Top 8 Sony Lenses For Every Creator

Top Tools for Creators

Sony is all about pushing the boundaries with innovative cameras and lenses. Whether you're a hobbyist, pro photographer, or filmmaker, there's a lens out there for your project. But with so many options, picking the perfect one can feel a bit overwhelming.

That's where we come in. As fellow Sony filmmakers and ambassadors, we've put together a roundup of the top lenses to help you up your photography and filmmaking game. Whether you're after a versatile zoom, a fast prime, or something in between, there's an option for every creator. We've also hand-picked some YouTube videos from the community to give you a closer look and help make your decision a little eaiser.

1. Sony FE 24-70 mm F2.8 GM

Best For: First-time Sony users looking to capture…. whatever they want.

The tried and true! I've been using the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM lens for a while now, and it's quickly become my go-to for almost any shooting situation. The 24-70mm focal length is super versatile — it lets me capture everything from sweeping landscapes at the wide end to tight portraits at 70mm. It's especially handy when I don't want to keep swapping lenses during a shoot.

One thing I really appreciate is the constant f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range. It performs great in low-light conditions and gives that nice, creamy bokeh when shooting wide open. Even at f/2.8, the images come out incredibly sharp, which I think is thanks to the high-quality glass and optical design Sony put into this lens.

But it's not the lightest lens out there. Weighing in at about 887 grams, you definitely feel it if you're carrying it around all day. And yeah, it's on the pricier side. But in my experience, the build quality and the image results make it worth the investment. The autofocus is fast and nearly silent, which is a big plus for both photos and videos.

It works with all Sony E-mount cameras, so whether you're using a full-frame or an APS-C body (where it effectively becomes a 35-105mm lens), you're good to go. Of course, the size, weight, and cost might be drawbacks for some folks. But if you're serious about your photography or filmmaking, and you want a lens that can handle a wide range of scenarios without compromising on quality, this one is definitely worth considering.

2. Sony E 15mm F1.4 G Lens

Best For: Super wide scenes.

This compact and lightweight wide-angle 15mm prime is great for vlogging, wide mountain views, or interior shots. With the crop factor, it gives you an equivalent focal length of about 22.5mm, which is wide enough to capture expansive scenes without too much distortion.

The fast f/1.4 aperture lets in plenty of light, making it an aweome go-to for low-light scenes that still create that nice, shallow depth of field. The autofocus is impressively fast and quiet, thanks to the dual Linear Motor system, This is a big plus for those wanting a more conspicous setup while shooting quiet lifestyles or street scenes in a place you don't want the camera to be too loud.

Weighing just 219 grams, it's super easy to carry around all day without feeling weighed down. I also appreciate the aperture ring that can be de-clicked for smooth, silent adjustments — a handy feature for flimmaking. The customizable focus hold button adds a bit of extra convenience, too.

On the flip side, the lens doesn't have built-in image stabilization, so you'll be relying on your camera body's stabilization if it has it. I've noticed some flaring when shooting in harsh daylight, which can be a bit of a challenge. There's also some vignetting when shooting at night or in the shade, but that's pretty common with wide-angle lenses and hasn't been a deal-breaker for me.

3. Sony FE 85mm f1.8

Best For: Portrait lovers wanting a creamy bokeh background.

I've been using the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 since it came out in 2017, and it's become one of my go-to lenses for portraits. It's kind of like the reliable Honda in Sony's lineup —not as flashy or expensive as the FE 85mm f/1.4 GM, but it gets the job done without any fuss and won't empty your wallet.

It's the smallest, lightest, and most affordable 85mm prime with autofocus for Sony mirrorless cameras. That makes it perfect for both portrait and street photography, giving you that balance of dynamic range and bokeh that 85mm ranges lenses are known for. The images come out sharp even at the wide f/1.8 aperture, and the autofocus is so quiet that you can capture a super intimate moments without drawing attention.

There's also a handy AF Hold button on the side of the lens barrel. I use this to map it to Eye AF for quick focus on the eyes, which is super helpful for a fast portait. With Sony's firmware updates introducing continuous Eye AF, this button isn't as critical as it used to be, but it's still nice to have that extra customization option.

Sony played it smart with this lens. They released the high-end 85mm f/1.4 GM first, catering to professionals who need the absolute best. Then they brought out the FE 85mm f/1.8, offering similar performance at about a third of the price. It fits perfectly with the mirrorless philosophy of keeping gear compact and lightweight without sacrificing quality.

4. Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II

Best For: Nature and wildlife photographers or filmmakers wanting an excellent mid-level tele to their work.

Weighing in at just 2.3 pounds, it's a significant drop from the original's 3.3 pounds. If you're used to hauling around the older model, you'll definitely appreciate this change — it makes a big difference during long shoots or when traveling. Interestingly, it's even lighter than Canon's RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM, which was previously the lightest in this class at 2.6 pounds.

Performance-wise, this lens is nothing short of impressive. The sharpness is outstanding across all zoom settings, even when shooting wide open at f/2.8. I've found that it consistently delivers crisp, detailed shots, which really motivates me to up my game as a cinematography-driven photographer. It feels like the lens can handle anything I throw at it, and the only real limitation is my own skill level.

If you're considering an upgrade or just looking for a high-quality zoom lens that's easier on the shoulders, the FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II is definitely worth checking out. It's been a fantastic rental for my spare wildlife-driven trips, and I think you'd enjoy it, too.

5. Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 G OSS Lens

Best For: Crispy, contrasted portraits and an in-depth analysis of wildlife or nature.

Sure, this lens is a bit on the pricier side at around $1,100 — but I think most peopel would agree that it's worth every penny. The sharpness is unreal, and the bokeh is just beautiful, which makes it super perfect for tights macro shots, portraits, events, and even landscapes.

If you're weighing options and considering an 85mm prime lens, you might want to think about the 90G Macro instead. Not only does it outperform at portraits with that pleasing background blur, but it also gives you the added bonus of true macro capabilities. Plus, the built-in optical stabilizer is a huge help, especially when you're shooting handheld or in less-than-ideal lighting conditions.

On the technical side, the lens has two high-grade dispersion elements that do a great job of reducing chromatic aberrations and color fringing (a pain to edit in post-production). This means your images come out super sharp with accurate colors. The Nano AR Coating is another nice touch, it helps cut down on flare and ghosting when you're shooting in bright backlight, so your contrast and color stay on point.

6. Sony 16-35mm F/2.8 GM II

Best For: Best for vlogging while selfie-ing and landscape shots that require full scenes.

An upgrade to a cult-classic: the Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 Mark II lens stunts amazing specs five years after the original's launch. This updated version has really raised the bar.

The first thing I noticed was how much lighter it is; it's immediately apparent when you pick it up. The enhanced corner-to-corner sharpness is super nice, and the faster autofocus makes every shot near foolproof and easy to capture, even if you're out the window of a car.

This lens completes Sony's "Trinity" series and stands out as the smallest and lightest of the trio. But the compact size is a huge plus, and it doesn't degrade the quality. The lens consistently delivers sharp, well-lit shots with pleasing bokeh throughout the zoom range. The advanced optical design does a great job minimizing aberrations and promises a rapid-fire and accurate focus.

Also, it's damn tough. It's built to withstand tiny dust and moisture particles, so it's been a reliable tool in all sorts of challenging weather. After spending a week putting it through its paces, I can confidently say it lives up to the hype. It offers a blend of performance and creativity that's hard to beat, and I think even the most pro-level photographers would be impressed.

7. Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5–5.6 GM OSS

Best For: Best for super zoomed-in wildlife or sports action.

The quality here is next level. The fast autofocus is ideal for really quick and often hard-to-shoot wildlife, but the compact design is a huge plus against other large telephoto lenses from other brands. Staying true to Sony's esteemed G Master series, it's become a top choice for me when shooting sports and wildlife, whether I'm out on a professional assignment or just enjoying a hike with my camera. I have to rent this lens, as I don't typically set out to chart projects with these types of focal ranges on a daily, but it's always a stunner in the field, no matter where I take it.

The build quality is something I appreciate the most; its metal construction is solid and durable enough to bring anywhere, whether that's an active soccer field or the Himalayan region of India. The compact extension system means the lens is smaller and easier to carry around, but I'll admit, zooming can be a bit more effort compared to lenses like the 200-600mm, which zoom more smoothly but are bulkier. On the plus side, Sony assures that the lens is highly dust and moisture-resistant, so it's ready for those tough outdoor conditions.

The torque adjustment ring is pretty handy. It lets me fine-tune the zoom friction to prevent unwanted zoom creep, which is great when I'm moving around a lot. Technically speaking, I've noticed a bit more vignetting than some other super-telephoto zooms — about 1.5 stops of light falloff at the maximum aperture. It's there, but it's not a deal-breaker for me, and it's something I can correct in post-processing if needed.

8. Sony Alpha FE 20mm f/1.8 G Lens

Best For: Vloggers or photographers who need a wide-angle that provides bokeh.

This ultra-wide 20mm angle design is perfect when I want to photograph or film large groups of people. I can stay close to the action and still fit everyone into the frame without their heads looking distorted. It's also been great for tight interior spaces where stepping back isn't an option.

The f/1.8 aperture is super bright at such a wide focal length. While Sigma offers a 20mm that goes down to f/1.4, Sony's f/1.8 still lets in plenty of light, making it easier to shoot in dimmer interiors or shady spots without cranking up the ISO. The smooth, quiet, and accurate internal focusing is a big plus, too, especially when I'm shooting candid moments or filming videos.

The combination of the wide focal length and fast aperture means I can shoot handheld in dim settings, especially with a camera that has In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS). Plus, the bokeh is delicous. It really makes your subject pop against a softly blurred backdrop, which is great for highlighting specific details in a scene, like in a product shot or portrait.