Sony has had a mirrorless camera system for a while. Originally called the NEX system, it has since been incorporated into the Alpha system. The company originally had only APS-C cameras, but they were the first to give the world full frame mirrorless cameras for the E-mount. However, the full-frame E-mount lenses are more expensive and much newer. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t find affordable options out there.
In our reviews of reviewing lenses, we’ve compiled lots of information from our Reviews Index and around rounding up our favorite E-mount lenses that won’t break the bank.
Sigma 30mm f2.8 DN
In our review, we state:
“Both lenses are quite sharp, even when shot wide open at F2.8 but sharpness does drop off a bit as you head towards the corners. Stop either lens down to F4 and the entire frame sharpens up nicely. I found only a few images that I felt needed sharpening and these were images with tough lighting situations (e.g. shooting into the sun) where general contrast was lacking.”
Buy Now $199: Amazon | B&H Photo
Sony 28mm f2
In our review, we state:
“The Sony 28mm f2 has incredible image quality, and it goes to show that folks that tend to snub their noses at Sony lenses should give them another look. The Sony 28mm f2 is not only sharp, but offers very good color, beautiful bokeh for a lens this wide, and very little in the way of image quality issues. Wide open, it will vignette a bit, but you can creatively embrace this. You’ll also face some distortion which will need to be eliminated in post-production or through camera settings. But that’s what you need to expect with a lens like this.”
Buy Now $448: Amazon | B&H Photo
Sigma 60mm f2.8 DN
In our review, we state:
“Autofocus is blazingly fast and quiet to boot. From taking street portraits which allowed me to take my time to walking down the street and shooting from the hip, the Sigma 60mm f/2.8 DN kept up quite well. Focusing was accurate for the most part, but not as consistent as I would have liked. I found myself either very pleased or disappointed with pictures in Lightroom. Even if the camera says you have the focus nailed, I found several shots were either a tad soft or either missed slightly. However, when it hits, it hits and I was generally pleased with the results.”
Buy Now $209: Amazon | B&H Photo
Sony E 50mm f1.8 OSS
In our review, we state:
“I was extremely impressed with the NEX 50mm f1.8. Of all the lenses I’ve tested so far, it has the best image quality for the system. The fact that I was able to use it for a professional product shoot also blew my mind away. Generally, I leave all of that to my 5D Mk II but the fact that I did it with this little camera makes me thrilled for the mirrorless future. Additionally, it also makes me wonder how many people may already be shooting professionally with mirrorless cameras already.”
Buy Now $248: Amazon | B&H Photo
Sony 20mm f2.8
In our review, we state:
“Perhaps the strongest quality about this lens is its color rendition. The 20mm f2.8 is super punchy when it comes to colors. That means if you’re shooting wildlife or random street scenes, you’ll be in for a treat. In fact, it kind of reminds us a bit of Fujifilm Velvia, but not quite.”
Buy Now $348: Amazon | B&H Photo
