Best Sony Lenses in 2024: Ultimate E-Mount Guide

When it comes to selecting the best Sony lenses for your full-frame or APS-C Alpha body, there are many options.

In fact, I would go so far as to say that even if you stick with just Sony’s first-party lenses, there’s almost too much choice!

Of course, there are countless lens options from brands such as Sigma, Tamron, and Zeiss for every possible genre.

In compiling this guide to the best glass for your Sony camera, I examined close to 100 lenses in depth before settling on the final list.

It’s crazy how many options there are. For example, Sony offers five 50mm full-frame nifty-fifty lenses. Which one is best for you?

As a result, our guide covers the 20 best full frame and 10 best APS-C format lenses for Sony E Mount.

Our guide shows you the best Sony E mount lenses and how to maximize each one. Let’s take a look!

What are the Best Sony Lenses in 2024?

Image	Product	Features
	Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art LensOUR #1 CHOICE	Versatile Wide-Angle Focal Lengths Excellent Image Quality Optimized Size & Weight Impressive Clarity & Color Accuracy	Check AMAZON Price → Check B&H Price →
	Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II LensBEST FOR LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY	Fast Wide-Angle Zoom Compact & Lightweight Bright Aperture Five Aspherical Elements	Check AMAZON Price → Check B&H Price →
	Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD LensIDEAL ENTRY-LEVEL WIDE-ANGLE ZOOM	Portable & Compact Useful Range of Focal Lengths Excellent Travel Companion Beautiful Imagery	Check AMAZON Price → Check B&H Price →
	Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II LensGREAT ALL-PURPOSE LENS	Refined, Well-Rounded Zoom Beautiful Bokeh Bright Constant Aperture Fast Focus Performance	Check AMAZON Price → Check B&H Price →
	Sigma 28-105mm f/2.8 DG DN Art LensEXCELLENT FOCAL RANGE	Vast Zoom Range HLA Autofocus Pleasing & Circular Bokeh Precise Autofocus	Check AMAZON Price → Check B&H Price →
	Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II LensGREAT VALUE	Lightest in Class Brand-New AF System Fast Constant Aperture Fast Autofocus	Check AMAZON Price → Check B&H Price →
	Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD LensBEST FOR SPORTS AND WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY	Dynamic Telephoto Zoom Range Compact Profile Low Dispersion Front Element High Image Quality	Check AMAZON Price → Check B&H Price →
	Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS LensBEST FOR PROS	Outstanding Resolution & Sharpness Relatively Compact Responsive Autofocus Outstanding Performance	Check AMAZON Price → Check B&H Price →
	Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports LensULTIMATE SPORTS ZOOM	Impressive Image Quality Fast & Precise Autofocus High-Precision Magnetic Sensor Dust & Splash Resistant	Check Price →
	Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM LensGREAT FOR VLOGGING	Ultra-Wide Focal Length Fast & Dynamic Lens Excellent Low-Light Performance Portable & Compact	Check AMAZON Price → Check B&H Price →

 

Given the many Sony E Mount lenses to choose from, it makes sense to break them down into those for full-frame and those for APS-C format.

While our guide focuses (pardon the pun) on the top entries from leading brands, including Sony, Tamron, Sigma, and Zeiss, there are countless options from smaller third-party manufacturers.

When selecting the best glass for your Sony full frame or APS-C Alpha, it can be a task to see the woods for the trees.

Metaphorically speaking, I’m the woodsman here to cut away the dead wood to reveal the forest of towering beauties. I used to be a competitive axe-thrower before I injured my neck.

Let’s take a look at the 20 best Sony E Mount full-frame lenses, followed by the 10 best APS-C options.

• More: Best Sony Cameras

20 Best Sony E Mount Full Frame Lenses

Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens

Focal Length: 14-24mm
Filter Diameter: Rear gel filter
Minimum Focus Distance: 27.94cm (11″)
Weight: 795g (28.04oz)
Dimensions: 85 x 131-132.8 mm (3.35 x 5.16-5.23″)
Best Use: Architecture, landscape, and astrophotography

 

Sigma is one of the leading third-party brands developing high-quality optics for Sony E-mount cameras.

The Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art lens is a fantastic example of a wide-angle zoom done right! The Sigma is built tough with weather-sealing, a brass mount, and ergonomic design considerations.

If you’re shooting landscapes, architecture, or astrophotography, the Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 delivers stunning results with exceptional distortion correction and a constant f/2.8 max aperture.

While it doesn’t feature optical image stabilization (most Sony Alpha cameras feature this now), it more than compensates with fast autofocus performance, a focus lock button, and smooth zoom motion.

The Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art lens achieves optical excellence thanks to an 18-element in 13-group lens assembly, including three aspherical, one FLD, and five SLD elements.

The 11-rounded blade aperture delivers smooth out-of-focus textures, and the front element’s Super Multi-Layer & Nano Porous Coating ensures optimal image clarity.

The Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 retails for around US$1,400. If you’re after a Sony-branded alternative, check out the Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Lens—however, at over double the price of the Sigma, it’s a tough sell!

Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II Lens

Focal Length: 16-35mm
Filter Diameter: 82mm
Minimum Focus Distance: 22.1cm (8.7″)
Weight: 547g (1.2lb)
Dimensions: 87.8 x 111.5mm (3.5 x 4.4″)
Best Use: Videography and landscape

 

The Sony G Master FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II lens is an updated version of one of the brand’s most popular lenses.

Its 16-35mm full-frame focal range is ideal for landscape photography, where the flexibility of a wide zoom is crucial.

Sony’s FE  16-35mm f/2.8 is also an excellent choice for videography thanks to its fast f/2.8 max aperture, smooth focus system, and de-clickable aperture ring for silent recording.

The weather-sealed G Master lens offers a durable, ergonomic design in a well-balanced body.

Optical mastery is achieved thanks to a lens assembly including Sony’s XA and Super ED elements, an 11-blade round aperture, and a customizable focus button.

The Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II lens retails for around US$2,300 and offers one of the best wide-angle zooms in its class.

The Sony Vario-Tessar T* FE 16-35mm f/4 ZA OSS lens featuring Zeiss optics is a suitable alternative. While it’s significantly cheaper at around US$1,000, the narrower f/4 max aperture will deter many.

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

Focal Length: 20-40mm
Filter Diameter: 67mm
Minimum Focus Distance: 17cm (6.7″)
Weight: 365g (12.9oz)
Dimensions: 74.4 x 86.5mm (2.93 x 3.41″)
Best Use: Landscape and family photography

 

The Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD is the unsung hero of the wide-angle E Mount zooms.

It offers a little more reach than your typical 16-35mm offering while still delivering flexibility and genre-specific outcomes.

Landscape and architectural photographers will love the weather-sealed build that’s robust yet lightweight and relatively compact.

Tamron’s 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD features a VXD Linear Motor Focus Mechanism that delivers smooth focus performance.

While the lens doesn’t feature stabilization, the fast f/2.8 maximum aperture ensures optimal exposure performance in any lighting conditions.

While the Tamron doesn’t feature an aperture ring or a quick-access switch to switch from Manual to Autofocus, it’s affordable.

The Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD retails for around US$700, making it the ideal entry-level wide-angle zoom for any Sony A photographer or videographer.

If you’re looking for an affordable third-party wide-angle lens with a little more reach, the Tamron 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD is an excellent option that retails for around the same price.

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

Focal Length: 24-70mm
Filter Diameter: 82mm
Minimum Focus Distance: 21mm (8.3″)
Weight: 695g (1.5lb)
Dimensions: 87.8 x 119.9-152mm (3.5 x 4.7-6″)
Best Use: All-purpose

The most sought-after FE zoom is the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II with its uncompromised image quality, durable weather-sealed build, and feature-packed offering.

If you’re looking for a single, all-purpose lens for everyday or travel photography, this Sony is for you!

Given the G Master badge, the FE 24-70mm delivers stunning image quality across the zoom range, with corners free of distortion and vignetting.

The weather-sealed zoom features a bright f/2.8 constant max aperture, impressive focus performance, and a de-clickable aperture ring for videography and silent shooting.

While the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II costs around US$2,300, it’s an investment that delivers positive returns in every composition.

The Sony packs a precision-engineered lens assembly for impeccable visuals, including XA and Super ED elements, Nano AR II, and fluorine coatings.

Read our full review right here!

The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II lens is a brilliant alternative at a more affordable US$1,200.

Sigma 28-105mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens

Focal Length: 28-105mm
Filter Diameter: 82mm
Minimum Focus Distance: 40.1mm (15.8″)
Weight: 990g (2.2lb)
Dimensions: 89 x 160mm (3.5 x 6.3″)
Best Use: Weddings, events, and travel

The Sigma 28-105mm f/2.8 DG DN Art is an incredibly flexible lens ideal for shooting events such as weddings or travel with a more extended reach.

Sigma’s 28-105mm f/2.8 full-frame zoom for Sony E offers an excellent focal range while delivering a constant and bright f/2.8 max aperture.

It’s a perfect choice for events where you’ll capture wider groups and scenes while also allowing you to zoom in for tighter compositions, such as portraits or key moments.

The Sigma 28-105mm f/2.8 DG DN Art lens is incredibly sharp and offers reasonably fast autofocus performance.

One of the flexible zoom’s downsides is its size and weight—it’s big and bulky with an 82mm front filter thread.

Sigma’s 28-105mm f/2 retails for around US$1,500 and includes premium features such as a de-clickable aperture ring, custom focus button, and AF/MF switch.

If you’d prefer to stick with first-party, the Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS is a great alternative and retails for around US$1,300.

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

Focal Length: 70-200mm
Filter Diameter: 77mm
Minimum Focus Distance: 40cm (15.7″)
Weight: 1045g (2.3lb)
Dimensions: 88 x 200mm (3.46 x 7.87″)

Best Use: Portraits, sports and wildlife

 

If you prefer the flexibility and G Master reliability of premium Sony zooms, you’ll likely want to add the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II to your kit.

Like the 24-70mm, the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II delivers incredible image quality and sharpness across the focal range while offering excellent light with a constant f/2.8 max aperture.

Sony’s full-frame 70-200mm zoom offers greater freedom for photographing portraits, sports, and wildlife.

The pro-grade G Master lens features extensive focus, aperture, and optical stabilization control on the lens body for quick access.

It offers a precision lens assembly, ultra-fast linear focus motors, and an 11-bladed circular aperture.

The weather-sealed lens is a beast to hold and features a tripod collar and foot for safe and stable mounting.

The Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II is a pro-grade body with class-leading performance and outcomes. As a result, it retails for around US$2,800.

If you’re looking for alternatives, consider the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2, which costs around US$1,300, or the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG DN OS Sports lens, which costs around US$1,500.

Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD Lens

Focal Length: 70-300mm
Filter Diameter: 67mm
Minimum Focus Distance: 0.8m (2.63′)
Weight: 545g (1.2lb)
Dimensions: 77 x 148mm (3 x 5.8″)
Best Use: Sports and wildlife

 

The Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD telephoto zoom lens offers incredible value for money for sports, wildlife, and bird photographers.

Tamron’s full-frame 70-300mm delivers a no-fuss approach to telephoto work, provided low-light outcomes are not a priority.

Given its potential range, the moisture-resistant lens is solidly built yet relatively compact and lightweight.

While the f/4.5-6.3 max aperture is less than ideal in low-light situations, it’s bright enough for most enthusiast-level work and outcomes.

The Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD delivers great image quality with a hint of distortion at 300mm that’s easily fixed in post or in-camera.

Tamron’s zoom doesn’t offer an aperture ring or the ability to switch between auto and manual focus quickly. However, it delivers fast-focus performance throughout the range.

At around US$550, the Tamron 70-300mm is exceptional value for money and is an ideal addition to any beginner or enthusiast kit.

A great alternative that includes image stabilization is the Tamron 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD, which retails for around US$800.

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

Focal Length: 100-400mm
Filter Diameter: 77mm
Minimum Focus Distance: 98cm (3.2′)
Weight: 1395g (3.1 lb)
Dimensions: 93.9 x 205-284mm (3.7 x 8.07-11.2″)
Best Use: Sports and wildlife

It’s time to bring out the E Mount big guns! One of the biggest Sony full-frame lenses in the range is the incredible Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS.

It’s not for the faint of heart and requires a gym membership to support the 1395g (3.1 lb) weight and 93.9 x 284mm (3.7 x 11.2″) dimensions.

The Sony FE 100-400mm is a pro-grade sports and wildlife lens with incredibly fast focus performance and optimal image quality.

The G Master lens is weather-sealed and includes a tripod collar and foot, as well as a suite of manual switches for fine-tuning focus and optical image stabilization.

Sony’s telephoto zoom delivers an excellent range, ideal for enthusiasts and pro wildlife, sports, and bird photographers.

Valued at around US$2,500, the Sony offers excellent value for money while delivering sublime image quality and background blur.

Check out our full review here.

Alternatives include the Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD at around US$1,300 and the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary at around US$950.

Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens

Focal Length: 150-600mm
Filter Diameter: 95mm
Minimum Focus Distance: 58mm (1.9′)
Weight: 2.1kg (4.63lb)
Dimensions: 109 x 267mm (4.3 x 10.5″)
Best Use: Wildlife, sports and birds

 

If you’re looking for the ultimate sports photography zoom, the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports lens won’t disappoint.

It’s a beast of a lens that will deaden your arm in under half a day while producing stunningly sharp images with tight compression and detail.

The dust and splash-proof Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports lens features a robust build, external tripod collar, and a durable tripod foot.

Sigma’s Japan-made telephoto zoom features a zoom torque control, optical stabilization, focus mode, and customization switch to optimize performance and experience.

Given the zoom’s sport-centric performance, the dual-action focusing system delivers fast and reliable speeds while pairing effortlessly with any Sony Alpha camera and its subject-tracking system.

The Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports lens retails for around US$1,500, making it exceptional value for money. It certainly puts the telephoto genre within the reach of most people.

Sony also offers an impressive telephoto sports lens, the FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS, which retails for around US$2,000.

Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM Lens

Focal Length: 14mm
Filter Diameter: Rear gel-filter
Minimum Focus Distance: 25mm (9.8″)
Weight: 460g (1lb)
Dimensions: 83 x 99.8mm (3.3 x 3.9″)
Best Use: Astrophotography

While ultra-wide-angle primes offer a niche solution, a lens like the Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM can be very creative.

The Sony G Master 14mm full-frame prime features a stellar lens assembly, which includes a pair of XA elements, a single Super ED Element, and Nano AR II coatings to manage lens flare and ghosting.

With a fast f/1.8 maximum aperture and a 25mm (9.8″) minimal focus distance, the creative applications are endless.

The weather-sealed Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM is lightweight and compact and features a de-clickable aperture ring, making it ideal for selfie and vlogging applications.

Sony’s wide prime is almost distortion-free and delivers optically correct and sharp images in almost any lighting conditions.

Given the fixed petal-shaped lens hood, the FE 14mm supports rear gel filters that can be fiddly to work with.

The Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM retails for around US$1,600, a premium price for a niche lens like this. Read our comprehensive review here.

Sigma’s 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art lens retails for around US$1,600, and the beastly Sigma 15mm f/1.4 Fisheye DG DN Art lens retails for around US$2,000.

Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G Lens

Focal Length: 20mm
Filter Diameter: 67mm
Minimum Focus Distance: 18cm (7.09″)
Weight: 373g (13.16oz)
Dimensions: 73.5 x 84.7mm (2.89 x 3.33″)
Best Use: Landscape and street photography

The Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G series full-frame lens is one of the best fast, wide primes.

It offers a wide 94º field of view that’s not so wide it includes your feet in the shot. The fast f/1.8 max aperture ensures optical performance in any lighting conditions while also delivering excellent subject separation and background blur wide open.

While there’s some evident focus breathing, the FE 20mm f/1.8 is another excellent choice for video and vlogging on the go.

The lens is compact and incredibly lightweight, making it an ideal choice for travel or everyday carry.

Sony’s FE 20mm f/1.8 G features an optically sharp lens assembly, a focus mode switch, a focus hold button, and a manual aperture ring.

The image quality is brilliant, and the background effects and subject separation are sublime, especially when the subject is close to the foreground.

The Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G wide prime lens retails for around US$900. Check out our full review here.

The faster Sigma 20mm f/1.4 DG DN Art lens costs around US$900 as well, and the slower ZEISS Batis 18mm f/2.8 lens costs around US$1,550.

Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Lens

Focal Length: 24mm
Filter Diameter: 72mm
Minimum Focus Distance: 25cm (9.8″)
Weight: 510g (18ox)
Dimensions: 75.7 x 97.5mm (3 x 3.8″)
Best Use: Landscape and street

A wide-angle prime lens with a fast maximum aperture is a must-have in any prime lens kit, and the full-frame Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG DN Art lens is an excellent option.

The Sigma 24mm f/1.4 produces a wide 84.1º field of view that hits the landscape photography sweet spot for many. It’s also an excellent focal length for street photography, where more context is desired in the composition.

Sigma’s 24mm f/1.4 DG DN Art prime is relatively lightweight and compact.

The 11-bladed round diaphragm delivers a fast max aperture, sublime subject separation, and pleasing background effects wide open.

However, there’s evidence of vignetting and corner softness wide open – this dissipates as you stop down.

The durable Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG DN lens features an aperture ring, focus mode switch, focus hold button, and a brass lens mount assembly. It retails for around US$800. Be sure to read our full review.

Sigma also offers a 24mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary lens at around US$640 and a 24mm f/3.5 DG DN Contemporary lens at around US$550.

Alternatively, the Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 G Master lens is the cream of the crop (see our review) and retails for around US$1,400.

Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 Lens

Focal Length: 35mm
Filter Diameter: 55mm
Minimum Focus Distance: 22.1cm (8.7″)
Weight: 281g (9.9oz)
Dimensions: 65.6 x 73mm (2.58 x 2.87″)
Best Use: Everyday, street, and travel

One of the most sought-after prime lens focal ranges is a neat 35mm. Thanks to its 63º field of view, it provides ample context in any composition.

The Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 is an incredibly versatile prime lens that’s suitable for various genres, including travel, street photography, family snaps, and even portraits.

Thanks to its wide f/1.8 maximum aperture and 9-bladed round aperture, the full-frame 35mm f/1.8 produces excellent center sharpness, smooth out-of-focus falloff, and background blur.

Sony’s dust- and weather-sealed FE 35mm f/1.8 for E mount is lightweight and compact and takes up little room in a kit bag.

Furthermore, it’s another great choice for videography and vlogging, especially when carrying a Sony camera in selfie mode.

While the lens lacks an aperture ring, it’s robust and features a single focus hold button and a focus mode switch.

The Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 delivers excellent image quality with refined sharpness stopped down a little.

Sony’s full-frame 35mm retails for around US$750. Given this focal length’s popularity, there are plenty of alternatives, too! Read our review to learn more.

The Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art lens with its wider aperture retails for around US$900, and the Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary lens retails for around US$640.

Sigma 40mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens

Focal Length: 40mm
Filter Diameter: 82mm
Minimum Focus Distance: 40cm (1.31′)
Weight: 1.2kg (2.6lb)
Dimensions: 88 x 138.9mm (3.45 x 5.47”)
Best Use: Fine art and portraits

 

The Sigma 40mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art lens is one of the sharpest standard prime lenses available for Sony full-frame E mount.

Developed for fine art and portrait applications, the Sigma 40mm offers a near-native 56.8º field of view and exceptional low-light performance thanks to its wide f/1.4 max aperture.

The weather and dust-resistant Sigma isn’t a tiny or pocketable standard prime. It’s massive, with an 82mm filter thread and a heavy 1.2kg (2.6lb) weight.

However, the Sigma 40mm delivers excellent image quality with edge sharpness and optimal distortion compensation.

At f/1.4, the center sharpness is spot-on, and the background blur and bokeh are sublime. The wider focal distance makes it a competent environmental portrait lens, allowing for more context in each shot.

Sigma’s Hyper Sonic Motor drives fast and near-silent focus performance.

Despite its considerable size and weight, the Sigma 40mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art lens retails for around US$800. It’s a lot of lens for a great price!

While fewer people gravitate towards 40mm full-frame lenses, there are still plenty of options, including the more compact and portable Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G, which retails for around US$600.

Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM Lens

Focal Length: 50mm
Filter Diameter: 72mm
Minimum Focus Distance: 40cm (1.3′)
Weight: 778g (1.7lb)
Dimensions: 87 x 108mm (3.4 x 4.3″)
Best Use: Portraits and products

While many seek a 24mm or 35mm fast full-frame prime, almost every Sony E mount photographer deserves a nifty fifty in their kit!

A 50mm full-frame lens delivers an appealing 47º field of view, which is excellent for tighter street shots, product work, and portraiture.

The ultimate Sony nifty-fifty is the weather-resistant FE 50mm f/1.2 G Master lens.

It’s robust, relatively compact, and balances perfectly on any Sony full-frame Alpha body.

The Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM features a tactile aperture ring, a smooth-glide focus ring, a focus mode selection switch, and a pair of customizable focus hold buttons.

The precision lens assembly, which includes three XA (Extreme Aspherical) elements, ensures image quality, sharpness, and color reproduction.

Centre sharpness is impressive, and the background blur, bokeh, and highlights are sublime.

One of the most impressive features of the FE 50mm f/1.2 is the ultra-fast focus system driven by four XD Linear AF motors.

A full-frame fast prime of this quality doesn’t come cheap, and the Sony retails for around US$2,000.

Check out our comprehensive review here.

Given the popularity of the 50mm focal range, there’s a wide range of alternative lenses, including the Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM, Sony FE 50mm f/1.8, Sony FE 50mm f/2.5 G, and the Sony Planar T* FE 50mm f/1.4 ZA.

Sigma also offers a fast lens with the Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art lens, which retails for around US$1,400.

Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II Lens

Focal Length: 85mm
Filter Diameter: 77mm
Minimum Focus Distance: 80cm (2.62′)
Weight: 642g (22.6oz)
Dimensions: 84.7 x 107.3mm (3.3 x 4.2″)
Best Use: Portraits

A portrait photographer’s dream lens looks like this: 85mm full-frame focal distance and a fast, wide maximum aperture.

The Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II fits the bill with its ideal 29º field-of-view, fast f/1.4 maximum aperture for sublime subject separation, and impressive image quality.

Sony’s 85mm portrait champion features dust and moisture sealing, a sturdy build, and a de-clickable and lockable ring that provides ultimate aperture control.

The lens also features a focus mode switch that effortlessly switches between manual and auto. Finally, the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 G Master II has two customizable focus hold buttons on the barrel.

Optically, the FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II delivers exceptional image sharpness, color reproduction, and a thin focal plane that ensures excellent bokeh and background effects.

Delivering the goods is an 11-bladed round aperture, a lens assembly including XA and ED elements, and a special Fluorine lens coating to mitigate flare and ghosting.

The near-flawless Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II is one of the best E-mount lenses available and retails for around US$1,800.

Alternatively, if you’re an enthusiast looking to improve your portrait and product photography, the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 offers excellent quality and performance for around US$600.

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Lens

Focal Length: 85mm
Filter Diameter: 77mm
Minimum Focus Distance: 85cm (2.7′)
Weight: 625g (1.38lb)
Dimensions: 82.8 x 96.1mm (3.26 x 3.78″)
Best Use: Portraits

Not to be outdone, Sigma also offers an excellent 85mm portrait option with the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art lens.

Sigma’s 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art lens is considered one of the sharpest lenses gracing an E-mount.

The lens weighs 625g (1.38lb), fits a 77mm filter, and balances beautifully on any Sony a7 or a9 camera body.

Valued at around US$1,190.00, the Sigma delivers exceedingly sharp images with a little distortion evident when in-camera correction is turned off.

The wide f/1.4 maximum aperture allows for excellent low-light performance, shallow depth of field, and fantastic subject separation and background effects.

Sigma always goes the extra mile, and they’ve created a lens assembly featuring five SLD, four HR, and one aspherical element. Plus, a Super Multi-Layer coating has been applied to the lens elements to mitigate ghosting and flare.

The water-resistant Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art lens features a focus mode switch, a customizable AFL button, and a de-clickable aperture ring.

Given the focal distance, aperture, smooth focus, and aperture controls, the 85mm also delivers exceptional videography outcomes.

Another excellent portrait lens option is the ZEISS Batis 85mm f/1.8 Lens for Sony E, which retails for around US$1,250.

Head to our full review for more details!

Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro Lens

Focal Length: 90mm
Filter Diameter: 67mm
Minimum Focus Distance: 23.1cm (9.1″)
Weight: 600g (1.4lb)
Dimensions: 79.2 x 126.5mm (3.1 x 5″)
Best Use: Macro and portraits

While 85-90mm is an ideal focal range for product and portrait photography, it’s also a perfect focal length for macro photography.

A 90mm macro lens, such as the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro, provides enough working distance between the front lens element and your macro subject.

Tamron’s 90mm f/2.8 Macro lens delivers accurate 1:1 macro reproduction with crisp details, punchy color reproduction, and a close 23.1cm (9.1″) working distance.

The tight 27º field of view allows for tight compressions, and the f/2.8 maximum aperture delivers defined subject separation without creating too fine a depth.

For its size, the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro is relatively light, allowing comfortable yet controlled handheld macro work.

While the Tamron lacks an aperture ring for quick control, it does feature a focus mode switch and a single customizable focus hold button.

The Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro lens retails for around US$700, making it an excellent choice for those new to the genre.

Furthermore, a 90mm lens of this nature is also ideal for product, food, and portrait photography—that’s a lot of bang for your buck!

Sony’s answer to the 90mm macro market is the Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS lens that retails for around US$1,100.

Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM Lens

Focal Length: 135mm
Filter Diameter: 82mm
Minimum Focus Distance: 70cm (2.3′)
Weight: 950g (2.09lb)
Dimensions: 89.5 x 127mm (3.52 x 5″)
Best Use: Portraits and products

While 50mm and 85mm full-frame E-mount lenses are ideal for portraiture, a slightly longer lens with tighter compression is also worth considering.

The Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 G Master lens offers gold-standard performance in genres including portraiture, food, and product photography.

Sony’s 135mm is a big boy weighing 950g (2.09lb) and supporting 82mm filters on the front.

Regardless of size, the FE 135mm f/1.8 delivers a tight 18º field of view perfect for facial portraits and headshots.

Sony wizardry and lens assembly, including XA, Super ED, and ED elements, produce unparalleled sharpness throughout the aperture range.

The fast f/1.8 aperture and 11 rounded-blade diaphragm produce excellent subject separation and jaw-dropping bokeh in all lighting conditions.

Even stopped down to f/4, background blur is non-distracting and makes the foreground subject pop from the screen.

The weather-sealed full-frame Sony lens features a de-clickable aperture ring, focus mode switch, focus limiting switch, dual customizable focus control buttons, and a smooth, well-dampened focus ring.

It’s a joy to shoot with, especially when paired with a Sony Alpha body boasting in-body image stabilization.

The Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 G Master lens retails for around US$2,100, making it a tremendous must-own lens for enthusiast-level photographers (or videographers).

We have a comprehensive review right here.

A great alternative is the ZEISS Batis 135mm f/2.8 lens, which retails for around US$1,750.

Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens

Focal Length: 400mm
Filter Diameter: 40.5 drop-in filter
Minimum Focus Distance: 2.7m (8.86′)
Weight: 2895g (6.4lb)
Dimensions: 158.1 x 359mm (6.22 x 14.13″)
Best Use: Wildlife and birds

 

While many ‘must-have’ primes and zooms tick genre-specific boxes, sometimes you need a specialty tool to get the job done.

Professional sports and wildlife photographers are used to working with telephoto and super-telephoto lenses to grant them reach into domains they must not tread.

Standing on the sidelines or at the top of a gully means you need optical reach to effectively compose a shot and get your subject in crisp focus.

The king of the E-mount long-lens family is the Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS super-telephoto lens.

Sony’s Monarch features a highly durable magnesium alloy body with excellent ruggedness and weather resistance.

Make no mistake—this is a huge lens, measuring 158.1 x 359mm (6.22 x 14.13″) and weighing an arm-deadening 2895g (6.4lb).

Even when mounted to a larger pro-grade Sony a7R V or Sony a1 body, it dominates the combo and makes the camera body look like a toy.

Being a gold-standard G Master, the 400mm full-frame lens delivers a 6° 10′ field of view and a brilliant f/2.8 maximum aperture to define distant subjects even when on the move.

Speaking of moving subjects, the Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS features optical image stabilization and incredibly fast focus speed to match the subject tracking performance of any Sony flagship camera.

Focus performance is driven by Sony’s XD Linear Motor AF System for reliability, accuracy, and speed.

The G Master zoom offers an extensive range of control switches to manage image stabilization, focus, and custom function presets.

The ultra-sharp Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens retails for around US$12,000 – eye-watering money!

If 400mm isn’t super-telephoto enough for your work, Sony also offers the FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens for around US$13,000 – even more eye-watering.

Best Sony E Mount APS-C Lenses

Sony E 15mm f/1.4 G Lens

Focal Length: 15mm (22.5mm full-frame equivalent)
Filter Diameter: 55mm
Minimum Focus Distance: 17cm (6.7″)
Weight: 219g (7.7oz)
Dimensions: 66.6 x 69.5mm (2.6 x 2.7″)
Best Use: Astrophotography and architecture

 

It’s fair to say that for every standard focal length available in the Sony FE full-frame lens range, there’s an equivalent in the Sony E APS-C lens range.

One of the widest APS-C E mount lenses is the Sony E 15mm f/1.4 G with its 22.5mm full-frame equivalent focal range.

The Sony E 15mm is an ideal lens for anyone wishing to shoot architecture or astrophotography. It’s also a lightweight and compact wide-angle option ideal for vlogging on the go.

Sony’s dust and weather-sealed E 15mm f/1.4 G features a de-clickable manual aperture ring, a dampened manual focus ring, a focus mode switch, and a customizable focus function button.

Image quality is excellent thanks to a lens assembly that includes Super ED, ED, and Aspherical Elements.

The fast and wide f/1.4 max aperture ensures optimal light intake and pleasing background effects when shooting wide open.

Sony’s 15mm also delivers fast and reliable focus performance, making it a fun lens to work with.

At US$700, the lens is excellent value for money and a must-have for any Sony a6XXX owner looking for a wide prime.

If you want to go even wider, the Sony E 11mm f/1.8 offers a 16.5mm full-frame equivalent well suited to art and architecture.

Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens

Focal Length: 23mm (35mm full-frame equivalent)
Filter Diameter: 52mm
Minimum Focus Distance: 25cm (9.8″)
Weight: 340g (12oz)
Dimensions: 65.8 x 76.9mm (2.6 x 3″)
Best Use: Street and travel photography

 

A fan favorite APS-C focal range is 23mm, which delivers a 35mm full-frame equivalent and an ideal field of view for street photography, family snaps, and travel.

The Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary lens is incredibly well built, dust and splash-proof, and retains a compact size and well-balanced weight.

While it’s a no-frills kind of lens that lacks the Sony G and GM bells and whistles, it’s incredibly effective in the field.

Thanks to its fast f/1.4 max aperture, the Sigma 23mm f/1.4 produces excellent image quality in almost any lighting condition.

It’s an optically sharp lens thanks to a precision lens assembly that includes three SLD and two aspherical lens elements.

Thanks to a 9.8″/25 cm minimal focus distance, it’s also an excellent choice for artistic closeups with a shallow depth of field and subject separation.

The Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary lens retails for around US$600. For comparison, the Sony Sonnar T* E 24mm f/1.8 ZA lens retails for around US$800.

Sony E 35mm f/1.8 OSS Lens

Focal Length: 35mm (52.5mm full-frame equivalent)
Filter Diameter: 49mm
Minimum Focus Distance: 30cm (11.81″)
Weight: 154g (5.43oz)
Dimensions: 63 x 45mm (2.48 x 1.77″)
Best Use: Everyday and environmental portraits

Many argue that the APS-C 35mm is the nifty-fifty of the crop sensor world thanks to its 52.5mm full-frame equivalent focal range.

The Sony E 35mm f/1.8 OSS is one of the best examples of an APS-C lens that fits the nifty-fifty bill.

It offers a versatile 52.5mm full-frame equivalent focal range, ideal for various applications, including environmental portraits.

The lens is excellent in all lighting conditions, thanks to its fast and wide f/1.8 maximum aperture and Sony’s Optical SteadyShot image stabilization.

While it isn’t weather-sealed, it’s incredibly compact and lightweight—only 154g (5.43oz) with a 49mm filter thread—and it will fit in your jacket pocket!

Sony’s E 35mm f/1.8 OSS for APS-C cameras delivers excellent image quality with excellent center sharpness at f/1.8 and stronger edge sharpness at f/4.

When paired with an a6400 or a6700, the E 35mm f/1.8 delivers fast and reliable focus performance.

The Sony E 35mm f/1.8 OSS (APS-C nifty-fifty-ish) retails for around US$465, making it excellent value for money and one of the best lenses to have in your kit.

An alternative is the Sigma APS-C 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary lens, which has a 45mm full-frame equivalent and a retail price of around US$370. You could also pick up the ZEISS Touit 32mm f/1.8 lens for around US$720.

Sony E 50mm f/1.8 OSS Lens

Focal Length: 50mm (75mm full-frame equivalent)
Filter Diameter: 49mm
Minimum Focus Distance: 39cm (1.28′)
Weight: 202g (7.13oz)
Dimensions: 61.98 x 61.98mm (2.44 x 2.44″)
Best Use: Portraits and products

The Sony E 50mm f/1.8 OSS lens is one of the best portrait and product photography lenses for any Sony APS-C camera.

The 50mm APS-C focal distance delivers a 75mm full-frame equivalent that offers better compression for tighter compositions, including headshots.

Available in a glossy black or glossy silver finish, the Sony E 50mm f/1.8 is ultra-compact at 61.98 x 61.98mm (2.44 x 2.44″) and weighs a measly 202g (7.13oz).

Despite its size, the Sony E 50mm delivers excellent image quality, and the wide f/1.8 max aperture delivers excellent subject separation, background blur, and center sharpness.

While it’s not a bokeh beast, the background effects are non-distracting and appealing. It’s also important to note that wide open at f/1.8 there are some signs of corner vignetting that dissipate when stopped down a little.

However, given the pocketable Sony E 50mm f/1.8 retails for around US$250, it’s exceptional value for money and is a great option for new photographers looking for a portrait prime.

For comparison, the ZEISS Touit 50mm f/2.8M Macro, despite being a 1:1 macro, is a great portrait lens that retails for around US$1,000.

Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens

Focal Length: 56mm (84mm full-frame equivalent)
Filter Diameter: 55mm
Minimum Focus Distance: 50cm (1.6′)
Weight: 280g (9.88oz)
Dimensions: 66.5 x 59.5mm (2.62 x 2.34″)

Best Use: Portraits and products

 

One of the most sought-after and praised third-party APS-C lenses for Sony E mount cameras is the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary lens.

It’s such a popular lens that Sigma also offers it for Fujifilm X, Leica L, Canon EF-M and RF, Nikon Z, and micro-four-thirds

The APS-C 56mm focal distance delivers a tight and well-compressed 84mm full-frame equivalent with a 28.5º field of view, ideal for stunning portraits and products.

Its optical design includes ten elements in six groups, including a single SLD element and a pair of aspherical elements for distortion-free outcomes.

The fast f/1.4 aperture delivers sublime center sharpness, well-defined subject separation, and delicious background blur and bokeh.

Despite all that optical cleverness, the weather-sealed Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary lens is compact and lightweight and supports 55mm filters.

Sigma’s Stepping Motor AF System delivers fast and reliable autofocus performance, especially when paired with a newer Sony a6000 APS-C camera.

Considering all that, the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary lens retails for around US$530, making it exceptional value for money.

It’s the kind of lens that should be in almost every prime lens lover’s kit! Check out our review to learn more.

Sigma 10-18mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary Lens

Focal Length: 10-18mm (15-27mm full-frame equivalent)
Filter Diameter: 67mm
Minimum Focus Distance: 11.7cm (4.6″)
Weight: 255g (9oz)
Dimensions: 72.2 x 64mm (2.8 x 2.5″)
Best Use: Landscape and astrophotography

 

While fast APS-C prime lenses are essential, there’s always a time and place for a flexible zoom lens to get the job done.

Anyone wanting to capture stunning landscape or astrophotography shots should pick up the Sigma 10-18mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary lens.

The wide-angle zoom delivers a 15-27mm full-frame equivalent focal range perfect for any wide-angle shoot.

While the Sigma 10-18mm f/2.8 is compact and light, the front element supports 67mm ND or polarizing filters for optimal outcomes.

Sigma’s wide APS-C zoom is dust and moisture-sealed for outdoor use and balances perfectly on Sony a6000 camera bodies. However, the petal-shaped lens hood is wide and flared.

The Sigma lens delivers excellent image quality throughout the focal range, and the constant f/2.8 maximum aperture provides excellent center sharpness.

It should be noted that wide open at 10mm, it shows corner softness and a slight ghosting in bright sunlight. However, it’s not a deal-breaker.

Sigma’s 10-18mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary lens for APS-C delivers fast, reliable focus performance and excellent close-focus outcomes with a minimal focus distance of 11.7 cm (4.6″).

The Sigma wide zoom retails for around US$660. Two great alternatives include the Sony E 10-20mm f/4 PZ G, which costs around US$750, or the Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD lens, which costs around US$830.

Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G Lens

Focal Length: 16-55mm (24-82.5mm full-frame equivalent)
Filter Diameter: 67mm
Minimum Focus Distance: 33cm (1.08′)
Weight: 494g (1.09lb)
Dimensions: 73 x 100mm (2.87 x 3.94″)
Best Use: Multi-purpose lens ideal for travel and everyday use

Regardless of being full-frame or APS-C, every camera deserves a killer all-purpose kit lens!

The Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G offers incredible performance, image quality, and versatility, making it an excellent starting point for anyone new to photography.

Sony’s APS-C E 16-55mm f/2.8 G lens isn’t cheap! It retails for around US$1,400. So what makes the lens so special (and expensive?)?

The Sony E 16-55mm produces a 24-82.5mm full-frame equivalent focal distance while delivering a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture.

The weather-sealed G series lens features excellent build qualities and durability, a well-dampened focus and zoom ring, a focus mode switch, and a single customizable focus hold button.

Internally, the 16-55mm G lens assembly includes four aspherical elements, three Extra-Low Dispersion elements, and Nano AR and Fluorine coatings for optical clarity.

Sony’s E 16-55mm f/2.8 G lens weighs a decent 494g (1.09lb) and features a 67mm filter thread. However, the lens is a little front-heavy on a lighter APS-C Sony camera.

Read our comprehensive review for more details.

For the premium price, it would’ve been better for the multi-purpose zoom to include image stabilization.

While the image quality is excellent throughout the focal range, there’s a slight corner softness at 55mm and slight distortion at the 16mm end.

An excellent alternative that retails for around US$700 is the Sony Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm f/4 ZA OSS lens. While its f/4 max aperture isn’t ideal, it does feature image stabilization.

Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Lens

Focal Length: 17-70mm (25.5-105mm full-frame equivalent)
Filter Diameter: 67mm
Minimum Focus Distance: 19mm (7.5″)
Weight: 525g (1.2lb)
Dimensions: 74.6 x 119.3 – 146.5mm (2.9 x 4.7 – 5.77″)
Best Use: Landscapes to portraits

 

Given the benefits of owning a flexible kit zoom, the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD is a worthy contender.

Tamron’s 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD is quite a mouthful, yet it’s an incredibly versatile lens. Its 25.5-105mm full-frame equivalent focal range covers everything from landscapes to wildlife.

The constant f/2.8mm aperture delivers good low-light outcomes and smooth out-of-focus transitions wide open; however, the bokeh can sometimes be a little messy and distracting.

This versatile prime lens features external zoom actuation, extending its dimensions from 74.6 x 119.3mm to 146.5mm (2.9 x 4.7 to 5.77 inches). It’s also a heavier APS-C lens, weighing 525g (1.2 lbs).

One of the best features of the Tamron is the inclusion of image stabilization to further support low-light performance and outcomes.

Tamron’s 17-70mm f/2.8 delivers fast and reliable autofocus performance thanks to the near-silent RXD Stepping AF motor.

At around US$700, the Tamron is one of the most affordable APS-C kit lens alternatives. It delivers greater reach than a standard 16-55mm lens.

The Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary lens is an excellent alternative. It has a constant f/2.8 aperture, a 27-75mm full-frame equivalent focal range, and retails for around US$600.

Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Lens

Focal Length: 18-135mm (27-202mm full-frame equivalent)
Filter Diameter: 55mm
Minimum Focus Distance: 45cm (1.48′)
Weight: 326g (11.5oz)
Dimensions: 67.2 x 88-111.9mm (2.65 x 3.46-4.41″ )
Best Use: Travel

 

There’s no denying the flexibility and convenience of a single APS-C zoom lens to handle most, if not all, of your creative pursuits.

A brilliant example of such a lens is the Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS—it has a little bit of everything!

Sony’s versatile 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS for E-mount APS-C delivers a 27-202.5mm full-frame equivalent focal range that covers various genres and shooting styles.

Furthermore, it’s one of the best single-lens options to pair with your Sony a6000 camera when traveling. However, it lacks weather sealing.

The Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS features image stabilization for slower shutter speed photography and a reasonable f/3.5-5.6 max aperture at either end of the focal range.

While the max aperture is suitable in most situations, the lens struggles slightly in low-light scenarios.

Sony’s E 18-135mm is durable, lightweight, and relatively compact. It supports a 55mm filter thread and features a well-dampened focus ring, zoom ring, and focus mode switch on the lens barrel.

The Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS retails for around US$650, which is exceptional value for money.

A suitable alternative is the Sony E PZ 18-105mm f/4 G OSS, which retails for around the same price and features a video-friendly power zoom function and constant f/4 aperture.

Tamron 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD Lens

Focal Length: 18-300mm (27-450mm full-frame equivalent)
Filter Diameter: 67mm
Minimum Focus Distance: 15cm (5.9″)
Weight: 620g (21.9oz)
Dimensions: 75.5 x 125.6mm (3 x 4.9″)
Best Use: Travel, wildlife, birds

 

If you’re looking for an APS-C format lens to pair with your Sony, the Tamron 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD zoom lens is hard to fault.

Another excellent example of a single-lens system is the Tamron 18-300mm, which delivers a 27-450mm full-frame equivalent focal range.

With a focal range of that nature, the Tamron is an ideal lens for capturing sports and wildlife where reach is essential.

Tamron’s 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD is weather-sealed, compact for its specs, lightweight at 620g (21.9oz), and supports a standard 67mm filter thread.

The lens also boasts optical image stabilization to support low-light outcomes and performance further.

While the f/3.5-6.5 aperture isn’t the widest or brightest, it achieves excellent center sharpness and pleasing background effects wide open. However, the f/6.5 max aperture at the 300mm end isn’t ideal.

The weather-sealed Tamron features a smooth manual focus ring and a broad zoom ring with a locking mechanism.

Focus performance is impressive thanks to the speed and reliability of the dual Tamron VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) Linear AF motors.

Despite all that the Tamron 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD APS-C lens has to offer, it retails for an incredible US$700.

The Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS, with a 105-525mm full-frame equivalent focal range, is another excellent telephoto option that retails for around US$1,000.

How To Choose The Right Lens For Your Sony Camera

Given the massive number of Sony and third-party lenses available for Sony full-frame and APS-C cameras, deciding on the best lens can often be overwhelming.

All current generation Sony cameras feature the standard Sony E mount – regardless of whether they have an APS-C cropped sensor or a full-frame sensor camera.

The Sony E mount is consistent in size and can physically fit APS-C and full-frame lenses.

Sony APS-C cameras feature a smaller image sensor measuring 23.6 x 15.7mm and delivering a 1.5x crop factor.

For example, a Sony E 50mm APS-C lens produces a 75mm full-frame equivalent focal distance (50mm x 1.5 crop factor = 75mm).

As a result, Sony E lenses (not to be confused with Sony E Mount) are intended for Sony APS-C cameras to achieve optical accuracy and correct outcomes.

Sony Full-Frame cameras feature a standardized 35mm full-frame image sensor that measures 36 x 24mm and has no crop factor.

Sony FE lenses are intended to be mounted to Sony Alpha full-frame cameras.

While it’s possible to fit an APS-C Sony E lens to a full-frame camera and a Sony FE full-frame lens to a Sony APS-C camera, it produces severe image distortion.

In short, Sony and third-party E lenses are for Sony APS-C cameras such as the Sony a6000, a6400, and a6700.

Sony and third-party FE lenses are for Sony full-frame cameras, including the A7, A9, and A1 series.

When buying third-party lenses for your Sony camera, check that you’re selecting the lens for a Sony E-mount camera.

Many third-party brands have developed the same lens to suit various camera systems, including Fujifilm, Canon, Leica, and Nikon.

Be sure also to check out our comprehensive guide to understanding focal lengths and our beginner’s guide to aperture.

How To Read A Sony Lens

Every Sony and third-party lens features a host of abbreviations on the lens and its box. Understanding those terms will make the lens selection process quicker and easier to master.

The most common Sony lens abbreviations you will see in the lens description include:

• AR – Anti-reflective; the lens contains Sony’s nano-coating technology. All G and GM lenses have this.
• C – Cinema lens with geared focus and aperture ring. The best cinematic lenses include the Sony FE C 16-35mm T3.1 G or FE C 135mm T2.2 G, which offer fast speeds and proper focal lengths for filmmaking and general cinematography.
• DDSM – Direct Drive SuperSonic Motor; Designed for moving large, heavy focus groups in some Sony lenses.
• E – E-mount lens for APS-C and Super 35 cameras.
• ECF – E-Mount Converter Fisheye.
• ECU – E-Mount Converter Ultra-wide.
• ED – Extra-low Dispersion glass
• FE – Full-frame E-Mount lens.
• G – Gold Series lens. Sony’s second-highest lens tier.
• GM – Gold Master, more commonly “G-Master” lens. Sony’s highest-tier lens.
• OSS – Optical SteadyShot is Sony’s name for in-lens image stabilization.
• PZ – Power Zoom lens with motorized zoom control.
• SAM – Smooth Autofocus Motor: A cheaper AF motor used primarily on Sony’s kit lenses.
• SEL – Only used in official product codes for Sony E-Mount Lens.
• SSM – SuperSonic Motor: An extremely fast, quiet, and accurate autofocus motor used on many Sony G and GM lenses.
• T* – A lens equipped with Zeiss’ optical T coating.
• TC – Teleconverter.
• XA – Extreme Aspherical: the lens contains Sony’s top-of-the-line aspherical element, which produces extremely high resolution with beautiful out-of-focus areas. It’s reserved for Sony GM lenses.
• ZA – Zeiss approved “Zeiss Alpha” lenses built by Sony in Japan.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does FE mean on a Sony lens?

Sony and third-party lenses featuring FE in the product name are for Sony full-frame cameras.

What does E mean on a Sony lens?

Sony and third-party lenses featuring E in the product name are for Sony APS-C or cropped sensor cameras.

What is a Sony G Master lens?

G Master (GM) stands for Gold Master – Sony’s premium lens range typically has wider max apertures, weather-sealing, and pro-grade optical outcomes.

What does OSS mean on a Sony lens?

OSS stands for Optical SteadyShot – Sony’s impressive in-lens optical image stabilization system.

What lens mount does Sony use?

All Sony digital mirrorless cameras and lenses feature the Sony E Mount, regardless of whether they feature a full-frame or APS-C image sensor.

Final Words

Congratulations if you’ve made it to the end of our Ultimate Guide To Sony E-Mount Lenses! I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed compiling and writing it.

Most importantly, I hope our guide to Sony full-frame and APS-C lenses helps you select the best lenses for your photography or videography kit.

The breadth and depth of the Sony and third-party E-mount lens range is enormous.

Our guide alone has covered 30 hero lenses and an equal number of alternative options.

Yet, there’s still plenty more where those came from!

It’s clear that whether you sport the flagship full-frame Sony ALPHA A1 or the APS-C Sony a6700, there’s an incredible lens to suit your style, genre, and budget.