Sony E lenses [241 listed]

Sony’s E Mount has quickly become one of the most influential lens systems in the world of mirrorless photography. Introduced in 2010 with the Sony NEX-3 and NEX-5, it has since evolved into a complete system used by both amateur and professional photographers alike. From the beginning, the E Mount was designed to enable compact mirrorless cameras without sacrificing performance—and, more than a decade later, it’s clear that this mount has revolutionized the way we approach both stills and video.

Having used Sony cameras for years, I’ve had the chance to witness the remarkable growth of the E Mount system. It’s a system that continues to evolve at a fast pace, offering unparalleled versatility and performance for all kinds of photographers.

Table of Contents

The Design and Evolution of the Sony E Mount
Lens Variety and Performance
- Sony Lenses
- Third-Party Lenses
My Experience with Sony E Mount
Video Capabilities: A Leader in Hybrid Photography
Strengths of the Sony E Mount
Challenges of the Sony E Mount
Why the Sony E Mount Excites Me
Final Thoughts

The Design and Evolution of the Sony E Mount

What makes the Sony E Mount stand out is its short flange distance of 18mm and a 46.1mm diameter, which is ideal for designing compact, lightweight cameras and lenses. This short flange distance makes it particularly well-suited for modern mirrorless systems, where space is crucial for innovation.

The E Mount is used by both APS-C (crop sensor) cameras and full-frame cameras, making it versatile for a range of users.

APS-C Cameras: Sony’s NEX series, followed by the Alpha A6000-series, utilize the crop-frame E Mount, perfect for photographers looking for smaller, more affordable mirrorless cameras.
Full-Frame Cameras: With the launch of the Sony Alpha A7 series in 2013, Sony brought the full-frame E Mount to market, catering to professionals who demand the best image quality and performance. Today, Sony’s A7 and A9 series cameras are staples in the professional world.

The E Mount design allows for backward compatibility between lenses from earlier APS-C models and newer full-frame bodies. In practice, this means you can use crop-frame lenses on full-frame cameras (with a crop applied), or vice versa, creating a very flexible system.

Lens Variety and Performance

The E Mount system has exploded in terms of lens offerings. When Sony first launched its mirrorless cameras, the lens selection was limited, but today, there are over 70 lenses from Sony alone, along with a vast range of third-party options.

Sony Lenses

Sony’s lens lineup includes a full spectrum of options, from entry-level zooms to professional-grade primes and zooms. Some standout lenses include:

Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM: A professional zoom with exceptional sharpness and versatility.
Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM: A fast prime with outstanding bokeh and low-light performance.
Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS: A workhorse telephoto zoom perfect for sports and wildlife photographers.

Third-Party Lenses

Thanks to the widespread adoption of the E Mount system, third-party manufacturers like Sigma, Tamron, and Zeiss have expanded the range of lenses available, often at more affordable price points. The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art is one of the standout lenses, offering exceptional performance at a more reasonable cost.

The native E Mount lenses are built to be fast, sharp, and reliable, with a focus on autofocus performance, particularly important for video creators. Sony has pioneered hybrid autofocus systems, making E Mount cameras incredibly responsive for both stills and video.

My Experience with Sony E Mount

Having used several cameras in the E Mount system, I can confidently say that the autofocus performance and overall image quality have been stellar. The Sony A7R IV, for example, boasts 61 megapixels of resolution and exceptional dynamic range, making it a powerhouse for landscape and studio photography. The Sony A7S III, on the other hand, offers unparalleled low-light performance and video capabilities, making it a top choice for videographers.

The thing I love about Sony’s E Mount system is how it’s constantly evolving. I started with the Sony A6000 for travel photography—an affordable crop sensor camera that delivered great results. When I transitioned to the Sony A7 III, the step up in image quality, build, and performance was remarkable. I could use my existing lenses but gain access to the full-frame capabilities of the system.

One of my favorite lenses for the Sony E Mount is the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM, which produces beautiful portraits with creamy bokeh and razor-sharp focus. It’s a perfect example of how Sony’s premium lenses shine in terms of both optics and build quality.

Video Capabilities: A Leader in Hybrid Photography

One of the key areas where the Sony E Mount truly shines is in its video capabilities. Sony has been a pioneer in hybrid cameras—cameras that excel in both stills and video. The Sony A7S III and Sony FX3 offer superb 4K video at high frame rates, with the added benefit of 10-bit 4:2:2 color sampling. The autofocus performance in video is also second to none, with real-time eye autofocus, smooth transitions, and quick tracking.

For vloggers and content creators, the Sony ZV-1 and ZV-E10 offer great features for creating high-quality videos in a compact body. The combination of fast autofocus and superior video quality makes the E Mount system an excellent choice for anyone involved in content creation.

Strengths of the Sony E Mount

Compact and Lightweight: The design of the E Mount system allows for incredibly portable setups, especially with the APS-C lenses, while maintaining exceptional image quality.
Autofocus Excellence: Sony’s hybrid autofocus system is among the fastest and most reliable in the industry, making it ideal for both stills and video.
Video Capabilities: The E Mount system is the go-to choice for hybrid shooters, with superb video features like 4K recording, slow motion, and advanced autofocus.
Third-Party Lens Options: With the growing popularity of the E Mount, third-party manufacturers offer a wide range of lenses, providing options at various price points.
Consistent Innovation: Sony continues to push the envelope in mirrorless technology, ensuring the E Mount system evolves with the demands of modern photographers and videographers.

Challenges of the Sony E Mount

Cost of High-End Lenses: Sony’s high-end lenses, particularly those in the G Master (GM) line, can be expensive, though their performance often justifies the cost.
Limited Native APS-C Lenses: While the full-frame E Mount lens lineup is extensive, the selection of native lenses for APS-C cameras is more limited. However, third-party brands help bridge this gap.
Battery Life: While it has improved with newer models, Sony mirrorless cameras, particularly full-frame models, still don’t quite match the battery life of DSLR cameras.

Why the Sony E Mount Excites Me

Sony has absolutely changed the game with the E Mount system. From a compact and accessible system to a professional powerhouse, it’s a system that grows with you. Whether you're just starting with an APS-C body like the Sony A6100 or diving into full-frame with the A7R V, the E Mount offers incredible flexibility and performance for a variety of photography and video needs.

As a long-time Sony user, I’m excited to see how the E Mount evolves. It’s a system that continually impresses with its combination of cutting-edge technology, ease of use, and stellar image quality. Whether you’re a casual shooter or a professional content creator, the Sony E Mount is a system that can help you push your creative boundaries and capture amazing moments.

Final Thoughts

The Sony E Mount has quickly become one of the most versatile and dynamic lens mounts available today. With its continuous innovation in both camera and lens technology, Sony has established itself as a leader in the mirrorless world. From APS-C bodies for beginners to full-frame cameras for pros, the E Mount system is adaptable to virtually every type of photographer.

If you’re looking for a system that offers cutting-edge features, incredible autofocus, and superb video capabilities, the Sony E Mount is an investment that will undoubtedly elevate your work.

Frequently asked questions

Is Sony FE and E-mount the same?

Not exactly. While FE and E-mount are closely related, they refer to different aspects of Sony’s camera system.

The E-mount is Sony’s lens mount system, used across all their mirrorless cameras. It’s the physical connection between the lens and the camera body, and it’s universal across both full-frame and APS-C cameras.

FE refers specifically to lenses designed for Sony’s full-frame cameras with the E-mount system, such as the Sony A7 and A9 series. These lenses cover the full 35mm sensor area and are optimized for full-frame performance.

In contrast, lenses labeled E (sometimes referred to as APS-C E-mount lenses) are designed for Sony’s APS-C cameras, like the Sony A6000 series. While these lenses are smaller and lighter, they only cover the smaller APS-C sensor area.

Can You Use FE Lenses on APS-C Cameras?

Yes! FE lenses are fully compatible with Sony’s APS-C cameras because they share the same E-mount. However, due to the APS-C crop factor (1.5x), the field of view will be narrower. For instance, a 24mm FE lens will provide a field of view equivalent to 36mm on an APS-C camera.

Can You Use E (APS-C) Lenses on Full-Frame Cameras?

Yes, but with limitations. When you attach an E lens to a full-frame camera, the camera automatically crops the image to match the smaller image circle of the lens. While this works, you won’t be using the full resolution of the camera's sensor.

Sony E Lenses List

7Artisans AF 50mm F1.8

7artisans 25mm F1.8

7artisans 35mm F2

7artisans 55mm F1.4 Mark II

7artisans 7.5mm F2.8 Fisheye

Kamlan 28mm F1.4

Kamlan 50mm F1.1

Kamlan 50mm F1.1 II

Kamlan 55mm F1.2

Samyang / Rokinon 100mm F2.8 Macro

Samyang / Rokinon 10mm F2.8 ED AS NCS CS

Samyang / Rokinon 12mm F2.0 NCS CS

Samyang / Rokinon 12mm F2.8 ED AS NCS Fisheye

Samyang / Rokinon 14mm F2.8 ED AS IF UMC

Samyang / Rokinon 16mm F2 ED AS UMC CS

Samyang / Rokinon 21mm F1.4 ED AS UMC CS

Samyang / Rokinon 24mm F1.4 ED AS IF UMC

Samyang / Rokinon 50mm F1.2 ED AS UMC CS

Samyang / Rokinon 50mm F1.4 AS UMC

Samyang / Rokinon 85mm F1.4 Aspherical IF

Samyang / Rokinon 85mm F1.8 ED UMC CS

Samyang / Rokinon 8mm F2.8 UMC Fisheye

Samyang / Rokinon 8mm F2.8 UMC Fisheye II

Samyang / Rokinon AF 18mm F2.8 FE

Samyang / Rokinon AF 24mm F1.8 FE

Samyang / Rokinon AF 35mm F1.4 FE

Samyang / Rokinon AF 35mm F1.8 FE

Samyang / Rokinon AF 35mm F2.8 FE

Samyang / Rokinon AF 45mm F1.8 FE

Samyang / Rokinon AF 50mm F1.4 FE

Samyang / Rokinon AF 75mm F1.8 FE

Samyang / Rokinon AF 85mm F1.4 FE

Samyang / Rokinon Reflex 300mm F6.3 ED UMC CS

Samyang / Rokinon T-S 24mm F3.5 ED AS UMC

Samyang 20mm F1.8 ED AS UMC

Samyang 24-70MM F2.8 AF

Samyang 35mm F1.2 ED AS UMC CS

Samyang 35mm F1.4 AS UMC

Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC

Samyang AF 14mm F2.8 FE

Samyang AF 24mm F2.8 FE

Samyang MF 14mm F2.8 Mk2 / Rokinon MF 14mm F2.8 II

Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 Mk2 / Rokinon MF 85mm F1.4 II

Sigma 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN

Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS

Sigma 105mm F1.4 DG HSM Art

Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro

Sigma 135mm F1.8 DG HSM Art

Sigma 14-24mm F2.8 DG DN Art

Sigma 14mm F1.4 DG DN

Sigma 14mm F1.8 DG HSM Art

Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS | S

Sigma 15mm F1.4 DG DN Art

Sigma 16mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary

Sigma 17mm F4 DG DN | C

Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary

Sigma 19mm F2.8 DN Art

Sigma 19mm F2.8 EX DN

Sigma 20mm F1.4 DG DN Art

Sigma 20mm F1.4 DG HSM Art

Sigma 20mm F2.0 DG DN | Contemporary

Sigma 23mm F1.4 DC DN | C

Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN Art

Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II | Art

Sigma 24mm F1.4 DG DN Art

Sigma 24mm F1.4 DG HSM Art

Sigma 24mm F2 DG DN | Contemporary

Sigma 24mm F3.5 DG DN

Sigma 28-105mm F2.8 DG DN | Art

Sigma 28-45mm F1.8 DG DN Art

Sigma 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary

Sigma 28mm F1.4 DG HSM Art

Sigma 30mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary

Sigma 30mm F2.8 DN Art

Sigma 30mm F2.8 EX DN

Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG DN Art

Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM Art

Sigma 35mm F2 DG DN Contemporary

Sigma 40mm F1.4 DG HSM Art