When it comes to camera and lens manufacturers people often throw around the term “the big three” referring to Canon, Nikon, and Sony. This is because these three companies hold a massive portion of the digital photography market and produce some of the best and highest-performance products currently available. These brands are absolute juggernauts in the industry and in today’s article, we’re going to take a look at some of the best lenses produced by one of these companies.

In two previous articles, we took a deep dive into the best lenses from Canon and Nikon both of which produce top-of-the-line glass. Today, we’re wrapping things up with another very comparable company that took the mirrorless market by storm and actually lead mirrorless technology for quite a while. I’m talking of course about Sony.

When Sony first started manufacturing mirrorless cameras and lenses they were ahead of their time, to say the least. This was a relatively new technology in digital photography and other manufacturers, such as Canon and Nikon, weren’t even considering it at the time. Once they realized how powerful and impressive mirrorless cameras could be they quickly started developing their own tech in a desperate act to catch up with Sony. Eventually, they did and all three brands now produce very similar and competitive mirrorless cameras and lenses.

In today’s article, we’re going to focus on lenses specifically, and even more specifically we’ll be taking a deep dive into the absolute best mirrorless lenses currently available from Sony. If you want to read about the best mirrorless lenses from Canon check out this article, and if you’d like to read about the best mirrorless lenses from Nikon then this article is what you’re looking for. But today, we’ll be focusing 100% on Sony.

It's worth mentioning that this is a subjective list of our personal favorite high-performance mirrorless lenses currently available from Sony. These are simply the ones we’re the most excited about here at Backcountry Journeys. With that being said, let’s get into it and take a look at the best lenses from Sony!

Best Wide-Angle Lenses

We’ll start out with wide-angle lenses. If you’re a Sony mirrorless user and are looking to capture wide-open landscapes, astrophotography images, or anything else requiring wide fields of view, then you’re in luck as Sony has some exceptional offerings in this category. Here are our favorites:

Wide-Angle Zoom: FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM

Specs:

• Price: $3,000 USD

• Full-Frame | f/2.8 to f/22

• XD Linear Motor AF, Internal Focus

• Floating Focus System

• Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm

Right off the bat, this was a tough decision to make, as Sony offers another exceptional wide-angle zoom lens also with a maximum aperture of f/2.8. We’ll touch on that a bit later. Regardless, the FE 12-24mm f/2.8 Gm is a truly incredible and versatile lens that offers both an ultra-wide field of view and a super-fast f/2.8 maximum aperture at all focal lengths. This lens is great for capturing stunning landscape images, photographs of nature, architecture, and so much more. And with an advanced optical design featuring three extreme aspherical elements, one standard aspherical element, two super ED elements, and three ED elements this lens virtually eliminates unwanted distortions, aberrations, and color fringing. As a Gm (G master) lens, this thing has incredibly sharp and crystal-clear optics. This lens also features an impressive rounded 9-blade diaphragm for beautiful bokeh effects at shallow depths of field and a superb autofocusing system. If you want a top-of-the-line ultra-wide-angle lens for your mirrorless Sony camera, then this is a great choice.

As I mentioned before this was a very tough choice to make as Sony produces another incredibly impressive wide-angle zoom lens. And that is their FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM lens which has many of the same features as the 12-24mm but sits at a different range in focal length. This lens is a beast and might suit some photographers better than the 12-24mm depending on their shooting styles and needs. The only reason I chose the 12-24mm as the winner is its impressive ability to achieve such a wide field of view at f/2.8 and its incredibly advanced optics to eliminate unwanted distortions at such a wide focal length. You really can’t go wrong with either of these lenses.

• Price: $1,600 USD
• Full-Frame | f/1.8 to f/16
• XD Linear Motor AF, Internal Focus
• Physical Aperture Ring
• Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm

Best Standard Lenses

If you’re looking for versatility and want to shoot a wide range of subjects and scenes at more standard focal lengths then worry not, we have some excellent lenses in this category. Here are our top picks: 

Standard Zoom: FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II

Specs:

• Price: $2,300 USD

• Full-Frame | f/2.8 to f/22

• 22% Lighter and 18% Smaller than Previous

• Fast Standard Zoom

• Aperture De-Click and Lock Switches

• Zoom Smoothness Switch

• Four XD Linear AF Motors, Floating Focus

• Rounded 11-Blade Diaphragm

As you can see by the list of technical specifications, this little beast packs a punch and delivers absolutely exceptional optics, speed, and performance in a compact and lightweight form factor. With a versatile focal range of 24-70mm all with a maximum aperture of f/2.8, you’ll be able to capture all kinds of stunning images with ease. This lens is designed to rival the image quality of top-notch prime lenses with two ED, two Super ED, Five aspherical elements including two extreme aspherical elements, a Nano AR Coating, and a stunning 11-blade aperture diaphragm. In addition, this little monster features lighting-fast autofocus that will smoothly and silently get the job done. Whether you’re shooting stills or capturing motion with video this lens outperforms the already impressive first generation in almost every way and it’s smaller and lighter as well. The FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II is a truly exceptional lens from Sony.

Perhaps the second generation of this lens is incredible but if you’re looking to save a bit of cash and get your hands on a still very impressive lens then the FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM (version 1) is a great option. Sony also offers the FE 20-70mm f/4 G which is a great lens featuring the same focal range but with a lower maximum aperture and optics that are great but not quite up to par with the GM offering. Additionally, if you’d like an increased focal range the FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS and the FE PZ 28-135mm f/4 G OSS lenses are great as well. This really comes down to personal preference but in our opinion, looking at the specs, the FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II is the clear winner.

Standard Prime: FE 50mm f/1.2 GM

Specs:

• Price: $2,000 USD

• Full-Frame | f/1.2 to f/16

• Extremely Fast Design, Advanced Optics

• Four XD Linear AF Motors, Internal Focus

• Physical Aperture Ring

• Rounded 11-Blade Diaphragm

When it comes to standard primes you can’t go wrong with a good old “nifty fifty” providing photographers with a versatile standard focal length great for capturing stunning portraits, images of nature, and anything else you can think of. With a combination of incredibly advanced optics, a lightning-fast and incredibly bright maximum aperture of f/1.2, a superb autofocus system great for photos and video, and many other impressive features and technology, this lens is a clear winner. The super-shallow depth of field combined with a rounded 11-blade diaphragm will allow you to easily isolate subjects, create stunning bokeh effects, and capture gorgeous images in low-light conditions. This is a truly great standard prime lens.

And if you’re looking for a different focal length or want to save a bit of money while maintaining great quality, Sony offers some other exceptional G Master lenses that are worth mentioning. With a maximum aperture of f/1.4 Sony offers prime lenses at focal lengths of 50mm, 35mm, and 85mm.

Best Telephoto Lenses

Let’s take a look at our top picks for telephoto lenses. This section includes any tithing between the focal lengths of 135mm and 300mm. Here are our favorites:

Telephoto Zoom: FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II

Specs:

• Price: $2,800 USD

• Full-Frame | f/2.8 to f/22

• 29% Weight Reduction from Previous Model

• Four XD Linear AF Motors | 4x Faster AF

• Optical Steady Shot Images Stabilization

• 11-Blade Circular Diaphragm

If you want an incredibly popular and versatile telephoto lens for your full-frame Sony camera, then this might be just what you’re looking for. With impressive upgrades from the first-generation version and an impressive weight reduction the 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II is another exceptional piece of glass that will get the job done. With wicked-fast autofocus that’s 45x faster than before, G Master optics that will deliver razor-sharp images free of distortions or aberrations, a lightweight and compact design, and a durable and weather-sealed build, you really can’t go wrong with this very impressive telephoto zoom lens from Sony. Whether you’re shooting portraits, sports, or wildlife subjects you’ll be able to isolate them from the background and capture every minute detail.

This lens is the clear winner in this category but if you aren’t super concerned with saving every possible ounce of weight and are looking to save a bit of money then the FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS (first generation) lens is still incredibly capable and a great choice.

Telephoto Prime: FE 135mm f/1.8 GM

Specs:

• Price: $2,100 USD

• Full-Frame | f/1.8 to f/22

• XD Linear Motor AF System

• Internal Focus

• Two Focus Hold Buttons

• Physical Aperture Ring

• Rounded 11-Blade Diaphragm

Perhaps this lens comes in at the very short end of the telephoto category but this thing is an impressive high-performance optical machine, to say the least. With an impressive ability to isolate focus this prime telephoto lens utilizes a super-bright and fast design containing superb optics to achieve stunning results. Whether you’re photographing portraits, sports, or wildlife subjects you’ll be surprised at just how impressive this thing is. With a maximum aperture of f/1.8, GM optics featuring some of the best elements on the market, a fast and accurate AF system, and a durable weather-sealed construction the FE 135mm f/1.8 GM is a superb lens. 

Best Super-Telephoto Lenses

Maybe you need more than 300mm of zoom to capture your ideal images. If that’s the case then we have some great picks in the super-telephoto category as well. Let’s get into it.

Super-Telephoto Zoom: FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS

Specs:

• Price: $2,500 USD

• Full-Frame | f/4.5 to f/40

• Direct Drive Super Sonic Wave AF Motor

• Optical Steady Shot Image Stabilization

• Zoom Torque Adjustment Ring

• Internal Focus

• Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm

If you want the flexibility and versatility of a super-telephoto zoom and the optics of an impressive prime lens you’re in luck because you can have both with this great offering from Sony. Whether you’re shooting fast-paced sports or capturing images of distant wildlife subjects, this lens will deliver stunning images at any focal length within its range. As a member of the G Master line of lenses, Sony didn’t cut any corners and delivered the absolute best optics available in one of their lenses. On top of that, this thing features incredibly impressive autofocus performance allowing you to quickly track a subject with smooth and silent AF adjustments. This lens also features a superb optical stabilization system that will allow you to shoot at longer shutter speeds and take advantage of low-light situations. If you want a top-of-the-line super-telephoto zoom lens for your Sony camera then be sure to check out the FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS.

Another great super-telephoto zoom lens produced by Sony is their FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens which features an even greater range in focal length extending your magnification up to 600mm. If you need the extra reach and don’t want to use teleconverters, then this might be a great option for you.

Super-Telephoto Prime: FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS

Specs:

• Price: $12,000 USD

• Full-Frame | f/2.8 to f/22

• XD Linear Motor AF System

• Optical Steady Shot Image Stabilization

• Power Focus, Preset Focus, Focus Limiter

• Rounded 11-Blade Diaphragm

A truly exceptional super-telephoto beast with an insanely fast and bright maximum aperture of f/2.8 all in a relatively lightweight design. This purpose-built optical machine is made to excel in sports and wildlife photography. You’ll be able to beautifully isolate subjects from their environments with the possibility of creating stunning bokeh effects. The wide-open maximum aperture also allows more light to enter the lens creating great low-light performance. Especially when combined with an exceptional optical stabilization system. On top of that the FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS has wicked-fast AF capabilities that can keep up with any fast-moving subject regardless of the conditions or lighting. And, to top it all off, this lens features the best optics you can buy from Sony featuring three fluorite elements, one ED element, a Nano AR Coating on interior lens surfaces, and an 11-blade rounded aperture diaphragm. This lens is an absolute beast and the whole thing comes in a relatively lightweight design. Definitely consider this lens if you have a large budget and want the produce exceptional super-telephoto images with ease.

Another Very impressive lens with incredibly similar specs is Sony’s FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS offering which features an impressive maximum aperture of f/4 at 600mm and houses incredible optics as well. This was yet again a tough decision to make as these lenses are both incredibly impressive machines. The only reason I chose the 400mm as the winner is that many high-end Sony cameras feature very high megapixel counts making significant cropping less of an issue and when used with a teleconverter, the 400mm becomes quite comparable to the 600mm essentially making it 2 lenses in one. Our own guide, Casey Mannes, recently faced this decision and ended up purchasing the 400mm lens for these exact reasons. When you have 50-plus megapixels to work with cropping isn’t the end of the world.

Best Macro Lens: FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS

Specs:

• Price: $1,100 USD

• Full-Frame | f/2.8 to f/22

• 1:1 Magnification Ratio | Internal Focus

• Minimum Focus Distance: 11”

• Direct Drive Super Sonic Wave AF Motor

• Optical Steady Shot Image Stabilization

• Focus Hold Button

If you’re shooting with the Sony system and want to achieve stunning macro shots, magnifying tiny objects to larger-than-life images, then this lens is what you need to get the job done. With a 1:1 magnification ratio, you can get up close and personal with the smallest of subjects and portray tiny details with stunning clarity. This lens features great G series optics and provides excellent sharpness and beautiful bokeh. You’ll also be able to finely and accurately control focus making it even easier to get the perfect shot. And with great autofocus and image stabilization, you can capture exceptional macro images handheld. The FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS is a great lens for all your macro photography needs.

Conclusion

Alright, we’ve done it! This comprehensive list features our absolute favorite high-performance lenses currently available for Sony mirrorless cameras. Once again, this list is subjective and these are simply our top picks here at BCJ. Be sure to read our articles on the best mirrorless lenses from Canon and the best mirrorless lenses from Nikon if you’re interested. As always, I hope this article has been helpful and informative, and happy shooting!

Keenan Hursh is a Photographer, visual designer, and creative story teller based out of Bozeman, Montana. He draws inspiration from his frequent excursions into the natural world and always brings his camera along to capture whatever adventures he finds himself in. Keenan is passionate about documenting and sharing fleeting moments from the natural world and focuses primarily on wildlife, landscape, and adventure photography.

When it comes to gear, he primarily shoots digital with his Canon EOS R5 and EOS 6D mark ii but also has several 35mm film cameras that get out every now and then.

At a very young age, Keenan started bringing a camera along on his excursions and immediately fell in love with the art of photography. He started out with his parent’s cheap point and shoot and has continuously improved his craft and gear refining his shooting style and producing more compelling and intriguing images.

Growing up in the foothills of Boulder, Colorado, surrounded by mountains and wilderness, Keenan has developed a deep passion for many outdoor activities. When he’s not out on a shoot or using his camera, Keenan enjoys skiing, climbing, hiking, backpacking, cycling, whitewater rafting, and paragliding. If he’s outside, away from the distractions of society and civilization, he’s in his happy place.

Keenan studied Emergent Digital Practices at the University of Denver while minoring in Marketing and Entrepreneurship. Since earning his degree in 2019 he was worked with a wide range of clients, companies, and organizations throughout his career. Apart from photography he specializes in content creation, writing, brand development, and graphic design.

You can view Keenan’s portfolio on his website at www.keenanhurshphoto.com