4 Best 24-70mm Lenses for Sony in 2024

Many photographers find the “standard zoom” to be their most-used lens, so picking the best 24-70mm lenses for Sony can be a game-changer for you. These lenses offer a versatile focal range that’s perfect for everything from landscapes to portraits, making them a must-have in any photographer’s bag. Our guide dives into the five best options available, helping you find the lens that meets your needs.

Our top pick is the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II, chosen for its exceptional sharpness and fast autofocus. It’s a standout choice for professional photography. But there are three other lenses we’ve reviewed, each with unique strengths, ensuring there’s an option for every type of photographer.

What Is the Best 24-70mm Lens for Sony?

Selecting the best 24-70mm lens for Sony involves considering factors like aperture, weight, and autofocus speed. Brands like Sony, Sigma, and Samyang offer options that excel in low light, are suitable for professional photography, and provide good value. You’ll find a lens for a range of budgets, so there should be something here for everyone.

Our Favorite 24-70mm Lenses for Sony

Let’s take a closer look at our favorite 24-70mm lenses for Sony. From the sharp and fast Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II to the budget-friendly Samyang AF 24-70mm f/2.8 FE, there’s a lens here for every style and situation. Explore these options to find the perfect match for your photography bag.

The Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II stands out for its sharpness and its wide f/2.8 aperture, making it a good option for low light photography and achieving a shallow depth of field. This lens is sharp across the frame, from center to edge, ensuring detailed images at any focal length. Its optical design includes elements that reduce chromatic aberrations, improving image sharpness.

Autofocus is quick and reliable, thanks to its advanced motor system. This is important for capturing sharp images in dynamic settings. However, it lacks built-in image stabilization. Photographers using Sony bodies with in-body stabilization will find this less of an issue.

Compared to the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN | A, the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II is lighter, making it easier to handle during long shoots. Both lenses offer excellent optical quality, but the Sony’s autofocus performance gives it an edge in fast-paced environments.

The Sony FE Carl Zeiss T* 24-70mm f/4 ZA OSS is a good choice for photographers who need a light and compact lens. Its f/4 aperture and 24-70mm range make it useful for a variety of shots, from wide landscapes to detailed portraits. This lens is especially good for travel and everyday photography, where carrying less is more. It is also remarkably good value, at not much more than a third of the cost of our top pick.

With built-in Optical SteadyShot, it helps keep images sharp at slower shutter speeds, a big advantage in low light. The lens is quick to focus, though it may slow slightly in dimmer conditions. The sturdy construction is designed to resist dust and moisture, making it reliable for outdoor use.

However, it’s not the best for very low light or for achieving extremely shallow depth of field effects. Some edge softness and distortion can appear but are generally fixable with editing software. For those prioritizing a balance between performance and portability, this lens is a solid option at a very attractive price.

The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN | A is a top choice for photographers who need flexibility and high performance in a single lens. Its wide f/2.8 aperture is perfect for low light and creating beautiful bokeh, making it ideal for portraits and event photography. With sharp images across the zoom range, this lens ensures professional-quality results in various settings.

Weighing 1.83 lbs (830 g), it’s relatively lightweight for its class, balancing well on Sony E-mount cameras. The lens’s build is sturdy, designed to handle the demands of professional use. Its weather sealing is a big plus for shooting in challenging conditions, ensuring reliability when it matters most.

Autofocus is quick and accurate, crucial for capturing fleeting moments. However, the lack of in-lens stabilization means users will rely on camera body stabilization, which might be a consideration for some. Sigma Art lenses have a solid reputation for the quality of their images. and this Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN | A offers a great mix of versatility, optical quality, and value, making it an attractive option for serious photographers and videographers alike.

The Samyang AF 24-70mm f/2.8 FE is a versatile lens that strikes a balance between performance and price. Its constant f/2.8 aperture across the zoom range is great for low light conditions and achieving a shallow depth of field, making it suitable for a wide range of photography styles. This lens is particularly appealing for event and portrait photographers who value the ability to quickly adapt to changing scenes without swapping lenses.

Weighing in at 2.26 lbs (1 kg), it’s a bit heavy but manageable, especially given its robust build and weather sealing. This makes it a reliable choice for outdoor shoots. The autofocus is fast and quiet, a boon for both photographers and videographers. However, the lack of built-in image stabilization means users will need to rely on their camera’s stabilization system, which might be a drawback for some.

The Samyang AF 24-70mm f/2.8 FE offers good optical quality and versatility at a competitive price point. It’s a solid option for those looking to expand their lens collection without breaking the bank.

Conclusion: The Best 24-70mm Lenses for Sony

We have looked at the top 4 best 24-70mm lenses for Sony, highlighting their key features, such as aperture, weight, autofocus capabilities, and optical performance. Each lens offers unique advantages, from low light performance to portability, catering to a variety of photography needs. The Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II emerges as the top pick due to its exceptional sharpness, quick autofocus, and lightweight design, making it ideal for professional photography. While this lens stands out for its superior qualities, there are three other excellent options to consider.