9 Best Sony Lenses for Video in 2024

So, you have invested in a Sony camera, and now you want to add a quality video lens to your kit. Depending on what types of videos you wish to make, you may run into an interesting problem with this decision. Sony has a very large selection of excellent video lenses. Because of this embarrassment of riches, I have developed a rundown of the 9 best Sony lenses for video.

Sony 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 OSS: The Best All-Around Lens

Specs

• Focal Length: 18-135mm
• Size: 67.2 x 88mm
• Weight: 325g
• Compatibility: APS-C
• Image Stabilization: Yes
• Aperture: f/3.5-5.6
• Autofocus: Yes

The Sony 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 OSS provides many perks as a camera that can do many things well, while not particularly doing one thing excellently. I rank it as the best all-around lens because of multiple factors that lend this lens to those videographers who don’t want to keep changing lenses.

The Sony 18-135mm boasts a wide range of zoom capabilities. At 18mm it can function as a wide-angle lens, and zoom in to medium telephoto range at 135mm. This wide range will help videographers be able to practice a wide variety of video types both indoors and outdoors.

This Sony lens can also be used freehand without the use of a tripod or a gimbal because of the built-in image stabilization. The Optical Steady Shot helps keep the image steady with free hand use. This is a distinct advantage of an all-around camera that may have occasion to be used without steadying equipment.

And finally, this Sony lens gets high marks for its price. While it may not be the cheapest lens Sony has to offer, you will get a lot of bang for your buck with the Sony 18-135mm lens. For under $700 dollars, you will be able to attach this lens to your camera and never take it off. No matter the type of video you wish to shoot, this lens will be able to adapt to your needs.

Pros

• Medium telephoto range.
• Image stabilization.
• Affordable price.

Cons

• Struggles in low-light situations.
• It could use more protection from the elements.

Sony FE 24-70 mm F2.8 GM: The Best Pro-Level All-Around Lens

Specs

• Focal Length: 24 to 70 mm
• Size: 87.6 x 135.9mm
• Weight: 893g
• Compatibility: Full-Frame
• Image Stabilization: No
• Aperture: f/2.8
• Autofocus: Yes

The Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM does not have many weaknesses. Sony designed this lens for pros and serious camera enthusiasts, and the price tag proves that more than anything. However, this zoom lens checks many boxes as a fantastic Sony lens for video.

This Sony Lens comes with a wide range of aperture, making it usable in almost any scenario. The Sony FE, 24-70mm, can capture a sharp video with amazing clarity no matter the lighting.

The Sony FE 24-70mm autofocus tracks your subject flawlessly with a practically silent AF motor. The quiet AF proves to be especially valuable for videos that can be susceptible to background noise.

While the focal length range of this camera is not quite that of a telephoto lens, the wide range between 24mm to 70mm allows videographers quite a bit of flexibility and range. This lens provides all-around capabilities in a high-end pro-level lens.

Pros

• It provides a satisfying range of focal lengths.
• It can be used for multiple video styles.
• The wide range of apertures ensures usability in most scenarios.

Cons

• It isn’t equipped with image stabilization.
• It weighs a lot.
• Very expensive.

Sony Sonnar FE 55mm F1.8 ZA: Best Sony Lens for Travel Vlogs

Specs

• Focal Length: 55mm
• Size: 64.4 x 70.5mm
• Weight: 281g
• Compatibility: Full-Frame
• Image Stabilization: No
• Aperture: f/1.8
• Autofocus: Yes

The Sony Sonnar FE 55mm lens comes with what many consider a nice, versatile focal length. At 55m, this prime lens allows for vlogging, interview-style videos, videographers, and many more. The lack of zoom makes it less suited to outdoor videos of subjects like sports or animals that may require the videographer to be distant.

This lens comes with a versatile focal length, but it also comes stocked with excellent protections for moisture and dust. The compact lens is designed to resist insidious elements for camera lenses like dust and water. Because of this protection, the Sony Sonnar 55mm lens’s durability acts as a huge incentive for those planning on doing a travel vlog or other types of demanding video styles for a lens.

The wide aperture levels of the Sonnar 55mm acts as one final positive for this lens. Again, this lens will produce for those traveling or needing a durable lens that takes great videos with lots of different lighting. Suppose your vlog constantly has a changing background, unpredictable post-times, and varies between indoors and outdoors. In that case, the wide aperture on this lens provides sharp and clear videos with varying light levels.

Pros

• Great element protection and durability.
• Versatile focal length.
• Fantastic aperture capabilities.

Cons

• No image stabilization.
• The focus can lag at times.

Sony 55–210 mm F4.5-6.3 OSS: Best APS-C Telefoto Lens

Specs

• Focal Length: 55 to 210mm
• Size: 63.8 x 108mm
• Weight: 345g
• Compatibility: APS-C
• Image Stabilization: Yes
• Aperture: f/4.5-6.3
• Autofocus: Yes

While more versatile lenses provide beginners, dabblers, and even professionals the convenience of mounting one lens and shooting. Others know exactly what kind of videos they want to shoot. And the Sony 55-210mm F4.5-6.3 OSS is for those that know their videos will require a telephoto lens.

While this lens may not suit as much indoor use, the Sony 55-210mm provides a wide level of focal lengths ideal for sports videos or animal shots. This lens can video from a distance clearly and concisely with its accurate and quiet autofocus and image stabilization.

This lens will not break the bank either, as one of the most affordable lenses in the rundown, the Sony 55-210mm stands out as a great affordable option for those interested in outdoor and sports video.

Pros

• It provides a large range of focal lengths.
• Silent autofocus.
• Image stabilization.

Cons

• The aperture is not as wide as may be desired.
• It works fine in arenas and stadiums but may not have desired focal lengths for indoors.

Sony FE 50mm F1.8: Best Budget Option for Sony Video Lenses

Specs

• Focal Length: 50mm
• Size: 68.6 x 59.5mm
• Weight: 186g
• Compatibility: Full-Frame
• Image Stabilization: No
• Aperture: f/1.8
• Autofocus: Yes

Here is another lens set in that nice versatile focal length. Sony FE 50mm F1.8 stands as an excellent budget option for those wanting a versatile prime lens. However, be careful when searching for this lens because it is one of three Sony 50mm lenses, and the other two are more expensive.

The Sony FE 50mm F1.8 allows videographers to try out this popular focal length without making too big of a dent in the bank account. And, though it is a cheaper lens, this does not mean that it isn’t worth having this lens in your kit.

This lens touts a fantastic aperture range that makes it ideal for videos indoors or outdoors. The dimmer lighting indoors sometimes requires vloggers and videographers to provide a lot of lighting around their sets. Or, it limits them to stage themselves close to windows and other natural light sources. But, this lens can capture light in even dim situations and produce quality videos.

Pros

• Excellent range of aperture.
• Affordable for those on a budget.
• Versatile focal length.

Cons

• No image stabilization.
• Noisy DC motor.

Sony FE 40mm F2.5 G: Best Sony Lens for Interview Videos

Specs

• Focal Length: 40mm
• Size: 68 x 45mm
• Weight: 173g
• Compatibility: Full-Frame, APS-C
• Image Stabilization: Yes
• Aperture: f/2.5
• Autofocus: Yes

The Sony FE 40mm F2.5 G provides a slightly wider focal length than the 50mm lenses mentioned above. This lens is incredibly well built with dust and moisture protection technology. Its compatibility with both Full-Frame and APS-C cameras makes it a great option for those with multiple cameras. When mounted on an APS-C camera, it acts as a 60mm focal length lens.

The lens’s durability and compact design make it ideal for being moved often because it travels well. This lens provides a perfect focal length and format for videographers that need wider scopes for interviews or other vlog-type videos. This lens has excellent specifications if you need to take your camera and set up wide-angled vlog videos in multiple locations.

The wide aperture level helps the Sony FE 40mm F2.5 G  work for indoor and outdoor lighting scenarios. Many videographers love only needing minimal lighting for interview gigs or other videos outside the studio.

Pros

• It has an ideal wider angle focal length for vlogs and interviews.
• It has a nice range of apertures that allow you to shoot indoors and outdoors.
• It is a durable and compact lens that can travel and perform well.

Cons

• The compact size may make focus dials and other aspects of the lens hard to manage for those with large fingers.
• There is some visible lens breathing.

Sony FE 35 mm F1.8: Best Sony Video Lens for Vlogging

Specs

• Focal Length: 35mm
• Size: 65.6 x 73mm
• Weight: 280g
• Compatibility: Full-Frame
• Image Stabilization: Yes
• Aperture: f/1.8
• Autofocus: Yes

And now our focal length gets just a little bit wider. The Sony FE 35mm F1.8 is my top pick for a vlogging lens for those influencers who have a set space where they make videos every day. The wide focal length allows you to set up a good background, but it also allows you to be adaptable regarding how close you position yourself to the camera and how much background you desire in the shot.

This focal length is also ideal for videographers who want to shoot a landscape or wide-angle shot regularly. The wide aperture allows this lens to work well in most lighting scenarios. So, if you like those skyline video shots at night or beautiful captures of sunsets, then this lens will fit the bill.

While this lens is not as durable, nor does it have the weather protections that others have. Vloggers who primarily work indoors will love the silent autofocus, image stabilization, and sharp videos that this lens can produce.

Pros

• It has the ideal wide focal length for vlogging.
• Silent autofocus.
• It boasts an excellent aperture range for indoor videos.

Cons

• This lens is not weather-protected.
• This lens leans a little on the pricy side.

Sony E 10–18 mm F4 OSS

Specs

• Focal Length: 10 to 18mm
• Size: 70 x 63.5mm
• Weight: 225g
• Compatibility: APS-C
• Image Stabilization: Yes
• Aperture: f/4
• Autofocus: Yes

The Sony E 10-18 mm F4 OSS supports an ultra-wide video lens for APS-C videographers. This lens has a small range between wide focal lengths that provides some versatility for videographers.

An ultra-wide lens like this one will be used for two reasons. First, if you want to capture wide landscapes, skylines, or architectural videos, this lens has the wide angle you need. When filming outdoors, be careful with this lens due to the lack of weather protection.

On the other hand, if you desire to get extremely close to a subject and need a wider angle for that up-close video, then this lens has the required specifications. So if you need a super close shot of your face for your makeup tutorials, this lens will get nice and tight.

Pros

• An ultra-wide angle for APS-C bodies.
• Image stabilization.
• It has a compact design and is lightweight.

Cons

• No weather protection.
• Expensive.

Sony FE 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G OSS: Best Sony Lens for Full-Frame Telefoto Videos

Specs

• Focal Length: 70 to 300mm
• Size: 84 x 143.5mm
• Weight: 854g
• Compatibility: Full-Frame
• Image Stabilization: Yes
• Aperture: f/4.5-5.6
• Autofocus: Yes

The Sony FE 70-300 mm allows videographers to have the widest zoom range of all the lenses on this rundown. It provides a fantastic option for those needing to be far away but take a close-up video of their subjects. As the full-frame option for telephoto videos, it doesn’t disappoint with its capabilities.

Obviously, with a minimum focal length of 70mm, this lens does not lend itself to much indoor video. However, the specifications promote ideal qualifications for wildlife videographers and sports enthusiasts. Whether you are in the bleachers at a football game or filming a herd of deer from a hillside, this lens provides the range you need to capture your videos.

The lens also comes with excellent weather protections for outdoor videos, silent autofocus, and all-important image stabilization for telephoto videos. The lens’s durability helps during those outdoor expeditions. And, the image stabilization allows for excellent videos without the use of a tripod.

Pros

• It offers the best zoom range on the rundown.
• Excellent weather protection and design.
• Image stabilization.

Cons

• This is a premium lens with an expensive premium cost.
• It does not provide the best aperture range.

How Important is Image Stabilization for Videos?

I remember going to a movie in the theater filmed with a camcorder style. And we left early because all of the shaking and sharp movements gave my wife motion sickness. When snapping pictures with your camera, you capture an image in a fraction of a second and only need a moment of stability. However, videos require a lot more steadiness and stability. This issue provokes whether a lens without image stabilization should be a dealbreaker for your Sony video lens purchase.

And, my answer is… Maybe. It all depends on the type of video you will be taking and how much you plan to rely on the lens’s image stabilization. If you plan to vlog from the same location almost every day with your camera set up on a tripod, image stabilization does not seem to be too important. On the other hand, suppose you are planning on taking a lot of videos with your handheld camera without stabling equipment; image stabilization will do much to reduce the shaking in your videos.

Many lenses come equipped with image stabilization; however, know whether or not you will rely on that feature before you dismiss a quality lens without it.

The Best Sony Zoom Lenses for Video

The best Sony lenses for video with some zoom capabilities are the Sony 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 OSS, and the Sony FE 24-70 mm F2.8 GM. These three lenses all provide quality video, a decent range of focal lengths, and versatility for the types of video you wish to shoot. However, your camera body and budget also inform your lens choice.

If your largest concern for your next lens purchase resides with your wallet, then the Sony 18-135mm will appeal to the pocketbook much better. From there, you simply must decide which style of lens suits you according to what you wish to accomplish. The Sony 18-135mm provides a better range of focal points. If budget is not an issue, and you desire the best lens quality, then the Sony FE 24-70mm stands out as the highest quality pro-level lens amongst this group.

While the lenses above fit the all-around lens category better, other zoom lenses on the list are excellent options for more specific types of videography. The Sony FE 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G OSS and the Sony 55–210 mm F4.5-6.3 OSS are the two best options for a telephoto lens. The FE 70-300mm stands in as the full-frame option, and for APS-C bodies, the Sony 55-210mm works as a great telephoto lens. And the Sony E 10–18 mm F4 OSS provides ultra wide-angle capabilities.

The Best Sony Prime Lenses for Video

The Sony Sonnar FE 55mm F1.8 ZA, the Sony FE 35 mm F1.8, and the Sony FE 50mm F1.8 stand out as the best prime Sony lenses for video. These three lenses provide different focal lengths, but all provide excellent versatility. The FE 50mm F1.8 stands out as the most budget-friendly prime lens. But, that does not mean that the other two are not affordable.

When selecting these lenses, pay attention to the specifications and types of videos they will shoot. The FE 35mm will provide a wider angle with video and may be better suited for vlogging indoors. At the same time, the Sonnar FE 55mm has more bells and whistles than the FE 50mm and the FE 35mm. The FE 55mm travels better, adds durability, and provides weather protection for those who like to film on the go. However, it lacks image stabilization, which could affect your decision.

If you are on a budget and want to find a prime lens that you can learn with and enjoy quality videos, then the Sony FE 50mm F1.8 will be the best choice. This lens provides the versatility of a 50mm prime lens and a wide range of aperture that makes it a versatile lens that can be used in most lighting scenarios.

However, if your focus is on a versatile, quality prime lens, the Sony Sonnar FE 55 mm F1.8 ZA is the right choice. This lens provides a nice focal length, a wide aperture range, and adds durability with weather sealing. This lens is the best prime option that can be used for traveling, vlogging, interviewing, or even some movie-making. While it may be a little more expensive, you will not be disappointed in the lens’s ability to create high-quality videos.

Which Sony Lens is Best for Video?

In the end, I find that the overall capabilities of Sony 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 OSS sets it apart as the clear option for the best choice for videographers. I find this especially true for those looking for a lens that will do multiple things. The Sony 18-135 can act as a wide-angle lens and zoom in to a medium telephoto lens range. It will work for sports videos, wedding videos, vlogs, interviews, or tutorials. It comes stocked with quiet autofocus, smooth image stabilization, and is priced affordably. Limitations exist regarding the Sony 18-135mm lens’s aperture range, but it can still perform admirably with proper indoor lighting.

Runners up include the best prime Sony lens for video, the Sony Sonnar FE 55mm F1.8 ZA provides excellent video capabilities with a very usable focal length. But the lack of image stabilization in the Sonnar FE 55mm kept it from the top prize. And the Sony FE 35 mm F1.8, this lens provides excellent video features but lacks weather protection.

Let us know which of these lenses that you plan on getting first and don’t forget to check out our other articles on the best Sony lenses.