I just picked up a Sony a7R V and I’m trying to settle on a wide-angle lens that actually takes advantage of the 61MP sensor. I mainly shoot landscapes and city architecture, often handheld while traveling, so sharp corners and low distortion matter a lot. I’m also debating whether I really need an ultra-wide (like 14–16mm) or if something closer to 20mm makes more sense, and I’m a bit worried about crazy flare when shooting into the sun. Budget is around $800–$1,500 (open to used). What wide-angle lens would you recommend for the a7R V, and why?
Building on the earlier suggestion, I've definitely learned that the a7R V is a bit of a double-edged sword. When I first made the jump to high-res, I thought I could just keep shooting exactly how I did with my older bodies. Big mistake... I ended up with a bunch of travel shots that looked okay on the camera screen but were totally soft in the corners once I got home. It's not just about the glass being sharp, it's about how reliably the lens performs when you're moving fast and shooting handheld. A few things I would suggest thinking about:
- How much of your work is actually going to end up as large physical prints versus just sharing on social media?
- Are you planning on using a heavy filter stack for long exposures, or do you prefer keeping it light and simple while you're exploring? Ngl, the corner performance on that sensor will show every tiny flaw in the lens alignment, so I'd be really careful about buying used without a solid return policy. You kinda have to be picky when every pixel counts.
I've spent years lugging gear across cities, and honestly, the a7R V is a beast that demands respect. Back when I had the older R bodies, I could get away with mediocre glass, but this 61MP sensor is basically a microscope. It shows every micro-jitter and bit of chromatic aberration. Over the years, I've tried many setups, and I actually moved away from the 20mm because it felt a bit 'in-between' for my architecture work. If you want to really push that sensor handheld, here is what I found works:
- Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II: I know it is at the top of your budget, but the Mark II is a different beast than the original. It is significantly sharper in the corners, which is where the high-res sensor usually exposes weaknesses.
- Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM: If 20mm feels too wide or distorted for city streets, this is my favorite. The rendering is magical and it is light enough to carry all day without getting shaky hands. Check out the Fred Miranda forums for actual raw samples from other R V owners. It is way more helpful than marketing specs. Also, the site OpticalLimits has some of the best technical breakdowns for E-mount glass.
