- Advanced 24.2MP BSI full frame Image Sensor w/ 1.8X readout speed.Aspect Ratio - 3:2, Headphone Terminal : Yes (3.5 mm Stereo minijack), Mic Terminal : Yes (3.5 mm Stereo minijack). Brightness Control...
- 15 stop dynamic range, 14 bit uncompressed RAW, ISO 50 to 204,800. Compatible with Sony E mount lenses. Can be connected via Bluetooth with smartphones featuring (as of the date of release)- Android...
- Up to 10fps silent or mechanical shutter with AE/AF tracking. Battery life (Still Images): Approx. 610 shots (Viewfinder) / approx. 710 shots (LCD monitor), battery life (Movie, continuous recording):...
What lens to get for your Sony A7 III?
Released in April 2018, the Sony Alpha 7 III, also known as the Sony A7 III or α7 III is a hybrid full-frame sensor camera. It embeds technologies found on devices intended for professionals, such as the A7R III and A9, for a relatively affordable price. It’s one of the best full-format cameras available on the market, so much so that many Canon and Nikon photographers are now coming to Sony!
On the technical side, it features a new 24.2 megapixel backlit Exmor R CMOS sensor and the same autofocus system as the Sony A9 (which costs twice as much). Its 5-axis mechanical stabilization system compensates for the camera’s shaking and movement, which is especially useful in video. The Sony A7III can shoot in 4K at 30 fps and in full HD at 120 fps up to 100 Mbit/s., convenient for super slow motion.
- Advanced 24.2MP BSI full frame Image Sensor w/ 1.8X readout speed.Aspect Ratio - 3:2, Headphone Terminal : Yes (3.5 mm Stereo minijack), Mic Terminal : Yes (3.5 mm Stereo minijack). Brightness Control...
- 15 stop dynamic range, 14 bit uncompressed RAW, ISO 50 to 204,800. Compatible with Sony E mount lenses. Can be connected via Bluetooth with smartphones featuring (as of the date of release)- Android...
- Up to 10fps silent or mechanical shutter with AE/AF tracking. Battery life (Still Images): Approx. 610 shots (Viewfinder) / approx. 710 shots (LCD monitor), battery life (Movie, continuous recording):...
For improvements over the A7II, it now has two SD card slots, extended battery life thanks to a new long-lasting battery, a touch screen and a silent mode for taking pictures without any noise. Its design is almost the same as the A7RIII, with a deep grip, a navigation joystick, and a new location for the video recording button, all for a weight of 650g.
It’s sold alone or in kit form with a 28-70 mm lens, but you will quickly want to change lenses to really see what it has in its belly.
This selection of the best lenses compatible with the Sony A7 III will help you choose the right tool for your style of photography: it covers all situations, whether for portraits, wide-angle photos or macro.
Note: Product links in this article lead to Amazon.com
Summary
- Sony 24-105mm f/4 FE G OSS
- Sony Zeiss SONNAR 55mm f/1.8
- Sony 85mm f/1.8
- Sony 16-35mm f/4
- Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 MACRO G OSS
- Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G OSS
- Comparative Table
- Some terms to know
- Useful accessories
- Links
Sony 24-105mm f/4 FE G OSS
Weight: 663 g
Filter size: 77 mm
If you are looking for a versatile lens for your Sony A7III, which you can take on a trip for example, then the Sony 24-105mm f/4 is the one for you! It’s part of Sony’s G range, so we are dealing with a lens with outstanding construction quality, which also offers superb image quality. Its focal length range of 24 to 105mm makes it very versatile, and its constant aperture of f/4 is a significant plus. It offers better optical performance than 24-70mm f/4, and is much lighter and above all much cheaper than 24-70 f/2.8
Its silent and fast autofocus is very convenient for video shooting. In short, it’s one of the best standard zooms available for the Sony A7 III.
Check the price on Amazon UK here and Amazon Australia here
- G-lens design with 4 aspherical and 3 ED glass (extra-low Dispersion) elements, for high corner-to-corner resolving power throughout the entire zoom range
- 35 mm full-frame.Constant F4 maximum aperture maintains exposure and Depth of field throughout the zoom range
- 9-blade circular aperture contributes to beautifuly de-focused bakgrounds
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Sony Zeiss Sonnar 55mm f/1.8
Weight: 281 g
Filter size: 49 mm
This 55mm f/1.8 is perhaps the best lens you can have for your Sony Alpha 7III. Its focal length is versatile enough to make portraits, reports or even landscape photos.
It has a very neat matt black finish, and it’s tropicalized. Its autofocus is silent, fast and accurate, even in low light. It’s above all one of the lightest lenses of this selection, and one of the least cumbersome.
As for the image quality obtained with this 55mm f/1.8, the results are impressive, especially in terms of the sharpness of the image, which is absolutely sharp and rich in detail (this is one of the best rated on the Dxomark.com website).
In the 50mm category Sony also offers the 50mm f/1.8 which is sold at a very attractive price but its performance is not as good, mainly in terms of autofocus and colour rendering. The 55mm f/1.8 surpasses it on these points. Concerning the Sony Zeiss FE 50mm f/1.4 Planar T*, it offers slightly better performance but the difference is far from being huge to justify the big price difference between the two lenses.
The 55mm f/1.8 is therefore an excellent choice if you are unsure about your first lens to buy for your Sony A7 III.
Check the price on Amazon UK here and Amazon Australia here
- Diaphragm Blades 9, Rounded. Lens Groups / Elements is 5/7
- Focal Length: 55mm, Filter Diameter: 49mm
- Minimum Focus Distance: 19-11/16 inches (.50m)
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Sony 85mm f/1.8
Weight: 371 g
Filter size: 67 mm
The best lens available for portraiture with the Sony A7 III, sold at a reasonable price not to spoil anything. Its optical performance is fantastic, with a sharpness, colour rendering and a magnificent bokeh.
Its plastic construction makes it very lightweight, and even if it’s not part of Sony’s G range it remains quite robust. The focus is fast and silent, making it a practical tool in video.
In short, if you photograph mainly people, whether during a wedding, your family, or to make portraits while travelling, this 85mm f/1.8 will offer you superb results combined with the Sony alpha 7 III.
Check the price on Amazon UK here and Amazon Australia here
- Wide F1.8 maximum aperture enables beautiful defocusing effects
- 9-blade circular aperture creates beautiful round defocused bokeh
- ED glass element for corner-to-corner sharpness,Minimum Focus Distance:2.63 feet (0.8 m)
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Sony 16-35mm f/4 OSS
Weight: 518 g
Filter size: 72 mm
The very first wide-angle lens available for Sony FE hybrid cameras: overall its optical performance is excellent and if you plan to do mainly landscape, architectural or indoor photography, it’s a very good lens. It produces very sharp images in the center, with little vignetting and distortion. Its manufacturing quality is excellent and its development is fast.
It costs much less than the 16-35mm f/2.8 GM, which is also very good and has a larger aperture, but whose price is mainly intended for professionals or amateurs with a large budget.
In summary, this Sony 16-35mm f/4 OSS wide angle is strongly recommended if you own a Sony Alpha 7 III.
Check the price on Amazon UK here and Amazon Australia here
- Ideal for landscapes and the a7 series of full frame cameras, ZEISS T (T star) coating to reduce flare and ghosting
- Minimum Focus Distance: 0.92 feet (0.28 m), Maximum Magnification ratio: 0. 19x, Focal-Length: 5/8 - 1-3/8 Inches
- Three ED glass elements suppress chromatic distortion, constant F4 maximum aperture throughout the zoom range
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Sony 90mm f/2.8 FE MACRO G OSS
Weight: 602 g
Filter size: 62 mm
For lovers of photos of insects, flowers or any close-up subject, the Sony 90mm f/2.8 offers outstanding image quality, with superb contrast, sharpness and bokeh even if it only opens’only’ at f/2.8. It has the qualities of a Sony G-range lens: a fast and ultra-quiet autofocus, and a very neat construction quality, while being resistant to dust and humidity. The only negative point of this 90mm f/2.8 is its size and weight.
Its focal length is not only designed for close-ups on ladybugs, it’s also ideal for portrait photography and will give superb results on your Sony A7 III.
Check the price on Amazon UK here and Amazon Australia here
- A perfect match for α7 series, 35mm full-frame E-mount cameras, 90mm Macro with a bright F2.8 maximum aperture, Nano AR coating effectively suppress reflections, Dust and moisture resistant design
- Minimum Focus Distance : 0.92 ft (0.28 m), Maximum Magnification ratio : 1.0x, Focal Length : 90 mm. The angle of view is 27 degree (35 mm) and 17 degree (APS-C)
- Optical Steady Shot image stabilization for handheld shooting, Instant manual/auto focus selection via a sliding focus ring, Instant manual/auto focus selection via a sliding focus ring
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Sony 70-200mm f/4 FE G OSS
Weight: 840 g
Filter size: 72 mm
One of the best zooms available for Sony full-format hybrids, considering its price and size. It delivers very detailed images with superb contrast, is well built and the focus is fast and silent. Combined with the Sony A7 III’s silent release system, it’s ideal for taking pictures of animals or people while being discreet.
It’s especially half as heavy and expensive as its big brother, the 70-200mm f/2.8, and even if its aperture is only f/4 it offers a very good bokeh rendering. It’s also compact and light enough to accompany you on your journey.
In short, a tool to have in your bag if you are a long focal length enthusiast.
Check the price on Amazon UK here and Amazon Australia here
- Brand is Sony
- Minimum focus distance:1–1.5 m (AF)/1–1.35 m (MF) (3.28–4.93 ft [AF]/3.28–4.43 ft [MF]), Maximum Magnification ratio : 0.13x, Focal-Length : 70–200 mm
- Interchangeable Lens
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COMPARATIVE TABLE
All of the Sony Alpha 7 III compatible lenses mentioned above are included in this comparison chart to help you choose the right equipment. You will be able to compare them according to their price, the weight and the utility of each one to choose which will suit your budget and your style of photo.
Lens | Price | Weight | Aperture | Filter size | Utility |
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Sony 85mm f/1.8 | $$$$$ | 371g | f/1.8 | 67mm | portrait |
Sony Zeiss Sonnar 55mm f/1.8 | $$$$$ | 281g | f/1.8 | 49mm | prime lens |
Sony 90mm f/2.8 FE MACRO G OSS | $$$$$ | 602g | f/2.8 | 62mm | macro/portrait |
Sony 24-105mm f/4 FE G OSS | $$$$$ | 663 g | f/1.8 | 77mm | all-in-one |
Sony 16-35mm f/4 | $$$$$ | 518g | f/1.4 | 72mm | wide angle |
Sony 70-200mm f/4 FE G OSS | $$$$$ | 840g | f/4 | 72mm | zoom |
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ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS TO KNOW
Because it’s hard to find your way around, here are the abbreviations and terms you’ll often find when choosing your new lens for your Sony A7III:
FE: corresponds to “Full-frame E-mount”. Simply put, FE indicates that the lens is dedicated to Sony full-format cameras.
G: corresponds to’Gold’, Sony’s range of high quality lenses for professionals, which are generally quite expensive.
GM: corresponds to’G Master’, the top of the range in terms of quality. Even better than the simple lens ‘G’.
OSS: corresponds to ‘Optical Steady Shot’, which is the image stabilization integrated directly into the lens. However, this is no longer a decisive criterion because most of the new Sony hybrid devices that come out have image stabilization integrated directly into their housing.
E: corresponds to E-mount, Sony hybrid devices with an APSC sensor (smaller than those of Sony A7, A7II, A7III, A9 etc…), such as the Sony a6000, a6300 or a6500.
T*: refers to the Carl Zeiss T-Star coating that eliminates parasitic light.
ZA: corresponds to’Zeiss Alpha’, and means that the lens was designed in collaboration with the German company Zeiss. It’s supposed to be a guarantee of quality.
Macro: designed for macro photography, i. e. the photography of small subjects.
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USEFUL ACCESSORIES
A small selection of useful accessories to have in addition to your lenses and your Sony A7III:
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