Sony has some incredible lenses. The company’s decision to shift to mirrorless early on played an incredible role in shaping their optics, with the company also working on some collaborations with Zeiss to make things better. This proves the range of optics they have today, and some, despite being old, are perfect for beginners to use. If you are someone who is relying on affordable options, here are two zoom lenses from Sony that can be of help.
Sony 16-35mm F4 PZ G
What makes it great? While shooting stationary subjects, the lens was obviously fast. However, when we moved to photograph a swing, the success rate was at just 80%. This is pretty great given that the lens is designed more for video use. The autofocus is also quiet, so hybrid creators won’t pick up noise. In low light, the focus was achieved too, but it took a second or two longer to focus. As a Sonnar lens, it offers technically sharp images that do not feature any lens flare. The distortion is minimal, and you get some bokeh if you work for it. The colors are nice, much like the ones you get from the Sony a7R IV body.
Who is it for? The range is pretty wide, which means the lens is perfect for landscape, architecture, street, and interior photographers. Those who shoot products at f8 will also adore it. This lens is perfect for hybrid photographers who also rely on videos.
Why is it unique? The lens may have one stop higher aperture, but it is indeed lightweight. In fact, the company said it was the lightest full-frame power zoom from Sony ever (12.5 ounces). At about 3.5 inches long, it is also quite portable. Moreover, in addition to aperture and zoom ring, it also features a power zoom ring. Other than that, the lens is quite hard to distinguish from the f2.8 offering. It feels nice in your hands, is easy to use, and is weather-sealed. This means you can shoot even if you splash some water on it.
I see little reason why landscape and real estate photographers (who never shoot at f2.8) should not buy this lens. Those photographers tend to shoot at f8, and they may as well save the $1,000 and get the lighter lens.
Sony Zeiss 24-70mm f4 FE OSS
What makes it great? The lens Vario-Tessar marking, which is what Zeiss lenses are known for. It is their nomenclature. The lens’ design is also simple with a focusing ring and aperture ring stacked next to one another. Even when it is zoomed out, the lens is not really big, making it ideal for event photographers. The quality is also great, and it fits well in your hands. It weighs just 430g and has a 0.2x magnification.
Who is it for? It is a zoom lens, so photographers who like to photograph people, streets, products, food, weddings, or documentary subjects can opt for it.
Why is it unique? One will be quite surprised with the focusing system on the 24-70mm. It is quick and just does a solid job on tracking people and things. In fact, we found it as fast as Olympus lenses and Sony’s own primes. And this performance sticks around even when shooting in low light. Like the focus, the image quality is pretty solid. There is some great sharpness, but the bokeh does not stand out as one would expect. The colors are saturated, just what you would expect from Zeiss. You can work with Sony’s RAW to get more.
For folks that decide to spring for this lens, they can surely know that at least it will focus well. In some situations, we actually thought that this lens was faster in focusing than some of the company’s primes.
