12 Best Lenses for Sony a7III (2023 Ultimate Guide)

This is a guide covering the best lenses for the Sony a7III.

The Sony A7iii is a favorite among photography enthusiasts and pros.

With a full-frame 24.2MP CMOS sensor, you get high-quality photos regardless if you are shooting portraits, landscapes, or even macro photography.

But to get the best results, you need the right lens for the Sony A7iii.

Believe me, I know how exciting, yet difficult it can be to find the perfect lens for your camera especially since it can be an investment.

Because of this, I dive into each Sony A7 iii lens to uncover the pros and cons in terms of quality, build, important features, etc.

So make sure to read the post until the end. That way you can make the best decision for you! If you choose a lens outside of this lens, then make sure it is an E-mount lens as that is the lens type compatible with the Sony a7iii.

Also, I wanted to note that the Sony a7iii is a full-frame camera that works best with Sony FE-lenses but I have also listed Sony E-lenses here that are designed for APS-C sensor bodies. When using a E-lens on a full-frame camera then there will be vignetting which some photographers love. If you don’t want that vignette then go into your camera settings and turn on APS-C shooting mode which will remove that vignette and “zoom in” on the image. I’ve listed these E-lenses because they are often cheaper so just something to be aware of if you’re new.

In a hurry? Here’s the quick overview:

• ⭐ Best Overall Lens for the Sony a7III
  • Sony FE 55mm f/1.8

• 👩 Best Portrait Photography Lenses for the Sony a7III
  • Sony FE 55mm f/1.8
  • Sony – FE 50mm F1.8 Standard
  • Sigma 50mm F1.4 Art DG HSM
  • Sigma 30mm F1.4 Contemporary

• 🌄 Best Landscape Photography Lenses for the Sony a7III
  • Sony E-mount FE 24mm F1.4 GM
  • Sony – FE 12-24mm F4 G Wide-angle

• ⚾ Best Sports Photography Lenses for the Sony a7III
  • Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art
  • Sony FE 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G OSS

• 🌹 Best Macro Photography Lenses for the Sony a7III
  • Sigma 70mm F2.8 Art DG Macro

• 💸 Best Budget Lens for the Sony a7III
  • Sony – FE 50mm F1.8 Standard

How to Choose the Best Lens for the Sony a7III?

Focal Length: Consider the focal length that you’ll need for the type of photography that you want to do. For example, a wide-angle lens would be good for landscapes, while a telephoto lens would be good for wildlife and sports photography.

Aperture: Look for a lens with a wide aperture (low f-stop number) for better low-light performance and shallow depth of field.

Image Stabilization: Look for a lens with built-in image stabilization if you plan to shoot in low light or if you have shaky hands, this will help reduce blur in your photos.

Quality of Glass: Look for a lens with high-quality glass elements, this will give you sharper images and better color reproduction.

Compatibility: Make sure the lens is compatible with your camera. The lenses that I’ve listed are all E-mount lenses, which are compatible with the Sony a7 III.

Price: Consider your budget and look for a lens that offers good value for money.

Purpose: Determine the main purpose of your photography, whether it is portraits, landscapes, wildlife, sports, etc. This will narrow down your options.

Brand: Sony has a wide range of lenses, and you may want to consider the availability of that for the lens that you are interested in.

Reviews: Before you make a purchase, read some reviews from other users and experts about the lens you are interested in. This will give you a better idea of how the lens performs in different situations.

12 Best Lenses for Sony a7III

1. Sony FE 55mm f/1.8

Lens Specifications:

• Lens type: Prime lens
• Maximum aperture: F1.8
• Minimum aperture: F22
• Max Format size: 35mm FF
• Focal length: 55mm
• Image stabilization: No
• Lens mount: Sony FE
• Weight: 281g (0.62 lb)
• Diameter: 64mm (2.52″)
• Length: 71mm (2.8″)
• Materials: All-metal construction
• Sealing: Yes

The best overall lens for the Sony a7iii is the Sony FE 55mm f/1.8.

An oldie-but-goodie, the Sony FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA was one of the first lenses announced by Sony for the A7 when it was first released.

Yet, despite being relatively old, it remains the best 50mm-ish lens available for the Sony a7iii to date.

It’s not that fast.

However, it is one of the sharpest professional-grade lenses out there. The best part? Despite its metal construction and weather sealing, it has roughly the same dimensions and weight as other flimsier plastic-made offerings from other brands.

As an added bonus, this lens’ Zeiss heritage all but guarantees that it’s a true daily driver fit for both professional and casual users alike.
Basically, what we’re trying to say here is that the Sony FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA is a must-have and arguably the best lens for Sony a7iii.

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2. Sigma 30mm F1.4 Contemporary

Lens Specifications:

• Lens type: Prime lens
• Maximum aperture: F1.4
• Minimum aperture: F16
• Max Format size: APS-C / DX
• Focal length: 30mm
• Image stabilization: No
• Lens mount: Sony E
• Weight: 265g (0.58 lb)
• Diameter: 65mm (2.56″)
• Length: 73mm (2.87″)
• Sealing: No

The best portrait lens for the Sony a7iii is the Sigma 30mm F1.4 Contemporary.

The Sigma 30mm F1.4 Contemporary DC DN Lens is a good choice for those who are looking for a wide-angle lens that you can use for shooting portraits.

It allows you to shoot in closed spaces better or even have a better group photo thanks to its 30mm focal length.

But unlike other wide-angle lenses, the Sigma 30mm F1.4 Contemporary DC DN Lens offers a wide aperture as well making it a handy option even for those times when there’s not a lot of light.

Unfortunately, the autofocus is quite slow making it a bad pick if you need something that can come in handy taking candid photos.

Also, check out the full list of best Sony portrait lenses.

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3. Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art

Lens Specifications:

• Lens type: Zoom lens
• Maximum aperture: F2.8
• Minimum aperture: F22
• Max Format size: 35mm FF
• Focal length: 24–70mm
• Image stabilization: No
• Lens mount: Sony FE
• Weight: 835g (1.84 lb)
• Diameter: 88mm (3.46″)
• Length: 123mm (4.84″)
• Materials: Magnesium alloy
• Sealing: Yes

The best macro lens for the Sony a7iii is the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art.

The Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 DG DN Art Lens is a good all-around lens because you get to choose the right focal length for your needs.

You can also transform this lens into a wide-angle lens in case you need to shoot landscapes or group photos.

But as a macro lens, it is known for its superior optical performance in taking crisp photos.

It is also popular among photographers for its quiet and fast autofocus. And on top of all that, you can expect this lens to be handy even when there’s a bit of rain since it has a weather-sealed design.

However, it isn’t something that you want to use in low-light conditions.

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4. Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS

Lens Specifications:

• Lens type: Zoom lens
• Maximum aperture: F5.6 – 6.3
• Max Format size: 35mm FF
• Focal length: 200–600mm
• Image stabilization: Yes
• Lens mount: Sony FE
• Weight: 2115g (4.66 lb)
• Diameter: 112mm (4.41″)
• Length: 318mm (12.52″)
• Materials: Magnesium alloy
• Sealing: Yes

The best telephoto lens for the Sony a7iii is the Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS.

The Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS Super Telephoto Zoom lens is one of the best lenses for Sony A7iii because it’s a handy option among sports photographers and those who plan on doing wildlife photography (check out list of best lenses for wildlife photography).

What makes it unique compared to other telephoto lenses is its ability to take crisp images along with its great range.

It is also known for its fast and precise autofocus thanks to its Direct Drive Supersonic Wave Motor.

This allows users to take close-up photos of animals in their habitat.

However, some parts are considered problematic. Some users complained of parts breaking such as the lens foot.

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5. Sony E-mount FE 24mm F1.4 GM

Lens Specifications:

• Lens type: Prime lens
• Maximum aperture: F1.4
• Minimum aperture: F16
• Max Format size: 35mm FF
• Focal length: 24mm
• Image stabilization: No
• Lens mount: Sony FE
• Weight: 445g (0.98 lb)
• Diameter: 75mm (2.95″)
• Length: 92mm (3.62″)
• Sealing: Yes

The best street photography lens for the Sony a7iii is the Sony E-mount FE 24mm F1.4 GM.

With all the best lenses for Sony A7iii that we’ve featured, the Sony E-Mount FE 24mm F1.4 GM Wide-Angle Prime Lens is arguably the best street photography lens for the A7iii.

With a 24mm focal length combined with an F1.4 wide aperture, you get something that you can use for shooting landscapes and portraits of people you meet.

It is known for extraordinary sharpness and its superb bokeh allows you to blur the background and focus on your subject.

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6. Sony – FE 50mm F1.8 Standard

Lens Specifications:

• Lens type: Prime lens
• Maximum aperture: F1.8
• Minimum aperture: F22
• Max Format size: 35mm FF
• Focal length: 50mm
• Image stabilization: No
• Lens mount: Sony FE
• Weight: 186g (0.41 lb)
• Diameter: 69mm (2.72″)
• Length: 60mm (2.36″)
• Sealing: No

The Sony FE 50mm F1.8 Standard Lens is a favorite of a lot of people who love to take portraits.

Since it’s a 50mm prime lens, it also means that it is a flexible option for a variety of scenarios.

Its wide aperture allows you to blur the background well and focus on the subject’s face.

Unfortunately, the motor used on this lens tends to get noisy making it a bad option for those who want to shoot discreetly. And also, the autofocus feature is a bit slow compared to other lenses.

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7. Sigma 50mm F1.4 Art DG HSM

Lens Specifications:

• Lens type: Prime lens
• Maximum aperture: F1.4
• Minimum aperture: F16
• Max Format size: 35mm FF
• Focal length: 50mm
• Image stabilization: No
• Lens mount: Sony FE
• Weight: 815g (1.80 lb)
• Diameter: 85mm (3.35″)
• Length: 100mm (3.94″)

The Sigma 50mm F1.4 Art DG HSM Lens is a good option if you think that you still want a wider aperture than your standard 50mm F1.8 lens.

It can easily be considered as one of the best lenses for A7iii and oftentimes included in the list of best lenses for Sony a7riii too.

This lens offers superb bokeh. It also performs well even in low-light conditions. Not to mention it offers crisp images.

However, the most common complaint is its autofocus feature.

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8. Sigma 70mm F2.8 Art DG Macro

Lens Specifications:

• Lens type: Prime lens
• Maximum aperture: F2.8
• Minimum aperture: F22
• Max Format size: 35mm FF
• Focal length: 70mm
• Image stabilization: No
• Lens mount: Sony FE
• Weight: 515g (1.14 lb)
• Diameter: 71mm (2.79″)
• Length: 106mm (4.17″)
• Sealing: Yes

The Sigma 70mm F2.8 Art DG Macro Lens is ideal for those who are looking to shoot closer to their subject.

Whether you need to shoot small subjects or do food photography (check out the best cameras for food photography), the Sigma 70m F2.8 Art DG Macro Lens is something that you could rely on.

It is rugged and known for its precise focusing plus a 9-blade rounded diaphragm.

This allows the user to blur the background and focus on the subject. It also takes sharp images. However, you need to use this in a well-lighted spot.

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9. Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8

Lens Specifications:

• Lens type: Zoom lens
• Maximum aperture: F2.8
• Minimum aperture: F22
• Max Format size: 35mm FF
• Focal length: 28–75mm
• Image stabilization: No
• Lens mount: Sony FE
• Weight: 550g (1.21 lb)
• Diameter: 73mm (2.87″)
• Length: 117mm (4.61″)
• Sealing: Yes

The Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 lens covers a wide range for those who plan on doing macro photography.

Known for outstanding results including beautiful bokeh and lively colors, many considered this one of the best lenses for Sony A7iii.

If you also take a closer look at articles featuring the best lenses for Sony a7iii, it’s not surprising that you see this lens too.

You will realize that this lens stands out in macro photography because it allows you to do close focusing.

Unfortunately, if you are going to use it as a macro lens, it’s not exactly the best. It’s a decent kit lens but it won’t do well in low-light conditions.

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10. Sony FE 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G OSS

Lens Specifications:

• Lens type: Zoom lens
• Maximum aperture: F4.5 – 5.6
• Minimum aperture: F22 – 29
• Max Format size: 35mm FF
• Focal length: 70–300mm
• Image stabilization: Yes
• Lens mount: Sony FE
• Weight: 854g (1.88 lb)
• Diameter: 84mm (3.31″)
• Length: 144mm (5.67″)
• Sealing: Yes

The Sony FE 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G OSS Lens is a good option for both mid-range and long-range shots.

It’s a standout in the list of Best lenses for Sony a7iii with its optical steady shot feature. It gives you the stability that you need even without a tripod.

You also get superior-quality optics that provides beautiful bokeh and beautiful colors.

And on top of that, it has quiet autofocus. Unfortunately, some find the autofocus to be a bit slow.

But what makes it one of the best lenses for Sony A7iii is the fact that you can take direct control of the switches on the lens itself.

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11. Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G OSS

Lens Specifications:

• Lens type: Zoom lens
• Maximum aperture: F4
• Minimum aperture: F22 – 36
• Max Format size: 35mm FF
• Focal length: 70–200mm
• Image stabilization: Yes
• Lens mount: Sony FE
• Weight: 840g (1.85 lb)
• Diameter: 80mm (3.15″)
• Length: 175mm (6.89″)
• Materials: All-metal construction
• Sealing: Yes

The Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G OSS Lens makes it part of our best lenses for the Sony a7iii list because of its user-friendly features and versatility.

This lens shoots a minimum of 1-1.5 meters making it a good midrange and long-distance lens for photographers.

With Carl Zeiss technology on its optics, expect superior-quality shots from this lens.

It also has a focus hold button keeping the lens locked in a particular distance once you already want the lens to focus on one particular spot. It also features a focus range limiter that can help save time if you are going to use the AF features of the lens.

However, workmanship is questionable for this lens. You want to make sure that you keep it in a good camera bag when you travel.

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12. Sony – FE 12-24mm F4 G Wide-angle

Lens Specifications:

• Lens type: Zoom lens
• Maximum aperture: F4 – 22
• Minimum aperture: F4 – 22
• Max Format size: 35mm FF
• Focal length: 12–24mm
• Image stabilization: No
• Lens mount: Sony FE
• Weight: 565g (1.25 lb)
• Diameter: 87mm (3.43″)
• Length: 117mm (4.61″)
• Materials: Aluminum alloy
• Sealing: Yes

The Sony FE 12-24mm F4 G Wide Angle Zoom Lens is a perfect pick for street photography because it allows you to get the right focal length without switching lenses.

With a switch on the side of the lens, you can select either MF or AF according to your preference.

And when it comes to its autofocus, it works fast.

However, the fact that it can only go up to F/4 is a bit disappointing, especially in low-light conditions.

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FAQ

Concluding Remarks

Getting a good lens for your Sony A7iii can be intimidating given the number of lenses that you can choose from.

You get to enjoy lenses from Sony to other top third-party brands.

With this list, you will have an easier time selecting the right lens for your needs. But be sure to compare each lens for you to get the best value for your money.

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