Choose the right lens for your Sony Alpha with the help of our independent knowledge gained by writing many in-depth reviews. We are a team of four photographers who all use the FE system and this blog is focused on lens reviews. So we have an in-depth knowledge of these lenses not only because we use them all the time but also because we have reviewed most of them in detail. We are also independent from any lens manufacturer and when you check our reviews you will see that we do not hesitate to name any shortcomings of a lens. To easily compare specs check out our Sony FE-list.

In this article we only list lenses which have electronic contacts to communicate aperture and focal length to the camera. There are also quite a few lenses which have an E-mount but no electronic contacts. Most of these are SLR-lenses with a modified mount and we decided against covering these because we think that most of them are not very attractive lenses. We do however cover the Laowa 5.6/9, 2/15, 4.5-5.6/10-18 and Mitakon 0.95/50 because those are attractive lenses for some photographers.

If you purchase the lens through one of thee affiliate-links in this article we get a small compensation with no additional cost to you.

All native full frame lenses for the Sony FE mount (as of June 2019)

10-15mm

Voigtländer 5.6/10 (manual focus)

Strengths Weaknesses Widest lens available

Small size

Good sunstars and flare resistance Huge vingetting

Corner sharpness not great

Recommendation: now that the Laowa 9mm 5.6 is available only recommended if you need the best flare resistance or cannot live without Exif data



Length: 68.5mm | Diameter: 67mm | Weight: 375g | Filter Thread: none | Price (February 2018): 1080€/1099$

Review | Sample images | Samples in full resolution | ebay.com | amazon.com (affiliate links)

Sony G 4/12-24

Strengths Weaknesses Sharper than many primes

Size/Weight (compared to similar DSLR zooms) Flare resistance

Sunstars

Size/Weight (compared to some primes)

Distortion

Recommendation: if you want an UWA zoom and 16mm is not wide enough or sharpness is the most important aspect for you..



Length: 117.4mm | Diameter: 87mm | Weight: 565g | Filter Thread: / | Price (March 2018): 1999€

MTF-graphs at lensrentals.com | Comparison with most other E-mount lenses | Amazon.com | Amazon.de | Ebay (affiliate Links)

Voigtländer 5.6/12 III (manual focus) [discontinued]

Strengths Weaknesses Super Wide

Small size

Good sunstars and flare resistance

Very little distortion Strong vignetting

Corner sharpness not great. Better than 5.6/10, weaker than 4.5/15 and 4/12-24.

Recommendation: If you know how to handle 12 mm and want a small lens which works very well against the light. It is discontinued but there is still some stock available.

Length: 74mm | Diameter: 67mm | Weight: 283g | Filter Thread: / | Price (March 2018): 849€/$

Review | Jannik’s Samples | ebay.com | ebay.de (affiliate links)

Sigma Art 1.8/14

Strengths Weaknesses Image Quality

comparatively low vignetting

fastest in class Coma

flare resistance

Very large

Very heavy

No filter thread

Recommendation: It is a niche lens, especially since the Laowa 2/15 does not perform much worse for astro at less than half the weight.

Length: 126mm | Diameter: 95mm | Weight: 1220g | Price (June 5219): $1599

lenstip review | Amazon.com | Amazon.de | B&H (affiliate Links)

Samyang FE 2.8/14

Strengths Weaknesses Low Price Softer corners at wider apertures

Rather heavy

Recommendation: We find it hard to recommend because f/2.8 is of limited use and Samyang has a reputation for unreliable lenses.

Length: 98mm | Diameter: 86mm | Weight: 505g | Filter Thread: / | Price (March 2018): $629

Review | Amazon.com | Amazon.de | Ebay (affiliate Links)

Voigtländer 4.5/15 (manual focus)

Strengths Weaknesses Small Size

Good flare resistance

Nice Sunstars Corners need f/11

Strong vignetting

Many copies have had corner issues

Recommendation: if you are looking for a small but not so extreme UWA prime with great sunstars this is for you



Length: 67mm | Diameter: 66mm | Weight: 294g | Filter Thread: 58mm | Price (February 2018): 779€/799$

Review | Full resolution samples | ebay.com | ebay.de | amazon.com (affiliate links)

16-21mm

Sony FE 4/16-35 ZA OSS

Strengths Weaknesses Very handy zoom range

Very good sharpness across the frame at f/5.6

Light for a zoom Flares in demanding scenarios

Corner sharpness not up to the highest standards

Heavier than many primes

Recommendation: This is a lens for landscape photographers who want a one lens solution and who are willing to accept a few smaller trade-offs.

Length: 98.5mm | Diameter: 78mm | Weight: 518g | Filter Thread: 72mm | Price (March 2018): $1248

Phillip’s Review | Amazon.com | Amazon.de | Ebay | B&H (affiliate links)

Sony GM 2.8/16-35

Strengths Weaknesses Optical performance

Very handy zoom range

Light for what it is Price

Recommendation: If you need faster or better lens than the 4.0/16-35 and have the necessary funds.



Length: 122mm | Diameter: 89mm | Weight: 680g | Filter Thread: 82mm | Price (February 2018): 2699€/$

Review at Uncle Ken | Thread at Fred Miranda | Amazon.com | Amazon.de | ebay.com | ebay.de (affiliate links)

Tamron 2.8/17-28

Strengths Weaknesses good image quality, especially at the wide end

flare resistance

fast, compact and lightweight limited zoom range

color cast in the corners at the wide end

Recommendation: the cheaper alternative to the Sony GM 2.8/16-35 if you are okay with the restricted zoom range



Length: 99mm | Diameter: 73mm | Weight: 420g | Filter Thread: 67mm | Price (August 2019): 999€/899$

Review | Full resolution samples | amazon.com | amazon.de | B&H (affiliate links)

Zeiss Batis 2.8/18

Strengths Weaknesses Great optical performance

Lightweight Manual focus experience

Recommendation: if you are looking for a great performing modern UWA with AF.



Length: 80mm | Diameter: 100mm | Weight: 330g | Filter Thread: 77mm | Price (February 2018): 1499€/$

Review | Full resolution samples | amazon.com | ebay.com | amazon.de (affiliate links)

Sigma Art 1.4/20

Strengths Weaknesses Sharpness

fastest in class

Price/Performance Coma at f/1.4 and f/2

Very large

Very heavy

no filter thread

Recommendation: Since it doesn’t perform that well for astro we find it hard to come up with a use case. Any suggestions?

Length: 156mm | Diameter: 91mm | Weight: 1050g | Price (June 2019): $899

lenstip review | Amazon.com | Amazon.de | B&H (affiliate Links)

Viltrox 20mm f1.8 (manual focus)

Strengths Weaknesses price

Very sharp in the center from f/1.8 soft corners at wider apertures

heavy

large filter

vignetting

coma

Recommended to: Honestly we find it hard to find a solid use case since it doesn’t perform well for astro.

Length: 102mm | Diameter: 77mm | Weight: 775g | Filter Thread: 82mm | Price (June 2019): $486

lenstip Review | Amazon.com | Amazon.de | B&H (affiliate Links)

Tokina Firin 2/20 (manual focus)

Strengths Weaknesses Rather affordable

Excellent sharpness from f/2

Good coma correction At times problematic flare resistance

Unexciting sunstars

Recommended to: Astro photographers and landscape photographers on a budget.

Length: 82mm | Diameter: 69mm | Weight: 492g | Filter Thread: 62mm | Price (June 2019): $599

Phillip’s Review | Amazon.com | Amazon.de | Ebay | B&H (affiliate Links)

Tokina Firin 2/20 AF

The same optics as the manual focus Firin 2/20 but with AF, slightly lighter and more expensive.

Length: 81.5mm | Diameter: 73mm | Weight: 464g | Filter Thread: 62mm | Price (December 2018): 949$

Voigtlander Nokton 21mm F1.4

Strengths Weaknesses Sharpness and contrast

Flare resistance

Sunstars

Speed

Handling Vignetting

Recommended to: Most that need a fast manual focus wideangle. It is the sharpest ~20mm lens you can buy, it handles beautifully and is faster than the competition.

Length: 80mm | Diameter: 70mm | Weight: 540g | Filter Thread: 62mm | Price (August 2019): 1199$

Zeiss Loxia 2.8/21 (manual focus)

Strengths Weaknesses Sharpness and contrast

Flare resistance

Sunstars

Build quality

Size Some field curvature

Recommended to: This is the team’s favorite WA for the system. If you are a landscape photographer you should give it a strong consideration.

Length: 72mm | Diameter: 62mm | Weight: 394g | Filter Thread: 52mm | Price (March 2018): 1499€/$

Our Review | Amazon.com | Amazon.de | ebay.com | ebay.de (affiliate links)

Voigtlander 3.5/21 Color-Skopar E (manual focus)

Strengths Weaknesses Sharpness and contrast

Flare resistance

Sunstars

Build quality

Size

Price Small mid zone dip

Recommended to: those looking for a very small lens for longer hikes.

Length: 63mm | Diameter: 40mm | Weight: 230g | Filter Thread: 52mm | Price (December 2018): 749€/699$

Our Review | amazon.com | B&H | ebay.de (affiliate links)

24-28mm

Sony FE 1.4/24 GM



Strengths Weaknesses sharpness/contrast

bokeh

build quality strong vignetting

Recommendation: if you need a 24mm 1.4 for environmental portraits this is probably the best money can buy. Surprisingly small and lightweight for what it is.

We have to wait for the next Milkyway season to see how it performs in that regard.

Length: 92mm | Diameter: 75 mm | Weight: 445g | Filter Thread: 67mm | Price (December 2018): 1599€/$1399

Our Review | amazon.com | amazon.de | B&H | ebay.com | ebay.de (affiliate links)

Sigma Art 1.4/24

Strengths Weaknesses Price/Performance Very large

Recommendation: The GM 1.4/24 is a better performer in a smaller package so price is really the only argument for this big lens.

Length: 116mm | Diameter: 85mm | Weight: 760g | Filter Thread: 77mm | Price (June 2019): $849

Amazon.com | Amazon.de | B&H (affiliate Links)

Samyang AF 24mm F/2.8

Strengths Weaknesses Tiny size

Price flare resistance

vignetting

Recommendation: This affordable and tiny lens comes with a number of compromises to achieve a very small size. If small size is very important to you it is a very good addition. As a general purpose lens we would prefer the FE 2/28.

Length: 37mm | Diameter: 61mm | Weight: 93g | Filter Thread: 49mm | Price (June 2019): 280€/$279

Our Review | Amazon.com | Amazon.de | B&H (affiliate links)

Sony GM 2.8/24-70

Strengths Weaknesses sharpness

bokeh

zoom range

speed

build quality flare resistance

size

Recommendation: The ideal no-compromise jack of all trades and behaves pretty much like a long black pipe full of f/2.8 primes. It is equally useful for landscape, portrait, documentation and also for action applications.

Length: 136mm | Diameter: 88mm | Weight: 886g | Filter Thread: 82mm | Price (March 2018): 2198€/$

Our Review | Standard zoom shootout Part 1 | Part 2 | Amazon.com | Amazon.de | ebay.com | ebay.de (affiliate links)

Sony FE 4/24-70 ZA OSS

Strengths Weaknesses Handy zoom range

Light for a zoom

Good flare resistance Soft corners at 24mm

Softer at 70mm

Strong Distortion

Recommended to: Photographers who don’t print large often and value flexibility as well as small size.

Length: 94.5mm | Diameter: 73mm | Weight: 430g | Filter Thread: 67mm | Price (March 2018): $1098

Phillip’s Review | Amazon.com | Amazon.de | Ebay (affiliate Links)

Sony FE 4/24-105 G OSS

Strengths Weaknesses Good sharpness (for a 4x zoom)

Very handy range

Good bokeh (for a f4 lens)

Useful for close up photography

Better than 24-70mm 4.0

Good build quality strongly relies on electronical correction (high distortion and vignetting)

Recommendation: the best balanced standard zoom lens for the FE system.



Length: 113.3mm Diameter: 83.4mm | Weight: 663g | Filter Thread: 77mm | Price (March 2018): 1298$/1349€

Standard zoom shootout Part 1 | Part 2 | Review at Opticallimits | Amazon.com | Amazon.de | ebay.com | ebay.de (affiliate links)



Sony FE 3.5-6.3/24-240 OSS

Strengths Weaknesses Very handy zoom range Soft corners at 24 mm

Softer at longer focal lengths

800 g heavy

Distortion

Recommendation: We find it hard to recommend. We would prefer a good bridge like the RX-10 or Panasonic TZ1000 to have a very versatile on-lens-solution.

Length: 118.5mm | Diameter: 80.5mm | Weight: 780g | Filter Thread: 72mm | Price (March 2018): $800

Review | Amazon.com | Amazon.de | Ebay (affiliate Links)

Zeiss Batis 2/25 T*

Strengths Weaknesses Very even across field

High contrast from f2.8

Fully usable across field wide open

Nice bokeh

AF

Light Axial CA wide open (fairly correctable)

Slightly busy bokeh wide open at some distances (not more than any other fast 24-5)

Size (but not weight)

Recommended to: Anyone looking for a excellent, beautiful fast 24/5 that doesn’t want the size and weight of an f1.4 (only available adapted) model, and wants AF. Landscape specialists may prefer the new Loxia.

Our review | Length: 78mm | Diameter: 92mm | Weight: 335g | Filter Thread: 67mm | Price (March 2018): 1299€ Amazon.de (affiliate Link)

Zeiss Loxia 2.4/25 (manual focus)

Strengths Weaknesses Class leading sharpness

Flare resistance

Contrast and clarity

Bokeh

Build Quality Price

Recommended to: The technically best 24/25mm lens in the system. Recommended to demanding landscape photographers who prefer 25mm over 21mm.

Length: 75mm | Diameter: 62mm | Weight: 393g | Filter Thread: 52mm | Price (October 2018): $1299/ 1259€

Our review | Amazon.de | Amazon.com | B&H (Affiliate Links)

Sigma Art 1.4/28

Strengths Weaknesses Optical performance Very large

Super heavy

Recommendation: A lens for those who put performance above weight, size or price. Otherwise look at the 7Artisans 1.4/28.

Length: 134mm | Diameter: 83mm | Weight: 965g | Filter Thread: 77mm | Price (June 2019): $1399

Amazon.com | Amazon.de | B&H (affiliate Links)

Sony FE 2/28 Budget Recommendation

Strengths Weaknesses Excellent price/performance ratio

Small & Light

Smooth Bokeh

Good central sharpness from f/2

Sharp across the frame at f/8 Serious Distortion which usually needs to be corrected

Softer corners at wider apertures

Axial CA

Recommended to: Most photographers since it is a very versatile lens which works well for a wide range of applications like reportage, nature, landscape and others.

Length: 60mm | Diameter: 60mm | Weight: 200g | Filter Thread: 49mm | Price (March 2018): $423

Phillip’s Review | Amazon.com | Amazon.de | Ebay | B&H (affiliate Links)

Tamron 2.8/28-75 Budget Recommendation

Recommendation: The manufacturers first E-mount lens only weights 550g which could make it an attractive lens for those who want a fast standard zoom but don’t want to carry the heavy GM 2.8/24-70.

Strengths Weaknesses Sharpness

Wide Range of Applications

Size

Price

Macro Feature Bokeh (at longer distances)

Flare resistance

Recommendation: This very well balanced zoom should be a first choice for anyone who finds himself confronted with dynamic scenarios like parties, events or family life.

Length: 118mm | Diameter: 73mm | Weight: 550g | Filter Thread: 67mm | Price (October 2018): 799€/$

Our Review | Standard zoom shootout Part 1 | Part 2 | Amazon.com | Amazon.de | B&H (affiliate links)

Sony FE 3.5-5.6/28-70 OSS

Strengths Weaknesses Useful zoom range

Very affordable

Light weight Softer corners

Slow

Recommendation: It is a is a good enough lens with a handy zoom range well worth the $200 you pay for it in a kit.

Length: 83mm | Diameter: 73mm | Weight: 295g | Filter Thread: 55mm | Price (July 2017): 250€/$ used

Review | Amazon.com | Amazon.de | ebay.com | ebay.de (affiliate links)

Sony FE PZ 4/28-135 G OSS

Strengths Weaknesses Power Zoom

Little Focus Breathing

Constant aperture

Aperture Ring Large

Heavy

Expensive

Recommendedation: This is a lens optimized for filming and quite impractical for photography. We do not film so we won’t rate it.

Length: 165mm | Diameter: 102mm | Weight: 1215g | Filter Thread: 95mm | Price (March 2018): $2498

Review | Amazon.com | Amazon.de | Ebay (affiliate Links)

35mm

Sigma Art 1.2/35 DG DN



Strengths Weaknesses Excellent bokeh, sharpness and contrast

Low Coma

GM handling very large and very heavy

Recommendation: the best 35mm lens for wedding/portraiture/reportage money can buy if you don’t mind the size and weight

Length: 137mm | Diameter: 88mm | Weight: 1090g | Filter Thread: 82mm | Price (August 2019): $1499/1529€

Review | amazon.com | B&H | ebay.com | ebay.de (affiliate Links)

Sony FE 1.4/35 ZA

Strengths Weaknesses Bokeh (minus the onion rings and CA)

AF Speed Very high copy-to-copy variation

mediocre sharpness

Expensive

Recommendation: unfortunately not a GM, but if you need a 35mm f/1.4 with a very reliable and fast AF may still be worth a look

Length: 113mm | Diameter: 79mm | Weight: 630g | Filter Thread: 72mm Price | (June 2019): $1498

Review | amazon.com | amazon.de | B&H | ebay.com | ebay.de (affiliate links)

Sigma Art 1.4/35

Strengths Weaknesses Sharpness

Bokeh (mostly)

Price/Performance large and heavy

Recommendation: A slightly slower focusing alternative to the ZA 1.4/35 for a very fair price without the variation issues.

Length: 121mm | Diameter: 79mm | Weight: 740g | Filter Thread: 67mm | Price (June 2019): $774

Review | amazon.com | amazon.de | B&H | ebay.com | ebay.de (affiliate Links)

Samyang 1.4/35

Strengths Weaknesses Cheap compared to the Sony FE 35mm 1.4 Sony FE 35mm 1.4 seems to be better in every regard

Recommendation: cheap alternative to the Sony FE 35mm 1.4 with unfortunately less smooth bokeh rendering



Length: 115mm | Diameter: 76mm | Weight: 645g | Filter Thread: 67mm | Price (February 2018): 698$/630€

Comparison to Sony by diyphotography | Amazon.com | Amazon.de | ebay.com | ebay.de (affiliate links)

Voigtlander 1.4/35 Classic (manual focus)

Strengths Weaknesses Small Size

Flare resistance Sharpness

Coma/Astigmatism

Bokeh (unless you prefer it busy)

Recommendation: if you are after that vintage rendering but want to enjoy the benefits of a native lens and modern coatings.



Length: 39.6mm | Diameter: 67mm | Weight: 262g | Filter Thread: 58mm | Price (February 2018): 899$/749€

Review | Amazon.com | Amazon.de | ebay.com | ebay.de (affiliate links)

Sony FE 1.8/35

Strengths Weaknesses Small Size

Fast AF

Sharpness (mostly)

Bokeh (mostly) Price

Recommendation: Unless you need ultimate performance or are on a tight budget this is the best balanced 35mm lens in the system.



Length: 73mm | Diameter: 66mm | Weight: 280g | Filter Thread: 55mm | Price (September 2019): 749$/699€

Review | Amazon.com | B&H | ebay.com| Amazon.de (affiliate links)

Zeiss Loxia 2/35 Biogon T* (manual focus)

Strengths Weaknesses Image quality stopped down

Sunstars

Size and weight Wide open performance

Bokeh

Recommendation: if you are looking for a compact 35mm lens for landscape and architecture which is stellar stopped down.

Length: 66mm | Diameter: 62mm | Weight: 340g | Filter Thread: 52mm | Price: 1099€/1149$ (February 2018)

Review | Datasheet | Sample images | Amazon.com | ebay.com | Amazon.de (affiliate links)

Sony FE 2.8/35 ZA

Strengths Weaknesses Sony’s smallest lens

Very good sharpness from f/2.8 Rather average flare resistance

Very strong vignetting

Recommended to: People who like to travel light without compromising on image quality.

Length: 36.5mm | Diameter: 61.5mm | Weight: 120g | Filter Thread: 49mm | Price (March 2018): $698

Phillip’s Review | Amazon.com | Amazon.de | Ebay | B&H (affiliate Links)

Samyang/Rokinon FE 2.8/35

The new Samyang is the smallest native lens. It is not quite as good optically as the FE 2.8/35 but still a good performer and very affordable. There are various reports about loud and unreliable AF though which make it appear less desirable.

Length: 33mm | Diameter: 61.5mm | Weight: 86g | Filter Thread: 49mm | Price (March 2018): $265

Amazon.com | Amazon.de | Ebay (affiliate Links)

Voigtlander 1.2/40

Strengths Weaknesses Superb resolution across the field stopped down

Excellent resolution centrally at medium to long distances at wide apertures

High contrast

Lovely sunstars

Character bokeh which is good character, rather than funky, wide open and smooth bokeh a stop or so down. Axial CA at wide apertures

Slight field curvature

Slight focus shift

Noticeably weaker performance near MFD at wider apertures

Recommended to: Anyone looking for an outstanding all purpose manual wide-normal lens which gives them both a wide aperture look for environmental portraits and other bokeh-centric images, as well as great modern performance stopped down.

Zeiss Batis 2/40 CF

Strengths Weaknesses sharp

light

close focus

flare resistance

low CA & distortion still mixed reports about AF reliability

non linear MF

sun stars

expensive

Recommended to: Anybody who needs a very good and versatile 40mm performer who is not put off by the strange AF issues in the past (and present?).

Remind: When it came out, the software of the lens had several issues. Luckily, it got updated although I never tested the current version of the firmware myself. I can just repeat that users in forums report that the automatic stopping down is fixed and that the AF reliability is still not perfect with every camera.

Length: 93mm | Diameter: 91mm | Weight: 361g | Filter Thread: 67mm | Price: 1299€/1299$

Datasheet | Amazon.com | B&H | ebay.com | Amazon.de (affiliate links)

Samyang 45mm F1.8

Strengths Weaknesses affordable

small & light strong CA

flare resistance

onion rings

Recommended to: Those who like the focal length and are willing to make a few compromises for an affordable and small lens.

Length: 56mm | Diameter: 62mm | Weight: 162g | Filter Thread: 49mm | Price (June 2019): $399

Christopher Frost Review | Amazon.de | B&H (affiliate Links)

50-55mm

Voigtlander 50mm 1.2 Nokton E (manual focus)

Strengths Weaknesses great bokeh

dreamy out of focus areas at f/1.2 to f/2.0

high sharpness and contrast starting at f/2.0

flare resistance slight focus shift near the minimum focus distance

Recommendation: the best fast allround 50mm lens if you can live with manual focus

Length: 58mm | Diameter: 70mm | Weight: 440g | Filter Thread: 58mm | Price: 1099€/1099$ (June 2019)

Review | Sample images | CameraQuest | B&H | Robert White | amazon.com | ebay.com | ebay.de (affiliate links)

Sony ZA 50mm f/1.4

Strengths Weaknesses Sharper than the Otus 1.4/55

Good CA correction

Low Vignetting

Smooth Bokeh Larger and Heavy

Recommendation: If you don’t care too much about size and price this lens delivers and exceptional peformance and a rather distinctive look.

Length: 108mm | Diameter: 84mm | Weight: 778g | Filter Thread: 72mm | Price (March 2018): 1398€/$

Review at admiringlight | MTF chart at lensrentals | Amazon.com | Amazon.de | ebay.com | ebay.de (affiliate links)

Sigma Art 1.4/50

Strengths Weaknesses Sharpness

Price/Performance Very large

Heavy

Recommendation: It plays in the same league as the more expensive ZA 1.4/50 which is outstanding in the center but less sharp in the midzone area.

Length: 126mm | Diameter: 85mm | Weight: 910g | Filter Thread: 77mm | Price (June 2019): $849

Amazon.com | Amazon.de | B&H (affiliate Links)

Samyang/Rokinon FE 50mm f/1.4

Strengths Weaknesses Very smooth bokeh

Affordable Strong CA

Sharpness

AF issues

Rather heavy for the performance

Recommendation: Unless you feel that you absolutely need f/1.4 the FE55 is the better, much lighter and not that much more expensive alternative.

Length: 98mm | Diameter: 74mm | Weight: 585g | Filter Thread: 67mm | Price (March 2018): $479

Sample images | Amazon.com | Amazon.de | Ebay (affiliate Links)

Sony FE 50mm f/1.8

Strengths Weaknesses Good sharpness

Decent Bokeh

Low Price

Light weight AF issues on 2. Gen cameras

a little noisy AF

Softer Corners at wider apertures

Weaker (but still ok) flare resistance than FE 55

Axial CA

feels a little cheap

Recommendation: A very affordable lens with solid optical performance.

Length: 60mm | Diameter: 69mm | Weight: 186g | Filter Thread: 49mm | Price (March 2018): $198

Our Review | Amazon.com | Amazon.de | Ebay | B&H (affiliate Links)

Voigtlander 50mm APO-Lanthar (manual focus)

Strengths Weaknesses Class leading across the frame sharpness

CA correction

Bokeh (most of the time)

Excellent Handling

Compact Size

Flare Resistance Expensive for a f2 lens

Recommendation: the technically best 50mm lens if you can live with manual focus and slower speed.

Length: 61mm | Diameter: 63mm | Weight: 364g | Filter Thread: 49mm | Price: 1049$ (January 2020)

Review | Sample images | cameraquest | Amazon.com | B&H | (affiliate links)

Zeiss Loxia 2/50 Planar T* (manual focus)

Strengths Weaknesses Sharpness stopped down

Nice Sunstars

Build Quality

A little higher contrast than FE55 Nervous bokeh

A little softer corners at wide apertures, midzone dip until f/8.0

Recommendation: A favorite of many landscape photographers but for most the FE 1.8/55 with its smoother bokeh, better sharpness and faster AF is the better solution.

Length: 60mm | Diameter: 62mm | Weight: 320g | Filter Thread: 52mm | Price: $949 (June 2019)

Our Review | Datasheet | Amazon.com | Amazon.de | Ebay | B&H (affiliate Links)

Sony 50mm f/2.8 Macro

Strengths Weaknesses Very good sharpness in any scenario

Excellent flare resistance

Light Weight

Affordable

1:1 Macro Slow AF Drive

Only 7 aperture Blades

Short working distance

Recommendation: A good choice for your expeditions into nature where optical qualities and low weight as well as close focus abilities count more than a slow AF drive.

Length: 71mm | Diameter: 72mm | Weight: 236g | Filter Thread: 55mm | Price (March 2018): $448

Phillip’s Review | Amazon.com | Amazon.de | Ebay | B&H (affiliate Links)

Sony FE 1.8/55 ZA

Strengths Weaknesses Great balance between small size and very good performance

Very good across the frame sharpness from f/1.8

Smooth bokeh Onion rings bokeh in some scenarios

Strong vignetting causes cats-eyes

Axial CA

Recommendation: The FE 1.8/55 offers a great balance between small size and very good performance. It can be used for a very wide range of applications. It is one of the most popular FE lenses for a good reason.

Length: 70.5mm | Diameter: 64.4mm | Weight: 281g | Filter Thread: 49mm | Price (March 2018): 898€/$

Our Review | Amazon.com | Amazon.de | ebay.com | ebay.de | B&H (affiliate links)

65-70mm

Voigtlander Macro 65mm F2 APO-Lanthar (manual focus)

Strengths Weaknesses Sharpest FE-mount lens

Good bokeh (most of the time)

Nearly perfect CA correction

Build quality and handling

Focuses down to 1:2

Affordable for what it does Rather large and heavy

Does not focus to 1:1 as other macros do

Recommendation: It isn’t a small lens but a delight to use none the less and the optical performance is impeccable. One of the system-seller lenses in our eyes.

Length: 91mm | Diameter: 78mm | Weight: 635g | Filter Thread: 67mm | Price (March 2018): 999€/$999

Our Review | Amazon.com | ebay.com | ebay.de | B&H (affiliate links)

Sony FE 2.8/70-200 GM OSS

Strengths Weaknesses Speed

Zoom range Reliability

Price

Recommendation: If you use your Alpha for fast reportage work this lens is without alternative because it is very fast and will give you good results most of the time. You should treat it carefully though since it is rather sensitive.

Length: 200mm | Diameter: 88mm | Weight: 1480g | Filter Thread: 77mm | Price (March 2018): $2598

Review | compared to CaNikon| Amazon.com | Amazon.de | Ebay (affiliate Links)

Sony FE 4/70-200 G OSS

Strengths Weaknesses Handy zoom range Softer corners at the ends

Stabilizer less effective than competition

Recommendation: A jack of all trades which delivers solid results for a very wide range of applications but excels at none of them.

Length: 175mm | Diameter: 80mm | Weight: 840g | Filter Thread: 72mm | Price (June 2019): $1398

Our Review | Amazon.com | Amazon.de | Ebay | B&H (affiliate Links)

Sony FE 4.5-5.6/70-300 G OSS

Strengths Weaknesses Zoom range

Small size (for a 70-300 that is)

Sharpness up to 200 mm Copy-to-Copy variation

Sharpness at 300 mm

Bokeh

Recommended to: A decent option if you like to travel a lot.



Length: 144mm | Diameter: 84mm | Weight: 854g | Filter Thread: 72mm | Price (March 2018): 1253€/$

Review | Amazon.com | Amazon.de | ebay.com | ebay.de (affiliate Link)

85-90mm

Sony FE GM 1.4/85

Strengths Weaknesses Spectacular Bokeh

Sharpness

Build Quality A bit noisy and slow AF

Recommendation: Don’t look any further if you need a high end 85mm portrait lens, it is one of the special lenses in the system.

Length: 108mm | Diameter: 90mm | Weight: 820g | Filter Thread: mm | Price (March 2018): 1668€/$

Our Review | Jannik’s samples | Amazon.com | Amazon.de | ebay.com | ebay.de (affiliate links)

Sigma Art 1.4/85

Strengths Weaknesses Sharper than GM 1.4/85

Price/Performance Very large and heavy

Recommendation: A lens for those who value sharpness above everything else. Otherwise get the significantly lighter GM which has a little nicer bokeh.

Length: 152mm | Diameter: 95mm | Weight: 1245g | Filter Thread: 86mm | Price (June 2019): $1099

Amazon.com | Amazon.de | B&H (affiliate Links)

Samyang 1.4/85 FE AF

Strengths Weaknesses Price

Sharpness

Bokeh (minus cat’s eyes)

Weight (compared to the GM) Somewhat Slower AF

Samyang’s reputation for less reliable build quality

Recommendation: Nicer bokeh than the FE 1.8/85 and sharper than the GM 1.4/85 in the center this is a really attractive portrait lens. Reliability has been an issue with Samyang lenses in the past but it is too young to come to an assessment.

Length: 99.5mm | Diameter: 88mm | Weight: 568g | Filter Thread: 77 mm | Price (April 2019): 649€/ $699

Review at FM | Amazon.com | B&H Photo (affiliate links)

Sony FE 85mm 1:1.8 Budget Recommendation

Strengths Weaknesses Bokeh

Sharpness

Fast AF

Affordable

Size Flare resistance

Recommended to: Photographers looking for a good, small and affordable lens for a range of applications ranging from portraits to landscapes.

Length: 82mm | Diameter: 78mm | Weight: 371g | Filter Thread: 67mm | Price (March 2018): 649€/$

Our Review | Amazon.com | Amazon.de | ebay.com | ebay.de (affiliate links)

Zeiss Batis 1.8/85 T* OSS

Strengths Weaknesses Sharpness

Bokeh

Build quality

Optical stabilization Stronger Distortion

Recommended to: Since the FE 1.8/85 is very close in performance for half the price we can only recommend it to those, to whom the better flare resistance and superior build quality is very important.

Length: 81mm | Diameter: 92mm | Weight: 475g | Filter Thread: 67mm | Price (March 2018): 1199€/$

Review | Amazon.com | Amazon.de | ebay.com |ebay.de (affiliate links)

Zeiss Loxia 2.4/85 T* (manual focus)

Strengths Weaknesses Optical performance (sharpness, contrast)

Sunstars

Smooth bokeh Weight

Recommended to: whoever values optical perfection over speed and does not mind manual focus.

Length: 95mm | Diameter: 63mm | Weight: 594g | Filter Thread: 52mm | Price (February 2018): 1399€/$

Review | Sample images | Full resolution samples | Amazon.com Amazon.de | ebay.com (affiliate links)

Sony FE 2.8/90 G OSS Macro





Strengths Weaknesses Class leading sharpness up close

Good CA correction

Smooth bokeh

Manual Focus clutch Vignetting

Stronger copy-to-copy variation

A little slower AF

Recommendation: If you are more serious about macro work this is your best lens in the system but it also works well for landscape and portrait work.

Length: 130.5 mm | Diameter: 79mm | Weight: 602g | Filter Thread: 62mm | Price (June 2019): $998

Review | Amazon.com | Amazon.de | Ebay | B&H (affiliate Links)

100mm and longer

Tokina Firin 100mm F2.8 FE Macro

Strengths Weaknesses Good sharpness

Smooth bokeh above average CA

slow AF

manual focus feel

Extends a lot

Recommendation: If you are looking for a Macro on a budget the better corrected Sigma 2.8/70 appears to be the more attractive option but if you find one for a good price it can yield good results if you are willing to put up with the focus.

Length: 123mm | Diameter: 74mm | Weight: 570g | Filter Thread: 55mm | Price (August 2019): $599

Phillip’s Review | Amazon.com | Amazon.de | Ebay | B&H (affiliate Links)

Sony FE GM 4.5-5.6/100-400

Strengths Weaknesses Sharpness

Closeup-abilities

Fast AF Large & Heavy

Recommendation: The strongest tele-zoom in the system is without alternative for many applications.

Length: 205mm | Diameter: 94mm | Weight: 1395g | Filter Thread: 77mm | Price (March 2018): 2899€/$

Sony 100-400 vs. Contax 100-300 | Amazon.com | Amazon.de | ebay.com | Ebay.de (affiliate links)

Sony FE GM 2.8/100 STF OSS

Strengths Weaknesses Super smooth bokeh

Sharpness

Close to zero vignetting 75% light loss to STF filter

Rather heavy

Build quality not up to the expectations

Recommendation: The GM STF 2.8/100 has a very narrow range of applications when you want limited bokeh of excellent quality and here it excels. More often a GM 1.4/85 will be the better alternative.

Length: 118mm | Diameter: 85mm | Weight: 700g | Filter Thread: 72mm | Price (March 2018): $1498

Review | another Review | Amazon.com | Ebay (affiliate Links)

Sigma Art 1.4/105

Strengths Weaknesses Excellent optical performance

Bokeh Very large

Super heavy

Recommendation: It offers outstanding performance and the most shallow depth of field but weigths about as much as two bricks.

Length: 157mm | Diameter: 116mm | Weight: 1720g | Filter Thread: 105mm | Price (June 2019): $1599

lenstip review | Amazon.com | Amazon.de | B&H (affiliate Links)

Voigtlander Macro APO-Lanthar 110mm F2.5 (manual focus)

Strengths Weaknesses Among the sharpest FE-mount lenses

Good bokeh (most of the time)

Nearly perfect CA correction

Build quality and handling Rather large and heavy

Straight aperture blades detrimental to bokeh stopped down

Recommendation: If you enjoy manual focus and need a longer lens this is an outstanding but also substantial solution.

Length: 100mm | Diameter: 78mm | Weight: 771g | Filter Thread: 58mm | Price (October 2018): $1099 at B&H

Sony FE 1.8/135 GM

Strengths Weaknesses Superb resolution at all apertures and locations in the field.

Low chromatic aberrations

Low distortion & vignetting

Great contrast

1:4 max magnification

Action-ready AF and linear MF

Superb build quality Large and heavy in absolute terms (although lightest and smallest lens in class)

Flare resistance

Recommended to: Anyone who is looking for an extremely versatile, fast and impressively performing 135mm lens.

Length: 127 mm | Diameter: 89,5 mm | Weight: 950g | Filter Thread: 82mm | Price: 1999€

Our Review | amazon.com | amazon.de | Ebay.com | Ebay.de (affiliate links)

Sigma Art 1.8/135

Strengths Weaknesses Excellent optical performance

Price Very large and heavy

Some reports about AF problems

Recommended to: Users who want one of the very best lenses ever made but don’t want to spend the extra money on the Sony GM. Otherwise get the slightly lighter Sony GM which is even sharper and offers superior AF.

Length: 141mm | Diameter: 91mm | Weight: 1225g | Filter Thread: 82mm | Price (June 2019): $1399

lenstip review | Amazon.com | Amazon.de | B&H (affiliate Links)

Zeiss Batis 2.8/135 APO

Strengths Weaknesses Stunning resolution at all apertures and locations in the field.

Superb colour correction

Great contrast

Great flare control

Good close focus

Fast AF

Good compromise in speed and quality to make a portable moderately fast prime

Great typical Zeiss bokeh (i.e. not low contrast) Price

Cateyes at f2.8 same as 2/135 Apo Sonnar at f2 (this is not really a weakness in one sense: to get the cateyes at f2.8 the same as the f2 lens would require a front element the same size as the f2 lens, so you may as well have the bigger f2!)

Weight a bit higher than some expect for an f2.8 135 (though that’s expected for the performance)

Recommended to:

Anyone who wants a high performance 2.8/135. If you want one of these buy this lens. It’s one of the two or three best lenses you can get for the system (but don’t buy it just because it’s optically a great lens if you don’t really want a 2.8/135!)

Length: 120mm | Diameter: 99mm | Weight: 614g | Filter Thread: 67mm | Price (March 2018): 1999€

Our Review | Amazon.de (affiliate Link)

Sony FE GM 2.8/400

Recommendation: A pricy special purpose lens for wildlife and sports photography. If you need it you already know it.

Length: 359mm | Diameter: 158mm | Weight: 2895g | Filter Thread: 40.5mm (rear) | Price (December 2018): 11998$

B&H (affiliate link)

Bonus lenses without exif

Laowa 5.6/9 FF-RL (manual focus)

Strengths Weaknesses unrivalled focal length

Sharpness and contrast

Minimum focus distance

Size/Weight no Exif data

vignetting/color cast

Recommendation: the world’s widest rectilinear lens and a better performer than either Voigtlander 10mm 5.6 E or Laowa 10-18mm 4.5-5.6.



Length: 74mm | Diameter: 63mm | Weight: 373g | Filter Thread: – | Price (July 2020): 799$

Review | Sample images | manufacturer’s homepage | B&H | ebay.com | ebay.de (affiliate links)

Laowa 4.5-5.6/10-18 FE (manual focus)

Strengths Weaknesses Very interesting and unrivalled focal length range

Sunstars

Minimum focus distance

Size/Weight no Exif data

corner sharpness

flare resistance

vignetting/color cast

distortion at wide end

Recommendation: the only UWA zoom for full frame starting at 10mm. Versatile and fun lens, but comes with a few compromises.



Length: 81mm | Diameter: 70mm | Weight: 499g | Filter Thread: 39mm (rear) | Price (December 2018): 849$

Review | Sample images | manufacturer’s online shop | B&H (affiliate links)

Laowa 4.5/11 FF-RL (manual focus)

Strengths Weaknesses Sharpness and contrast starting at f/5.6

62mm filter thread

Minimum focus distance

Size/Weight no Exif data

vignetting/color cast

Recommendation: an interesting alternative to Voigtlander’s 10mm and 12mm offerings that unfortunately comes without Exif data.



Length: 58mm | Diameter: 63.5mm | Weight: 254g | Filter Thread: 62mm | Price (August 2020): 699$

Review | Sample images | manufacturer’s homepage (affiliate link)

Laowa 2.0/15 FE Zero-D (manual focus)

Strengths Weaknesses Great combination of speed, performance and size

Minimum focus distance no Exif data

some sample variation

Recommended to: astrophotographers and everyone else looking for a versatile UWA prime.



Length: 83.0mm | Diameter: 77mm | Weight: 520g | Filter Thread: 72mm | Price (February 2018): 850$

Review | Sample images | manufacturer’s online shop | amazon.com | amazon.de (affiliate links)

7Artisans 1.4/28 FE+ (manual focus)

Strengths Weaknesses Bokeh

Sharpness

Size

CA correction

Build quality

Price light falloff

color cast in the corners

minimum focus distance of 0.7 m

Recommendation: use it with a helicoid adapter

Recommended to: a great fast 28mm lens equally useful for shallow depth of field photography, environmentral portraiture and stopped down landscape shooting



Length: 69mm | Diameter: 60mm | Weight: 490g + adapter | Filter Thread: 52mm | Price (June 2019): 470€/499$

Review | Sample images | B&H | amazon.com | amazon.de | ebay.com | ebay.de Make sure to get the FE+ version! (affiliate links)



Zhong Yi Mitakon 0.95/50 (manual focus)

Strengths Weaknesses Crazy maximum aperture of f/0.95

Bokeh Close up performance

Flare resistance

Axial CA

Recommended to: everyone into shallow depth of field photography



Length: 87mm | Diameter: 72mm | Weight: 780g | Filter Thread: 67mm | Price (February 2018): 930€/850$

Review of MKII | Review of MK III | Sample images | Amazon.com | ebay.com | Amazon.de (affiliate links)



Lenses that will be added to the list soon:



Sony 5.6-6.3/200-600 G OSS: A big and expensive IF zoom. $1998. B&H (affiliate link)

Sony GM 4/600: A typical super tele: Very big and very expensive. B&H (affiliate link)

Some tips on how to choose a lens

As a team we have bought and sold hundreds of lenses. Some we used a lot more than we anticipated and others a lot less. Based on that experience here are a few tips on how to choose the right lens fro your needs.

Buy a lens because you actually need it. Not because some guy on a YouTube likes it a lot. To learn what focal lengths and apertures you use most and what characteristics you care about in a lens we can only recommend to get one lens at a time and to really learn to know it. Maybe one of our reviews can help you to identify what exactly you (don’t) like about that lens. . Don‘t put too much emphasis on performance. For example the 1.4/24 GM is certainly a technically much better lens than the ZA 1.4/35 but a 35mm lens has more applications so it will probably see a lot more use and give you more memorable results. Think about your whole kit and not just ndividual lenses. For example both Phillip and Jannik were initially deeply impressed by the Voigtlander 2/65‘s performance but ultimately sold it because it didn‘t integrate well into their kit and stayed at home too often.

Manual lenses

Almost any lens can be adapted on the Sony a7/a9 series. We have a guide to very affordable (<$99) manual lenses and one for still affordable (< $499) lenses and also a Manual Lenses on the Sony a7 series Beginner’s Guide.

If any questions remain unanswered don’t hesitate to leave a comment 🙂

Legend

G – Sony’s equivalent to Canon’s L

– Sony’s equivalent to Canon’s L GM – Sony’s other equivalent to Canon’s L.

– Sony’s other equivalent to Canon’s L. OSS – “Optical Steady Shot”: Sony’s marketing name for lenses that feature an image stabilizer.

– “Optical Steady Shot”: Sony’s marketing name for lenses that feature an image stabilizer. ZA – Lenses which have been developed in cooperation by Sony and Zeiss and are produced by Sony. The outer barrel is made from metal which looks nice but scratches easily.

– Lenses which have been developed in cooperation by Sony and Zeiss and are produced by Sony. The outer barrel is made from metal which looks nice but scratches easily. (manual focus) – Completely manual lenses. You need to use the focusing ring and the aperture ring on the lens to focus and set the desired aperture value. Exif data is still submitted though.