Best Sony APS-C Lenses 

Experience the highest level of creativity and clarity with the best Sony APS-C lenses. Designed specifically for Sony’s APS-C mirrorless cameras, these camera lenses expand the possibilities for image.  

Take in the world of sharp details, vibrant colors, and gorgeous bokeh, where every shot tells a captivating tale. Upgrade your photographic skills with these expertly designed camera lenses that suit both beginners and professionals.

You can also go through my article for the best Sony lens for landscape photography.

Quick list of the best Sony APS-C lenses 

Here is a quick list of the best Sony APS-C lenses.

1- Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II

2- Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master OSS

3- Sony E 24mm f/1.8

4- Sony E 50mm f/1.8 OSS

5- Sony FE 14mm F1.8 G Master

6- Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS

7- Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G

8- Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 G Master

9- Viltrox AF 23 mm F1.4

Detailed analysis of the best Sony APS-C lenses 

Here is a detailed analysis of the best Sony APS-C lenses.

1- Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II

• In professional photography, the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II lens is a very performant and flexible lens. 

• This lens performs exceptionally well in low light and provides an impressive depth of field for creative versatility, thanks to its maximum aperture of f/2.8. 

• It offers an impressive 0.32x maximum magnification, which enables in-depth close-ups. 

• Filters that match the lens’s 82mm filter thread diameter can be used with it.

• The lens also has weather sealing, which provides an additional strong layer of protection from the elements. 

• This makes it a dependable option for outdoor photography in a variety of difficult situations.

Brand	Sony.
Type	Standard lens.
Lens format coverage	APS-C.
Compatible Mounting	Sony FE.
Image Stabilization	No image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	9 blades.
Lens construction	18 elements in 13 groups.
Minimum focus distance	0.38 m.
Weight	886 g.
Adjustment	Direct DRive SuperSonic Motor (DDSSM).

Reasons to buy: 

• Excellent picture quality.
• Rapid autofocus.
• strong construction quality.

Reasons to avoid: 

• Rather large and heavy.Rather large and heavy.
• costly to purchase.
• Absence of optical stabilization.
• costly to purchase.
• Absence of optical stabilization.

2- Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master OSS

• With a maximum aperture of f/2.8, the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master OSS lens is an incredible tool for telephoto photography.

• It isn’t made for macro photography, but it still has a good maximum magnification that lets you get close-ups of far-off objects. 

• 77mm filters can be used with this lens.

• In addition, the lens is largely composed of metal components and is firmly constructed. The two focus rings with rubber coating rotate smoothly. 

• Naturally, it is also weather-sealed.

Brand	Sony.
Type	Telephoto lens.
Lens format coverage	APS-C.
Compatible Mounting	Sony FE.
Image Stabilization	The lens has image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	11 blades.
Lens construction	23 elements in 18 groups.
Minimum focus distance	0.96 m.
Weight	1480 g.
Adjustment	Ring Drive Super Sonic Motor and Linear Motor.

Reasons to buy: 

• Superior handling qualities.
• Outstanding construction quality.
• Overall good quality of the image.

Reasons to avoid: 

• Just a two-stop optical stabilization system.
• Not the fastest autofocus in the class.
• The level of corner sharpness is average.

3- Sony E 24mm f/1.8

The Sony E 24mm f/1.8 lens is a wide-angle lens with an excellent f/1.8 maximum aperture.

It has a reasonable maximum magnification of 0.25x.

 The lens has a 49mm filter thread, which allows photographers to connect various filters for artistic effects or for protection. 

However, it’s worth knowing that the camera lens is weather-sealed.

Brand	Sony.
Type	Fisheye lens.
Lens format coverage	APS-C.
Compatible Mounting	Sony E.
Image Stabilization	No image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	7 blades.
Lens construction	8 elements in 7 groups.
Minimum focus distance	0.16 m.
Weight	225 g.
Adjustment

Reasons to buy: 

• Sharp corners.
• Beautiful wide-angle bokeh.
• Smooth, quick operation.
• Excellent low-light performance.

Reasons to avoid: 

• Weighs somewhat more than alternatives.
• No weatherproofing.

4- Sony E 50mm f/1.8 OSS

• The Sony E 50mm f/1.8 OSS lens has a maximum aperture of f/1.8 and performs well in low-light situations. 

•  It has a max magnification of 0.159x.

•  The lens features a 49mm filter diameter, which allows you to employ a variety of filters. 

•  The Sony E 50mm f/1.8 OSS does not have a weather seal.

Brand	Sony.
Type	Telephoto lens.
Lens format coverage	APS-C.
Compatible Mounting	Sony E.
Image Stabilization	The lens has image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	7 blades.
Lens construction	9 elements in 8 groups.
Minimum focus distance	0.3 m.
Weight	154 g.
Adjustment	Manually using the 1″ metal ring or automatically utilizing the all-internal linear motor focus.

Reasons to buy: 

• Creamy bokeh.
• Light and small.
• Equipped with OSS stabilization.
• Excellent value.

Reasons to avoid: 

• No weatherproofing.
• Not the strongest construction.

5- Sony FE 14mm F1.8 G Master

• The maximum aperture of the Sony FE 14mm F1.8 G Master lens is f/1.8. 

• It has an excellent maximum magnification of 0.1x.

• It has a gel slot on the back.

•  Furthermore, this G Master lens is well-built and weather-sealed, making it resistant to dust and moisture. 

Brand	Sony.
Type	Wide-angle lens.
Lens format coverage	APS-C.
Compatible Mounting	Sony FE.
Image Stabilization	No image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	9 blades.
Lens construction	14 elements in 11 groups.
Minimum focus distance	0.25 m.
Weight	460 g.
Adjustment	Autofocus.

Reasons to buy: 

• Excellent image quality.
• Super-fast autofocus.
• Amazingly light but strong.

Reasons to avoid: 

• Fixed hood, no filter thread.

6- Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS

• With a variable maximum aperture ranging from f/5.6 to f/6.3, the Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens provides flexibility in a variety of lighting circumstances. 

• It has a significant maximum magnification of 0.2x.

• The lens accepts 95mm filters.

•  Importantly, the lens is weather-sealed, assuring longevity in inclement weather, making it an excellent choice for outdoor photographers.

• Reflections, flare, and ghosting are reduced by using a nano AR coating.

Brand	Sony.
Type	Telephoto lens.
Lens format coverage	APS-C.
Compatible Mounting	Sony FE.
Image Stabilization	The lens has image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	11 blades.
Lens construction	24 elements in 17 groups.
Minimum focus distance	2.4 m.
Weight	2115 g.
Adjustment	Direct DRive SuperSonic Motor (DDSSM).

Reasons to buy: 

• 3x super telephoto zoom.
• Optical stabilization.

Reasons to avoid: 

• As a regular ‘G’ lens pricey.
• Very heavy.

7- Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G

• The Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G lens has a fixed maximum aperture of f/2.8.

•  It has a modest maximum magnification of 0.2x.

• The lens accepts 67mm filters.

• Its weather-sealed design is remarkable for its resistance to dust and moisture.

Brand	Sony.
Type	Standard lens.
Lens format coverage	APS-C.
Compatible Mounting	Sony E.
Image Stabilization	No image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	9 blades.
Lens construction	17 elements in 12 groups.
Minimum focus distance	0.33 m.
Weight	494 g.
Adjustment	Xd linear motor for fast, accurate, silent tracking and AF.

Reasons to buy: 

• Excellent image quality.
• f/2.8 max aperture.
• 24-83mm equivalent focal length.

Reasons to avoid: 

• No optical stabilization.

8- Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 G Master

• The maximum aperture of the lens is f/2.8.

• The highest magnification of 0.14x

• The lens is weather sealed to a professional standard.

Brand	Sony.
Type	Wide-angle lens.
Lens format coverage	APS-C.
Compatible Mounting	Sony FE.
Image Stabilization	No image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	9 blades.
Lens construction	17 elements in 14 groups.
Minimum focus distance	0.28 m.
Weight	847 g.
Adjustment	4x XD linear motor.

Reasons to buy: 

• Excellent image quality and handling.
• Wide viewing angle.

Reasons to avoid: 

• Non-removable hood.
• Expensive.

9- Viltrox AF 23 mm F1.4

A very versatile wide-angle prime, the Viltrox AF 23mm F1.4 lens. With an f/1.4 maximum aperture,

It has a reputable 0.1x maximum magnification

The lens accepts 52mm filters.

Please note that the lens is not fully sealed.

Brand	Viltrox.
Type	Wide-angle lens.
Lens format coverage	APS-C.
Compatible Mounting	Sony.
Image Stabilization	No image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	9 blades.
Lens construction	11 elements in 10 groups.
Minimum focus distance	0.3 m.
Weight	260 g.
Adjustment	STM stepping motor provides fast, quiet, precise autofocus and full-time manual focus override.

Reasons to buy: 

• Maximum aperture of f/1.4.
• A quick lens at a reasonable price.
• Lightweight.

Reasons to avoid: 

• Not completely weatherproof.
• There is no aperture ring locking switch.

What to look for the best Sony APS-C lenses 

1- Aperture 

Prioritize wide apertures indicated by low f-numbers such as f/1.4 or f/1.8 for prime lenses and about f/2.8 for zoom lenses when looking for the best Sony APS-C lenses. These apertures improve low-light performance, allow for creative depth of field customization, and provide stunning background blur.

Consider “Best Sony APS-C lenses” with wide apertures for adaptability in various shooting settings. Low-f-number prime lenses are great for portraits and low-light situations, while zoom lenses with constant apertures offer consistent performance across their focal range for high-quality shooting.

2- Focal length 

Consider the focal length when looking for the best Sony APS-C lenses for maximum versatility. Look for a selection that meets your photographic demands, such as prime lenses with fixed focal lengths, such as 35mm or 50mm for portraiture, and zoom lenses with flexible focus lengths for versatility.

The “Best Sony APS-C lenses” often have many focal lengths to efficiently capture a variety of objects. Wide-angle lenses are good for landscapes, whereas telephoto lenses like faraway details. Choose a focal length that suits your photography style.

3- Image stabilization 

For sharper, blur-free photos, choose Sony APS-C lenses with image stabilization. Optical SteadyShot (OSS) and other lens stabilization solutions are available. This improves performance, especially in low light or with telephoto lenses.

“Best Sony APS-C lenses” often incorporate image stabilization to reduce camera shake and improve handheld shooting. This capability lets photographers take clean, steady photographs without a tripod at a wide range of lens lengths and settings.

4- Compatibility 

Prioritize compatibility with your unique camera system when looking for the best Sony APS-C lenses. To ensure easy integration and best performance, look for lenses that are specifically built for Sony APS-C E-mount cameras.

The “Best Sony APS-C lenses” are those that are compatible with your camera’s mount and sensor size, while also providing adequate coverage and functionality. To ensure that autofocus and other capabilities work well, look for information on lens compatibility with your camera model.

This provides a harmonious connection, allowing you to fully utilize the capabilities of both your camera and lens, resulting in high-quality photographs and a rewarding photographic experience.

Best Sony APS-C lenses FAQs

1- Can Sony APS C lenses be used on full-frame mirrorless cameras?

It is not recommended to use Sony lenses built for the APS-C sensor on crop-sensor (APS-C) camera bodies. The Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 is the sole full-frame lens in this list. I recommend it because it is a significant upgrade over the prior APS-C product in the same format.

2- Do all Sony APS-C mirrorless cameras use the e-mount lens system?

Yes, the e-mount lens system is compatible with both Sony APS-C cameras and Sony full-frame cameras. This means you may utilize any wide-angle lens, conventional zoom, wide-angle zoom, manual focus lens, or Sony mirrorless lens.

3- What size lens is best for APS-C?

Best Zoom Landscape Lens for APS-C Cameras

The 10-24mm lens is the APS-C (1.5x or 1.6x) counterpart to the 16-35mm lens.

4- Can I use a Sony FE lens on APS-C?

Yes, a FE lens may be used on an E-Mount camera with an APS-C sensor. The picture circle of a FE lens is bigger than that of an APS-C sensor. As a result, the image is captured using only the center of the lens.

Conclusion 

Finally, the extraordinary skills of the Best Sony APS-C Lenses elevate the field of photography with Sony APS-C cameras. 

These camera lenses provide photographers with a wide range of creative options. The Best Sony APS-C Lenses feature exceptional image quality and performance, whether capturing gorgeous portraits, panoramic landscapes, or dynamic action images. 

A comprehensive guide for buying a camera lens as a beginner will be essential for people starting out in photography—explore my insightful Beginners Guide for Buying a Camera Lens to make informed choices and embark on a joyful photographic experience.