Best Sony FE Lenses (Full-Frame)

Welcome to my guide to the best Sony FE (full-frame) E-mount lenses.

This guide covers native full-frame E-Mount (FE) lenses from Sony and third parties that are designed for cameras like the Sony a7 and a9 series.

If you are looking for an APS-C lens for cameras like the a6000 series then visit my APS-C E-Mount Lenses Guide instead.

Are you on Facebook? If so, then you might want to join one of the many Sony Alpha Shooters Groups that I run there. If you have any questions on lenses then these groups are a great resource for advice along with a large collection of shots from a variety of lenses.

Best Sony FE Lenses (Contents Menu)

1. All-in-One Lenses
2. Wide-Angle Lenses
3. Portrait Lenses
4. Macro Lenses
5. Telephoto Lenses
6. Street Lenses
7. Pancake Lenses
8. Astrophotography Lenses
9. Prime Lenses
10. Budget Lenses
11. FAQ’s
12. Helpful Resources

Best Sony FE All-in-One Lenses

An all-in-one lens typically refers to a lens that covers a wide focal range and allows you to shoot anything from a moderate wide-angle landscape shot, to a portrait shot or even a slight telephoto shot. All-in-one lenses make great walk-around or travel lenses for when you want to travel as light as possible. Here are the best all-in-one lens options for the Sony full-frame E-mount cameras.

Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS (SEL24105G)

The Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS lens is the best all-in-one 24-105 zoom lens available for Sony full-frame E-mount cameras.

This lens is sharp from 24mm to 105mm even at the maximum aperture of f/4. If you are a fan of MTF charts then Roger has tested this lens over on LensRentals.com.

Unfortunately I don’t own this lens myself but if I had money to burn I would certainly pick one up.

Pros: Covers a useful focal range with excellent sharpness across the frame, chromatic aberrations and flare well controlled, quiet and fast autofocus
Cons: Expensive
Recommended Reviews: Dustin Abbott | Lens Rentals
Sample Photos: Flickr
Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.38 m (1.25 ft)
Minimum Aperture: f/22
Maximum Aperture: f/4
Aperture Blades: 9 circular
Auto Focus: Yes
Stabilization (OSS): Yes
Filter Thread Size: 77mm
Length: 113.3 mm
Diameter: 83.4 mm
Weight: 663 g (1.46 lbs)

Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 Di III RXD

If the Sony FE 24-105 is a little too expensive then thankfully Tamron’s 28-75mm F2.8 Di III RXD zoom lens is a very good and slightly more affordable all-in-one alternative. With a focal range of 28-75mm it doesn’t go as wide or as long as the Sony, however it does let you shoot with a maximum aperture of f/2.8.

On launch this lenses was sold out for over 6 months! It offers excellent sharpness and autofocus performance in a compact and lightweight body. There is very little in the way of chromatic aberrations to worry about and the lens is sharp across the frame even at its maximum aperture of f/2.8.

The image quality of this lens comes surprizingly close to the Sony FE 24-70 F2.8 G Master lens, which really is something considering the G Master costs around twice the price!

Pros: Excellent sharpness even wide open, lovely sunstars, smooth bokeh, lightweight, cost
Cons: Distortion, vignetting
Recommended Reviews: Albert Dros | Jannik Peters
Sample Photos: Flickr
Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.19 m (0.62 ft)
Minimum Aperture: f/22
Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
Aperture Blades: 9 circular
Auto Focus: Yes
Stabilization: No
Filter Thread Size: 67 mm
Length: 117.8 mm
Diameter: 73 mm
Weight: 550 g (1.21 lbs)

Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM (SEL2470GM)

If money is not too much of a concern and you want the very best quality along with a maximum aperture of f/2.8, then the Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM lens is probably the all-in-one lens for you.

Not many zoom lenses can match the image quality or speed of prime lenses, at least that was the case until the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM came along.

The lens is well built and weather sealed from dust and moisture. Sharpness is simply outstanding throughout the entire zoom range at all apertures and all focus distances, if you start pixel peeping into the corners then you will spot that they are a tiny bit softer at f/2.8. The autofocus motor is both fast and quiet, helping you to lock on and track your subject with ease.

Pros: Excellent center sharpness even when wide open, vignetting, build quality, fast and accurate autofocus, bokeh, chromatic aberration
Cons: Flare resistance, sharpness wide open, size, price
Recommended Reviews: Jordan Steele | Jannik Peters
Sample Photos: Flickr
Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.38 m (1.24 ft)
Minimum Aperture: f/22
Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
Aperture Blades: 9 circular
Auto Focus: Yes
Stabilization: No
Filter Thread Size: 82 mm
Length: 136 mm
Diameter: 87.6 mm
Weight: 886 g (1.95 lbs)

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Best Sony FE Wide-Angle Lenses

A wide-angle lens generally refers to a lens that has 35mm focal length and wider on a full frame camera like the Sony a7 Series. A wide-angle lens allows for more of the scene to be included in the frame making them very popular popular choices with landscape, architectural and interior photographers. Here are the best wide-angle lens options for Sony full-frame (FE) E-mount cameras.

Sony FE 12-24mm F4 G (SEL1224G)

The Sony FE 12-24mm lens is the widest lens that Sony currently makes for full-frame E-mount.

As should be expected from Sony the build quality is extremely high and it weighs in at just 565 grams. This is an internal zoom lens so the length remains constant as you zoom in and out.

The Sony 12-24 does feature a bulbous glass front element that protrudes from the front of the lens, due to this bulbous front element there is no filter thread (quite common on ultra-wide-angle lenses). If you do want to use ND or polarizing filters then there are several companies making filter holders for this lens.

When shooting at the maximum aperture of f/4 the corner sharpness is still very good and there’s also minimal distortion and virtually no COMA, making this lens a possible choice for astrophotography – that’s unless you find the f/4 wide-open aperture too restrictive.

Although the FE 12-24mm F4 does not carry the Sony G-Master badge, with the quality of images it produces it wouldn’t be out of place if it did.

I don’t own this lens myself but it’s certainly one that I would like to have in my gear bag one day soon.

Pros: Excellent central sharpness, low chromatic aberration, fast and accurate autofocus, great build quality
Cons: f/4 maximum aperture, high price, requires special filter holder
Recommended Reviews: Colby Brown
Sample Photos: Flickr
Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.28 m (0.92 ft)
Minimum Aperture: f/22
Maximum Aperture: f/4
Aperture Blades: 7 circular
Auto Focus: Yes
Stabilization: No
Filter Thread Size: N/A. Requires Special 12-24 Filter Holder.
Length: 117.4 mm
Diameter: 87 mm
Weight: 565 g (1.25 lbs)

Sigma 14mm 1.8 DG HSM Art

The Sigma 14mm f/1.8 Art has been available in Canon, Nikon and Sigma mounts for some time already, thankfully Sigma has finally seen sense and they have adapted this lens for the Sony E-mount.

This lens is really quite remarkable and produces exceptionally sharp images with very little distortion and chromatic aberration.

If you want to use this lens for astrophotography then you will see some signs of coma from f/1.8 to f/2.5 and you might even see traces of coma at f/2.8 if you have very bright stars at the edges of the frame. However, coma is still not as prominent as on many other wide-angle lenses.

The only downside to this lens is its size and weight because at 1170 grams this is not a light lens at all. Sigma have basically adapted an SLR lens to Sony E-mount, which sadly means it’s one big and heavy beast of a lens.

Pros: Extremely sharp, very well built
Cons: Size and weight
Recommended Reviews: Alyn Wallace (Canon Mount) | DPReview (Nikon Mount)
Sample Photos: Flickr
Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.27 m (0.89 ft)
Minimum Aperture: f/16
Maximum Aperture: f/1.8
Aperture Blades: 9 circular
Auto Focus: Yes
Stabilization: No
Filter Thread Size: N/A
Length: 126 mm
Diameter: 95.4 mm
Weight: 1170 g (2.57 lb)

ZEISS Batis 2.8/18

The Zeiss Batis 18mm f/2.8 is a very lightweight and optically excellent lens. The extreme corners aren’t quite as sharp as the center but they come extremely close.

The autofocus is fast and quiet and the lens is also weather sealed to help keep dust and moisture out. There is an infinite scroll focus ring for when you want to focus the lens manually, and also an innovative OLED display that shows the distance and depth of field to ensure the focusing range can always be perfectly set.

Coma performance is very good even when shooting wide open at f/2.8. However there is some fairly heavy vignetting along with moderate distortion that would need to be corrected in post.

Pros: Great build quality, weather sealed, fast and quiet autofocus, excellent sharpness across the frame, chromatic aberrations well controlled
Cons: Moderate distortion, strong vignette at wide apertures, expensive
Recommended Reviews: Drew Robinson
Sample Photos: Flickr
Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.25 m (0.82 ft)
Minimum Aperture: f/22
Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
Aperture Blades: 9 circular
Auto Focus: Yes
Stabilization: No
Filter Thread Size: 77 mm
Length: 95 mm with lens cap, 80 mm without lens cap
Diameter: 100 mm
Weight: 330 g (0.74 lbs)

Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM (SEL1635GM)

If you require a wide-angle zoom with a focal range of 16-35mm and a maximum aperture of f/2.8 then you don’t need to look any further than the Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM.

Although this certainly is not a small lens and it does weigh a pretty hefty 680 grams, the image quality is most definitely worth the penalty you will pay carrying this lens around with you.

The built quality is excellent just as it should be since it displays the GM badge. The lens is also weather sealed against dust and moisture.

This lens is sharp across the frame even at f/2.8. There are 11 circular aperture blades that deliver lovely smooth bokeh.

I own this lens myself and although I don’t use it so much these day as I tent to shoot more wildlife, I can’t quite bring myself to let it go.

a7R II + FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM @ 30sec | f/6.3 | ISO 400 | ** Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG | RAW

Pros: Excellent sharpness across the frame, beautiful sunstars, very little coma and distortion, well controlled chromatic abberation
Cons: Weight, price
Recommended Reviews: Colby Brown
Sample Photos: Flickr
Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.28 m (0.92 ft)
Minimum Aperture: f/22
Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
Aperture Blades: 11 circular
Auto Focus: Yes
Stabilization: No
Filter Thread Size: 82 mm
Length: 121.6 mm
Diameter: 88.5 mm
Weight: 680 g (1.50 lbs)

Sony Vario-Tessar T* FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS (SEL1635Z)

Not everyone is going to want to pay out for the Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM lens, thankfully there is also a much more affordable F4 version available as well.

The Sony Vario-Tessar T* FE 16-35mm F4 ZA lens isn’t quite as sharp as the GM lens and the maximum aperture is f/4. However, if you don’t shoot a lot of astrophotography or indoors then f/4 is still plenty wide enough and if you are shooting landscapes you’ll probably be at f/8 and above anyway.

If you are wanting to pack light then this lens weights only 518 grams and it’s also much more compact than its GM brother. This lens delivers very good sharpness across the frame together with excellent color and contrast.

I also own this lens myself and will generally take it with me over the GM version when I want to travel light.

Pros: Very good sharpness across the frame and zoom range, built in stabilization, well built, fast and accurate autofocus
Cons: Flare resistance, not weather sealed
Recommended Reviews: Jordan Steele
Sample Photos: Flickr
Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.28 m (0.92ft)
Minimum Aperture: f/22
Maximum Aperture: f/4
Aperture Blades: 7 circular
Auto Focus: Yes
Stabilization: Yes
Filter Thread Size: 72 mm
Length: 98.5 mm
Diameter: 78 mm
Weight: 518 g (1.14 lbs)

Tamron 17-28mm F2.8 Di III RXD (A046) Lens

After Tamron’s success with their 28-75mm F2.8 Di III RXD lens they now bring us a wider alternative in the form of the Tamron 17-28mm F2.8 Di III RXD. Similar to the 28-75mm this lens offers great sharpness wide-open in a compact lightweight body and at a very reasonable price point.

The Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 does sacrifice a bit of zoom range to keep its size as compact as possible while still maintaining excellent optics. The images from this lens deliver great clarity, good sharpness to the corners and very good flare performance.

This lens is not only smaller than the Sony 16-15mm F4 but it’s also sharper as well! It isn’t as sharp as the Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM but it’s definitely a lot more friendly on the wallet.

Pros: Very good sharpness across the frame at 17mm and f/2.8, coma performance, flare resistance, size/weight
Cons: Color cast in the corners, distortion
Recommended Reviews: Jordan Steele | Justin Abbott | Phillip Reeve | Chris Turner (YouTube)
Sample Photos: FlickR
Lens Construction: 13 elements in 11 groups
Angle of View: 103°41′-75°23′
Aperture Blades: 9 rounded
Minimum Aperture: f/22
Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.19m (7.5 in) (WIDE) – 0.26m (10.2 in) (TELE)
Maximum Magnification Ratio: 1:5.2 (Wide) / 1:6 (Tele)
Auto Focus: Yes
Stabilization: No
Filter Thread Size: 67mm
Length: 99mm
Diameter: 73mm
Weight: 420g / 14.8 oz

Sony FE 24mm F1.4 GM (SEL24F14GM)

According to Rodger Cicala at LensRentals.com the Sony FE 24mm F1.4 GM is the sharpest 24mm prime lens ever made.

The 24mm F1.4 GM is a small and lightweight (445 grams) lens that delivers incredible sharpness even when shooting wide open at f/1.4.

The lens body includes a customizable focus hold button, an autofocus on/off switch and also an aperture selection ring that includes a click on/off switch.

a7R III + 24mm F1.4 GM @ 1/200 | f/16 | ISO 320 | Shadows recovered in LR | ** Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG | RAW

a7R III + 24mm F1.4 GM @ 1/100 | f/1.4 | ISO 100 | ** Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG | RAW

a9 + 24mm F1.4 GM @ 1/5000 | f/1.4 | ISO 160 | Highlights recovered in LR | ** Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG | RAW

This lens is sharp from frame center to the edges even at the maximum aperture of f/1.4. Distortion is very well controlled as is the coma making this a great lens for astro photography if you don’t mind the 24mm focal range.

The bokeh is really as smooth as it gets whist the autofocus motors are fast, quiet and super accurate.

I’ve owned this lens myself since day one and I don’t plan on letting it go any time soon!

Pros: Very sharp across the frame wide open, beautiful bokeh, size & weight, aperture ring, fast autofocus
Cons: Strong vignetting wide open, flare resistance
Recommended Reviews: Phillip Reeve
Sample Photos: Flickr
Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.24 m (0.79 ft)
Minimum Aperture: f/16
Maximum Aperture: f/1.4
Aperture Blades: 11 circular
Auto Focus: Yes
Stabilization: No
Filter Thread Size: 67 mm
Length: 92.4 mm with lens cap
Diameter: 75.4 mm
Weight: 445 g (0.98 lbs)

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Best Sony FE Portrait Lenses

A portrait lens does not refer to any specific type of lens because any lens can be used for portraits. You can use a prime, a zoom, a telephoto, or even a kit lens to take portrait photos. That said, the best portrait lenses often have a focal length of somewhere between 70 to 135mm, along with a wide maximum aperture for great low-light performance and shallow depth-of-field. Here are the best portrait lens options for Sony full-frame E-mount cameras.

Sony FE 85mm F1.4 G Master (SEL85F14GM)

The Sony FE 85mm F1.4 G Master is an exceptional portrait lens and one that every serious portrait photography should really consider having in their gear bag.

This lens delivers excellent sharpness from the center of the frame right to the edges even when wide open at f/1.4. Flare control and chromatic abberations are very well controlled and the build quality as we have come to expect from GM lenses is first class. Bokeh is deliciously creamy and the lens is of course weather sealed against dust and moisture.

The autofocus motors in this lens are not the fastest I’ve seen but with the help of Eye AF it is perfectly capable of delivery razor sharp images even when your subject is moving around.

I don’t own this lens myself but would definitely be adding it to my gear bag if I shot more portraits.

Pros: Sharpness across the frame, bokeh, flare resistance, build quality
Cons: Sunstars, slow autofocus
Recommended Reviews: Bastian Kratzke
Sample Photos: Flickr
Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.8 m (2.62 ft)
Minimum Aperture: f/16
Maximum Aperture: f/1.4
Aperture Blades: 11 circular
Auto Focus: Yes
Stabilization: No
Filter Thread Size: 77 mm
Length: 107.5 mm
Diameter: 89.5 mm
Weight: 820 g (1.80 lbs)

Sony FE 85mm F1.8 (SEL85F18)

Don’t worry if the price of the 85mm F1.5 GM lens is making you eyes water because the Sony FE 85mm F1.8 is also an excellent portrait lens with a much more budget friendly price tag.

This lens isn’t quite as sharp as the 85mm F1.4 GM but it’s unlikely to disappoint you. The autofocus is also suprizingly faster than the GM! The bokeh isn’t quite as smooth as creamy but it’s not too far away.

I own this lens myself and despite not shooting portraits very often (apart from my dog Frank), I don’t plan on selling it any time soon.

a7R III + FE 85mm F1.8 | @ 1/400 | f/1.8 | ISO 100 | Cropped | ** Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG | RAW

Sony FE 85mm F1.8 (Shot on a7III) @ 85mm | 1/1000 | f/1.8 | ISO 250 | ** Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG | RAW

Pros: Build quality, sharpness, bokeh, distortion, price
Cons: Purple fringing at large apertures, flare resistance
Recommended Reviews: Jannik Peters
Sample Photos: Flickr
Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.8 m (2.63 ft)
Minimum Aperture: f/22
Maximum Aperture: f/1.8
Aperture Blades: 9 circular
Auto Focus: Yes
Stabilization: No
Filter Thread Size: 67 mm
Length: 82 mm
Diameter: 78 mm
Weight: 371 g (0.82 lbs)

Sony FE 100mm F2.8 STF GM OSS (SEL100F28GM)

The Sony FE 100mm F2.8 STF GM OSS lens is a very unique lens in the Sony FE lenses line-up since it includes a built in apodization (APD) filter. This is a clear glass filter that progressively darkens similar to a neutral density filter as you get further away from the center of the lens. The effect of the ADP filter is at its greatest when wide open at F2.8 (T.5.6).

As well as limiting the light coming in, the filter also makes bokeh balls darker towards their outer edge as well as softens it. While the aperture is stated as F2.8, the depth of field is similar to an F4 lens.

The build quality like with all GM lenses is excellent, as is the sharpness and lovely smooth creamy bokeh. It really is a lens with its own unique style and for exactly this reason there are many portrait photographers who love shooting with this lens.

Pros: Excellent sharpness, bokeh, build quality, image stabilization
Cons: Weight, poor light transmission, size
Recommended Reviews: Rose and Charles | Stephen Ozcomert
Sample Photos: Flickr
Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.85 m (2.79 ft) at “0.85m-∞” position; 0.57 m (1.87 ft) at “0.57m-1.0m” position
Minimum Aperture: f/20 (T22)
Maximum Aperture: f/2.8 (T5.6)
Aperture Blades: 11 circular
Auto Focus: Yes
Stabilization: Yes
Filter Thread Size: 72 mm
Length: 118.1 mm
Diameter: 85.2 mm
Weight: 700g (1.54 lbs)

Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM (SEL135F18GM) Lens

Roger Cicala from LensRentals.com tested the new Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM lens and said: “This is the sharpest lens we’ve tested. Period. (At last count, that’s out of 300+ lenses tested.) This is really very high praise indeed!

Roger isn’t the only person to praise this lens, many reviewers are now saying that this is the sharpest lens that they have ever laid their hands on.

Sharpness needs to be seen to be believed, CA correction is very good as are the low levels of distortion and vignetting. The GM label is most definitely showing its colors here.

The only real weakness is the glossy filter thread that can flare performance look worse than it actually is, you’ll probably want to keep the lens hood on if you ever shoot without.

The autofocus motors are also extremely fast making this lens a great choice for sports and action photographers as well as portrait shooters.

Pros: Excellent sharpness, bokeh, build quality
Cons: Price, ring flare
Recommended Reviews: Jannik Peters | LensRentals.com | Manny Ortiz (YouTube) | Miguel Quiles (YouTube)
Sample Photos: DPReview
Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.7 m (2.3 ft)
Minimum Aperture: f/22
Maximum Aperture: f/1.8
Aperture Blades: 11 circular
Auto Focus: Yes
Stabilization: No
Filter Thread Size: 82mm
Length: 127 mm (5 in.)
Diameter: 89.5 mm (3-5/8 in.)
Weight: 950 g (33.6 oz.)

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Best Sony FE Macro Lenses

Macro lenses are brilliant for taking photos of insects, tiny objects, food or really anything where you would like to see as much detail as possible. A macro lens should have the ability to focus from infinity to 1:1 magnification at the closest focusing distance, so that the size of the image in real life is the same size as it is reproduced on the sensor of your camera. A larger minimum focusing distance (or working distance) is often beneficial for macro photography to help avoid casting shadows from your lens or scaring away shy insects. Here are the best macro lens options for Sony full-frame E-mount cameras.

Sony FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS (SEL90M28G)

The Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS lens is an exceptionally sharp lens. DxOMark reviewed this lens and said that it’s outstanding, scoring higher than both the Canon and Nikon equivalent macro lenses.

You will honestly struggle to find fault with this lens, it really is that good! My only complaint is that the AF performance could be a little faster and quieter, and the manual focus ring could offer a little more precision for fine tuning when using focus peaking.

If you are into macro photography then this lens is definitely worth saving for. It also makes for a great portrait lens however because it’s so sharp it will show every imperfection in your models skin, which you may or may not want.

I own this lens myself and it’s not going to be sold on eBay any time soon!

Sony FE 90mm F2.8 Macro (Shot on a7R III) @ 1/500 | f/2.8 | ISO 320 | Cropped | ** Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG | RAW

Pros: Incredible sharpness at all apertures, excellent color rendition, CA is well controlled, very well built, price
Cons: Autofocus isn’t the fastest, manual focus could allow for finer adjustments
Recommended Reviews: Jordan Steele | DxOMark | Philip Reeve
Sample Photos: Flickr
Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.28 m (0.92 ft)
Minimum Aperture: f/22
Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
Aperture Blades: 9 circular
Auto Focus: Yes
Stabilization: Yes
Filter Thread Size: 62 mm
Length: 130.5 mm
Diameter: 79 mm
Weight: 602g (1.33 lbs)

Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro Art

The Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro lens for Sony E-mount is one of the first lenses that Sigma has adapted for Sony E-mount. I say adapted because this lens was originally designed for SLR cameras and not mirrorless, therefore it’s a little larger than it really needs to be. Still, if you can get over the size then this really is a very very good lens that costs around 50 percent less than the Sony 90mm Macro.

Images are razor sharp across the frame, chromatic aberration is well controlled as is distortion. The bokeh is smooth and the lens itself is built to Sigma’s very high standards for their ART series.

The AF motor is not the fastest so I wouldn’t recommend it for trying to capture any flying bumblebees of butterflies. However, I often prefer to shoot macro in full manual with the help of focus peaking so this isn’t really a big concern for me.

The Sigma does extend as you focus, although never further than the end of the lens hood. With a minimum focussing distance of 0.25m you will need to get pretty close to your subject for 1:1 shots which means there is a risk of casting a shadow or scaring your subject away.

I own this lens myself and as much as I’d like to keep it I do prefer the Sony 90mm so it will be going soon.

a7R III + Sigma 70mm F2.8 Macro @ 1/1000 | f/5.6 | ISO 500 | Cropped | ** Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG | RAW

a7III + Sigma 70mm F2.8 Macro @ 1/800 | f/4 | ISO 320 | Cropped | ** Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG | RAW

Pros: Extremely sharp, color rendition, chromatic aberration, build quality, price
Cons: Autofocus, manual focus ring
Recommended Reviews: My Review
Sample Photos: My Review
Maximum Magnification Ratio: 1:1
Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.25m (0.82ft)
Minimum Aperture: f/22
Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
Aperture Blades: 9 circular
Auto Focus: Yes
Stabilization: No
Filter Thread Size: 49 mm
Length: 130 mm (min) 181 mm (max)
Diameter: 70.8 mm
Weight: 622 g (1.37 lbs) with lens hood

Voigtlander 110mm f2.5 Macro Apo-Lanthar Lens

The Voigtlander 110mm F2.5 Macro APO Lanthar puts up some stiff competition for the Sony FE 90mm F2.8 G Macro lens despite it being manual focus only.

Wide-open at f/2.5 and the lens is very sharp from the center and towards the edges of the frame. Chromatic abberations are well controlled and the bokeh is smooth although you will get cat-eyes towards the edges of the frame.

I’ve not yet tried this lens myself but I would very much like to.

Pros: Excellent sharpness, build quality, CA control, bokeh
Cons: Vignetting, Cat-eye bokeh balls
Recommended Reviews: Phillip Reeve | Fred Miranda
Sample Photos: Flickr
Maximum Magnification Ratio: 1:1
Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.17m (0.56ft)
Minimum Aperture: f/22
Maximum Aperture: f/2.5
Aperture Blades: 10
Auto Focus: No
Stabilization: No
Filter Thread Size: 58 mm
Length: 99.7 mm
Diameter: 78.4 mm
Weight: 763 g (1.68 lbs)

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Best Sony FE Telephoto Lenses

Telephoto lenses are typically the hallmark of sports and wildlife photographers. Sports photographers will often work with lenses up to 400mm and sometimes longer whereas wildlife photographers prefer the longest glass possible depending on what they are shooting. Here are the best telephoto lenses for Sony full-frame e-mount cameras.

Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS (SEL70200GM)

The Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS lens features a fast maximum aperture of f/2.8 making it a great choice for low light photography such as shooting an indoor basketball game. Optical Steady Shot (OSS) is built in and there’s a Mode 1/2 panning switch on the lens itself along with a manual focus on/off switch and an AF limiter.

This is an internal zoom lens so it doesn’t extend as you zoom, this makes balancing it so much easier and the short zoom throw means you can go from 70mm to 200mm with just a short turn of the wrist.

The lens is sharp across the frame even when wide-open at f/2.8. It’s well built and despite its heavy weight (1480g) it feels well balanced. The autofocus motor is fast and silent and it rarely misses focus.

The lens is compatible with the Sony FE 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters allowing you to extend its reach to 280mm with the 1.4x and up to 400mm with the 2.0x.

I own this lens myself and enjoy using it for wildlife at a close distance, motocross, equestrian events, rally and pet portraits.

Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM (Shot on a9) @ 200mm | 1/1000 | f/2.8 | ISO 100 | Cropped | Exposure Correction in LR | ** Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG | RAW

Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM (Shot on a9) @ 200mm | 1/1600 | f/2.8 | ISO 500 | Cropped | ** Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG | RAW

Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM (Shot on a9) @ 165mm | 1/2000 | f/2.8 | ISO 200 | ** Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG

Pros: Very sharp, excellent color rendition, extremely fast autofocus, creamy bokeh
Cons: Expensive, heavy
Recommended Reviews: Nick Smyth (Youtube) | DxOMark
Sample Photos: Flickr
Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.96 m (3.15 ft)
Minimum Aperture: f/22
Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
Aperture Blades: 11 circular
Auto Focus: Yes
Stabilization: Yes
Filter Thread Size: 77 mm
Length: 200 mm
Diameter: 88.0 mm
Weight: 1480 g (3.26 lbs) without tripod mount

Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G OSS (SEL70200G)

Understandably not everyone will want to shell out for the 70-200 F2.8 GM lens. Thankfully there is a more affordable alternative and that’s the Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G lens.

With a constant aperture of f/4 you will still get some very smooth bokeh and a lens that works reasonably well in low light. The autofocus motors are almost as fast as the GM version and sharpness isn’t all that far behind either.

There’s a tripod collar and a mode 1/2 panning switch on the lens body and optical stabilization (OSS) is built it. Just like the GM version this is an internal focussing lens so the lens does not extend when you zoom.

As well as shooting sports and wildlife this lens is also a very good choice for shooting landscapes.

Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G (Shot on a7III) @ 113mm | 1/1600 | f/4 | ISO 500 | Cropped | ** Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG | RAW

Sony FE 70-200mm F4 (Shot on a6400) @ 200mm | 1/200 | f/4 | ISO 320 | Cropped | Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG | RAW **

Pros: Build quality, sharpness, bokeh, weight, price
Cons: A little corner softness wide-open, vignetting
Recommended Reviews: Phillip Reeve | Matt Granger
Sample Photos: Flickr
Minimum Focusing Distance: 1 m (3.28 ft)
Minimum Aperture: f/22
Maximum Aperture: f/4
Aperture Blades: 9 circular
Auto Focus: Yes
Stabilization: Yes
Filter Thread Size: 72 mm
Length: 175 mm
Diameter: 80 mm
Weight: 840 g (3.26 lbs) without tripod mount

Sony FE 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G OSS (SEL70300G)

The Sony FE 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G OSS offer a very good zoom range in a fairly compact body. Unlike all of the other Sony telephoto lenses that are white, this lens is black. So if you prefer to be a little more discrete whilst shooting then you may prefer this lens.

This is a variable aperture lens which goes from F4.5-F5.6. From 70mm to 82mm it’s f/4.5, 83mm to 113mm it’s f/5, 114mm to 199mm it’s f/5.6, and 200mm to 350mm is f/6.3. The lens body does extend when you zoom.

This lens is sharp in the center when shooting wide open and the AF motor is fast and silent, vignetting and CA is well controlled and build quality is very good.

There is no tripod collar and no panning mode 1/2 switch like you will find on the FE 70-200 F4 G lens.

I do own this lens myself although since I purchased the 100-400 this lens rarely gets used.

Sony FE 70-300mm (Shot on a6400) @ 300mm | 1/1000 | f/5.6 | ISO 1250 | ** Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG | RAW

Sony FE 70-300mm (Shot on a6400) @ 210mm | 1/1250 | f/5.6 | ISO 100 | ** Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG | RAW **

Sony FE 70-300mm (Shot on a6500) @ 196mm | 1/250 | f/5.6 | ISO 160 | Cropped (I don’t provide full res images for superbike shots I’m afraid)

Pros: Center sharpness, fast autofocus, build quality
Cons: No tripod collar, corner softness wide-open
Recommended Reviews: John Sison (YouTube) | Imaging Resource
Sample Photos: Flickr
Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.9 m (2.96 ft)
Minimum Aperture: f/22-29
Maximum Aperture: f/4.5-5.6
Aperture Blades: 9 circular
Auto Focus: Yes
Stabilization: Yes
Filter Thread Size: 72 mm
Length: 143.5 mm
Diameter: 84 mm
Weight: 854 g (1.88 lbs)

Sony FE F4.5-5.6 100-400mm G Master (SEL100400GM)

If you are looking for the best native 100-400mm zoom lens for shooting wildlife (my Borneo adventure), sports and action, then look no further than the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS lens. I’ve owned this lens since it was released and it has rarely been off my camera since.

The lens has a variable aperture of F4.5-5.6, an extremely fast and silent autofocus motors along with the GM build quality. The lens is weather sealed against dust and moisture providing you with a little more confidence when the heavens open.

The lens is also compatible with the Sony FE 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters, helping to extend its reach up to 560mm with the 1.4x and up to 800mm with the 2x.

Sharpness across the frame is excellent and DxOMark rate this as the sharpest lens in the 100-400mm focal range.

However, since this lens was released there is now the Sony FE 200-600 to consider that we will be looking at next.

a6500 + 100-400 GM @ 345mm | 1/250 | f/5.6 | ISO 400 (I don’t provide full res images for superbike shots I’m afraid)

a9 + 100-400 GM @ 400mm | 1/1600 | f/5.6 | ISO 200 | Cropped | *Full Resolution Download: JPEG | RAW

Sony a6400 + 100-400mm GM @ 400mm | 1/1250 | f/5.6 | ISO 800 | Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG

Pros: Fast autofocus, very sharp across the frame, color rendition, bokeh, build quality
Cons: Price
Recommended Reviews: My Review | DxOMark
Sample Photos: My Review Samples
Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.98 m (3.22 ft)
Minimum Aperture: f/32-40
Maximum Aperture: f/4.5-5.6
Aperture Blades: 9 circular
Auto Focus: Yes
Stabilization: Yes
Filter Thread Size: 77 mm
Length: 205 mm
Diameter: 93.9 mm
Weight: 1395 g (3.1 lbs) without tripod mount

Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS (SEL200600G) Lens

The Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS lens has not been out for very long but it’s already proving itself to be an exceptional telephoto lens for wildlife photographers.

Since I enjoy shooting wildlife myself I ordered this lens as soon as it was announced and I’m currently working on a 200-600 vs 100-400 comparison.

With a focal range of 200-600mm and a maximum aperture of f/6.3 at 600mm this lens will help you to get closer to wildlife than ever before. If 600mm is not long enough then you can also add the 1.4x or 2.0x teleconverters.

This is a big lens and it weighs 2115g without tripod mount and is 318mm in length. It’s also an internal focusing lens and the short zoom throw makes going from 200mm to 600mm a breeze. Because it doesn’t extend it also balances very well on a gimbal.

At 600mm this lens is sharper than the Sony FE 100-400 + 1.4x is at 560mm. At 400mm this lens is also a touch sharper than the 100-400 which considering it’s a G lens and not a GM lens is really quite something.

Since owning the 200-600 my 100-400 is starting to collect dust and as much as I’d like to keep both I will most likely be selling the 100-400 soon.

Sony a7 III + 200-600 @ 600mm | 1/1000 | f/6.3 | ISO 640 | Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG | RAW **

Sony a7III + 200-600 @ 600mm | 1/2000 | f/6.3 | ISO 640 | Cropped | Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG

Sony a7III + 200-600 @ 600mm | 1/2000 | f/6.3 | ISO 800 | Cropped | Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG | RAW **

Pros: Internal zoom, sharpness, 1.4x & 2.0x teleconverter compatibility
Cons: Size, weight
Recommended Reviews: Mark Smith (YouTube)
Sample Photos: My Sample Gallery
Minimum Focusing Distance: 2.4m (7.88 ft)
Minimum Aperture: 32-36
Maximum Aperture: 5.6-6.3
Aperture Blades: 11 circular
Auto Focus: Yes
Stabilization: Yes
Filter Thread Size: 95mm
Length: 318 mm (12 5/8 in.)
Diameter: 111.5 mm (4 1/2 in.)
Weight: 2115g without tripod mount

Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS (SEL400F28GM)

If money is not an issue then the Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS lens already has your name on it. This is one of the most expensive E-mount lens that you can currently buy and it is most definitely one of my dream lens.

I’ve not yet used this lens myself, but I know from Alpha Shooters who have that it is extremely sharp across the frame, has the fastest autofocus performance of any Sony lens, and weighs in at only 2895g which is very light for a 400mm f/2.8 lens and makes handling it on the Sony 7iii, a9 or whichever camera you decide to pair it with a dream.

If 400mm is not long enough then you can also add the 1.4x or 2.0x teleconverters.

The only real negative thing about this lens is the price. At $11,998.00 in the US or £10,499.00 in the UK, this lens will leave a very noticeable hole in your bank account.

Pros: Lightening fast autofocus, low light performance, sharpness, weight, handling
Cons: Very expensive
Recommended Reviews: Mark Galer (YouTube)
Sample Photos: Flickr
Minimum Focusing Distance: 2.7 m (8.86 ft)
Minimum Aperture: f/22
Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
Aperture Blades: 11 circular
Auto Focus: Yes
Stabilization: Yes
Filter Thread Size: 40.5 mm (slot-in)
Length: 359 mm
Diameter: 158.1 mm
Weight: 2895 g (6.38 lbs)

Sony FE 600mm F4 GM OSS (SEL600F40GM) Lens

The Sony FE 600mm F4 GM OSS lens is Sony’s most expensive super telephoto lens. With a fast maximum aperture of f/4 at 600mm this lens was made for shooting wildlife.

It’s a very sharp lens and the autofocus is exceptionally quick, so long as you point this lens at your subject it really has not chance of getting away! If 600mm is not long enough then you can also add the 1.4x or 2.0x teleconverters.

Together with the 400mm F2.8 GM this is definitely one of my dream lenses but I can’t see myself affording it any time soon! 🙁

Pros:Extremely sharp, fast f/4 aperture, lightweight for a 600mm f/4
Cons:Very expensive
Recommended Reviews: Ryan Mense | Mark Smith (YouTube)
Sample Photos: DPReview
Minimum Focusing Distance: 4.5 m (14.8 ft)
Minimum Aperture: 22
Maximum Aperture: 4
Aperture Blades: 11 circular
Auto Focus: Yes
Stabilization: Yes
Filter Thread Size: 40.5 (slot-in)
Length: 449 mm (17-3/4 in.)
Diameter: 163.6 mm (6-1/2 in.)
Weight: 3040 g (107.3 oz.)

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Best Sony FE Street Lenses

Whether you like to use 35mm or 55mm for shooting in the streets, it often comes down to a matter of personal taste and the type of image that you want to create. Wide-angle lenses under 35mm are often more challenging to use with street photography as you may not want to be on top of your subject, that’s unless you want to shoot an environmental street portrait. So here are the best Sony FE lens options for street photography.

Sony FE 35mm F1.8 (SEL35F18F) Lens

The Sony FE 35mm F1.8 lens has only recently been released. More details and review links will be added here just as soon as they are available.

Pros:
Cons:
Recommended Reviews:
Sample Photos: Sony
Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.22 m (0.73 ft)
Minimum Aperture: f/22
Maximum Aperture: f/1.8
Aperture Blades: 9 circular
Auto Focus: Yes
Stabilization: No
Filter Thread Size: 55 mm
Length: 73 mm
Diameter: 65.6 mm
Weight: 280g (9.9 oz)

Sony Distagon T* FE 35mm F1.4 ZA (SEL35F14Z) Lens

The Sony Distagon T* FE 35mm F1.4 ZA is a big beautiful lens that really excels at environmental portraiture and street photography (if you don’t mind the size). The 35mm f/1.4 is very sharp at f/1.4 and tack sharp to the corners when stopped down, while featuring the signature Zeiss color and contrast. There is a little distortion and and some longitudinal CA and fringing, but these are easily fixed in post.

Pros: Very well built, lovely bokeh, very sharp wide open, CA well controlled, fast autofocus
Cons: large and heavy, expensive
Recommended Reviews: Steve Huff | Jordan Steele
Sample Photos: Flickr
Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.3 m (0.98 ft)
Minimum Aperture: f/16
Maximum Aperture: f/1.4
Aperture Blades: 9 circular
Auto Focus: Yes
Stabilization: No
Filter Thread Size: 72 mm
Length: 112.0 mm
Diameter: 78.5 mm
Weight: 630 g (1.39 lbs)

Sony FE 55mm F1.8 ZA (SEL55F18Z)

The Sony Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA lens is a very versatile lens that creates a different look versus a 24mm or 35mm because of its narrower field of view. It’s an excellent lens for street photography prooviding you don’t mind its size. The lens is exceptionally sharp wide open and the bokeh is nice and smooth, but it does exhibit some onion rings as well as the cat-eye effect towards the edges of the frame.

Pros: Very sharp across the frame, excellent build quality, fast and silent autofocus
Cons: Vignetting, cat-eye bokeh balls and onion rings
Recommended Reviews: Rose and Charles | Phillip Reeve
Sample Photos: Flickr
Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.5 m (1.64 ft)
Minimum Aperture: f/22
Maximum Aperture: f/1.8
Aperture Blades: 9 circular
Auto Focus: Yes
Stabilization: No
Filter Thread Size: 49 mm
Length: 70.5 mm
Diameter: 64.4 mm
Weight: 281g (0.62 lbs)

The Sony Sonnar T* FE 35mm F2.8 ZA and Rokinon/Samyang AF 35mm f/2.8 FE are also both great lenses for street photography. I’m going to cover these two lenses next under pancake lenses.

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Best Sony FE Pancake Lenses

A pancake lens is simply a lens that is shorter than it is wide, they are often favored by street photographers because their small size makes them very discreet. Here are the best pancake lenses.

Sony Sonnar T* FE 35mm F2.8 ZA (SEL35F28Z)

The Sony Sonnar T* FE 35mm F2.8 ZA is a small beautiful lens that really excels at environmental portraiture and street photography. This 35mm f/2.8 lens is very sharp even when wide-open at f/2.8, bokeh is very pleasing and distortion is very well controlled. However due to its small size vignetting is a problem even when stopped down, so this will need to be corrected in post. If you are looking for a small, discrete lens for street photography, then this lens would be a very good choice.

Pros: Very sharp at f/2.8, bokeh, size and weight
Cons: Vignetting, price
Recommended Reviews: Brian Smith (YouTube) | Richard Wong
Sample Photos: Flickr
Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.35 m (1.15 ft)
Minimum Aperture: f/22
Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
Aperture Blades: 7 circular
Auto Focus: Yes
Stabilization: No
Filter Thread Size: 49 mm
Length: 36.5mm
Diameter: 61.5 mm
Weight: 120 g (0.26 lbs)

Rokinon / Samyang AF 35mm f/2.8 FE

If you are looking for a pancake lens on a tight budget then you don’t need to look any further than the Rokinon / Samyang AF 35mm f/2.8 FE lens.

This lens is tiny yet still features a fast f/2.8 aperture, although the build quality is good it’s not quite on par with the Sony 35mm F2.8, for the price some sacrifices do need to be made.

Sharpness is good when shooting wide-open at f/2.8 and improves from f/4 onwards, but the edges aren’t quite as sharp as the center. Chromatic aberrations and vignetting are visible shooting wide-open and will require some post work to remove.

Pros: Compact, cheap
Cons: Slow autofocus, no weather sealing
Recommended Reviews: FStoppers | Drew Robinson |
Sample Photos: Flickr
Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.35m (1.14ft)
Minimum Aperture: f/22
Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
Aperture Blades: 7
Auto Focus: Yes
Stabilization: No
Filter Thread Size: 49mm or 40.5mm with hood
Length: 33mm
Diameter: 61.8mm
Weight: 108.1g

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Best Sony FE Astrophotography Lenses

For shooting astrophotography your best options are the Sony FE 24mm F1.4 GM, the Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM or the Sigma 14mm 1.8 DG HSM Art. All of these lenses have been covered in further detail under the wide-angle section of this guide.

Best Sony FE Prime Lenses

There are many great prime lenses that have been covered under their relevant sections in this guide (just click the following links to jump there).

The Sony FE 24mm F.1 GM is excellent for wide-angle shots, whereas the Sony FE 85mm 1.8 is a great lens if you are on a budget for portrait shots. If your budget is a little higher then the Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM and 135mm 1.8 GM are also excellent prime lenses for shooting portraits.

The Sony FE 90mm F2.8 Macro is one of the best macro lenses in the photography world and the Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM is a superb telephoto lens for shooting sports or wildlife.

Best Sony FE Budget Lenses

If you are looking for the best budget lens for under $500.00 for then here are some options that you might want to consider:

• Sony FE 50mm F2.8 Macro
• Sony FE 28mm F2.0
• 7artisans 1.4/28 FE+
• Sigma Art 70mm F2.8 Macro
• Rokinon / Samyang 35mm F1.4 FE
• Rokinon / Samyang 35mm F2.8 FE
• Rokinon / Samyang 24mm F2.8 FE

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Before You Go

Whichever lens you go for I’d recommend updating both the lens and camera to the latest firmware version, as new firmware releases often address compatibility issues and improve autofocus performance with some lenses.

Do you already own any of these full-frame (FE) lenses? If you do, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Or have I missed any lenses that you think should be included? Again, please let me know in the comments below.

If you are on Facebook then I’d love for you to join one of the many Sony Alpha Shooters groups that I run. There are groups for Sony Alpha landscape, portrait, sports, wildlife, weddings, macro, street, and video shooters, as well as a generic group for everything else Alpha. You can find all of the links here. The groups are a great place to post your shots with your brand new lens!

Please also note that this guide does not include every single full-frame E-mount lens on the market, it’s simply a collection of the best FE lenses based on reviews from Alpha Shooters around the globe as well as my own experience. That said, I am currently working on adding every single FE mount lens to this guide, but please bare with me as there are quite a few!