Sony E-mount lenses List [full-frame & APS-C]

A comprehensive list of Sony E-mount full-frame and APS-C lenses.

This article aims to provide a brief overview of all available lenses, including their names, types, ratings, and prices. Thus, you will know your options and won’t miss out on any lenses that might suit your photography or videography style.

How to use the tables

Each manufacturer is featured in a separate table, and currently, you can find Sony, Sigma, and Tamron E-mount lenses listed here. Tables for additional manufacturers will be uploaded soon.

Each table contains the lens name, a link to Amazon, its rating, price, and release year. The ratings and prices are sourced from Amazon, and you can access more information and reviews by clicking the provided link.

Don’t forget to utilize the filters. You can sort each column in ascending or descending order by clicking the arrow next to the column name. Given the extensive range of lenses available, you can also filter lenses by sensor type (full-frame and APS-C) and lens type (Prime and Zoom) and set a price range.

Each table concludes with a section explaining the codes used in lens names. These codes, which often repeat across different lenses, give insights into the lens’s focal length and aperture at a glance. But there’s more to them. By understanding the meaning behind these codes, you can gain a deeper understanding of each lens’s specific features and capabilities.

Sony E-mount lenses

The Sony E-mount lens system marks a significant chapter in the evolution of digital photography and videography, showcasing Sony’s commitment to innovation and quality. Introduced in 2010 alongside the Sony NEX-5 and NEX-3 mirrorless cameras, the E-mount was designed to cater to the burgeoning mirrorless camera market, offering a compact yet powerful alternative to traditional DSLR systems.

Sony lens codes:

• FE: Lenses designed for full-frame cameras in the E-mount lineup.
• E: Lenses made for APS-C sensor cameras within the E-mount system.
• G: High-quality lenses with professional features, indicating a balance between performance and cost.
• Macro: Lenses specialized for close-up photography with high magnification.
• ZA: Lenses produced in collaboration with Zeiss.
• GM (G Master): The highest tier of Sony lenses, designed for peak optical performance with advanced features.
• OSS (Optical SteadyShot): Sony’s optical image stabilization technology.
• II: Indicates the second generation or version of a lens

Sigma E-mount lenses

Sigma, a renowned Japanese lens manufacturer known for its high-quality and innovative optical designs, entered the E-mount market in 2016 to cater to the growing demand for lenses compatible with Sony’s mirrorless cameras.

Sigma lens codes

• DG: Designed for full-frame cameras, but can also be used on APS-C models.
• DN: Optimized for mirrorless cameras, including both full-frame and APS-C sensors.
• Art: Part of Sigma’s Art line, focusing on optical performance.
• DC: Explicitly made for APS-C sensor cameras.
• HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor): Indicates the lens uses a fast and quiet autofocus motor.
• C (Contemporary): Represents Sigma’s Contemporary line, balancing high performance with compact design.
• Macro: Lenses capable of close-up photography with a high magnification ratio.
• OS (Optical Stabilizer): Sigma’s term for optical image stabilization, reducing blur from camera shake.
• Sport: Belongs to Sigma’s Sport line.

Tamron E-mount lenses

Tamron, an esteemed manufacturer of optical products, has been pivotal in diversifying the lens options for Sony’s E-mount camera system, particularly noted for its mirrorless cameras. By introducing a range of E-mount lenses, Tamron has provided Sony photographers with alternatives that blend quality, innovation, and value.

Tamron lens codes:

• Di: Designed for full-frame cameras but can also be used with APS-C models. Stands for “Digitally Integrated.”
• III: Indicates the lens is optimized for mirrorless cameras, including those with full-frame and APS-C sensors.
• OSD (Optimized Silent Drive): This refers to Tamron’s autofocus motor technology for quiet operation.
• M: Denotes macro, indicating the lens is designed for close-up photography.
• 1:2: A magnification ratio specifying the lens can reproduce subjects at half-life-size on the sensor.
• III-A: Signifies lenses designed with an emphasis on compactness and versatility for APS-C mirrorless cameras.
• RXD (Rapid eXtra-silent stepping Drive): A fast and quiet autofocus system suitable for both stills and video.
• VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive): Tamron’s fastest autofocus motor, offering precision and speed.
• VC (Vibration Compensation): Tamron’s optical image stabilization feature.
• G2 (Generation 2): Marks the second generation of lenses in a series, usually with improved optics, autofocus, and stabilization.

Tokina E-mount lenses

Tokina, known for its high-quality photographic lenses, offers E-mount options that appeal to photographers across various genres, including landscape, street, and architectural photography. With a focus on optical excellence, innovative design, and affordability, Tokina’s lenses are versatile choices for both enthusiasts and professionals seeking more budget-friendly options.

• SZ: Indicates lenses that are part of Tokina’s premium series.
• Firin: A line of lenses developed specifically for mirrorless cameras, focusing on compactness and performance.
• AF: Stands for “Auto Focus,” indicating that the lens supports automatic focusing mechanisms.
• MF: Means “Manual Focus,” highlighting lenses that require manual focusing by the user.
• atx-m: Signifies lenses that are part of Tokina’s advanced series, designed with a focus on mirrorless cameras, offering both auto-focus and manual-focus capabilities with modern optical designs.
• SZX: Denotes a super telephoto zoom lens, emphasizing reach and zoom capabilities for distant subjects.
• Reflex: Refers to lenses with a mirror (or catadioptric) design, typically allowing for more compact and lightweight telephoto lenses.

How to pick the right lens for your needs

A lens significantly impacts the quality of your photos, influencing everything from clarity and depth of field to perspective and background blur. With myriad options available, making an informed choice requires understanding several key factors contributing to a lens’s performance and suitability for your photography needs.

A few points to consider

Focal Length: The focal length of a lens determines its angle of view, affecting how much of the scene will be captured. Short focal lengths offer a wider view, making them ideal for landscapes, while longer focal lengths provide a narrow view, perfect for zooming in on distant subjects.

Aperture: The aperture controls the amount of light entering the lens and influences the depth of field. A lens with a wide aperture (lower f-number) allows more light, enabling better performance in low-light conditions and achieving a blurred background effect.

Compatibility: Ensure the lens you choose is compatible with your camera body. Different brands and types of cameras require specific lenses, so it’s essential to verify compatibility before making a purchase.

Lens Type: Decide between prime lenses, which have a fixed focal length and generally offer superior image quality and larger apertures, and zoom lenses, which provide a range of focal lengths for versatility.

Additional Considerations: Image stabilization, lens size, and weight can significantly influence your decision, especially if you often shoot in low-light conditions or prioritize portability.

You can find more information in my article “How To Choose A Camera Lens” for those looking to dive deeper into this topic and explore each aspect in detail.

Don’t forget to check out my photography tips and Sony lens guides.

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