Set of optics for cropped Sony mirrorless cameras: TOP 5 popular lenses

In 2023, the amateur line of Contemporary lenses from Sigma was replenished with a remarkable specimen with a focal length of 23 mm and a high aperture of f/1.4.

The lens turned out to be an analogue of 35mm primes for full frame - it has exactly the same equivalent focal length, which is perfect for any everyday photography genre. Moreover, the model has practically no direct competitors among the original optics for the Sony E system (with the exception of the “old man” Sony Sonnar T* E 24mm f/1.8 ZA, but its aperture is not so impressive).

The model is assembled in a compact case weighing about 330 g, and its external design can be characterized as minimalistic. Of the controls, the photographer is provided with only a wide ring, an electronic ring for manual focusing. The “inside” of the lens contains an optical design of 13 elements in 10 groups, a fast and accurate stepper autofocus motor. To improve image quality, the Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary has added two aspherical elements and a trio of ultra-low dispersion lenses to its optical formula.

The prime lens has one uncharacteristic feature for wide-angle optics - thanks to a 9-blade aperture, it is able to “draw” interesting bokeh when shooting with a shallow depth of field. Filters with a diameter of 52 mm can also be installed on the front lens frame. The model is suitable for a wide variety of shooting scenarios, both outdoors and indoors. You only need to slightly correct vignetting and chromatic aberration when photographing at the widest apertures. They don’t do any special “weather” and are easily corrected in photo editors at the post-production stage.

A suitable alternative to the original “fifty-kopeck” Sony E 50mm f/1.8 OSS, which has been produced since 2012, is a new model from a third-party manufacturer - Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.4. It can also be considered as an analogue of the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary lens.

Taking into account the 1.5x crop factor, the lens is a classic fast portrait lens - its equivalent focal length is close to the “reference” mark of 85 mm. For the portrait genre of photography, this is an ideal value that allows you to maintain the most correct proportions of the model’s face. And the high aperture f/1.4 optics, supported by a 9-blade aperture design, will help to effectively separate the subject from the background.

The model is assembled in a durable metal case and is equipped with two control rings - for manual focusing and changing the aperture (electronically). “Under the hood” of the fix there is an STM stepper autofocus drive, which is quite capable of providing eye focusing. But compared to its peers, the engine turned out to be a little noisy.

The Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.4 produces a sharp image in the center of the frame with open apertures and “draws” quite good bokeh. The only “but” is chromatic aberrations on open holes, which, however, are easily eliminated during post-processing of the footage. Among other features of the model, there is a built-in microUSB connector for updating the firmware from a computer. For dessert, the model has an affordable price.

The Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD is a one-of-a-kind lens. This is a fast, wide-angle zoom with a built-in fast and silent autofocus system.

For cropped cameras, autofocus models with a wide-angle range of focal lengths are produced quite rarely. However, the lens from Tamron was a pleasant exception to this rule. In full-frame equivalent, it shoots in the range from 16.5 to 30 mm, which fits perfectly into the concept of urban sketches, landscape and interior photography.

The lens aperture remains unchanged at f/2.8 at any chosen focal length. Plus, the model has acquired the fastest and almost silent autofocus motor Rapid eXtra-silent Drive (RXD), which does an excellent job in focusing tracking mode and remains inaudible during video recording. At the 11 mm zoom position, the lens focuses from a distance of 15 cm from the plane of the matrix, at a maximum magnification of 20 mm - from a distance of 24 cm. As a result, you can capture close-ups while maintaining a wide viewing angle.

The Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD weighs about 335 g . In terms of assembly, the model boasts reliable dust and moisture protection of the body, a fluorine coating on the front lens and a BBAR-G2 anti-reflective coating on the internal lenses, thanks to which the lens confidently holds backlight and does not create flare. At the same time, it produces a sharp, detailed picture without any artifacts - in-camera correction of vignetting, chromatic aberrations and distortions works together with the zoom. The model is a very good option for wide-angle optics for cropped Sony mirrorless cameras.

As standard, many Sony cameras from the “six thousand” league come standard with the Sony E 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS kit lens. This is a very good option for the first time, but to realize your creative potential it is worth replacing it with another similar model - the Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G.

The zoom lens in question covers the popular range of equivalent focal lengths from 24 to 82.5 mm. In the wide-angle position it is convenient to shoot interiors and architecture, in the “middle” - landscapes and shots in the street photography genre, in the telephoto position - portraits and reports. A significant advantage of the model is its constant high aperture of f/2.8.

Thanks to its relatively compact size and light weight (less than half a kilogram), the lens perfectly balances with cropped Sony mirrorless cameras. Optically, it is designed according to the formula “17 elements in 12 groups”, and the design includes four aspherical elements and three low-dispersion lenses to reduce chromatic aberrations. The lens autofocus is driven by an XD linear stepper motor. By the way, there is a separate focus hold button on the body of the model, but if necessary, it can be reprogrammed for other functions from the camera menu.

When using a lens , the photographer has the right to count on excellent image sharpness even from open apertures. And with in-camera correction enabled, the image will not be spoiled by vignetting, distortion and chromatic aberration. With some skill, the lens allows you to draw quite remarkable bokeh. Well, as a bonus, the owner of the optics receives a weatherproof design, which will come in handy when traveling and on walks.

Before the release of this telephoto, owners of cropped Sony mirrorless cameras were content with either the “old” Sony E 55-210mm f/4.5-6.3 zoom, or used large and expensive full-frame lenses for the Sony E system for long-range shooting.

The model solved the problem with the lack of “native” telephoto lenses for Sony cameras with an APS-C image sensor. In terms of full frame equivalent, it covers the telephoto focal length range of 105 – 525 mm. In practice, the lens performs well when shooting architectural elements, shy animals, reports or even portraits. However, the low “floating” aperture of f/4.5-6.3 somewhat limits the use of the telephoto for shooting dynamic scenes or when it is necessary to obtain effective background blur.

The “dark” side of the model is compensated by an optical image stabilization system, which allows you to gain up to 4.5 stops of shutter speed or exposure in low-light conditions. It also works with the in-camera matrix stub, which is found in advanced Sony mirrorless cameras from the “six thousand” league. Note that during zooming, a kind of “trunk” emerges from the front of the lens body. The longer the focal length, the longer the lens. To prevent spontaneous extension of the tube, a special lock is provided on the body of the model.

The Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS provides excellent sharpness and good image detail when shooting across almost the entire focal length range. A fast and silent autofocus system controlled by the XD linear engine helps you achieve sharpness. Additionally, there is a focus lock button on the body of the model - it can be reprogrammed for other actions from the camera menu. The telephoto weighs about 640 g, and it is also not afraid of dust and moisture.