what lens to buy for sony a7 riv

The best lenses for Sony A7RIV

What lens to get for your Sony A7RIV?

Released in September 2019, the Sony Alpha7R IV is the latest full-format hybrid camera of the Japanese brand. Its highlight is its stunning 61 megapixel sensor, the highest definition currently available on the market in this category. It is a landmark innovation that gives even sharper images and allows you to crop after shooting while still maintaining high definition. During focusing, the 567 phase detection points and 425 contrast detection focus points guarantee quality. The great innovation is accompanied by a great recording speed in burst mode of 10 fps and a high-performance autofocus tracking, both in photo and video.

This box that succeeds the Alpha A7R IV brings in addition to its sensor other innovations appreciated. Ergonomics is improved and the handling is easier despite the small size of the housing and its weight of 665 g. The OLED Tru-finder UXGA OLED viewfinder is well ahead of others in its class and 1.6 times better than its predecessor. The 5-axis mechanical stabilization guarantees precise and sharp images. The improved shutter prevents the slightest vibration.

Wi-Fi and sophisticated connectivity to a remote PC are valuable features, so the Sony Alpha 7R IV satisfies both professionals and demanding amateurs and is a truly versatile camera. As it also allows 4K video recording and includes real-time eye recognition, Eye AF, it really becomes an ally for all circumstances.

It also produces time-lapse videos and records in Full HD at 120 fps. Two SD card ports compatible USH-II meet the need for storage because one it generates files of up to 240 million pixels! Sony type E lenses are compatible with this new body.

Note: Product links in this article lead to Amazon.com  

Sony α7R IV Full-frame Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera (ILCE7RM4/B)
  • Stunning resolution: world’s first 61MP full-frame 35mm back-illuminated Exmore R CMOS Image Sensor. The product is compatible with Final Cut Pro X and iMovie
  • High speed: up to 10Fps continuous shooting at 61MP with AE/AF tracking; 26. 2MP in APS-C crop mode
  • Fast Hybrid Autofocus: 567 Phase detection AF points and 425 contrast AF points to cover more area

Summary

  1. Sony Zeiss SONNAR 55mm f/1.8
  2. Sony 24-105mm f/4 FE G OSS
  3. Sony 16-35mm f/4
  4. Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 MACRO G OSS
  5. Sony 85mm f/1.8
  6. Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G OSS
  7. Comparative table
  8. Some terms to know
  9. Useful accessories
  10. Links

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Sony Zeiss Sonnar 55mm f/1.8

sony a7r iii which lens

Weight: 281 g
Filter size: 49 mm

This 55mm f/1.8 is the number one lens to buy for your Sony A7RIV. It offers a relatively versatile focal length that allows you to take both portrait and street photos, as well as landscape photos.

In terms of image quality obtained with this 55mm f/1.8, the results are impressive, especially in terms of the sharpness of the image, which is really sharp and rich in detail (it’s among the best rated on the Dxomark.com site).

Its matt black finish is very neat, and it’s tropicalized. It has a silent, fast and precise autofocus, even in low light. It’s above all one of the lightest lenses of the selection, and one of the least cumbersome.

Sony also offers two other options in the 50mm range: a much cheaper 50mm f/1.8 with performance that is far from as good, especially in terms of autofocus and colour rendering. The 55mm f/1.8 surpasses it on these points. There is also the Sony Zeiss FE 50mm f/1.4 Planar T*, with slightly better performance than the 55mm, but the difference is far from being huge to justify the price difference between these two lenses.

Although still quite expensive, this 55mm f/1.8 is an excellent choice if you are unsure about your first lens to buy for your Sony A7RIV.

Check the price on Amazon UK here and Amazon Australia here

Sale
Sony 55mm F1.8 Sonnar T FE ZA Full Frame Prime Lens - Fixed
  • 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 24-105mm f/4 FE G OSS

which lens for sony a7riii

Weight: 663 g
Filter size: 77 mm

If you’re looking for a versatile lens for your Sony A7RIV, 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 useful for making video. In short, it’s one of the best standard zooms available for the Sony A7RIV.

Check the price on Amazon UK here and Amazon Australia here

Sony - FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS Standard Zoom Lens (SEL24105G)
  • 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 16-35mm f/4 OSS

what lens for sony a7r iii

Weight: 518 g
Filter size: 72 mm

This is the very first wide-angle lens available for Sony FE hybrid cameras: overall its optical performance is excellent and if you plan to focus on landscape, architectural or interior photography, it’s a very good choice. It produces very sharp images in the center, with little vignetting and distortion. Its manufacturing quality is excellent and its development is fast.

On the same focal range, the 16-35mm f/2.8 GM is also very good and has a larger aperture, but its price is mainly intended for professionals or amateurs with a large budget.

In short, this Sony 16-35mm f/4 OSS is highly recommended if you own a Sony A7RIV and want to take a wide angle picture.

Check the price on Amazon UK here and Amazon Australia here

Sony 16-35mm Vario-Tessar T FE F4 ZA OSS E-Mount Lens
  • 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

what lenses for sony a7r iii

Weight: 602 g
Filter size: 62 mm

If you like pictures of insects, flowers or any small close-up subject, the Sony 90mm f/2.8 offers outstanding image quality, with superb contrast, sharpness and bokeh even if its aperture is only f/2.8. It has all the qualities of a Sony G-Series lens: a fast and ultra-quiet autofocus, a very neat construction quality, and it’s resistant to dust and moisture. The only real disadvantage of this 90mm f/2.8 is its size and weight.

Its focal length is not only designed for close-ups on bees or locusts, it can also be used for portrait photography and will offer superb results in combination with the Sony A7RIV.

Check the price on Amazon UK here and Amazon Australia here

Sale
Sony SEL90M28G FE 90mm f/2.8-22 Macro G OSS Standard-Prime Lens for Mirrorless Cameras,Black
  • 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 85mm f/1.8

the best lenses for sony a7riii

Weight: 371 g
Filter size: 67 mm

It’s simply the best lens to portrait with the Sony A7RIV, sold at a fair price compared to the other lenses in this selection…. Its optical performance is excellent, with a sharpness, color rendering and a superb bokeh.

Even if it’s not part of Sony’s G range, it remains quite robust and its plastic construction makes it very light. Its focus is fast and silent, making it a practical tool in video.

In short, if you photograph mainly people, whether they are your family, during a wedding or to take portraits when travelling, this 85mm f/1.8 will give you excellent images mounted on a Sony A7RIV.

Check the price on Amazon UK here and Amazon Australia here

Sale
Sony SEL85F18 85mm F/1.8-22 Medium-Telephoto Fixed Prime Camera Lens, Black
  • 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 70-200mm f/4 FE G OSS

best sony a7riii compatible lenses

Weight: 840 g
Filter size: 72 mm

It’s one of the best zooms available for Sony full-format hybrids, if you take into account its price and size. It delivers very detailed images with superb contrast, its focus is fast and quiet and it’s very well built. Combined with the Sony A7RIV’s silent shutter release system, it’s the ideal tool for taking pictures from a distance while being discreet.

Compared to its big brother, the 70-200mm f/2.8, it’s half as heavy and expensive, and even if its aperture is only f/4 it allows a very beautiful bokeh. It also remains compact and light enough to carry in its travel bag.

In short, this is the lens to buy with you if you are a long focal length enthusiast.

Check the price on Amazon UK here and Amazon Australia here

Sale
Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G OSS Interchangeable Lens for Sony Alpha Cameras
  • 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 A7RIV 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
Sony Zeiss Sonnar 55mm f/1.8  $$$  281g  f/1.8  49mm  prime lens
Sony 24-105mm f/4 FE G OSS $$$  663 g  f/1.8  77mm  zoom standard
Sony 16-35mm f/4 $$$  518g  f/1.4  72mm  wide angle
Sony 90mm f/2.8 FE MACRO G OSS $$$  602g  f/2.8  62mm  macro/portrait
Sony 85mm f/1.8  $$$  371g  f/1.8  67mm  portrait
Sony 70-200mm f/4 FE G OSS $$$  840g  f/4  72mm  zoom

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ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS TO KNOW

Because it’s not easy to find your way around, here are the abbreviations and terms you’ll often find when choosing your new lens for your Sony A7RIV:

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, which are rather professional and 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 into their housing.

T*: indicates that the lens glass has a Carl Zeiss T-Star coating that eliminates stray 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 (insects, coins…).

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USEFUL ACCESSORIES

A small selection of useful accessories to have in addition to your lenses and your Sony A7RIV:

LINKS

 

Any ideas to improve this list? Do you disagree on the choice of lenses? Please leave a comment!

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