12 Best Sony Lenses for Video (2023 Ultimate Guide)

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

When choosing a lens for video, you’ll want to first determine whether you want a prime lens or not. You’ll also want to ensure it’s a fast lens and has the correct aperture for your videography needs.

Also, be sure to take note of what camera you have and the lens mount that it takes because each lens has a different lens mount. You wouldn’t want to end up getting a lens that doesn’t fit your Sony camera type.

🏃‍♂️ In a hurry? Here’s the overview table:

Click/tap on the lens name to jump to that section to read my summary of the product. At the end of each section, there is a “→ Jump Back to Table” link to bring you back here!

How to Choose the Best Sony Video Lens:

• Focal length: The focal length of a lens determines the field of view and perspective of the shots it can capture. Wide-angle lenses (e.g. 14mm, 16-35mm) are good for capturing expansive landscapes and tight interiors, while telephoto lenses (e.g. 70-200mm) are good for isolating subjects and compressing the background.
• Aperture: The aperture of a lens determines how much light it can let in, which affects the lens’s ability to shoot in low light conditions and achieve shallow depth of field effects. Lenses with wider apertures (e.g. F1.8, F1.4) are generally better for video work than lenses with smaller apertures (e.g. F5.6, F8).
• Autofocus: For video work, it’s important to have a lens with a fast and accurate autofocus system to ensure that your shots are always in focus.
• Image stabilization: Image stabilization helps to reduce camera shake and produce smoother video footage. Lenses with built-in image stabilization can be particularly useful for handheld video work.
• Build quality and durability: For video work, it’s important to choose a lens that is well-built and can withstand the rigors of professional use. Look for lenses with robust and weather-resistant designs.
• Compatibility with your camera: Make sure that the lens you choose is compatible with your Sony camera. Some lenses are designed specifically for full-frame cameras, while others are designed for APS-C cameras.
• It’s important to note that E-mount lenses are not compatible with A-mount cameras, and vice versa. However, some A-mount lenses can be used on E-mount cameras with the use of an adapter. Similarly, FE-mount lenses can be used on E-mount cameras, but they are designed specifically for use with full-frame sensors and may not be optimized for use on APS-C sensors.
• Price: Finally, consider your budget when choosing a lens. There are a wide range of Sony lenses available at different price points, so you should be able to find something that fits your needs and budget.

12 Best Sony Lenses for Video

1. Sony FE 24-70 mm F2.8 GM

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: 886g (1.95 lb)
• Diameter: 88mm (3.45″)
• Length: 136mm (5.35″)
• Sealing: Yes

I believe the Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 G Master Full Frame lens is the best overall Sony lens for video.

It’s a workhorse for pros and a great pick for those hobbyists who don’t want to carry around different lenses on their bags.

This large aperture lens meets your needs whether indoors or outdoors. It comes with a zoom-lock, a well-padded case, plus, a focus-lock button.

It comes with a wide-angle focal length to a short telephoto range making it a handy option in different situations. It can produce some of the best quality shots for its users.

Unfortunately, it will rely on your camera’s image stabilization feature. You’d want to use a gimbal in case you are going to have this lens on your camera.

Even if it is the case, it’s a stand-out from the rest of the best Sony lenses for video thanks to its precise focusing ability.

It comes with a precise manual focus. It also comes with quiet and precise autofocus that can track your subject.

But the biggest downside to this lens is when you do a focus pull. It makes smooth focus pulling difficult even for pros.

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2. Sony E 55-210mm F4.5-6.3 Lens

Specifications:

• Lens type: Zoom lens
• Maximum aperture: F4.5 – 6.3
• Minimum aperture: F22 – 32
• Max Format size: APS-C/DX
• Focal length: 55–210mm
• Image stabilization: Yes
• Lens mount: Sony E
• Weight: 345g (0.76 lb)
• Diameter: 64mm (2.52″)
• Length: 108mm (4.25″)
• Materials: Metal mount

If you will look at the list of best Sony lenses for video, it’s not surprising if you find some of these lenses beyond your current means.

For beginners or for those who are only starting, it’s important to know the best Sony lens within your means.

For those who want a pocket-friendly pick, then you might want to go for the Sony E 55-210mm F4.5-6.3 lens. It has a great range for different situations.

It allows you to get the footages that you want even if the subject is afar.

This comes with an optical steady shot image stabilization feature which makes everything easier even if you don’t have a gimbal or a tripod with you.

And when recording the video, its AF is also quiet and smooth making sure that there’s no unnecessary sound.

On the other hand, you can only use it outdoors considering the not-so-wide aperture of the lens. Other than this, it’s a good choice.

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3. Sony FE 50mm F1.8

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

It’s common nowadays to run your own YouTube channel. With the demand to create stunning videos, it’s also a good idea to choose the right lens that typically meets the common requirements in vlogging.

Looking at the list of best Sony lenses for video, we believe that a 50mm lens is still the most versatile focal length regardless if you’re shooting videos or shooting photos.

For vlogging, our top pick will have to be the Sony FE 50mm F1.8.

Equipped with a wide aperture and the ability to produce stunning results regardless if you’re taking photos or videos, it’s the safest bet if you want the best Sony vlogging lens.

It is also known for its compact and lightweight design making it handy if you plan on carrying it around when you travel.

As for its performance, the Sony FE 50mm F1.8 lens comes with a double-gauss configuration that helps suppress the field curvature and distortion.

The downside to this lens is that it tends to still make some noise via its DC motor.

However, a good solution to this problem is that you can negate the noise by getting an external mic.

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4. Sony FE 40mm F2.5 G

Specifications:

• Lens type: Prime lens
• Maximum aperture: F2.5
• Minimum aperture: F22
• Max Format size: 35mm FF
• Focal length: 40mm
• Image stabilization: No
• Lens mount: Sony FE
• Weight: 173g (0.38 lb)
• Diameter: 68mm (2.68″)
• Length: 45mm (1.77″)
• Materials: Aluminum alloy
• Sealing: Yes

The Sony FE 40mm F2.8 G full-frame lens is another great pick for videographers.

It comes with a wide-angle focal length for full-frame bodies perfect for shooting videos. On the other hand, it’s a 60mm equivalent if you are using an APS-C body.

This lens has a wide F2.5 aperture that comes in handy when shooting indoors or outdoors.

It comes with fast and precise autofocus allowing users to track the subject almost instantaneously even when the subject is moving.

And to top everything, it is well-built. But because of this, some users find the lens a bit too heavy to carry around.

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5. Sony FE 14mm F1.8 GM Full-Frame

Specifications:

• Lens type: Prime lens
• Maximum aperture: F1.8
• Minimum aperture: F16
• Max Format size: 35mm FF
• Focal length: 14mm
• Image stabilization: No
• Lens mount: Sony FE
• Weight: 460g (1.01 lb)
• Diameter: 83mm (3.27″)
• Length: 100mm (3.94″)
• Sealing: Yes

The GM lenses are quite popular among serious Sony users that look for the best Sony lenses for video.

It’s a step better than Sony’s G lenses. One of the reasons why it’s a favorite among serious photographers and videographers is the fact that it deals better when used outdoors.

It is more resistant to dust and moisture giving you the peace of mind you need when taking videos in an outdoor environment.

The lens elements are also known to provide improved sharpness and better anti-reflective coating.

But just like GM lenses, you’d want to prepare your wallet if you are serious about investing in one.

The Sony FE 14mm F1.8 might only come in handy for a few situations but it’s one of those lenses that can give you the edge when you are creating video content.

Its wide-angle field gives users a different perspective with their shot.

Plus, the aperture allows users to use it in different settings whether it’s indoors or outdoors.

And to top it off, it’s lightweight.

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6. Sony FE 35mm F1.8

Specifications:

• Lens type: Prime lens
• Maximum aperture: F1.8
• Minimum aperture: F22
• Max Format size: 35mm FF
• Focal length: 35mm
• Image stabilization: No
• Lens mount: Sony FE
• Weight: 280g (0.62 lb)
• Diameter: 66mm (2.6″)
• Length: 73mm (2.87″)
• Materials: Aluminum, composite
• Sealing: Yes

35mm wide-angle lenses are considered practical by videographers.

The Sony FE 35mm F1.8 isn’t just a great option for shooting landscape photos, it can also come in handy for travel vloggers, or even for those who want a slightly wider perspective on their videos.

The Sony FE 35mm F1.8 prime lens is also at the top of the best Sony lenses for video given its wide aperture that can be used regardless if it’s outdoors or indoors.

This relatively compact lens is perfect for most scenarios. However, you also have to keep in mind that it doesn’t have the weather-sealing you’d expect from a GM standard lens.

Other than that, you’d see a lot of good things with this lens. It comes with a fast and precise AF drive system that won’t interfere when shooting videos.

This lens can also produce stunning and sharp results whether you’re in to shooting videos or taking photos.

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7. Sony FE 35mm F1.4 GM

Specifications:

• Lens type: Prime lens
• Maximum aperture: F1.4
• Minimum aperture: F16
• Max Format size: 35mm FF
• Focal length: 35mm
• Image stabilization: No
• Lens mount: Sony FE
• Weight: 524g (1.16 lb)
• Diameter: 76mm (2.99″)
• Length: 96mm (3.78″)
• Materials: Magnesium alloy
• Sealing: Yes

Between the FE 35mm GM lens and the Sony FE 35mm F1.4 GM lens, the latter is more practical for shooting videos.

The focal length is practical in most scenarios.

Plus, it has everything photographers and videographers love about a GM lens. It is moisture resistant, plus it deals with dust better than any other Sony lens type out there.

The Sony FE 35mm F1.4 GM lens also has a wide aperture making it easy to use whether you’re shooting in low-light scenarios or outdoors with the sun shining bright.

This is also a compact and lightweight lens which makes it easy to carry around.

However, to accommodate the weight, Sony made this lens out of plastic that can turn off some photographers and videographers.

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8. Sony – FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM Wide-Angle Zoom Lens

Specifications:

• Lens type: Zoom lens
• Maximum aperture: F2.8 – 22
• Minimum aperture: F2.8 – 22
• Max Format size: 35mm FF
• Focal length: 16–35mm
• Image stabilization: No
• Lens mount: Sony FE
• Weight: 680g (1.50 lb)
• Diameter: 89mm (3.5″)
• Length: 122mm (4.8″)
• Materials: Magnesium alloy
• Sealing: Yes

Prime lenses are good especially when they have a wide aperture.

The downside to these options especially when trying to find the best Sony lenses for video is the fact that you’d need to have multiple lenses in your bag.

Not only does it take a lot of time to switch, but some would even carry an extra camera to always have another lens ready when the prime lens can’t do its job.

The Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM lens is the best solution for this dilemma. It gives you a variety of wide-angle focal lengths, allowing you to choose the right one for the situation.

Plus, it has a wide aperture that can give you the edge whether you are shooting indoors or outdoors.

Even if it’s a near-perfect lens, its reverse zoom tends to feel a bit new even for pros. You will have to rotate the ring clockwise to extend the lens.

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9. Sony 55mm F1.8 Sonnar T FE ZA Full Frame Prime 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

Sony 55mm F1.8 Sonnar T FE ZA lens is a practical pick for those who are looking to create stunning videos. It’s a lens that you can use in most situations.

Aside from a versatile focal length and a wide aperture that can come in handy in low-light situations, this lens has a moisture and dust-resistant design.

Plus, it comes with a quiet and smooth focusing ability driven by its linear motor.

Unfortunately, the focusing ability of the lens isn’t always good. There are instances when it takes around 5 seconds to keep up which can also be a bit frustrating.

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10. Sony 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 OSS APS-C E-mount Zoom Lens

Specifications:

• Lens type: Zoom lens
• Maximum aperture: F3.5 – 5.6
• Minimum aperture: F22 -36
• Max Format size: APS-C/DX
• Focal length: 18–135mm
• Image stabilization: Yes
• Lens mount: Sony E
• Weight: 325g (0.72 lb)
• Diameter: 67mm (2.64″)
• Length: 88mm (3.46″)
• Sealing: No

Some people don’t want to carry around multiple lenses.

The Sony 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 OSS APS-C E-mount zoom lens fits the description of an all-around lens. It’s the handy lens that can give you wide-angle to close-up shots.

It is a lens that you can rely on whether you want to capture the beauty of nature, picturesque cities, or if you wish to take a video of animals from a distance.

The optics is also capable of producing outstanding sharpness, plus it is easy to use even without a tripod or a gimbal with its Optical SteadyShot image stabilization feature.

And in case you need to be doing interviews, the quiet AF motor will also not get in the way of your video.

However, it tends to struggle to find the subject when you don’t have good lighting.

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11. Sony FE 50mm F2.8 Full Frame E-mount Lens

Specifications:

• Lens type: Prime lens
• Maximum aperture: F2.8
• Minimum aperture: F16
• Max Format size: 35mm FF
• Focal length: 50mm
• Image stabilization: No
• Lens mount: Sony FE
• Weight: 236g (0.52 lb)
• Diameter: 71mm (2.8″)
• Length: 71mm (2.8″)
• Sealing: Yes

The Sony FE 50mm F2.8 lens is another prime lens that we find impressive when it comes to shooting videos.

Its versatile focal length makes it practical in 90% of situations. Plus, even if it doesn’t have an aperture as wide as the 50mm F1.8 and F1.4 versions in the market, it gets the job done.

It also performs well indoors.

Unfortunately, the AF needs to improve. It’s difficult to use tracking subjects when you don’t have enough lighting. Plus, the build is mostly made of plastic.

Though it removes a lot of weight, some users feel that it’s a bit too flimsy.

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12. Sony 35mm F2.8 Sonnar T FE ZA Full Frame Prime Fixed Lens

Specifications:

• Lens type: Prime lens
• Maximum aperture: F2.8
• Minimum aperture: F22
• Max Format size: 35mm FF
• Focal length: 35mm
• Image stabilization: No
• Lens mount: Sony FE
• Weight: 120g (0.26 lb)
• Diameter: 62mm (2.44″)
• Length: 37mm (1.46″)
• Materials: Metal barrel, metal mount
• Sealing: Yes

The Sony 35mm F2.8 Sonnar T FE ZA full-frame lens is a favorite among photographers who love to shoot landscapes or those who plan on shooting portraits at home.

The Sony 35 F2.8 Sonnar T FE ZA lens is a top choice for those who want to shoot videos. This lens is a good choice for those who shoot videos outdoors.

With its dust and moisture-resistant design, you can shoot with peace of mind. The size is also compact making it easy to carry around.

One of the things that you’d notice when you use this lens is the heavy vignetting by the side of the lens. Other than that, it’s a good choice.

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FAQ

Final Remarks

If you’re in the market for the best Sony lenses for video, it is always a smart move to consider weighing your options.

There are some lenses out there that won’t match all your needs. Some lenses won’t come in handy in most situations.

Be sure that you are going to compare some lenses we’ve featured before you make a decision.

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