Sony was first to the full-frame mirrorless game and that comes with many advantages. For users, it means that there are now a ton of native lenses available, and not just from Sony. ZEISS, Tamron, Sigma and some others have gotten into making lenses with tons of features for Sony cameras like the a7 III and a7S III.
With such variety comes the need to choose as nobody can like afford to have all the lenses they could possibly want on them at all times. If you need help picking out some glass filmmaker Peter Lindgren put together his top three list of lenses for a7 series cameras. Plus, you can also consider these if you opt for any of Sony’s cinema cameras, like the FX6, as they share the E mount.
Everyone has their favorite lenses, but it might be helpful to see what’s in someone else’s kit before you invest in your own.The first lens on the list is one of my favorite lenses: the Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM.
This lens is amazing on nearly every point. It’s a useful wide-angle focal length with incredible optical quality to start, then you look at it having a fast f/1.4 aperture and then it is tiny and lightweight. It is almost contradictory with all the features it has.
Being a G Master lens is has excellent weather sealing and build, a not too big 67mm filter thread, autofocus, and it has a physical aperture ring which can be de-clicked for video. Unfortunately, it is still a focus by wire, though you can set it to linear response for more reliable focusing.
Second is the ZEISS Batis 85mm f/1.8. this is arguably a better pick than Sony’s own G Master 85mm f/1.4, especially for video. The key point is the image stabilization, which is a huge advantage for video work. Otherwise, it is just a stellar 85mm lens. Everyone should have a relatively fast 85 in their bag because it’s just one of those focal lengths that makes things look good.
ZEISS’s Batis series has been one of the best picks for Sony mirrorless and it works just as well for video. And, if you use it in a combo with the 24mm you can share 67mm threaded filters.
The last lens is way different: the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary. It’s a relatively lightweight lens, but when you need range you need a long lens. This model was optimized for mirrorless mounts as well, so the optics are very good even though Sigma made it quite affordable.
Build quality is good and the autofocus is respectable even if not quite on par with Sony lenses. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with a tripod foot. At the longest focal lengths you’ll want to be careful with how you set it up to optimize your footage and image quality.
Bonus! The Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8! It’s a great standard zoom lens and one of the best values for Sony E-mount cameras. Hard to go wrong here.
That was quick, but I think it is a great list, especially since it blended some pricier options with some more affordable picks. Personally, I’d take this list but swap out the 100-400mm with the 70-200mm GM and a teleconverter, but that also makes the price skyrocket.
What are your favorite lenses for video on Sony mirrorless?
[source: Peter Lindgren]
Order Links:
- Sony Alpha a7 III Mirrorless Camera (B&H, Amazon)
- Sony Alpha a7S III Mirrorless Camera (B&H, Amazon)
- Sony FX6 Digital Cinema Camera (B&H, Amazon)
- Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM Lens (B&H, Amazon)
- ZEISS Batis 85mm f/1.8 Lens (B&H, Amazon)
- Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary Lens (B&H, Amazon)
- Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III RXD Lens (B&H, Amazon)
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate partner and participant in B&H and Adorama Affiliate programmes, we earn a small comission from each purchase made through the affiliate links listed above at no additional cost to you.
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