If you own a Sony APS-C camera, such as the a6000, a6300, a6400, or a6600, you might be wondering what are the best lenses to pair with your camera.
Sony offers a wide range of E-mount lenses for APS-C cameras, which are designed to match the smaller sensor size and offer optimal performance.
In this article, you will learn about some of the best E-mount zooms and primes for Sony APS-C cameras.
QUICK TAKE
- My tip pick for zoom lens is the Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G – versatile standard zoom lens with excellent image quality and low-light performance
- As the best prime lens, I’ll choose Sony E 24mm f/1.8 ZA – fast and sharp standard prime lens for street, documentary, and environmental portrait photography
- Use manual focus or focus peaking to achieve precise focus
- Tripod or monopod will stabilize your camera and help you avoid blurry shots
Zoom Lenses
In this section, I’ll explain you what are zoom lenses and which one do I prefer for Sony APS-C cameras:
What Is a Zoom Lens
Zoom lenses are great for covering a range of focal lengths and shooting situations.
They offer flexibility and convenience, as you don’t have to switch lenses often.
However, zoom lenses also tend to be larger, heavier, and more expensive than prime lenses. They also usually have smaller maximum apertures, which means less light-gathering ability and less background blur.
Best Zoom Lenses
Here are some of the best E-mount zoom lenses for Sony APS-C cameras that I suggest:
Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G
- Standard zooms with outstanding corner-to-corner G lens resolution
- Constant F2.8 Max aperture maintains exposure and depth of field
- Two advanced aspherical plus two aspherical elements suppress aberration
The Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8G is the flagship standard zoom lens for Sony APS-C cameras.
It offers a 24-82.5mm equivalent focal length range, which covers everything from wide-angle to portrait photography.
This lens has a constant f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range, which means excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field.
It also features a fast and precise autofocus system, a 9-blade circular aperture for smooth bokeh, and a dust- and moisture-resistant design.
Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS
- 7.5x high magnification zoom/ 27-202.5mm (35mm equiv.) focal length. Lens Groups /...
- Outstanding sharpness from 1x aspherical and 2x ED glass elements
- 7-blade circular aperture contributes to beautiful bokeh. Hood Type:Petal shape,...
Next up, the Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS is the ultimate travel zoom lens for Sony APS-C cameras.
It offers a 27-202.5mm equivalent focal length range, which covers everything from landscapes to wildlife photography.
This has a variable aperture that ranges from f/3.5 at the wide end to f/5.6 at the telephoto end, which means decent light-gathering ability and moderate background blur.
It also features an optical image stabilization system that compensates for camera shake, a fast and quiet autofocus system, and a compact and lightweight design.
This lens is ideal for casual and hobbyist photographers who want a single-lens solution for their travel photography.
Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS
- This version is originally intended for sale outside the US and may contain adapters,...
- 10-18 mm super wide-angle zoom lens with a maximum aperture of F4
- Built-in OSS image stabilization (Optical SteadyShot)
A wide-angle zoom lens for Sony APS-C cameras is the Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS.
It offers a 15-27mm equivalent focal length range, which covers everything from ultra-wide to wide-angle photography.
This lens has a constant f/4 aperture throughout the zoom range, which means good low-light performance and consistent depth of field.
It also features an optical image stabilization system that compensates for camera shake, a smooth and quiet autofocus system, and a refined optical performance that minimizes distortion and aberration.
This lens is ideal for landscape, architecture, and interior photography.
More zoom lenses: 5 Best Zoom Lenses for Sony E Mount.
Prime Lenses
In this section, I’ll explain you what are prime lenses and which one do I prefer for Sony APS-C cameras:
What is a Prime Lens
Prime lenses are great for achieving maximum sharpness and image quality.
They offer larger maximum apertures, which means more light-gathering ability and more background blur. They also tend to be smaller, lighter, and cheaper than zoom lenses.
However, prime lenses also have fixed focal lengths, which means less flexibility and convenience. You have to switch lenses more often or move closer or further away from your subject to get the desired framing.
Best Prime Lenses
Here are some of the best E-mount prime lenses for Sony APS-C cameras that I find interesting:
Sony E 24mm f/1.8 ZA
- Employs the legendary "Sonnar" optical design for standout image dimensionality and...
- Seven aperture blades form a near circle, which results in a pleasing defocused...
- Allows for 1/4 macro shooting with accurate focus as close as 6.2 inches (16cm)
The Sony E 24mm f/1.8 ZA is the best standard prime lens for Sony APS-C cameras.
It offers a 36mm equivalent focal length, which is close to the human eye’s field of view.
The lens has a fast f/1.8 aperture, which means excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field.
It also features a smooth and fast autofocus system, a direct manual focus mode that allows fine adjustments, and a superior corner-to-corner sharpness that is achieved by the Sonnar optical design.
This lens is ideal for street, documentary, and environmental portrait photography.
Sony E 35mm f/1.8 OSS
- Compact, lightweight fixed F1.8 lens.Angle of View (APS C) 44 °
- Minimum Focus Distance : 0.99 ft (0.3 m), Maximum Magnification ratio : 0.15x, Focal...
- New optical design for excellent peripheral sharpness and contrast, Built in image...
One of the best portrait prime lenses for Sony APS-C cameras is the Sony E 35mm f/1.8 OSS. It offers a 52.5mm equivalent focal length, which is ideal for flattering facial features and isolating subjects from backgrounds.
This lens has a fast f/1.8 aperture, which means excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field.
It also features an optical image stabilization system that compensates for camera shake, a customizable focus hold button that allows quick access to settings and a large minimum focus distance that allows close-up shots.
This lens is ideal for portrait, wedding, and event photography.
Sony E 20mm f/2.8
- F2.8 ultra wide-angle zoom lens for APS-C mirrorless cameras
- Compact and lightweight for superior usability (3.4" long and 11.8 oz.)
- Close focusing capability with MOD of 5.9" at 11mm and 9.4" at 20mm with 1:4 Max....
The Sony E 20mm F/2.8 is the best pancake prime lens for Sony APS-C cameras. It offers a 30mm equivalent focal length, which is suitable for general-purpose photography.
It has a moderate f/2.8 aperture, which means good low-light performance and moderate depth of field.
This lens also features an ultra-slim and lightweight design that makes it easy to carry and store, a circular aperture that creates attractive defocusing effects, and a smooth and quiet autofocus system that is ideal for video recording.
This lens is ideal for casual and everyday photography.
More lenses for Sony Cameras: 12 Best Wide Angle Lenses for Sony Cameras – Complete List.
Tips
Here are some tips that would help you achieve better results while filming.
- Use a lens hood to prevent lens flare and improve contrast.
- A UV filter to protect your lens from dust, scratches, and moisture is advised.
- Whereas, a polarizing filter can reduce reflections and enhance colors.
- A tripod or a monopod stabilizes your camera and avoids blurry shots.
- Use manual focus or focus peaking to achieve precise focus.
- Making use of the rule of thirds or the golden ratio to compose your shots is beneficial.
- Use different shooting modes or exposure settings to adjust your exposure.
- Different white balance settings or color profiles to adjust your colors can enhance the output.
- Use different picture effects or creative styles to add some flair to your images.
Find accessories for your Sony camera:
- 7 Best SD Cards for Sony A6000 Video
- SD Card Sony a6300: Recommended Size, Specs, Price
- 7 Best Camera Bags for Sony (a7III/a7IV/a6300/a6400/a6600)
- 7 BEST Gimbals for Sony a6400 (Filmmaker’s Guide)
APS C Lenses Sony: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some FAQs that I’ve reply:
What is APS-C?
APS-C stands for Advanced Photo System type-C, which is a sensor format that is smaller than full-frame sensors. APS-C sensors have a crop factor of 1.5x, which means that the effective focal length of a lens is multiplied by 1.5 when used on an APS-C camera.
For example, a 50mm lens on an APS-C camera has an equivalent focal length of 75mm on a full-frame camera.
Find more lenses: 7 Best APS-C Lenses for DSLR and Mirrorless Cameras.
What is E-mount?
E-mount is the lens mount system used by Sony mirrorless cameras, such as the Alpha and NEX series. E-mount lenses are designed to match the sensor size and flange distance of Sony mirrorless cameras.
E-mount lenses can be divided into two categories: FE lenses and E lenses. FE lenses are compatible with both full-frame and APS-C cameras, while E lenses are only compatible with APS-C cameras.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of APS-C cameras?
APS-C cameras are smaller, lighter, and cheaper than full-frame cameras. They also have a deeper depth of field, which means more of the scene will be in focus.
However, APS-C cameras also have lower image quality, less dynamic range, and more noise than full-frame cameras. They also have a narrower field of view, which means less of the scene will be captured.
Find APS-C Sony cameras: 7 Best Sony Cameras for Video.
What are the best E-mount lenses for video?
Some of the best E-mount lenses for video are those that have a fast and silent autofocus system, a smooth and stable zoom or focus ring, and a constant aperture throughout the zoom range.
Some examples are the Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G and the Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS. These lenses offer excellent image quality, versatility, and performance for video recording.
How do I choose the right focal length for my photography?
The focal length of a lens determines how much of the scene you can capture and how large your subject appears in the frame.
The focal length is measured in millimeters (mm) and is affected by the sensor size of your camera. For APS-C cameras, you have to multiply the focal length by 1.5 to get the equivalent focal length on a full-frame camera.
Find more info on focal length for portraits: What’s The Best Focal Length For Portrait Photography?
Final Thoughts
The Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G is a versatile standard zoom lens that my opinion is perfect for a wide range of photography, from landscapes to portraits. It offers excellent image quality, even in low light, thanks to its constant f/2.8 aperture.
This lens also has a consistent exposure throughout the zoom range, so you can focus on your subject without having to worry about adjusting your exposure settings.
The Sony E 24mm f/1.8 ZA is a fast and sharp standard prime lens that is ideal for street, documentary, and environmental portrait photograph that I recommend.
Its fast f/1.8 aperture allows you to shoot in low light and isolate subjects from the background with a shallow depth of field. The lens also produces incredibly sharp images, even at the edges of the frame.
Thanks for reading!
I hope this guide helped you learn all about the Sony APS-C Lenses 🙂
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