The Sony a7, or Alpha 7, is a fantastic full-frame mirrorless camera with 24.3 megapixels that’s beginner-friendly.
It’s also a great blogging camera and packs really well for travels around the world.
Want to elevate your photos and capture the most stunning images?
Perhaps it’s time for a new lens that best caters to your photography needs!
This camera uses the E-mount but can support FE and A-mount lenses with the appropriate adapters.
Below, we’ve summarized the best lens for different types of uses, from wide-angle scenery photographs to close-up macro shots.
Need a quick answer? Check out the Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8
There are several lens types you can try with the Sony a7, including…
Perhaps as basic as camera lenses get, a prime lens refers to a lens with a fixed focal length. You can’t zoom in or out, but this type of lens is typically much sharper and produces less distortion.
Because they have less mechanism inside, they’re also usually lighter and more compact, which makes them more travel-friendly than other types of lenses.
Meanwhile, a zoom lens is designed to have multiple focal lengths, so you can easily reframe your scene by twisting the lens’ zoom ring.
It’s definitely more versatile because a single lens can be used for a different range of photography styles. From wide group photos to zoomed up subjects, you name it.
A portrait lens is not really a technical definition of a lens type, but more so an ideal combo of focal range and aperture that gives you the most flattering reproduction of the human face.
The best portrait lens can produce creamy background blurs. Go for a longer lens if you like close-up portraits and shorter ones if you also want to capture details in the background!
You’ve probably seen the stereotypical photographer with their humongous lenses—these are telephoto lenses. Made for long-distance photography, they have a powerful zoom that lets you capture faraway subjects in incredible detail.
Most people use this lens type for sports, events, and wildlife. Note that a telephoto lens is typically large, heavy, and expensive.
The shorter the focal length of a lens, the more they are able to capture a single scene in one frame. Lenses in this category are often known as wide-angle lenses, which often also have fantastic low light capabilities.
We love using the wide-angle lens for landscapes, architecture and interior shots, astro photography and group shots. They’re also a great option for traveling!
Next up is the macro lens, which comes with 1:1 magnification or life-sized reproduction that allows you to photograph really small subjects from a close distance. This is why most macro lenses have a close minimum focus distance.
The most common subjects for macro photography include bugs and insects, flowers, leaves, water droplets, glass, and other interesting textures.
A fisheye lens, which is often categorized with other specialty lenses, is an ultra-wide-angle lens that can produce a very dramatic and exaggerated perspective.
This lens type appeals more for a more creative photography approach where you can experiment with unique angles and situations.
When choosing a lens for your Sony a7, you should pay attention to the following factors:
Lens aperture, represented with an ‘f’ and a number, measures the amount of light that can enter the lens and how well it can perform in low light. The larger the maximum aperture, the better it can handle shots in poorly-lit conditions.
A lower number like f/1.4 denotes a larger aperture, whereas a larger number such as f/4 means the maximum aperture is narrower. Lenses with a large aperture usually cost more.
Focal length is measured in mm and defines the angle of view and magnification of the lens. This means how much of a scene it can capture in one single frame.
A shorter lens (for example, 10mm) means it’s more wide-angle and has a wider perspective, whereas a longer lens (85mm) can zoom in more closely to subjects from a distance.
The price is also an important aspect to consider when buying a lens. While bloggers and professional photographers may want to invest more in a good lens, a casual hobbyist can benefit from something more affordable first.
You can also save money by doing without certain features that you won’t use. For example, a f/2.8 version of the same lens will be much cheaper than its f/1.4 counterpart.
The build quality of a lens determines how well-constructed it is and how the lens feels in your hands. A good lens should be tough and rugged, and can last you longer.
We’d also recommend looking at the weather-sealing and splash and dust resistance, which can be especially helpful for travels and outdoor photo sessions.
The Sony a7 is a full-frame mirrorless camera known to be more lightweight than other models in this class, which means you should think about how your camera and lens will weigh overall.
This is even more important if you’re planning to travel with your camera or go on a long backpacking trip. Plus, don’t forget to check if your lens can fit in your camera backpack!
We’ve summarized the 7 main types of lenses above, and knowing which one you need can help narrow down your choices and make the lens buying process much simpler.
For instance, a regular photography enthusiast might love an everyday zoom lens, but a professional sports photographer would probably benefit from a specialized telephoto lens.
The Sony a7 doesn’t come with any in-body image stabilization, which means it’s worth getting a lens with stabilization. This will help you capture blur-free shots most of the time, even when shooting handheld or in low light.
Minimum focus distance: 0.18 m
Focal length: 28-75 mm
Maximum aperture: f/2.8
Filter diameter: 67 mm
Weight: 540 g
Size (diameter x length): 75.8 x 117.6 mm
The single best lens for the Sony a7 that we’d recommend is the Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8, an all-round zoom lens with a fast aperture, excellent optics, and a high-resolution performance.
It’s overall very high performing and delivers exceptional image quality.
We love the versatile zoom range that is suitable for everything from landscape, events, street photography, to portraits.
Its VXD linear motor focus mechanism allows fast and precise autofocus that can track fast-moving subjects.
Moreover, it comes with 17 lens elements in 15 groups, including two low dispersion and glass molded aspherical lenses for minimal optical aberration.
It also has a close focusing distance of just 0.18m for the 28mm end, which is useful for wide-angle shots in tight spaces.
At the same time, you can enjoy a max magnification ratio of 1:2.7 for beautiful close-ups! Talk about versatility indeed.
Minimum focus distance: 0.38 m
Focal length: 24-70 mm
Maximum aperture: f/2.8
Filter diameter: 82 mm
Weight: 886 g
Size (diameter x length): 87.6 x 136 mm
This is another excellent zoom lens for the Sony a7, although it’s way more expensive and may not be ideal for beginners and casual photographers.
The Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM pushes the focal range and has a useful 24mm focal length that can be great for wide-angle photography, including landscapes and architecture.
But it's 70mm end is also excellent for portraits, events, and even some macro shots.
It’s truly a versatile lens that any pro photographer will love.
Part of the G Master design, it features 9-blade circular aperture and a constant F2.8 max aperture for beautiful bokeh.
The three aspherical elements include the new XA element with 0.01-micron surface precision that ensures the highest resolution and corner-to-corner sharpness.
Minimum focus distance: 0.3 m
Focal length: 28-70 mm
Maximum aperture: f/3.5
Filter diameter: 55 mm
Weight: 295 g
Size (diameter x length): 72.5 x 83 mm
For a budget zoom lens alternative, you won’t find a better option than the Sony 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 FE.
This mid-range zoom lens is incredibly lightweight, compact, and has useful dust and moisture resistance.
In addition to built-in image stabilization, it also has a 7-blade circular aperture that can produce some background blur.
We love the internal focusing system that means the overall lens length won’t change when you’re adjusting the focus. This also ensures faster autofocus and a shorter minimum focus distance.
Not to mention that it’s got good center sharpness.
Overall, a great zoom lens for beginners!
Minimum focus distance: 0.45 m
Focal length: 50 mm
Maximum aperture: f/1.4
Filter diameter: 72 mm
Weight: 778 g
Size (diameter x length): 83.5 x 108 mm
When it comes to prime lenses for the Sony a7, the Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 undoubtedly excels.
Fast and high-performing, this Sony lens is not only our top prime lens for the Sony a7, it’s also possibly the best ‘nifty fifty’ lens you can get.
It offers incredible contrast and resolution, while the impressive f/1.4 max aperture ensures the best low light performance.
More impressively, it has an 11-blade aperture design that produces just the most stunning bokeh!
Meanwhile, the two aspherical elements and ED glass elements guarantee high resolution and contrast.
There’s also the fast and accurate autofocus, as well as an intuitive control for recording videos.
Minimum focus distance: 0.45 m
Focal length: 49 mm
Maximum aperture: f/1.8
Filter diameter: 52 mm
Weight: 186 g
Size (diameter x length): 68.6 x 59.5 mm
A cheaper alternative to the previous lens is the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8, which is also a fantastic prime lens but with a slightly smaller max aperture.
That’s not to say that it can’t capture great photos in low light, so this can really be an awesome lens to try out.
Additionally, this lens is very lightweight and compact—perfect for any trip.
Its f/1.8 and 7-blade circular aperture work together to produce gorgeous and smooth bokeh, which comes in handy when shooting portraits.
The overall optical performance isn’t to ignore either, as the aspherical element and double-gauss configuration ensure the best results.
For the price, this Sony lens also has an impressively sturdy build quality!
Minimum focus distance: 0.8 m
Focal length: 85 mm
Maximum aperture: f/1.8
Filter diameter: 67 mm
Weight: 371 g
Size (diameter x length): 78 x 82 mm
The Sony 85mm f/1.8 is a clear winner when it comes to portrait photography.
It’s compact, pretty light, and has remarkable resolution across all corners.
Most importantly for portraits, this lens comes with a 9-blade circular aperture that can achieve beautiful bokeh.
The double linear motor actuator is also great for ensuring quiet and precise autofocusing.
Plus, there’s a customizable focus hold button and responsive focus ring for easy switching between AF and MF.
Not to mention the dust and moisture resistance that makes it easy to use outdoors, for example on a trip to Sri Lanka.
Minimum focus distance: 0.19 m
Focal length: 17-28 mm
Maximum aperture: f/2.8
Filter diameter: 67 mm
Weight: 420 g
Size (diameter x length): 73 x 99 mm
The Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 has got to be the best wide-angle lens for the Sony a7, all thanks to its focal length and consistent f/2.8 aperture.
Both lightweight and compact, this is a great urban lens that you can bring around the city and use to photograph different sceneries and architecture.
It comes with low dispersion and extra low dispersion lens elements for minimal chromatic aberration.
The autofocus also features an RXD stepper motor, which ensures fast, precise, and quiet autofocusing.
Minimum focus distance: 0.22 m
Focal length: 35 mm
Maximum aperture: f/1.8
Filter diameter: 55 mm
Weight: 280 g
Size (diameter x length): 65.6 x 73 mm
If you want an even lighter prime lens alternative for wide-angle photography, look no further than the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8.
At only 280g, it’s especially lightweight and compact, and offers extremely high resolution on all corners.
This makes it a great lens to travel with! From sprawling sceneries to tall architecture, it can capture all!
The 9-blade circular aperture is useful for producing smooth bokeh, whereas the AF tracking is reliable in all sorts of situations.
A focus mode switch that allows instant switching between auto and manual focus mode can be a great advantage when shooting subjects or situations that require fine manual focus adjustment.
Minimum focus distance: 0.28 m
Focal length: 90 mm
Maximum aperture: f/2.8
Filter diameter: 62 mm
Weight: 602 g
Size (diameter x length): 79 x 130.5 mm
The Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS is a super sharp macro lens with weather-sealing and a really premium build quality.
It features a circular aperture for smooth defocusing effect and gorgeous bokeh.
The built-in stabilization uses gyro sensors that can counteract even the smallest movements. This is always great for macro shots.
Also, it comes with a quiet and accurate Direct Drive focus drive, which ensures silent autofocusing and can be useful for photographing insects and small animals.
Whereas the Nano AR Coating technology ensures reduced flare and ghosting in your photos.
Minimum focus distance: 0.8 m
Focal length: 85 mm
Maximum aperture: f/1.8
Filter diameter: 72 mm
Weight: 645 g
Size (diameter x length): 93.23 x 80 mm
The Tokina atx-m 85mm F1.8 FE is the lens to choose if you’re wanting to experiment with bokeh photography and produce gorgeous background blurs.
Aptly called the Bokeh Monster, it features a large-diameter front element and a bright f/1.8 maximum aperture.
In addition, this fast aperture also makes it great to use in low light and for portraits.
It also comes with Super Low Reflection Coating as well as water, oil and dust resistance. All of this contributes to minimal ghost and flaring.
Not to mention that it comes with an excellent Face/Eye Priority AF and Real-time Eye AF.
Minimum focus distance: 0.82 m
Focal length: 28 mm
Maximum aperture: f/2
Filter diameter: 49 mm
Weight: 200 g
Size (diameter x length): 64 x 60 mm
Are you looking for the best travel companion that can help you document the unique experiences from your trips? The Sony FE 28mm f/2 might be it.
This wide-angle prime lens is quite affordable while being extremely compact and lightweight.
The 28mm focal length is especially ideal for landscape, architecture, and street photography.
Its advanced optics and coatings include a 9-blade circular aperture and internal focusing, which can come in handy for both stills and videos.
It also comes with super ED glass to reduce chromatic aberration and aspherical lens elements for minimal distortion.
The best thing is that you can achieve an even wider perspective using Sony’s ultra-wide or fisheye converters!
Minimum focus distance: 0.2 m
Focal length: 12 mm
Maximum aperture: f/2.8
Filter diameter: -
Weight: 525 g
Size (diameter x length): 77.3 x 98.7 mm
The Samyang 12mm f/2.8 ED AS NCS is a good fisheye lens for the Sony a7.
It’s an ultra-wide angle lens that can cover up to 180-degree, which can be great for group photos or other creative shots.
The lens comes with a nano-coating system to reduce flare and ghosting effect, giving you only clear and sharp images.
It also features 7 rounded blades for soft bokeh, out-of-focus portraits, and unique starburst effects.
Not to mention that its smooth focusing is both fast and precise, which means you can still shoot in dark environments and at night!
Minimum focus distance: 0.5 m
Focal length: 55 mm
Maximum aperture: f/1.8
Filter diameter: 55 mm
Weight: 281 g
Size (diameter x length): 64.52 x 70.61 mm
The Sony FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA is a fantastic lens for stills, but it’s also our top choice for videos.
It’s a prime lens designed for everyday use with a bright f/1.8 aperture that makes it really easy to shoot in low light.
It has 7 lens elements in 5 groups for truly spectacular optics, and the sharpness is also incredible.
Moreover, this Sony lens features a linear autofocus motor and an internal focusing system that is super quick, accurate, and silent—perfect for filmmaking!
Not to mention that its weather-sealing design includes dust and moisture resistance, so you don’t have to worry about exploring places known to rain from time to time, like Bali.
Minimum focus distance: 0.9 m
Focal length: 70-300 mm
Maximum aperture: f/4.5
Filter diameter: 72 mm
Weight: 854 g
Size (diameter x length): 84 x 143.5 mm
The Sony FE 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G OSS is an excellent telephoto lens that comes with image stabilization, weather-sealing, and a linear actuator and an inner focus mechanism.
Although a little pricey, it’s surprisingly lightweight for a telephoto lens, especially if you consider its pro-level image quality.
With four aspherical glass elements, two ED glass elements and Sony's Nano AR coating, you get super impressive optics for both stills and film.
This lens is capable of powerful zoom, which is great for capturing wildlife or other subjects from afar.
Finally, its 9-blade circular aperture can create stunning bokeh, especially at wide open.
Minimum focus distance: 2.4 m
Focal length: 200-600 mm
Maximum aperture: f/5.6
Filter diameter: 95 mm
Weight: 2115 g
Size (diameter x length): 111.5 x 318 mm
If you want an even more powerful telephoto lens, the Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS is the lens to go for.
It’s especially suitable for wildlife, thanks to its ability to reach as far as 1,200 mm with a 2.0x teleconverter.
The pro-level image quality is ensured by the five ED glass elements and one aspherical element, whereas the 11-blade circular aperture ensures striking and creamy bokeh.
There’s also the Direct Drive Super Sonicwave Motor system which gives you quick, precise, and quiet focusing.
Note that this may not be as suitable for beginners as it’s quite expensive, heavy, and bulky.
With that said, it’s a solid investment for anyone who wants to get serious in wildlife or other telephoto photography.
The Sony A7 uses a Sony E mount and there are over a hundred lenses with this mount out there. The camera has a full-frame sensor, so its 1x focal length multiplier means that you don’t have to worry about cropped magnification with your lens.
Yes, E-mount lenses work on the a7.
At the end of the day, the best lens for your Sony a7 depends on what you need it for. However, our general recommendation would be the Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8, an all-rounder with impressive image quality and construction.
Yes, you can use A-mount lenses on the Sony a7 as long as you use an A-mount to E-mount lens adapter.
That wraps up our list of the best Sony a7 lenses.
From standard prime to telephoto zoom, we tried including different types of lenses.
We do hope you could find the right lens for you!
Did we miss any great Sony a7 lens?
Which of these are you choosing?
Drop us a comment below!
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