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Advice for choosing my next Sony FE lens

  
 
Brewwithru
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p.1 #1 · Advice for choosing my next Sony FE lens


Hi Sony shooters, seeking your advice on choosing my next lens / lenses purchase. Sharing the options and use case details below:

Camera: Sony A7C II with Smallrig grip

Lenses owned:
Sony 50mm 1.4 GM (516g), daily driver for family pictures and videos
Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II (794g), flowers, bugs, animals and birds in everyday life (not too far away)

Things I'd value in no particular order:
1. Suitable for one-handed operation and carry - tried the Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 II (735g) before I got the smallrig grip, it felt uncomfortable after holding it one-handed while out on a stroll. Not terrible, but would take any weight savings I can get.
2. Versatility - I want access to lower than 50mm focal length and a longer portrait focal length without the bulk of a 70-200 for EDC.
3. Subject isolation - at <50mm, I don't expect my kid to stay close to the the camera, so wide aperture preferred on the wide end. I'm still wowed by shallow DOF pictures.
4. Low light performance - I tried the Sony 20-70 f/4 and loved the focal range, but disliked using it indoors with high ISO due to dynamic range, color contrast and DOF compromises


A single lens need not check all the boxes, I'm open to >1 purchase and to replace any of my existing lenses. My leading options are:
1. 35mm 1.8 or 35mm 1.4 GM for indoor family portraits
2. 24-50 2.8 for versatility / street / travel / EDC
3. 85mm 1.8 or 1.4 GM II for outdoor portraits / EDC

Looking for thoughts on these options above, or if I should consider any of these instead:

Sony 24-50 g f 2.8 (440g), $1198

Sigma 28-70 2.8 (470g) 4y old

Tamron 28-70 2.8 (540g), $899 $699 on sale

Sony 16-35 gmii (547g)

Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 (365g), $699

Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD, (575g), $799

Tamron 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD - newer, stabilized, faster (610g), $899

Sony 24-70 f 2.8 gm ii (695g), $2448

Sony 16 1.8 (304g), $900

Sony 20 1.8 (373g), $848

Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G (173g), $748

Sony 35mm 1.8 (281g), $698

Sony 24mm 1.4 GM (445g), $1398

Sony FE 24mm f/2.8 G Lens (162g), $748

Sigma 24mm f/2 DG DN (365g), $719

Sony 85 1.8 (371g), $598

Sigma 85 1.4 (625g), $1200

Sony 85 1.4 gm ii (642g), $1948



Thanks,
Rushil



Aug 22, 2025 at 11:09 AM
AGeoJO
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p.1 #2 · Advice for choosing my next Sony FE lens


Option 2 on your list: Sony 24-50mm f/2.8 in a heart beat if I were you.


Aug 22, 2025 at 11:19 AM
jeffbuzz
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p.1 #3 · Advice for choosing my next Sony FE lens


Seems like a wide angle of some sort should be the next logical addition. I'd suggest one that's not on your list: Sony FE 16-25mm F2.8 G.


Aug 22, 2025 at 11:41 AM
Oogappeltje
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p.1 #4 · Advice for choosing my next Sony FE lens


The 35gm is great for family stuff

Skip the Sony 1.8/85 although sharp, I never liked the outdoor portraits outcome. Colour and something about the bokeh. The 85gm sure would be a better option.



Aug 22, 2025 at 12:01 PM
mudlake
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p.1 #5 · Advice for choosing my next Sony FE lens


It sounds like you want a fast medium telephoto and a fast wide angle. You specifically mention you like nice bokeh and blurred backgrounds. So here is what you should get if you can afford them:

Wide angle: Sony 24/1.4 GM. This lens is sublime in every way. Beautiful rendering and has a look that just makes images pop. It’s the perfect complement to your 50/1.4GM. In crop mode it’s a beautiful 35/2.

Medium telephoto: Sony 85/1.4GM or 85/1.4GMii. Either lens will give you beautiful portraits and landscapes. If it were me, I’d go for the newer version since I like more sharpness and the faster more modern focusing motors, but many swear by the original which can be found used for a great price. If you don’t want to spend that much, the Samyang 85/1.4ii is what I bought and it’s also a beautiful portrait lens. The images are outstanding.



Aug 22, 2025 at 01:13 PM
Craig Gillette
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p.1 #6 · Advice for choosing my next Sony FE lens


Brewwithru wrote:
Hi Sony shooters, seeking your advice on choosing my next lens / lenses purchase. Sharing the options and use case details below:

Camera: Sony A7C II with Smallrig grip

Lenses owned:
Sony 50mm 1.4 GM (516g), daily driver for family pictures and videos
Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II (794g), flowers, bugs, animals and birds in everyday life (not too far away)

Things I'd value in no particular order:
1. Suitable for one-handed operation and carry - tried the Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 II (735g) before I got the smallrig grip, it felt uncomfortable after holding it one-handed while out on a stroll.
...Show more

A bit quick and dirty. It's hard to have f2.8 (isolation/low light) and "longer" focal length ranges and smaller/comfortable for one hand operation. Especially in one lens.

For me, on that body size, I think the 28-200/2.8-5.6 and or the similarly sized Tamron 28-75/2.8 might be at or above the comfy carry spot. Tolerable, not ideal. So, any 24-70/2.8 and larger is, well, larger. None of the GMiis, I'd think, etc.

That's leading to the Sigma 28-70/2.8. The 24-50/2.8 Sony is smaller but doesn't get to 70mm. The 20-40/2.8 goes wider but again, not long enough.

A single lens need not check all the boxes, I'm open to >1 purchase and to replace any of my existing lenses. My leading options are:
1. 35mm 1.8 or 35mm 1.4 GM for indoor family portraits
2. 24-50 2.8 for versatility / street / travel / EDC
3. 85mm 1.8 or 1.4 GM II for outdoor portraits / EDC

Looking for thoughts on these options above, or if I should consider any of these instead:


That doesn't seem too bad. I 'd suggest consider going in steps. Start with the Sony zoom, maybe the Sigma. See how it works and then consider adding maybe a prime or two. There are also several smaller wide zooms in f2.8, like Sony16-24/2.8 (?), some 16 or 17-28s and the new Tamron 16-30. The GMii 16-35/2.8 is not small. Primes could allow F1.x apertures in wide or portrait lengths. I'm a zoom user and my ff body is the A7Riv so lens size feelings may differ.

Sony 24-50 g f 2.8 (440g), $1198

Sigma 28-70 2.8 (470g) 4y old

Tamron 28-70 2.8 (540g), $899 $699 on sale

Sony 16-35 gmii (547g)

Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 (365g), $699

Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD, (575g), $799

Tamron 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD - newer, stabilized, faster (610g), $899

Sony 24-70 f 2.8 gm ii (695g), $2448

Sony 16 1.8 (304g), $900

Sony 20 1.8 (373g), $848

Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G (173g), $748

Sony 35mm 1.8 (281g), $698

Sony 24mm 1.4 GM (445g), $1398

Sony FE 24mm f/2.8 G Lens (162g), $748

Sigma 24mm f/2 DG DN (365g), $719

Sony 85 1.8 (371g), $598

Sigma 85 1.4 (625g), $1200

Sony 85 1.4 gm ii
...Show more




Aug 22, 2025 at 01:27 PM
tschopp
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p.1 #7 · Advice for choosing my next Sony FE lens


The Tamron 28-75G2 is easy to recommend. It is a big size and weight improvement vs the Sigma 24-70. If that is too big, then look at the 24-50/2.8, I think it is a choice between 24mm or 50-70mm. The 35GM is also easy to recommend for indoor photos.


Aug 22, 2025 at 01:43 PM
Kevner
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p.1 #8 · Advice for choosing my next Sony FE lens


I have two zooms, the 24-70 GMII and the 24-50 G. The 24-50 is a great smallish travel zoom and will accommodate your one handed approach. Given what you described, I would start with that lens. If possible, visit a camera store to see if the haptics fit your goals.

-Kk



Aug 22, 2025 at 01:53 PM
Brewwithru
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p.1 #9 · Advice for choosing my next Sony FE lens


Thanks all for the thoughtful recommendations.

Re: 24-50 I see it as a great EDC / travel option alongside an 85mm prime (maybe the GM II based on the feedback for the 1.8, though 1.8 is plenty for me at this focal length). Then, at home, I could be using a 24mm or 35mm GM and I don't really need my 50mm GM.

With the 24mm GM, would my subject at close range always have to be centered to avoid asymmetrical distortion? That's the reason I didn't put the 24mm prime higher on my list.

OTOH I could also go with the Sony 24-70 GM II, but at ~700g, it's at the edge of comfortable and uncomfortable for me. Not sure then if the 50mm prime is still the one to keep for indoor family use, would probably still prefer to swap with 35mm for wider FOV.

Re: comfy carry spot given the A7C II body, I was under the impression that the added smallrig grip brings the ergonomics closer to full sized bodies. Before I got this grip, I even found the weight of the 50mm 1.4 GM (516g) to be uncomfortable for extended one-handed carry, but with the grip, it feels a lot more comfortable and balanced now. Maybe I'm also building some strength with use.

I'm tempted by the A7RV at a good price from B&H with a trade-in promo, B2B discount, Payboo card. That said, given A7C II + grip is still about 150g lighter than the A7RV, is there a perceivable improvement in comfortable handling and carry with heavier lenses with something like the A7RV?




Aug 22, 2025 at 02:47 PM
AGeoJO
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p.1 #10 · Advice for choosing my next Sony FE lens


My A7c R came with an extension grip that does make the setup more comfortable to handle. However, I prefer using a base plate for the camera that has an Arca-style foot for mounting the setup on a tripod. It comes very handy from time to time and yes, it increases the handling comfort level, too, since it extends the battery compartment, at the same time. In addition, I also use a thumb up grip. I am not sure of the brand of mine but it sells for less than $20 on Am****n. The combination of the two options makes using largish lenses with more ease.


Aug 22, 2025 at 03:39 PM
 


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Brewwithru
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p.1 #11 · Advice for choosing my next Sony FE lens


AGeoJO wrote:
My A7c R came with an extension grip that does make the setup more comfortable to handle. However, I prefer using a base plate for the camera that has an Arca-style foot for mounting the setup on a tripod. It comes very handy from time to time and yes, it increases the handling comfort level, too, since it extends the battery compartment, at the same time. In addition, I also use a thumb up grip. I am not sure of the brand of mine but it sells for less than $20 on Am****n. The combination of the two options makes
...Show more



I bought both - the A7CR grip extension and this smallrig one. I too prefer the smallrig one which matches your description. The added depth has made a difference. I'm considering getting the thumb grip as well.



Aug 22, 2025 at 03:55 PM
Robin Smith
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p.1 #12 · Advice for choosing my next Sony FE lens


Sigma 85/1.4 is very nice, but it is a bit of a chunk, especially with the silly hood. I use an aftermarket hood. Sony GM85 is also large and v expensive. The 85mm 1.8 is a much smaller and lighter proposition. I’d get a 24-70 of some sort- it handles everything you need for most kiddie shots, despite the weight. There is also an ISO dial you can use…so a really fast lens is not essential, and you still have the 501.4 for your thin depth of field fetish-oops-I mean requirement.


Aug 22, 2025 at 04:10 PM
sonofjesse2010
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p.1 #13 · Advice for choosing my next Sony FE lens


The 28-75mm and 70-180mm G2's are very good, cheaper used and good values.

Sigma 85mm 1.4 over the Sony GM (version I) most people here I think would agree.

Owned both the 35mm 1.4 and 1.8. For the average person I don't think the 1.4 is worth it unless you can get a pretty solid deal on it. if you can find the 35mm 1.8 for under 400 I would go with that one.

20mm 1.8 is great lens and sharp.

I guess it really depends your case. How many lenses are you going to own etc?

The sony 24-50mm seems like a fun lens with this setup (I have no had that one).

Whatever you buy I suggest local FBM or FM (with good feedback) buying used is really a nice cost savings.

Let us know what you have.

P.S
My recent Journey

Sold the Sony 85mm 1.8 and got the Sigma 1.4.
Sold the 35mm 1.8 and got the 1.4 GM.
Sold the 28-75mmG2, 70-180mmG2, got the 20mm 1.8 and 135mmGM.

Both are improvements but they are diminishing returns.
Primes are better, but less convenient.

Just really comes down to what your looking for.



Aug 22, 2025 at 04:51 PM
j4nu
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p.1 #14 · Advice for choosing my next Sony FE lens


Just a note:

Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD, (575g), $799
Tamron 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD - newer, stabilized, faster (610g), $899

The older 28-200 is generally considered to be the better lens of the two.

As for the rest, I'd say 2.8 is generally still not bright enough for a lot of indoor shooting, so I think you need a fast prime for that. I find 50mm can be a bit tight indoors, so 35mm is my preference, but you might like sth like 24/1.4 and then crop some (though it's harder to use than 35mm, but also gives you more unique shots IMHO)...




Aug 22, 2025 at 05:06 PM
mudlake
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p.1 #15 · Advice for choosing my next Sony FE lens




Brewwithru wrote:
Thanks all for the thoughtful recommendations.

Re: 24-50 I see it as a great EDC / travel option alongside an 85mm prime (maybe the GM II based on the feedback for the 1.8, though 1.8 is plenty for me at this focal length). Then, at home, I could be using a 24mm or 35mm GM and I don't really need my 50mm GM.

With the 24mm GM, would my subject at close range always have to be centered to avoid asymmetrical distortion? That's the reason I didn't put the 24mm prime higher on my list.

OTOH I could also go
...Show more

I would not sell your 50/1.4. That lens can do so many things an f2.8 lens can never do. And for indoor family images I’ve rarely if ever felt it was too tight. I’ve used a 50/1.2 to take an indoor family shot of 20 people! In a small house. So I’m not sure why it would be too tight. 35mm is wider and a useful focal length too. But a fast 50mm is not something I would want to be without.



Aug 22, 2025 at 07:06 PM
Brewwithru
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p.1 #16 · Advice for choosing my next Sony FE lens




Brewwithru wrote:
I'm tempted by the A7RV at a good price from B&H with a trade-in promo, B2B discount, Payboo card. That said, given A7C II + grip is still about 150g lighter than the A7RV, is there a perceivable improvement in comfortable handling and carry with heavier lenses with something like the A7RV?



Appreciate all the suggestions. Would love some insight on handling differences between the A7RV and the slightly lighter combo of A7CII with the small ring deeper grip + base grip combo, as it pertains to using heavier lenses. I have big hands, so the grip has already made a meaningful improvement.

With my current setup, carrying the 24-50 and a longer 85mm prime when I step out sounds like the thing to try for a while. I would keep my existing 50mm 1.4 GM for indoor use and take the 70-200 out only when I know I’ll want to use it. I’ll visit the B&H superstore soon and try handling the 85mm 1.4 GM II in person with my camera, with the 1.8 or the sigma 1.4 as other options to try if the Sony feels too heavy. Will also try it with the A7RV.



Aug 22, 2025 at 09:42 PM
vaptre
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p.1 #17 · Advice for choosing my next Sony FE lens


I sold the 50/1.4 GM because, for my purposes, it didn’t provide enough value. The 50/1.2 has more pleasing rendering, while the 55/1.8 is significantly more comfortable to use with nearly the same image quality. Although the 55 does show some aberrations, they’re easy to correct. I have no regrets about selling the 50/1.4 GM.

Current setup: 24/1.4 GM, 35/1.4 GM, 55/1.8, 85/1.8.

The only unquestionably excellent lens for me is the 24/1.4. I still don’t fully share the forum enthusiasm for the 35/1.4 GM. It’s excellent technically, but its rendering doesn’t stand out to me; the 24/1.4 is superior in that regard. The 35/1.8 would meet my needs, but I found a great deal on the 35/1.4 for $900, so I’m keeping it. Still, it’s larger and less comfortable for everyday use than the 35/1.8, so I’m undecided.

My least favorite is the 85/1.8, as I don’t care for its rendering. I haven’t found a suitable alternative with similar size and weight, and I use the 85 only about 5% of the time so upgrading to a 1.4 GM doesn’t make sense. I’m considering the 135/1.8 GM as a potential replacement; it might suit me much better.



Aug 23, 2025 at 03:40 AM
3catsinky
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p.1 #18 · Advice for choosing my next Sony FE lens


I have shot them all. currently have the 20-70F4. If I were YOU, I would get the 24-50 hands down.
the only reason I didn't chose over the 20-70 was the long end. Both the 16-25 and 24-50 are superb travel lenses. You can always dump the A7CII and upgrade to the A7CR for more crop. Damn it, now I want to do this.



Aug 23, 2025 at 05:31 AM
Tristan.W
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p.1 #19 · Advice for choosing my next Sony FE lens


maybe 28-70 F2 GM?


Aug 23, 2025 at 07:53 AM







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