![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.apogeephoto.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/Choosing-the-Best-Sony-Lens-for-Your-Photography.png\")
<\/b><\/h2>\n<\/b><\/h2>\nThe best Sony E-mount lenses<\/a> make the most of the mirrorless format\u2019s smaller, lighter profile, to provide excellent imaging capabilities and unrivaled speed in a more portable and discreet photographic package than DSLRs can currently offer. <\/span><\/p>\n Just a few years ago, one of the most common criticisms made about the Sony Mirrorless system was simply the lack of lenses available. But that\u2019s all changed. <\/span><\/p>\n Although Sony\u2019s Alpha series still somewhat lags behind more established camera systems from Canon and Nikon, today Mirrorless users have a much broader range of lenses to choose from, with numerous high-quality options available at every focal length. This leaves Sony owners with some difficult decision making to do. <\/span><\/p>\n From ultra wide to telephoto, this guide reviews some of the very best Sony lenses available right now in each category, so that you can choose the right one for your own particular photographic needs.<\/span><\/p>\n In search of some more general info about camera lenses and what to look for when purchasing them? Check out our overall guide, <\/span>Camera Lenses Explained: How to Choose the Best Lens for Your Photography<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n + Small and lightweight<\/span><\/p>\n + Very wide field of view<\/span><\/p>\n + Excellent image quality<\/span><\/p>\n + Some weather sealing<\/span><\/p>\n – No filter thread<\/span><\/p>\n – Expensive<\/span><\/p>\n – No image stabilization<\/span><\/p>\n The Sony FE 12-24mm f\/4 G<\/a>\u00a0is an ultra wide-angle lens that will be of most obvious interest to anyone shooting interiors, architecture, or landscapes and needing to get a lot of view in the frame. However, as it is exceedingly lightweight and compact for a lens of this type, the 12-24mm G would also make an excellent choice for photographers who regularly cover sports such as skating, mountain biking, or parkour, where it can add some real energy and dynamism to action shots. <\/span><\/p>\n Adding to the 12-24mm\u2019s extreme performance credentials is the fact that the lens is \u201cdust and moisture proof.\u201d Although whether this makes the lens durable enough to use for ski and snowboard photography is debatable. <\/span><\/p>\n Although the lens is built from plastic, it feels extremely solid and satisfying to use, and construction appears sturdy. The barrel features a nice resistant zoom ring and soft and reactive manual focus control. Autofocus is super fast – \u00a0thus further reinforcing its appropriateness for use in sports photography – and a switch on the lens permits rapid change between AF and MF operation.<\/span><\/p>\n While ultra wide-angle lenses certainly have their uses, there\u2019s probably a limit as to how many shots any photographer will want to take on one before changing to a more moderate focal length. But by going for an ultra wide-angle <\/span>zoom<\/span><\/i>, rather than a prime, you can always switch to a slightly less extreme setting for other shots without the hassle of changing lenses. <\/span><\/p>\n Bear in mind though, that this is not an all-purpose walkabout lens for daily shooting: although it zooms, the range effectively goes from wide to even wider. Indeed, the angle of view provided by the 12-24mm is so extreme that, even when it is used on a camera with an APS-C sensor rather than full frame, it still seems very wide (18-36mm). <\/span><\/p>\n However, despite this exaggerated field of view, there\u2019s thankfully little noticeable distortion with the lens. What\u2019s more, image sharpness is excellent: there\u2019s only minimal loss of sharpness at the edges even when used wide open. Bokeh is very nice and soft, and chromatic aberrations are pretty much nonexistent. Flare, too, is minimal. However, the lens does exhibit some slight vignetting when used at the fastest aperture settings.<\/span><\/p>\n As already mentioned, this is a very lightweight and portable lens. Indeed, it\u2019s much lighter than many equivalent lenses from manufacturers such as Canon and Nikon, etc., making it an archetypal example of a true Mirrorless system lens. Despite this though, be aware that it can still feel a little imbalanced and front-heavy when used on a lighter-weight camera body.<\/span><\/p>\n Also discouraging for some people will be the lack of built-in image stabilization. Although, at this focal length, such a feature is much less important than it would be for a longer lens. In any case, Sony\u2019s camera bodies come with their own image stabilization, so the chances are that you\u2019re already covered for this anyway.<\/span><\/p>\n Another turn-off for some users is the fact that the lens won\u2019t take screw-in filters. However, the biggest stumbling block is simply the cost: if you really need such a wide lens for day to day use, then the Sony FE 12-24mm f\/4 G<\/a>\u00a0is a great solution; but for casual users who just want to take the occasional ultra wide shot, the asking price may be hard to justify.<\/span><\/p>\n \n + Small and lightweight<\/span><\/p>\n + Optical stabilization<\/span><\/p>\n + Metal build<\/span><\/p>\n – Not weather sealed<\/span><\/p>\n For those on the APS-C system and looking for a cheaper ultra wide option than the FE 12-24mm f\/4 G (above), the Sony 10-18mm f\/4 OSS<\/a>\u00a0fits the bill. Of course, as a 10-18mm lens gives an equivalent focal range of 15-27mm when used on an APS-C camera, you don\u2019t get quite the same wide reach as you would with the 12-24mm. But in any case, this more moderate focal length will likely prove more useful for the average photographer in day to day shooting situations.<\/span><\/p>\n Again, this is a lens that would be well suited to everything from real estate, landscapes, and architecture to extreme sports. And as with the 12-24mm, it\u2019s also nicely small and lightweight, so it\u2019s unlikely to become a burden even if taken on the road for travel shots or if used regularly for vlogging.<\/span><\/p>\n Autofocus is excellent, and the manual focus ring is firm and pleasing to use. Zooming, too, is satisfyingly smooth. Bokeh is nice enough – if perhaps a little busy at times – and the lens exhibits almost no distortion or vignetting. However, there is occasionally a touch of purple fringing detectable. <\/span><\/p>\n For those looking to trade in their kit lens, not only is the 10-18mm much wider, but it\u2019s also considerably better in terms of both image quality and build. As the 10-18mm is made entirely from metal rather than plastic, it surprisingly even has the edge over the much more expensive 12-24mm in this department as well. <\/span><\/p>\n With the addition of in-lens stabilization here, a feature lacking from the 12-24mm, many will be left wondering if this isn\u2019t the better deal of the two. How you answer this question will depend on your precise needs. <\/span><\/p>\n For example, for more adventurous photographers, the lack of weather sealing on the 10-18mm will be reason enough to pay out extra for the 12-24mm instead. Other than this, the main reasons to go for the more expensive 12-24mm are greater overall image sharpness and the extra few degrees of zoom. <\/span><\/p>\n For some, these last points will be a deal breaker. For others, the considerable saving offered by the 10-18mm will be too attractive to turn down.<\/span><\/p>\n \n + Weather sealed<\/span><\/p>\n + Small and light<\/span><\/p>\n + Very sharp<\/span><\/p>\n + Fast maximum aperture<\/span><\/p>\n – Sluggish AF<\/span><\/p>\n The Sony FE 24mm f\/1.4 GM<\/a>\u00a0is a top of the range wide-angle prime for Sony Alpha full-frame cameras that will also work with APS-C models, where it provides an equivalent focal length of 36mm. With a supremely fast maximum aperture and excellent image quality, this is a fantastic workhorse lens for everyday shooting. <\/span><\/p>\n The FE 24mm will appeal to everyone from street and documentary shooters through to landscape photographers. And although wide-angle lenses generally struggle to provide a truly shallow depth of field, the f\/1.4 aperture on this lens produces a surprising amount of blur, allowing for very selective focusing despite the wide-angle of view. <\/span><\/p>\n This means that it may also appeal to those who enjoy producing environmental portraits, with the background falling off into smooth and attractive bokeh. Indeed, with 11 diaphragm blades, the 24mm delivers very beautiful circular light points.<\/span><\/p>\n The FE 24mm f\/1.4 GM is well-built, and weather sealed to boot. It is small – much more so than equivalent Canon and Nikon options – and its minimum focusing distance is very close, making it a fantastic option for intimate but discrete reportage work. <\/span><\/p>\n Sharpness and contrast are outstanding, right across the image area, and colors are attractive. On top of which, there is only minimal distortion, and we could see no sign of vignetting.<\/span><\/p>\n The lens barrel features a physical aperture ring, a custom function button, and a nice linear manual focus ring that is a pleasure to use. The only real downside here is that for some reason autofocus seems to lag behind some of Sony\u2019s other lenses regarding speed.<\/span><\/p>\n Neither particularly cheap nor outrageously expensive, this is just a great little tool to have in the camera bag at all times.<\/span><\/p>\n \n + Sharp Zeiss optics<\/span><\/p>\n + Dust and moisture proof<\/span><\/p>\n + Small and lightweight<\/span><\/p>\n – Maximum aperture is slower than alternative models<\/span><\/p>\n Although it\u2019s getting on a little in years now, the Sony Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* FE 35mm f\/2.8 ZA<\/a>\u00a0is a lovely small wide-angle prime that makes for a great general walkabout lens. Well built, dust and moisture resistant, and boasting excellent Zeiss-designed optics, it\u2019s a reliable precision tool that can be relied upon to deliver in virtually any shooting situation. <\/span><\/p>\n While it\u2019s the kind of lens that any photographer will likely have a use for sooner or later, it will be of particular interest to shooters of landscapes, architecture, documentary, street, events, and wedding photography.<\/span><\/p>\n The Zeiss 35mm displays very minimal distortion, almost no perceptible color fringing, and the colors and contrast of images produced with the lens are truly beautiful. Bokeh is very attractive, and files consistently exhibit excellent central sharpness, with just some slight loss of definition towards the edges.<\/span><\/p>\n Autofocus is very fast and accurate, and while manual focus is of the \u201cby wire\u201d variety, it is nonetheless highly satisfying and reactive to use. The 35mm\u2019s closest focusing distance is 35cm, allowing for some fairly extreme close-ups with good separation from the background. Finally, the lens is also notable for its innovative lens hood design.<\/span><\/p>\n All in all, the 35mm f\/2.8 is likely one of the best Sony lenses currently available at this focal length. However, those with a real need for speed may instead want to look at the 35mm f\/1.4 (below). Or, for more flexibility, check out the 16-35mm f\/2.8 zoom (also below).<\/span><\/p>\n \n + Weather sealed<\/span><\/p>\n + Supremely sharp<\/span><\/p>\n + Good color rendition and contrast<\/span><\/p>\n – Big and heavy<\/span><\/p>\n – Expensive<\/span><\/p>\n Although the Zeiss 35mm (above) is a fantastic little lens, low light shooters might find the maximum aperture of f\/2.8 a little restricting. With a super fast aperture of f\/1.4, the Sony Distagon T* FE 35mm f\/1.4 ZA<\/a>\u00a0makes for a convincing alternative for day-to-day wide-angle requirements. And if you regularly switch between full frame and APS-C systems, the equivalent of 52.5mm on a cropped sensor means that it can double up as a great standard prime, too.<\/span><\/p>\n Encased in an all-metal body and weather-proofed, the 35mm Distagon is built to last. Indeed, this is a real tank of a lens, and for some shooters, its most notable drawback will just be the size and weight of the thing since there\u2019s clearly a lot of glass inside.<\/span><\/p>\n The lens boasts a physical aperture ring, with clicks that can be switched on or off depending on your needs. This makes it a great choice for video use, as it allows for smooth adjustment of the aperture while filming.<\/span><\/p>\n The image quality is excellent, with good center sharpness even wide open at f\/1.4. However, be aware that at this aperture there is some noticeable softening toward the corners, and photos display fairly heavy vignetting. <\/span><\/p>\n Bokeh is very pretty: sublimely smooth and certainly not in any way distracting. While colors and contrast are beautiful, they are far from \u201cneutral.\u201d Indeed, this is quite a characterful lens, with a distinct look all of its own. <\/span><\/p>\n Autofocus is fast and accurate, and despite being a focus by wire, manual operation is fluid and firm. A minimum focus distance of 30cm combined with the wide maximum aperture makes this the ideal 35mm for those wishing to achieve dramatic selective focusing effects.<\/span><\/p>\n The catch? Well, beyond the aforementioned weight and size of the lens, it\u2019s also quite pricey. But then again, the best Sony lenses invariably are.<\/span><\/p>\n \n + Weather sealed<\/span><\/p>\n + Supremely sharp<\/span><\/p>\n
\nUltra Wide<\/b><\/h2>\n
Sony FE 12-24mm f\/4 G<\/b><\/h3>\n
![\"Sony](\"https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/41ln-mwvphL.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nPros:<\/h4>\n
Cons:<\/h4>\n
\n\n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n ![\"Sony](\"https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/41ln-mwvphL._SL160_.jpg\")
\n <\/a>\n\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n Sony - FE 12-24mm F4 G Wide-angle Zoom Lens (SEL1224G) <\/a>\n \n \n\n \n \n $1,773.00<\/span>\n \n <\/a> <\/div>\n\n Buy on Amazon<\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n \n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n
\nSony 10-18mm f\/4 OSS<\/b><\/h3>\n
![\"Sony](\"https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/41%2BeHgAZ9rL.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nPros:<\/h4>\n
Cons:<\/h4>\n
\n\n \n \n\n\n Sale<\/span>\n \n \n ![\"Sony](\"https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/41%2BeHgAZ9rL._SL160_.jpg\")
\n <\/a>\n\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n Sony - E 10-18mm F4 OSS Wide-angle Zoom Lens (SEL1018) <\/a>\n \n \n\n \n \n from $798.00<\/span>\n \n <\/a> <\/div>\n\n Buy on Amazon<\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n \n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n
\nWide-Angle<\/b><\/h2>\n
Sony FE 24mm f\/1.4 GM<\/b><\/h3>\n
![\"Sony](\"https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/31HCCSCCVUL.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nPros:<\/h4>\n
Cons:<\/h4>\n
\n\n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n ![\"Sony](\"https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/31HCCSCCVUL._SL160_.jpg\")
\n <\/a>\n\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n Sony E-mount FE 24mm F1.4 GM Full Frame Wide-angle Prime Lens (SEL24F14GM), Black <\/a>\n \n \n\n \n \n $1,398.00<\/span>\n \n <\/a> <\/div>\n\n Buy on Amazon<\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n \n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n
\nSony Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* FE 35mm f\/2.8 ZA<\/b><\/h3>\n
![\"Sony](\"https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/41bZ4r4HpnL.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nPros:<\/h4>\n
Cons:<\/h4>\n
\n\n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n ![\"Sony](\"https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/41bZ4r4HpnL._SL160_.jpg\")
\n <\/a>\n\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n Sony 35mm F2.8 Sonnar T FE ZA Full Frame Prime Fixed Lens <\/a>\n \n \n\n \n \n from $748.00<\/span>\n \n <\/a> <\/div>\n\n Buy on Amazon<\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n \n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n
\nSony Distagon T* FE 35mm f\/1.4 ZA<\/b><\/h3>\n
![\"Sony](\"https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/411u9Xemp9L.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nPros:<\/h4>\n
Cons:<\/h4>\n
\n\n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n ![\"Sony](\"https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/411u9Xemp9L._SL160_.jpg\")
\n <\/a>\n\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n Sony SEL35F14Z Distagon T FE 35mm f\/1.4 ZA Standard-Prime Lens for Mirrorless Cameras <\/a>\n \n \n\n \n \n $1,598.00<\/span>\n \n <\/a> <\/div>\n\n Buy on Amazon<\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n \n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n
\nSony FE 16-35mm f\/2.8 GM<\/b><\/h3>\n
![\"Sony](\"https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/411vXxN%2Bh7L.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nPros:<\/h4>\n
![\"Sony](\"https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/411vXxN%2Bh7L._SL160_.jpg\")
\n <\/a>\n\n <\/div>\n\n