10 Best E-Mount Lenses 2023 – The Latest Reviews Buying Guide

Are you ready to move beyond the limitations of the kit lens that your lovely camera came bundled with? Maybe it’s high time that you bank on getting the E-Mount lenses possible.

So, what are these lens all about? You might be wondering. And well, by taking a closer look at the technology behind it, we can confidently conclude that

• It is aimed at reducing mechanical complexity
• It also shortens the flange focal distance
• Helps cut down the radius of the flange

So, without a doubt, E-Mount lenses are some of the most effective tools you can ever find. They have earned the reputation of being able to focus quite fast and are, therefore, loved by the pros and beginners alike

E-Mount Lenses – Comparison

So, which one of these popular lenses should you consider investing in? Well, we have rounded up the list for you and even if you do not have the whole day to read, this shortened list would be of help.

1. Sony 55mm F1.8 T FE Lens

This lens was introduced in 2013 and is among the veterans in the field of fast-aperture standard focal prime lens compatible with the FE mount. The 50mm lens has grown in popularity over the years and is available in four versions.

Apart from the FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA version, there are Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro lens, Premium Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 ZA and the Entry-level Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 lens.

Product description  

This lens is lightweight, small and compact, weighing a mere 281 grams and measuring 64 by 70mm. Its optical construction consists of seven elements in five groups, with three of the elements being aspheric elements.

It also contains Zeiss T anti-reflective coating which will provide the lens with aberrations and flare resistance capabilities.

The lens utilizes the linear focus motor which will be vital in reducing noise. It has a minimum focus distance of 19.7 inches and the aperture feature 9-rounded blades.

Other features and benefits 

The Sony FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA has a high-quality build with a metal barrel that features a glossy black look which gives it a stunning appeal. The front element of the lens features a 49mm filter-thread that is a non-rotating type.

This front element is well-protected by a petal-shaped hood which though large is quite firm and fits very well. The focus ring measures roughly one inch wide and is smooth and very easy to operate.

The focus speeds are impressively high while the operation is quite as well and this can be attributed to the linear motor.

The lens is exceptionally sharp, and you will mainly be impressed by the sharpness at f/2 and f/2.8. You will, however, experience diffractions at f/5.6.

It does not have built-in image stabilization but relies on the In-body stabilization (IBIS) in the Sony camera bodies, and you will end up with very sharp shots at shutter speeds of roughly 1/10 second.

It produces a smooth bokeh while the flare and chromatic aberrations are very well-handled.

Pros

• Compact and lightweight
• Impressive flare-resistance
• High-quality build

2. Sony 24mm F1.4 GM E-Mount FE lens

This prime wide-angle lens was introduced in September 2018 and was designed for the Sony full-frame mirrorless cameras. It is quite popular, and this may be attributed to its distortion-free field of view which is not a common feature of wide-angle lenses.

This coverage is more than 28mm and this coupled with f/1.4 focal ratio makes it ideal for use in low light conditions.

Product description

The Sony 24mm f/1.4 GM weighs roughly 445g and measures 75 by 92 mm without the lens hood whose diameter measures 99mm and weighs 33g. Its optical design consists of 13 elements in 10 groups, three of the elements being special dispersion elements and two being aspherical elements.

The front element contains fluorine coating as well as Nano coating while it has a close focus distance of 0.23m. The lens has a built-in AF drive and has no optical stabilization.

Other features and benefits

The lens weighs 445g, and this may seem a lot. However, this a full-frame lens with a very fast maximum aperture, therefore, this is reasonably low weight. This coupled with the 75 by 92mm measurement makes it very compact.

The build quality is fantastic, with a design targeting to make it dust-sealed and moisture-resistant. The lens mount is metallic to enhance its stability and durability as well.

The focus ring is wide and ridged, and if you wish to perform manual focusing, you can always toggle between AF and MF via the focus mode switch.

It uses the Direct Drive SSM motor (DDS) to give you a smooth and quiet autofocus action. AF is also very fast and accurate.

The lens is extremely sharp throughout the range while the chromatic aberrations and barrel distortion are very well-handled.

Finally, the lens will give you an excellent background blur.

Pros

• High-quality build
• Fairly compact
• Fast, quiet and accurate AF

Cons

• The edges may experience some softness

3. Sony 28mm f/2-22 FE SEL28F20 Prime lens

The main selling point of the Sony 28mm F/2-22 is its relative affordability in comparison to other prime lenses in the series. It was designed to work well on Sony’s full-frame mirrorless cameras.

We and most other photography-enthusiasts out there are very pleased with the entry of this lens into the scene as it will provide us with options since the only other full-frame wide-angle lens faster than f/4 were the Sony Zeiss 35mm f/2.8, Sony Zeiss 35mm f/1.4, and the Zeiss Batis 25mm f/2.

Product description 

This lens weighs approximately 200g and measures 60mm by 64mm, making it small and compact. It has a wide angle of view of 75 degrees with a minimum focus distance of 11.4/29 cm and a magnification of 0.13x.

The optical construction consists of 9 elements in 8 groups, and the aperture contains nine rounded diaphragm blades. The lens utilizes the Silent Linear Actuator for a smooth and silent focus action.

Other features and benefits 

The lens is small and lightweight and has a solid feel when held in the hands. It also balances nicely when mounted on the camera body. The lens is mostly constructed out of metal apart from front filter thread which is made of plastic.

The focus operation is very fast with the manual focusing ring rotating very smoothly. The minimum manual focus distance is 0.82ft and 0.96ft in autofocus mode. The linear motor will contribute to a quiet and smooth autofocus action.

The 9-rounded blades in the diaphragm are vital in producing a fantastic bokeh. The fast maximum aperture of f/2 enables this lens has exceptional performance in low-light conditions.

The lens has an impressive flare resistance while the vignetting and distortion are minimal and barely noticeable.

To top it all up, the lens is extremely sharp throughout the range.

Pros

• Very affordable
• Excellent performance in low light
• Small, compact and lightweight

Cons

• No weather sealing

4. Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS lens

This lens was introduced in the market in July of 2015, and we can confidently tell you that this is the best prime lens of all time. This can be attributed to the fact that it eliminated the use of an adapter whenever the need to do any macro task on an E-mount body arose.

Product description

The Sony lens was designed to work on full frame E-Mount Sony and APS-C bodies and will offer you a field of view equivalent to 135mm. It has a maximum aperture of f/2.8 and a minimum aperture of f/22.

The lens weighs 602g, and its optical construction consists of 15 elements in 11 groups.

Other features and benefits

The lens has a sturdy all-metal construction and is a bit larger and heavier than other prime lenses, a feature which places it at a disadvantage when it comes to macro work. The focus ring is constructed out of sturdy plastic.

It comes with a lens hood which will be crucial in making the lens impressively flare-resistant.

You will find the lens to be extremely sharp, even at the widest aperture of f/2.8. Diffraction will start kicking in at f/11 and becomes noticeable at f/16.

Chromatic aberration, vignetting and distortion are barely noticeable, and even the little barrel distortion present at the corners can easily be corrected.

The lens has an internal focus operation, with the focus action being fast and accurate.

Pros

• Extremely sharp
• Well-built
• Fantastic flare-resistance

Cons

• Too bulky

5. Sony Alpha E-Mount T FE 35mm f/1.4 ZA lens

You may be put off by the fact that this lens does not have the ordinarily sort-after features of a prime lens which include affordability, lightweight and small size. However, this flaw is adequately compensated by the build and image quality as we shall see in the review.

Product description

This lens was designed for the Sony Alpha 35mm full-frame and APS-C E-mount mirrorless cameras and has a reasonably silent autofocus motor as well as smooth focus and aperture rings. This combination makes the lens suitable for shooting movies. 

It has a minimum focus distance of 12 inches and takes 72mm filters.

It has an aperture range of f/1.4 to f/16 and has a rounded 9-blade diaphragm which will be important in creating a smooth and excellent background blur.

Other features and benefits

First, this lens is quite large and heavy for a mirrorless camera body, measuring 78.5 by 112 mm and weighing 630g. We do not have to view this as a negative, as it indicates the top-notch build quality.

The casing is entirely metal and is fully sealed from dust and moisture. Additionally, it also features a metal E-mount bayonet. The focus ring has exceptional smoothness, and just behind it, you will find the aperture ring which features 1/3ev stops starting from f/1.4 to f/16.

The lens has a fast maximum aperture and a short focal length to compensate for the lack of an image stabilization feature. It also utilizes the Direct Drive SSM internal autofocus motor to provide for a fast, accurate and quiet autofocusing.

The optical design includes twelve elements, including three aspherical elements and an advanced aspherical element to provide you with exceptional all-around sharpness.

The elements also have the T* coating which will help in making it resistant to flares, ghosting, and reflections. The nine-blade rounded diaphragm will assist in delivering a fantastic and smooth bokeh.

Chromatic aberrations are barely noticeable while the noticeable light-off at f/1.4 can easily be corrected.

Pros

• Impressive build quality
• Extremely sharp
• Flare and ghosting resistant

Cons

• Large and bulky

6. Sony 35mm F/1.8 OSS lens

This lens was announced in September 2012 and is an impressively versatile prime lens which you can subject to a variety of uses, ranging from portraits to travel and wildlife. It has a maximum aperture of f/1.8 which means that it will work very well even in low light conditions.

Product description

The Sony 35mm f/1.8 OSS lens was designed to work with cameras with APS-C sized sensors. It has a focal length of 35mm and an angle of view of 44 degrees. It has a fast maximum aperture of f/1.8 and a minimum aperture of f/22 and accepts filters with a diameter of 49mm.

It has a measly weight of 155g and an optical construction consisting of eight elements in six groups. The package comes with a front and rear lens cap, a petal-shaped hood, and a bayonet type lens hood.

Other features and benefits

First, this lens weighs only 155g and measures 45mm long. This means that it is tiny, light and compact and you will not have a problem fitting it into your camera bag.

It has an optical design consisting of eight elements in six groups, one being an ED element and two being aspherical elements and they are vital reducing spherical aberrations as well as improving contrast.

The lens features the Optical SteadyShot (OSS) image stabilization which will give it a superior performance in low light conditions. Then, the seven-blade iris diaphragm will contribute to a fantastic bokeh.

The build quality is very nice, with an aluminum alloy focusing ring and outer barrel and a chromed metal mounting plate.

The autofocus action utilizes the linear stepping motor for a quiet performance but not very fast. The lens is very sharp with minimal vignetting that is not very obvious.

Pros

• Light and compact
• Performs well in poor light conditions
• Very versatile

Cons

•  A bit expensive for a standard prime lens

7. Sony 18-105mm F4 G OSS lens

If you regularly use an APS-C mirrorless camera, chances are you will one time need the services of this lens. Looking at it for the first time, you may easily dismiss it mainly due to its large size. However, this review will try and explain to you why this lens may be just what you need for your everyday travels.

Product description 

This is a mid-range zoom type lens with a maximum aperture of f/4.0 and a minimum aperture of f/22. It weighs roughly 482g and measures 78 by 110mm. The lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.45m and a magnification of 0.11x. It can accept a filter with a diameter of 72mm.

Other features and benefits

The first thing that is going to attract you to this lens is the glossy-black appearance that gives it a classy yet ordinary look. You can use the standard zoom ring or a lever on its side for zooming. For manual focusing, you will use the front ring.

The lens has a high-quality metal build while the autofocus action is fast and accurate. The lens utilizes phase detection points to enhance the speed as well as the accuracy of the autofocus operation.

It is incredibly sharp, with the sharpness being at a maximum at f/6.3, beyond which you may start to experience the effects of diffraction.

The bokeh from this lens is fabulous, particularly at the telephoto end. The color rendition is also fantastic, and this may be suitable for portrait shooters.

Color fringing is barely noticeable, and you can easily correct it.

Pros

• Outstanding bokeh
• OSS for image-stabilization
• Fast and accurate focus action

Cons

• Too bulky

8. Sony 16mm f/2.8 SEL16F28 lens

This lens was announced in May 2010 alongside the 18-55mm and 18-200mm zoom lenses and was designed for Sony E-Mount APS-C mirrorless camera and will deliver coverage of up to 24mm attributable to the APS-C crop factor of 1.5x.

Product description

The Sony 16mm f/2.8 is a very light and compact lens weighing only 65g and measuring 62 by 22.5mm. Its optical design consists of 5 elements in 5 groups and an aperture with seven straight blades. Its minimum focus range is 0.24mm while its minimum f-stop is f/22.

It accepts 49mm filters, and you can always borrow the lens hood from the 18-55mm lens.

Other features and benefits

Even though this lens is very light at only 65g, it is very compact and has a stunning look. The optical design consists of 5 elements, one of which is an aspherical element. It balances nicely on the camera body and will add some weight to the side on which it is mounted.

If you want to use this lens at its maximum sharpness, then you should set it at f/5.6-8, while being careful not to go beyond f/11 since that is where diffraction limiting sets in.

There is a high level of chromatic aberration at wide open aperture of f/2.8, and you can reduce it by stopping down.

Vignetting is very minimal while there is slight barrel distortion at +0.2% throughout the image and -0.75 at the corners.

The autofocus operation is high-speed while the manual focusing is smooth and easy.

Pros

• Light and compact
• Fast focus action
• Extremely sharp

Cons

• Too expensive

9. Sony Alpha E-Mount 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS lens

If you intend to capture your outdoor activities by presenting the most exquisite details without sacrificing too much on image quality and sharpness, then this lens is just for you. It is very compact and is designed for Sony’s APS-C mirrorless cameras.

Product description

This lens would be a convenient travel companion and will offer you a wide range of focal lengths: 27mm equivalent focal length, standard 35mm, 50mm equivalent focal length, 75mm eq. Focal length and 202.5mm equivalent.

It has a maximum aperture of f/3.5-5.6 and a minimum aperture of f/22-36 with 7-rounded diaphragm blades. Its closest focus is 45cm with a magnification ratio of 0.29x. It weighs roughly 325g and measures 88 by 67.2mm.

Its optical construction consists of 16 elements in 12 groups, and it features internal focusing with a Linear Autofocus Motor with Direct Manual Focus (DMF).

Other features and benefits 

The lens has a high-quality, sturdy build which feels very solid in the hands. It is also light at about 325g, and this can be attributed to the polycarbonate plastic barrel and a metal lens mount. The zoom feels good and is very smooth to operate.

On autofocus, it utilizes the Linear Motor Drive which will result in a fast and silent AF function.

The lens is very sharp throughout the range even at wide open shots.  You can always improve your performance by stopping down.

Chromatic aberrations and vignetting are very minimal, and you can always correct the images later on.

Pros

• Compact and lightweight
• Extremely sharp throughout the zoom range
• Fast and silent AF

Cons

• Prone to flares

10. Meike MK 25mm f/1.8 Wide-Angle lens

For a long time, you would only associate the Meike brand with the Sony A7series. However, they have decided to focus as well on the APS-C E-mount lenses, our concern for the day being the Meike MK 25mm wide angle lens.

The Meike lenses have always been impressive with having strong builds, being sharp and feeling nice in the hands. We shall go through these features in this review.

Product description

This lens is quite light and small, weighing just 210g and having a length of 37mm. It has a minimum focusing distance of 25cm and has an aperture featuring eight blades. It comes with a lens cap and accepts 49mm filters.

Other features and benefits

To start with, the lens is small, lightweight and compact, at a weight of 210g and length of 37mm. You will be pleased with its physical design, whereby the focus and aperture rings are very well spaced.

The aperture ring has an excellent grip probably due to the lines in the metal, but this does not compromise on its smoothness.

The appearance is stunning as well with the front element having a silver ring to supplement the black glossy polish. Additionally, the top of the lens has a door which you will have to open to access the focus settings.

The lens is sharp throughout the range while Vignetting and Chromatic aberrations are there but at minimal levels.

The bokeh and color rendition are also very appealing.

Pros

• Well-spaced rings to avoid accidental changing of aperture
• Lightweight and compact
• Extremely sharp

Cons

• Too sensitive to flares

Also read: Best flash for sony a6000

A Few Things You Need To Know

All Alpha-series mirrorless cameras from Sony provide you with a universal lens connection to the E-mount. And since 2014, this lens has kept getting better and better, or so it seems.

One thing you need to note, however, is that lenses designed for the larger full-frame cameras are commonly known as the FE lenses.

Then there are lenses which are specifically optimized for the APS0C sensor. And these are the ones commonly referred to as E lenses.

And because they both depend on the same kind of mounting, it is safe to say that you can actually use an FE lens on your APS-C camera (and vice versa). But you wouldn’t want to do that because the FE lenses tend to be heavier and generally more expensive than E-Mounted ones.

What’s The Convenient Option for You?

So, for the sake of convenience, you want to go for something that’s compact yet effective. Fortunately, it is always possible to find lenses of different wavelengths. So, that way, you can always choose the focal length that works best for you.

Normally, the focal length is expressed in millimeters (mm). And normally, the bigger the number before the mm, the narrower the view of the scene and the closer the view of the scene is likely to be.

But ultimately, it is worth keeping in mind the fact that the size of the sensor can determine how wide your scene will be. Keep in mind that for any focal length, a camera fitted with an APS-C sensor would show a narrow view-of-scene than a similar one fitted with a full-frame sensor.

E-Mount Lenses Buying Guide

Much as they are pretty well-made, they also come with their fair share of weaknesses. And, therefore, to determine which one is best for you, we have compiled this insightful guide.

Prime vs Zoom Lenses

Prime lenses, though not zoomable are known for being fast and effective. Besides that, they also tend to provide a wide aperture which ultimately, improves your performance in dimly lit conditions.

Zoom lenses, on the other hand, are popular for anyone looking for the convenience or ability to zoom closer. The beauty about them is that they provide you with a variety of focal lengths to play around with.

On the flipside, though, they also tend to have tinier apertures which, therefore, means that they are likely to deliver a below-par performance in low light. So, at the end of the day, it’s important that you understand your unique style of photography so you can decide which one would be the perfect match for you.

What’s The Best Focal Length to Settle For?

Focal length is an important factor for you to consider when choosing a lens, any lens. But to ensure that you’re getting good quality, it is important to understand what different lengths mean.

14-24mm Focal Length

All prime and zoom lenses that fall within this range of focal length are ultra-wide angle ones. So, it’s safe to say that they are the best-suited ones when wide swaths of space. Avoid them if you’re shooting in a confined room.

24-35mm Wide Angle Lens

All the lenses falling within this range are renowned for their ability to capture wide and diverse shots. And it’s no longer these are the most popular picks. One good thing with the 24-35mm range is that it gives you the freedom to include just enough context to your photos.

35-70mm Lens

If you’re a beginner who is looking for an ultra-safe option, then the standard focal length lenses would be your best bets. They are usually inexpensive and also tend to reproduce the image just as it appears on your eye.

These lenses are, however, less desirable when versatility is required.

70-300mm Lenses

These are generally known as telephoto lenses. They are loved by many owing to their abilities to make far off objects look seem closer than they might be. And because of that, they are a top choice for anyone looking to capture a natural perspective of their subjects.

Build Quality

Fortunately, the vast majority of the lenses included in the review above are well-built. But even then it is always important to double check and ensure that you’re getting a well-made lens.

Ideally, it should be made of a tough material like polycarbonate or even metal. And most importantly, it should be finished in such a manner

Which One Is The Best?

The Sony 55mm lens is what in our view stands out as the best E-mount lens for beginners. We found it to be highly user-friendly, compact and let’s also not forget to mention that it has a wide f/1.8 aperture.

That said, it doesn’t come cheap and, therefore, your best bet is to weigh this choice against your budget limitations.

Final Thoughts

A well-made lens can be a real gem and a great addition to every photographer’s arsenal. So, don’t squirm on quality. Keep the reviews and buying recommendations above in mind and you’ll soon be on your way to the best E-mount lenses.