I recently purchased a Sony a7IV and I'm looking for recommendations on the absolute sharpest E-mount lenses available. I mostly shoot landscape and architecture photography where fine details and resolution are critical. I want to take full advantage of the 61MP sensor in the a7IV.
I currently own the Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 GM lens which I find to be reasonably sharp across the frame when stopped down. But I'd like to add a super sharp prime lens specifically for those times when I need tack sharp pixels edge-to-edge.
My budget is around $1500 max for the sharpest optics possible. I know resolution and sharpness isn't everything, but it's a high priority for some of the large prints I want to make. I've looked at lenses like the Sony 35mm f/1.4 GM and Sony 50mm f/1.2 GM but would love feedback from actual users.
What's the absolute sharpest E-mount prime lens you've used in terms of resolution and microcontrast? Were you able to get sharp results from edge to edge when shooting landscapes? How is the bokeh quality and autofocus capabilities? I appreciate any input you can provide from first-hand experience with the sharpest Sony lenses for critical landscape and architectural photography before I make my purchase.
Building on the earlier suggestion about the Sigmas, I actually found myself a bit disappointed with using the ultra-fast f/1.2 glass for my landscape work. I had some hands-on time with the Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM and while the center is incredible, carrying that much weight into the field just to shoot at f/8 felt counterproductive. It just wasnt as good as expected for architectural work where portability matters. Also, just a heads up, the a7 IV is a 33MP sensor... you might be thinking of the a7R IV if you are chasing 61MP. Regardless of the body, for your $1500 budget, I would honestly skip the f/1.2 stuff. My experience with the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM has been much better for edge-to-edge detail. It is significantly lighter and the microcontrast is just unreal for large prints. If you want to save even more cash and stay under budget, the Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G is a total beast for architecture. Tbh I dont think the extra price for the 50mm GM is worth it for your specific needs. I have had issues with balance on the larger lenses when using smaller tripods, so the 35mm GM or the 20mm G are usually my go-to picks now.
Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art or Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM lens. For comparison, l love the new Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art for a lower price tag.
