Today we have a list to help you find the best Sony A7ii Lens for you and your camera. We took a lot of time to analyze each and every lens to find the best of the best. You’ll find detailed reviews for each lens, as well as the pros and cons. First, let’s go over a little of the A7’s history.
The Sony A7 class of cameras hit the markets hard in 2013 as they were the first mirrorless cameras to contain full frame sensors. The A7, A7R and A7S led this series as incredibly compact sized full frame options. The A7ii-introduced in late 2014-was another leap in improvement as it additionally included in body stabilization. This works as an optimized-versus composite-function that takes into account focal length and corrections of X and Y axis movements that impact image quality. It, thus, has a special relationship to lenses as the body works in unison with its stabilization features in choosing the best system of the two to use. This correspondence is a critical factor in our assessment of the chosen lenses. Also, Sony’s E-mount, featured on the A7ii, allows for the connection of both full-frame and APS C E-mount lenses. However, image size is reduced with the use of APS C lenses. Also check out our article on the Best Sony A7iii Lenses if you are inerested in the lenses compatible with the A7ii’s big brother.
Best A7ii Lens for Travel & Casual Photography
The best lenses for the Sony A7ii serve a range of functions for the modern day casual photographer-ranging from the hobbyist to the astute blogger. The standard lenses that we have chosen for this category range from 10-105mm in focal length. Check out:
Sony 10-18mm f/4 G OSS
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The Sony 10-18mm is the widest lens available for Sony’s E-mount. It is made up of 10 glass elements in 8 groups. Of these are three spherical elements that curb distortion and spherical aberration. This lens is super lightweight at only 225g. The high quality build, and wide viewing angles allow for some pretty incredible work to come out of this lens. Luckily this quality still comes at a reasonable price tag to keep both you and your wallet happy.
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This is versatile wide angle lens that is fit for all different types of travel shots. It is great for indoor photography as well but the ISO must be increased in low lighting.
Sony 18-105mm f/4 G OSS
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This medium telephoto lens includes 16 glass elements in 12 groups. These contain 2 extra dispersion elements and 3 aspherical elements. It’s minimum focusing distance is particularly close at 0.45m and it has a maximum reproduction ratio of 1:9. It features Sony’s Handycam technology for an impeccably smooth zoom function-the speed of which can be altered and controlled for its many casual uses. It’s build as a generally light metal frame around plastic interior structures makes the lens less durable than it appeals. It’s size is a bit general for its type-weighing at 427g. This option works best for those of you looking to add a solid zoom lens to your arsenal of equipment.
Review
The Sony 18-105mm f/4 is a great introductory casual lens to affix to the Sony A7ii before exploring more expensive options with more advanced optics and greater durability. Yet we would say that the beautiful bokeh on this camera makes shots look a bit more crisp than otherwise. Add this to the minimal distortion throughout its range-with none visible at 18mm and it’s easy to see that this lens offers great value for all-in-one use.
Landscape & the Built Environment
The Sony A7ii has great lens options for landscape and the built environment. The built environment consists of municipal shots, architecture and interior design. Take a look at:
Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM
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This Sony FE 24mm lens contains an 11 blade diaphragm and 13 glass elements. These include 3 extra dispersion glass elements and 2 XA (Sony’s designation for extreme aspherical) glass elements. It’s minimum focus distance is 0.24m. In terms of handling it is pretty convenient, weighing at 445g. With the aperture ring towards the rear and at the front, it makes for easy control. On the side is a customizable focus hold button as well as an AF/MF switch.
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The XA elements are intended to prevent a phenomenon known as Sagittal flare-an unnatural smearing and spreading of point light sources. This makes this lens great for dynamic shots intended to preserve light quality-including certain event, street and, even, astro photography. A wacky blogger seeking out of the box methods to develop a niche would truly love this specimen.
Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM
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This lens features 12 glass elements in 10 respective groups. The construction includes 3 extra low dispersion elements and 5 aspherical elements. This produces its high precision in a compact design amongst its performance class of DSLR lenses. Also, it contains a Zeiss T coating that works to inhibit reflections and ensure a natural contrast. It has a minimum focusing distance of 0.28m and a maximum aperture of f/4.
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The Sony 16-35mm is great for a composition of use including indoor shots, group photos and especially landscape scenes due to its contrast mechanism.
Best A7ii Lens for Sports & Wildlife Photography
We typically separate the Sports and Wildlife categories for a more specific analysis. However, due to Sony’s limited telephoto option’s, we have chosen to combine them in this article for simplicity. Have a look at:
Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS
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The Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 contains 21 glass elements in 15 groups. It has a minimum focusing distance of 1-1.5m for autofocus and 1-1.35 for manual focus. The f/4 differs from newer model with about half of the magnification ratio of the f/2.8 at 1.3x versus 2.5x. Also, it is about half of the weight of the f/2.8 at 840g. Otherwise they are nearly identical, though the f/2.8 is known to be a bit less sharp in corners through the range.
Review
For an amateur photographer who is happy with a more than capable telephoto lens, the Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 is the way to go for $1,100 less. It is also a more ideal fit onto the Sony A7ii than its newer version-the f/2.8-as the A7ii is less wide and 60g lighter than the A7iii.
Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS
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Interestingly, it includes precision sensors that give the autofocus optimum performance as they produce real-time correspondence for super high performance accuracy. This comprises the greater Direct Drive SSM and double linear motor functions. The Direct Drive SSM is basically an advanced form of optical stabilization that develops mechanical movement from an applied electrical field to improve linear positioning of the focus group. This linear component also gives the user greater control of manual focusing by linear alteration of focus when the focus ring is rotated. Another progressive feature of the Sony FE 100-400mm is it’s user friendly zoom torque adjustment. Basically this allows for the shifting of zoom speed controls on the specific shooting needs and necessity of stable positioning. Also, it features 16 groups that comprise 22 glass elements-of which include two extra dispersion elements and one extra low dispersion element. Further, it has a magnification of 0.35x and a minimum focusing distance of 0.98m. It works perfectly with Sony’s 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters, creating up to 1200mm zoom on APS-C compatible models such as the A7ii. This heavy duty lens weighs in at 1395g.
Review
As Sony’s only telephoto lens that extends beyond 200mm, this lens’ facility speaks for itself. However, it is important to understand its unique features on a technical level, as introduced, because it is an investment that could be superseded by acquiring another brand of camera with greater lens options at this range. Another thing to note about this lens is that the attachment of the both the full frame and APS-C teleconverters would work at zoom ranges of 800mm and 1200mm, respectively. However, as noted in the camera overview, if will only take a photo using a small amount of the sensor so it will produce a smaller image.
Small Objects & Minute Detail
Macro shots are those intended to convey minute detail. These include those for scientific and artistic purposes as well as close up shots of nature and insects. These lenses magnify smaller objects to real life size. Check out:
Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS
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This Sony FE 90mm features a magnification of up to 1:1. Individual calibration of each lens and 9 blade circular aperture creates appealing bokeh by smoothing our edges and preventing spherical aberration. It quietness and easy of focusing make for the most delicate of macro shots. This is enabled by a focus configuration of two floating groups and the integration of a Direct Drive Super Sonic Wave Motor.
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All in all, this is a sharp lens for the most extreme of close ups. Its tremendous range and fast aperture make this a great option for certain types of portraits as well.
Portraits
The typically low light shots of portraits and special events are an absolute perfect fit for a few of the Sony lenses. They have truly unique features that are a perfect fit for the A7 class-and more specifically the A7ii. Have a look at:
Sony Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 FE
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With a 9 blade rounded aperture, this lens produces a more robust bokeh than many other Sony lenses. It features a responsive aperture ring that greatly facilitates this quality. This lens is specially apart of the brand’s Zeiss category as it contains Zeiss T coating-an application that basically prevents all light scattering, internal reflection and lens flare. This treatment guarantees the highest level of optical performance on multi-element lenses. It has a minimum focusing distance of 0.3m and a maximum magnification ratio of 0.18x. The lens composition is a total of 12 elements in 8 groups. There is an advanced aspherical element and two aspherical elements.
Review
The Sony Zeiss 35mm is a great lens option for portraits as well as landscapes with a bit of character and personality. It functions particularly well in low light and would serve both indoor and nighttime uses. This lens excels amongst competition in regards to image quality and bokeh-making it very much worth the investment.
Sony Zeiss 55mm f/1.8 FE
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The Sony Zeiss 55mm f/1.8 contains 7 glass elements in 5 groups. Three aspherical elements help make up this set. It features 9 aperture blades and circular aperture. It has a minimum focusing distance of 0.5m and a maximum magnification ratio of 0.14x
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This standard, midrange focal length lens is a great compact option for the amateur photographer. This gadget is moreso ideal for wider portrait framing due to the wideangle incurred on a full frame camera such as the A7ii.
Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM
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This lens is apart of Sony’s G Master (GM) series, which is a clear step above the G designation in terms of optical performance. The lens features 3 extra low dispersion elements and one extreme aspherical lens element-that makes up its total of 11 glass elements in 8 groups. These are all treated with Sony’s Advanced Nano AR Coating technology that tremendously prevents ghosting and flare for near unparalleled contrast and clarity. Also, with 11 rounded aperture blades, it performs amongst the brand’s best in terms of bokeh.
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The Sony 85 f/1.4is truly a state of the art portrait lens that competes with any and all contemporaries. Most importantly, the compatibility of the GM class with the newest rollout of sensors and 8K video make the lenses a highly considerable investment option-for the photographer of any level-as they are primed for the highest optimizations for the next 10 years or so.