The best Sony lenses in 2024: top E-Mount lenses for Sony Alpha mirrorless cameras

We’ve always been big fans of Sony’s top-flight G Master lenses. They’re big and beautiful, but expensive, designed to suit the best Sony cameras for professionals. These lenses aim for the ultimate in all-around performance and image quality, especially in terms of sharpness and bokeh (the quality of defocused areas within images). But they’re not for everyone. We’re finding more and more that we need to keep an eye on the budget, and there are many relatively affordable lenses that we’d be more than happy to pop in our kit bags.

We’re also impressed that, because Sony stole a lead on other manufacturers in the full-frame mirrorless market, it’s had more time to build up a wide array of companion lenses to suit every need and budget. And let’s not forget that there’s a deep vein of history behind Sony's range of APS-C models that are more for hobbyists and enthusiasts, like the Sony a6700 or the Sony ZV-E10 vlogging camera.

As with other camera systems, you can use full-frame ‘FE’ lenses on APS-C models too, and often this can be the best choice for telephotos, macro lenses, and other longer focal length options. But with standard zooms and ultra-wide lenses, we always feel it’s essential to get the right tool for the job, which will be a lens specifically designed for an APS-C format camera. And, if you haven't decided which model to buy, then do also check out our best Sony camera guide.

So, without further ado, here are the lenses that we think are the best buys in all the major categories, for both full-frame and APS-C format Sony mirrorless cameras.

Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.

Matthew Richards

Matthew Richards is a photographer and journalist who has spent years using and reviewing all manner of photo gear. He is Digital Camera World's principal lens reviewer – and has tested more primes and zooms than most people have had hot dinners! 


His expertise with equipment doesn’t end there, though. He is also an encyclopedia  when it comes to all manner of cameras, camera holsters and bags, flashguns, tripods and heads, printers, papers and inks, and just about anything imaging-related. 


In an earlier life he was a broadcast engineer at the BBC, as well as a former editor of PC Guide.

With contributions from