the prestigious Zeiss branding, this lens doesn’t quite live up to expectations. It gained notoriety for its inconsistent quality across copies, leaving many users unsatisfied given its price point (especially when compared to the GM lens). In addition to these quality concerns, it’s bulkier at 112 mm in length and 78.5 mm in diameter, weighing 630 grams, making it less travel-friendly. While it’s cheaper than the GM version, I can’t confidently recommend the Sony Distagon T* 35mm f/1.4 ZA due to its questionable quality-to-cost ratio when compared to the GM or other options on our list.

Sigma 35mm f/1.2 DG DN Art (at B&H, Adorama):

This lens is my least preferred among the selection. It’s not only the costliest 35mm option for the Sony system but also the heaviest at 1,090 grams, longest at 136.2 mm, largest in diameter at 87.8 mm, and sports the widest filter thread at 82mm. While its image quality ranks just below the GM, it may not justify these drawbacks for most users. However, it does boast the fastest autofocus for the Sony E-mount system, a redeeming feature.

Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art (at B&H, Adorama):

Among the lenses listed, this one closely resembles the GM in size and weight, measuring 111.5 mm in length, 75.5 mm in diameter, and weighing 640 grams. While it outperforms the ZA in terms of sharpness and affordability, it falls slightly behind the GM in various aspects, except for its price. This lens could be an attractive choice for those seeking a balance between cost savings, a wide f/1.4 aperture, and are willing to accommodate its size and weight.

Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (at B&H, Adorama):

Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary stands out as an excellent choice, offering a compelling package. With outstanding build quality and a lightweight design at 325 g, it’s a versatile and sharp lens, particularly when stopped down a bit.

9. Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM Lens

Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Sony E
  • Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
  • Focal Length: 50mm
  • Image Stabilization: No
  • Maximum Aperture: f/1.2
  • Minimum Aperture: f/16
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 1.3′ / 40 cm
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.17x
  • Optical Design: 14 Elements in 10 Groups
  • Diaphragm Blades: 11, Rounded
  • Filter Size: 72 mm
  • Dimensions: 3.4 x 4.3″ / 87 x 108 mm
  • Weight: 1.7 lb / 778 g
  • at B&H, Adorama.

Pros:

  • Pro-grade built and weather sealing
  • Super-fast f/1.2 maximum aperture
  • Exceptional image quality and sharpness
  • Fast, quiet, and accurate autofocus
  • Beautifully soft bokeh
  • Sharp and bright to the edges, even wide open
  • Good flare resistance

Cons:

  • Pricey
  • A little heavy
  • Minimum aperture of f/16

The Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM lens is a standout option for photographers seeking a fast, versatile, and high-quality prime lens. With its bright f/1.2 aperture, advanced optics, and compact design, this lens delivers exceptional image quality while remaining portable and lightweight.

Whether you’re shooting portraits, street photography, or even astrophotography, the 50mm f/1.2 GM excels in producing beautiful results. The sharpness it delivers, even at its widest aperture, is truly impressive. However, it’s important to note that this lens comes with a hefty price tag.

Despite its slightly bulky feel on a mirrorless Alpha body, the lens handles remarkably well, and the autofocus is fast and reliable. The image quality is exceptional, combining impressive sharpness with beautiful bokeh. The build quality is excellent, and despite the high price, the lens offers great value for the money. If you’re in search of a high-speed standard prime lens for your Sony camera, the FE 50mm f/1.2 GM is a top contender.

For professional photographers or those who never plan to remove the 50mm lens from their camera, the FE 50mm f/1.2 GM is an ideal choice. If the price of the FE 50mm f/1.2 GM is beyond your budget, Sony does offer alternative options. Sony also recently introduced the 50mm f/2.5 G lens, which offers higher-end optics in a compact body. While it sacrifices speed with its f/2.5 aperture, it provides a smaller and inconspicuous alternative to the GM lens.

Overall, the Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM stands out as the best quality standard lens for the e-mount system to date. Its exceptional image quality, impressive sharpness, and smooth rendering make it a top choice for professional photographers. Despite the high price, it offers excellent value compared to similar lenses from Canon and Nikon. If you’re seeking a versatile lens with a wide aperture for low-light shooting or shallow depth of field, the FE 50mm f/1.2 GM is a lens worth considering.

Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM Lens at B&H, Adorama.

10. Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM Lens

The ultimate portrait prime lens

Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Sony E
  • Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
  • Focal Length: 85mm
  • Image Stabilization: No
  • Maximum Aperture: f/1.4
  • Minimum Aperture: f/16
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 2.62′ / 80 cm
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.12x
  • Optical Design: 11 Elements in 8 Groups
  • Diaphragm Blades: 11, Rounded
  • Filter Size: 77 mm
  • Dimensions: 3.52 x 4.23″ / 89.5 x 107.5 mm
  • Weight: 1.8 lb / 820 g
  • at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.

Pros:

  • Beautiful build quality with advanced weather sealing
  • Outstanding sharpness
  • Best of class microcontrast
  • Flare resistant
  • Beautiful bokeh
  • No distortion
  • Accurate autofocus
  • Best all-round balance of resolution and rendering
  • Exceptional optical performance and resolution for professional portraits

Cons:

  • Very expensive
  • Large and heavy
  • No image stabilization

The Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM Lens is the ultimate portrait prime lens, offering exceptional image quality and beautiful bokeh. Designed specifically for portraiture, this lens strikes a perfect balance between resolution and bokeh in a compact package. With its fast f/1.4 maximum aperture, it excels at isolation focus and performs exceptionally well in low-light conditions.

One of the standout features of this lens is its optical design, which incorporates three extra-low dispersion elements and one XA element. These elements work together to reduce chromatic and spherical aberrations, resulting in sharp and clear images. The Nano AR coating applied to the lens helps minimize ghosting and flare, enhancing contrast and color fidelity.

With its 85mm focal length and fast aperture, this lens is perfect for creating stunning portraits with a shallow depth of field. The bokeh quality is wonderfully soft and dreamy, even when the aperture is stopped down slightly, thanks to the rounded 11-blade diaphragm. The lens’s sharpness and bokeh quality make it a standout choice for portrait photographers.

As part of Sony’s G Master series, the FE 85mm f/1.4 GM Lens offers exceptional resolution and sharpness by correcting various aberrations. The lens also features a de-clickable aperture ring, making it ideal for both photography and videography. Its weather-sealed construction ensures durability and reliability in various shooting conditions.

While the FE 85mm f/1.4 GM Lens comes at a higher price point, its performance justifies the cost. It outperforms Sony’s budget-friendly FE 85mm f/1.8 lens, offering sharper images, better bokeh, and additional features like a lockable lens hood and a focus lock button. The lens’s image quality and build make it a highly recommended choice for professional photographers.

In conclusion, the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM Lens is a top-notch lens for portrait photography. Its combination of sharpness, bokeh quality, and fast aperture make it a standout choice for capturing stunning portraits with a pleasing depth of field. While it may be pricier compared to other options, its superior image quality and features make it well worth the investment for serious photographers.

Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM Lens at B&H, Adorama.

Best Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM Lens Alternatives

When it comes to 85mm lenses for Sony FE mount, there are several options to choose from. Two notable competitors to the Sony GM lens are the Samyang 85mm f/1.4 AF FE and the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 ART. If you’re working within a budget, the Samyang lens presents itself as an obvious alternative at a significantly lower price point. However, it’s important to note that the quality may not be on par with the Sony GM lens, although the difference might not be noticeable on lower megapixel cameras. On the positive side, the Samyang lens is much lighter and slightly more compact. Another option is the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 ART, which offers comparable optical performance to the Sony GM lens but is notably larger in size. It almost looks comical due to its extended design from the DSLR version to fit the Sony mount. If you’re not bothered by the size and appearance, it could be a viable alternative.

While many photographers don’t necessarily require the maximum aperture of f/1.4, there are other options to consider. The Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 and the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 lenses are worth exploring. Although they have slightly less potential for shallow depth of field, they still offer impressive image quality that stands up to the competition.

Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 FE II Lens for Sony E at B&H, Adorama.

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Lens for Sony E at B&H, Adorama.

ZEISS Batis 85mm f/1.8 Lens for Sony E at B&H, Adorama.

Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 Lens at B&H, Adorama.

11. Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS Lens

Great for macro photography and close-up portraits

Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Sony E
  • Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
  • Focal Length: 90mm
  • Image Stabilization: Yes
  • Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
  • Minimum Aperture: f/22
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 11.02″ / 28 cm
  • Maximum Magnification: 1x
  • Macro Reproduction Ratio: 1:1
  • Optical Design: 15 Elements in 11 Groups
  • Diaphragm Blades: 9, Rounded
  • Filter Size: 62 mm
  • Dimensions: 3.11 x 5.14″ / 79 x 130.5 mm
  • Weight: 1.32 lb / 602 g
  • at B&H, Adorama.

Pros:

  • Nice build quality
  • Quiet, fast, and smooth autofocus
  • Eye AF works well
  • Size and weight are moderate
  • Excellent resolution and contrast across the frame
  • Good control of aberrations
  • Optical image stabilization
  • 1:1 magnification
  • Bokeh and color in many situations are very good
  • Better flare resistance than most macro lenses
  • Weather sealing, focus-lock button, focus limiter, dual MF-mechanism
  • Clutch mechanism works flawlessly and allows a true mechanical manual focus

Cons:

  • Fairly expensive relative to competition
  • Lackluster stabilization for full macro
  • 62mm filter thread is uncommon and unlikely to be shared with other lenses

The Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS Lens is a perfect choice for macro photography and close-up portraits, offering excellent sharpness, depth of field, and color rendition. Its true macro design provides a life-size, 1:1 magnification ratio and an 11″ minimum focusing distance, allowing you to capture stunning close-up subjects. The lens’s maximum aperture of f/2.8 is effective in low-light conditions and enables you to achieve a shallow depth-of-field focus. The internal focus system ensures fast autofocus performance and a short minimum focus distance.

One of the standout features of this lens is the Optical SteadyShot image stabilization, which minimizes camera shake for sharper handheld shots, even with slower shutter speeds. Whether you need a dedicated macro lens or a lens that can handle both macro and portrait photography, the Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS lens delivers exceptional results.

The lens’s versatility extends beyond macro photography, making it suitable for portraits, landscapes, sports, architecture, and more. Its performance remains excellent across various genres, and it boasts slick operation and outstanding results.

While the price may be on the higher side, the Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS lens stands as an essential option for Sony A7 range users, especially considering the limited alternative options. Its superb sharpness is maintained throughout the aperture range, with excellent performance even wide open at f/2.8. Distortion is effectively controlled, even when shooting in RAW format. The lens offers fast and reliable autofocus, intuitive manual focusing, and impressive build quality.

In summary, the Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS Lens is a highly capable macro lens for Sony full-frame compact system cameras. Its sharpness, focusing capabilities, and build quality make it a recommended addition for macro photography enthusiasts. Furthermore, its ability to double as a portrait lens adds to its versatility. While there are alternative options available, the Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS lens remains an excellent choice, offering superb image quality and reliable performance across various applications.

Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS Lens at B&H, Adorama.

12. Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM OSS Lens

Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM OSS Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Sony E
  • Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
  • Focal Length: 100mm
  • Image Stabilization: Yes
  • Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
  • Minimum Aperture: f/20
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 1.87′ / 57 cm
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.25x
  • Optical Design: 14 Elements in 10 Groups
  • Diaphragm Blades: 11, Rounded
  • Filter Size: 72 mm
  • Dimensions: 3.35 x 4.65″ / 85.2 x 118.1 mm
  • Weight: 1.54 lb / 700 g
  • at B&H, Adorama

Pros:

  • Outstanding sharpness
  • Low CA
  • Gorgeous bokeh
  • Fast and accurate AF focusing
  • Dust and moisture resistance
  • Close focusing
  • Optical image stabilization
  • Well designed ergonomics

Cons:

  • Expensive

The Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM OSS lens is a superb creative tool that delivers both smooth bokeh and fine sharpness, making it an outstanding choice for portrait and still life photography. It sets itself apart from other portrait-length lenses with its unique Smooth Trans Focus (STF) technology, which utilizes an apodization filter to achieve remarkably smooth bokeh with rounded out-of-focus highlights in both the foreground and background.

Featuring fast, precise, and quiet DDSSM autofocus, this lens ensures quick and accurate focusing, while its close-up capability of up to 0.25x magnification allows for detailed shots of small subjects. The lens incorporates one aspherical element and one extra-low dispersion element, effectively suppressing spherical and chromatic aberrations for exceptional image clarity and sharpness.

The Nano AR coating applied to the lens helps reduce lens flare and ghosting, resulting in improved contrast and color fidelity even in challenging lighting conditions. The lens also benefits from Optical SteadyShot image stabilization, minimizing the appearance of camera shake and producing sharp images when shooting handheld.

The Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM OSS lens excels at rendering beautiful bokeh, particularly for portraits and images with out-of-focus backgrounds. It offers a unique rendering quality that sets it apart from other lenses on the market. While its T5.6 maximum aperture may limit its low-light performance, the inclusion of Optical SteadyShot image stabilization compensates for this limitation, making it suitable for handheld shooting in various lighting situations.

The lens’s build quality is excellent, with weather sealing that ensures durability and reliability in professional use. It incorporates an aperture ring that can be de-clicked for smooth adjustments during video recording. Although it may not be the ideal lens for sports or action photography due to its moderate autofocus speed, it shines in still life, nature, and portrait photography, where it can create stunning images with a unique bokeh effect.

Overall, the Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM OSS lens offers exceptional image quality, sharpness, and bokeh rendition. While it may not be the best choice for low-light action photography, its specialized features make it a valuable tool for portrait, still life, and nature photographers seeking to capture images with extraordinary bokeh and fine detail. If you prioritize the quality of bokeh in your work, this lens is highly recommended for its outstanding performance.

Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM OSS Lens at B&H, Adorama.

13. Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM Lens

Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Sony E
  • Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
  • Focal Length: 135mm
  • Image Stabilization: No
  • Maximum Aperture: f/1.8
  • Minimum Aperture: f/22
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 2.3′ / 70 cm
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.25x
  • Optical Design: 13 Elements in 10 Groups
  • Diaphragm Blades: 11, Rounded
  • Filter Size: 82 mm
  • Dimensions: 3.52 x 5″ / 89.5 x 127 mm
  • Weight: 33.51 oz / 950 g
  • at B&H, Adorama.

Pros:

  • Top-class build quality
  • Record-setting sharpness and contrast
  • Lovely bokeh and color
  • Amazing autofocus with brilliant speed and accuracy
  • High-end handling
  • Weather sealing and fluorine coating
  • Declickable aperture ring

Cons:

  • Heavy at 950g
  • Very expensive
  • No optical stabilization

The Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM Lens is a highly impressive lens that excels in portraiture, sports shooting, and landscape photography. As part of the esteemed G Master series, it delivers exceptional image quality and beautiful bokeh, making it a favorite among professionals and enthusiasts alike.

The lens features a lightweight and weather-sealed magnesium alloy body, ensuring durability and protection against dust and moisture. The maximum f/1.8 aperture allows for sharp and detailed photos even in challenging low-light conditions. The lens incorporates Sony’s Extreme Aspherical (XA) and Super ED elements, along with a fast f/1.8 focal ratio and longer focal length, resulting in excellent sharpness, shallow depth-of-field, and a pleasing bokeh effect.

Nano AR coating is applied to minimize lens flares, reflections, and ghosting, while enhancing color fidelity and contrast, especially in strong lighting conditions. The lens also offers fast autofocus acquisition, which is particularly useful when combined with Sony’s impressive Eye AF mode. Its minimum focus distance of 0.7 meters and maximum magnification of 0.25x provide versatility for capturing smaller subjects and close-up shots.

Despite its relatively large size and weight, the Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM lens is well-designed and easy to handle. It features a range of professional functions, including weather sealing, a wide and smooth focusing ring, a de-clickable manual aperture ring, a focus limiter switch, and convenient Focus Hold Buttons. The lens performs admirably in both good and low-light conditions, delivering quick and accurate autofocus performance.

The only notable drawback is the lens’s price, which may be considered high for some users. However, for photographers who frequently work with portraits, the investment is likely to be worthwhile, considering the lens’s exceptional image quality and long service life.

Overall, the Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM Lens offers outstanding performance, combining high resolution, exquisite bokeh, and professional features. It is highly recommended for Sony FE mount full-frame users, particularly those involved in portrait photography, weddings, and sports photography. With this lens, photographers have the opportunity to capture stunning images and explore their creative potential to the fullest.

Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM Lens at B&H, Adorama.

14. Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II Lens

Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Sony E
  • Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
  • Focal Length: 70-200mm
  • Image Stabilization: Yes
  • Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
  • Minimum Aperture: f/22
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 15.7″ / 40 cm
  • Optical Design: 17 Elements in 14 Groups
  • Diaphragm Blades: 11, Rounded
  • Tripod Collar: Removable and Rotating
  • Filter Size: 77 mm (Front)
  • Dimensions: 3.46 x 7.87″ / 88 x 200 mm
  • Weight: 2.3 lb / 1045 g
  • at B&H, Adorama.

Pros:

  • 29% lighter than the MK 1 lens, and it makes a huge difference
  • Bright F2.8 optics
  • Excellent image quality
  • Great build quality and weather sealing
  • Built-in image stabilization for steady shots
  • Fantastic autofocus from the quad focus motors
  • Nice bokeh
  • Good flare resistance
  • Relatively low distortion and vignette
  • Exceptional resolution and contrast throughout the zoom range
  • Good close-focusing performance
  • Full compatibility with teleconverters

Cons:

  • Very expensive
  • Tripod foot not Arca-compatible

The Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens is a highly capable tool designed specifically for professional photographers who require exceptional performance in wildlife, portrait, and sports photography. This telephoto zoom lens, compatible with full-frame cameras, excels in delivering razor-sharp images with a pleasing bokeh effect, showcasing remarkable clarity and detail across all focal ranges. The FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II surpasses its predecessor by minimizing focus breathing, focus shift, and axis shift during zooming, resulting in enhanced video capabilities.

Featuring four linear motors, this lens ensures fast, silent, and precise autofocus, catering to both still photography and videography needs. The lens offers dedicated physical buttons for controlling focus, zoom, and iris, each with independent functionality that can be easily deactivated using the switch button. Furthermore, it maintains a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture, ensuring consistent exposure throughout the zoom range.

Optical image stabilization effectively counters blur, even with moving subjects, while the integration of XA and ED glass elements effectively eliminates chromatic aberrations and produces vibrant colors. The 11-blade circular aperture contributes to smooth and natural-looking bokeh, while the rapid AF system, driven by separate actuators, ensures you capture every moment without missing a beat.

Compared to its predecessor, the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens is lighter and optically superior, making it an ideal companion for Sony’s fastest mirrorless cameras. The weight reduction of a full pound significantly enhances portability, and despite a slight increase in price, it remains a worthwhile investment. The improved focus response and on-lens aperture controls of the FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II make it the preferred choice for photographers seeking a midrange telezoom within the Sony system, earning it the coveted Editors’ Choice award.

For those on a tighter budget, there are a few alternatives worth considering. The Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS lens, an older model, provides a similar focal range at a lower price point. Another option is the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 lens, which offers even less weight but lacks in-lens stabilization and falls slightly short of 200mm. Alternatively, photographers who don’t require an f/2.8 aperture can explore the FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS lens, which provides a longer reach at a more affordable price.

Overall, the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens represents a significant upgrade in image quality, autofocus speed, and weight reduction. It stands as a top choice for professional photographers, providing exceptional image quality, customization options, and reliable performance. Whether shooting portraits, sports, landscapes, or videos, the FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II delivers exceptional results consistently, making it a valuable asset for photographers seeking to elevate their work.

Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II Lens at B&H, Adorama.

Best Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II Lens Alternatives

Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Lens

The Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Lens offers photographers a compact, lightweight, and excellent value option for telephoto zoom lenses. This lens is a great alternative to the Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM II lens, providing outstanding performance in a smaller and more affordable package.

One of the standout features of this lens is its fast f/2.8 aperture throughout the entire zoom range, allowing for great low-light performance and depth of field control. Despite its compact size, the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 delivers exceptional image quality, thanks to its use of special lens elements and a BBAR-G2 coating that minimizes flare and ghosting.

The lens features a pair of VXD linear motor units, which deliver fast, accurate, and quiet autofocus performance, making it suitable for both stills and video applications. Full-time manual focus control is also available for precise adjustments. Additionally, a floating elements system ensures consistent image quality from 2.8′ to infinity.

With a price tag of $1,199, the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 is significantly more affordable than the Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II lens, making it an attractive option for photographers who want a high-quality telephoto zoom without breaking the bank. The lens’s compact size, lightweight design, and weather-resistant construction make it a versatile choice for various shooting conditions.

Overall, the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Lens offers photographers exceptional performance, excellent image quality, and great value for money. Whether you’re a professional or an enthusiast, this lens provides a flexible zoom range and fast aperture, making it a reliable tool for a wide range of photography applications.

Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Lens for Sony E at B&H, Adorama.

Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II Lens

Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Sony E
  • Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
  • Focal Length: 70-200mm
  • Image Stabilization: Yes
  • Maximum Aperture: f/4
  • Minimum Aperture: f/22
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 10.2″ / 26 cm
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.5x
  • Optical Design: 19 Elements in 13 Groups
  • Diaphragm Blades: 9, Rounded
  • Tripod Collar: Removable and Rotating
  • Filter Size: 72 mm (Front)
  • Dimensions: 3.2 x 5.9″ / 82.2 x 149 mm
  • Weight: 1.7 lb / 794 g

The Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II Lens represents a significant upgrade to its predecessor, offering a range of improvements that cater to both photographers and videographers. This versatile telephoto zoom lens delivers exceptional image quality and sharpness across its zoom range, even wide open at f/4. The introduction of a floating focusing element enables impressive 0.5x macro magnification, with a minimum focusing distance of 10.2 inches at 70mm. The lens’s optical design incorporates advanced elements to minimize aberrations and control flare effectively.

One of the standout features of this lens is its faster and video-optimized autofocus system, driven by four XD Linear motors. This results in a 20% faster autofocus performance compared to its predecessor. It also supports focus tracking while zooming, making it suitable for a wide range of shooting scenarios. Furthermore, this lens supports Sony’s high-speed continuous shooting, making it a reliable choice for action photography.

The Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II is not only sharper but also more compact and lighter than its predecessor, making it easier to carry and handle. The lens’s build quality is top-notch, featuring dust and moisture resistance, making it suitable for various shooting conditions. Additionally, it’s compatible with Sony’s 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters, providing further versatility and reach for telephoto enthusiasts.

For video creators, this lens brings enhancements like silent autofocus operation, minimal focus breathing, and precise manual focus control with Linear Response MF and Direct Manual Focus (DMF) features. The lens’s optical image stabilization complements the camera’s stabilization, ensuring sharp images even at longer focal lengths.

While the Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II lacks the brighter f/2.8 aperture, its performance, versatility, and affordability make it an attractive choice for a broad range of photographers. It excels in portrait, sports, wildlife, and landscape photography, as well as macro shooting, adding another dimension to its capabilities. Overall, the Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II is a worthy upgrade, delivering exceptional image quality and improved functionality for both stills and video.

Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II Lens at B&H, Adorama.

15. Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS Lens

Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Sony E
  • Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
  • Focal Length: 100-400mm
  • Image Stabilization: Yes
  • Maximum Aperture: f/4.5-5.6
  • Minimum Aperture: f/32-40
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 3.2′ / 98 cm
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.35x
  • Optical Design: 22 Elements in 16 Groups
  • Diaphragm Blades: 9, Rounded
  • Tripod Collar: Removable and Rotating
  • Filter Size: 77 mm
  • Dimensions: 3.7 x 8.07″ / 93.9 x 205 mm
  • Length at Maximum Extension: 11.2″ / 284 mm
  • Weight: 3.1 lb / 1395 g
  • at B&H, Adorama

Pros:

  • Relatively lightweight package
  • Good weather sealing throughout
  • Extensive range of features and controls
  • Lightning-fast, precise, and silent autofocus
  • Impressive tracking capabilities
  • Consistent sharpness across the entire focal range
  • Low vignette and distortion
  • Excellent control of chromatic aberration
  • Seamless integration with camera in-body image stabilization (IBIS)
  • Compatible with 1.4x and 2x tele-converters

Cons:

  • Relatively high price compared to competitors
  • Sony 200-600mm F5-6.3 G OSS offers similar performance at a more affordable price
  • Bokeh may appear slightly busy in certain situations
  • Maximum aperture of F5.6 is only reached at 162mm

The Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS Lens is an exceptional choice for photographers and videographers in need of a telephoto zoom lens with extended reach for wildlife, sports, and action photography. It belongs to Sony’s prestigious G Master line, ensuring outstanding resolution, sharpness, and minimal aberrations. The lens incorporates one Super ED and two ED elements, along with a Nano AR coating, resulting in exceptional image quality.

One of the standout features of this lens is its fast, precise autofocus, enabled by the Direct Drive Supersonic Wave Motor (DDSSM) and the Double-linear motor system. These technologies allow for quick acceleration and capture of sudden subject motion, making it ideal for capturing fast-paced action. Additionally, the lens features Optical SteadyShot image stabilization, ensuring sharp and blur-free images when shooting handheld, even with a wide range of subjects.

Despite its powerful performance, the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS lens remains relatively compact and lightweight compared to similar telephoto zoom lenses. Its size makes it highly manageable, particularly for photographers who require mobility and flexibility in their shooting. However, it is important to note that the lens does come with a higher price tag compared to some competitors.

Optically, this lens delivers exceptional results with minimal chromatic aberration, controlled vignetting, and minimal flare, even when shooting against the light. The lens also impresses with its ability to maintain focus during action photography. However, it is worth mentioning that some users have expressed concerns about the weather sealing of this lens. During field tests, condensation was found on the back-lens and internal elements, raising doubts about its reliability in challenging shooting environments.

Overall, the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS lens is a powerful photographic tool that offers outstanding image quality, excellent autofocus performance, and impressive features. It is particularly well-suited for sports and wildlife photographers who require a versatile telephoto zoom lens. While the weather sealing could be improved, the lens’s overall performance and image quality make it highly recommended for enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS Lens at B&H, Adorama.

16. Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS Lens

Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Sony E
  • Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
  • Focal Length: 200-600mm
  • Image Stabilization: Yes
  • Maximum Aperture: f/5.6-6.3
  • Minimum Aperture: f/32-36
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 7.87′ / 2.4 m
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.2x
  • Optical Design: 24 Elements in 17 Groups
  • Diaphragm Blades: 11, Rounded
  • Tripod Collar: Removable and Rotating
  • Filter Size: 95 mm
  • Dimensions: 4.39 x 12.52″ / 111.5 x 318 mm
  • Length at Maximum Extension: 12.49″ / 317.3 mm
  • Weight: 4.65 lb / 2115 g
  • at B&H, Adorama

Pros:

  • First-class build quality with robust weather sealing
  • Excellent value for money
  • Cheaper than the Sony FE 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 OSS G Master
  • Compatible with Sony teleconverters
  • Excellent handling (internal zoom helps balance)
  • Quiet, fast, and accurate autofocus
  • Impressive image quality
  • Human and Pet Eye AF work well
  • Optical stabilization works awesome
  • Good contrast and chromatic aberration control

Cons:

  • Large and heavy

The Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS Lens is a highly versatile telephoto zoom lens that caters to the needs of amateur, enthusiast, and professional photographers and videographers in the nature, aircraft, railroad, and sports photography realms. With its impressive reach and image quality, this lens offers an excellent solution for capturing distant subjects with a full-frame E-mount camera.

One of the standout features of this lens is its optical performance. The incorporation of an aspherical element and five Extra-low Dispersion glass elements effectively minimizes chromatic aberrations, resulting in improved image resolution and beautiful bokeh. The Nano AR Coating further reduces surface reflections and flare, enhancing contrast in bright and backlit conditions. The lens also features a rounded 11-blade diaphragm, which contributes to a pleasing bokeh quality when using selective focus techniques.

The physical design of the lens is both sophisticated and practical. The Direct Drive Super Sonic wave Motor enables fast and near-silent autofocus performance, while the full-time manual focus override allows for precise control. Optical SteadyShot image stabilization minimizes camera shake, ensuring sharper imagery when shooting handheld. Additionally, the lens is compatible with optional 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters, extending its focal length up to 1200mm with outstanding image quality and autofocus performance.

In terms of build quality, the Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens is top-notch. Its metal body is tightly assembled, and it features dust- and moisture-resistant seals, making it suitable for various shooting conditions. The internal zoom design enhances handling comfort, and the removable rotating tripod collar allows for quick switching between horizontal and vertical shooting orientations.

While the lens’s size and weight can be considered drawbacks, especially when mounted on a small Sony camera, adding a vertical grip can improve overall handling and balance. However, these considerations are overshadowed by the lens’s performance and value for money. The image quality remains consistently good throughout the zoom range, with minimal optical shortcomings. The autofocus is fast and noiseless, and the image stabilizer is highly effective.

Overall, the Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS Lens offers excellent image quality, impressive reach, and reliable performance for nature, wildlife, and sports photographers. Its robust build quality, compatibility with teleconverters, and reasonable price make it a highly recommended choice for those seeking a versatile and powerful telephoto zoom lens.

Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS Lens at B&H, Adorama.

Sony FE Teleconverters

Sony has unveiled a pair of teleconverters: the FE 1.4x Teleconverter and the FE 2.0x Teleconverter. These handy accessories empower photographers to increase the focal length of specific lenses. However, it’s essential to note that employing these teleconverters will result in a light reduction of either one or two stops.

Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter at B&H, Adorama.

Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter at B&H, Adorama.

Compatible Lenses:

  • FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS
  • FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II
  • FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS
  • FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS
  • FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS
  • FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS

Thank you for exploring our Sony a7C II lens guide. We hope our recommendations have been valuable in your quest for the perfect lens to enhance your creativity. Your feedback is highly appreciated as we strive to provide informative and up-to-date guides tailored to your needs.

Your personal experiences and perspectives are significant to both us and our readers. If you’ve used any of the recommended lenses, we’d be grateful to hear about your firsthand experiences. Your feedback can greatly assist others in making well-informed decisions when choosing the right lens for their photography needs.

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