I'm looking for recommendations on the best lenses to get for this camera body. I'm interested in lenses for general photography like landscapes, portraits, street photography etc. What are some "must-have" lenses I should consider? Budget is flexible but I'd prefer to keep costs reasonable. Thanks in advance for any suggestions!
I love the a7II but man, dont make the mistake of buying massive pro lenses for it! The ergonomics just arent there for heavy glass and you will end up totally hating the experience. Honestly its such a capable body if you treat it right. Keep these things in mind:
- Steer clear of heavy glass unless you plan on buying a third party grip extension.
- Dont waste money on the ultra high end stuff since the older sensor doesnt always benefit from that extra resolution anyway.
- Avoid lenses without internal stabilization if you plan on doing lots of handheld video, even though the body has IBIS its not magic. Its such a fun camera when you keep it light and simple! Just dont overspend on features you wont actually use on this specific body. Tbh stick to the mid range stuff and you will be stoked with the results.
In my experience with this system, building a kit around high-quality primes is often the best way to keep costs down while maximizing image quality. The a7II can produce stunning results, but it really benefits from glass that doesnt strain the autofocus. Ive tried many different setups over the years, and the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 remains one of the best value lenses ever released for E-mount. Its incredibly sharp for portraits and provides much better subject separation than any budget zoom. For landscapes, look into the Tamron 20mm f/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2. It is very affordable and surprisingly sharp, plus it has a 1:2 magnification ratio which is great for close-up details. Another solid budget option is the Samyang AF 24mm f/1.8 FE. Its lightweight and works perfectly for wide shots or even some astrophotography. Honestly, sticking with these types of lenses will save you a lot of money compared to the G Master equivalents while still giving you that full-frame look youre after. Building a kit like this is way more efficient than chasing heavy zooms... anyway, those are my top picks for keeping the budget reasonable.
Here are some great lens recommendations for Sony a7 II:
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Best Everyday Lens: Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN | C
- This lens offers a step up from the A7 II’s kit lens, with smooth handling and a constant f/2.8 aperture. It’s versatile for everyday use and covers a useful focal range.
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Best Travel Lens: Sony FE 28-60mm f/4-5.6
- Compact and lightweight, this lens is perfect for travel photography. It covers a decent range and is suitable for landscapes, portraits, and street photography.
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Best Wide-Angle Zoom: Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM
- Ideal for landscapes and architecture, this lens delivers sharpness and excellent low-light performance. It’s a bit pricier but worth the investment.
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Best Wide-Angle Prime: Sony FE 24mm F2.8 G
- A compact and ultra-wide-angle lens for creative compositions. Great for street photography and capturing expansive scenes.
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Best for Street Photography: Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM
- With a fast f/1.4 aperture, this lens excels in low light and provides beautiful bokeh. Perfect for street and documentary photography.
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Best for Portraits: Sony FE 85mm F/1.4 GM
- The classic portrait focal length with stunning background blur. Excellent for capturing people and achieving professional-looking portraits.
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Best Telephoto: Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS
- If you need reach, this lens is great for wildlife, sports, and distant subjects. It’s versatile and delivers sharp images.
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Best Superzoom: Tamron 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD
- A versatile lens with a broad focal range. It’s suitable for various scenarios, including wildlife and travel photography.
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Best for Macro: Sigma 70mm f/2.8 DG Macro Art Lens
- If you’re interested in close-up photography, this macro lens offers excellent sharpness and detail. Great for capturing intricate subjects.