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8 Best Sony G and GM Lenses in 2024

Last updated: March 20, 2024 - 10 min read
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In the world of photography, choosing the right lens can make a big difference in the quality of your shots. Sony G and GM lenses are known for their high performance, offering photographers a range of options to suit various photography styles. Whether you’re capturing landscapes, portraits, or fast-moving action, there’s a Sony lens that can meet your needs.

Our top pick, the Sony E 10-20mm f/4 G PZ, is chosen for its wide-angle versatility, making it perfect for expansive shots. We also have seven other lenses that cater to a wide range of photography needs, ensuring you find the perfect match for your camera bag.

Our Top 3 Sony G and GM Lenses
Sony E 10-20mm F/4 G PZ SELP1020G
Sony E 10-20mm F/4 G PZ SELP1020G
Sony E 10-20mm F/4 G PZ SELP1020G
Sony FE 12-24mm F/2.8 GM SEL1224GM
Sony FE 12-24mm F/2.8 GM SEL1224GM
Sony FE 12-24mm F/2.8 GM SEL1224GM
Sony FE 24-70mm F/2.8 GM II SEL2470GM2
Sony FE 24-70mm F/2.8 GM II SEL2470GM2
Sony FE 24-70mm F/2.8 GM II SEL2470GM2

What Is the Best Sony G and GM Lens?

Selecting the best Sony G and GM lenses involved considering their performance in low light, versatility, and build quality. Each lens on this list excels in a number of photography genres, from wide landscapes to detailed portraits. Their inclusion is based on sharpness, autofocus speed, and additional features like weather sealing, making them very useful for professional photography.

Our Top Pick
Sony E 10-20mm F/4 G PZ SELP1020G
Sony E 10-20mm F/4 G PZ SELP1020G
Sony E 10-20mm F/4 G PZ SELP1020G
  • Ultra-wide to wide zoom versatility
  • Constant f/4 aperture for consistent exposure
  • Compact, lightweight design for easy handling
  • Weather-sealed construction for durability
  • Impressive sharpness and optical quality
Best Ultra-Wide Zoom
Sony FE 12-24mm F/2.8 GM SEL1224GM
Sony FE 12-24mm F/2.8 GM SEL1224GM
Sony FE 12-24mm F/2.8 GM SEL1224GM
  • Ultra-wide 12-24mm range for expansive shots
  • Bright f/2.8 aperture enhances low-light performance
  • Professional G Master optical quality
  • Fast, silent autofocus with XD Linear Motors
  • Durable, weather-sealed construction for reliability
Best All-Around Zoom Lens
Sony FE 24-70mm F/2.8 GM II SEL2470GM2
Sony FE 24-70mm F/2.8 GM II SEL2470GM2
Sony FE 24-70mm F/2.8 GM II SEL2470GM2
  • Versatile 24-70mm zoom for diverse shooting scenarios
  • Bright f/2.8 aperture for excellent low-light performance
  • Superior G Master optical quality and sharpness
  • Fast, precise autofocus with smooth operation
  • Durable, weather-sealed build for professional use
Best Portrait Prime Lens
Sony FE 50mm F/1.4 GM SEL50F14GM
Sony FE 50mm F/1.4 GM SEL50F14GM
Sony FE 50mm F/1.4 GM SEL50F14GM
  • Exceptional f/1.4 aperture for low-light shooting
  • G Master quality ensures superior sharpness
  • Ideal for portrait and street photography
  • Fast, accurate autofocus system
  • Durable, weather-resistant construction
Best Compact Prime Lens
Sony FE 50mm F/2.5 G SEL50F25G
Sony FE 50mm F/2.5 G SEL50F25G
Sony FE 50mm F/2.5 G SEL50F25G
  • Compact and lightweight design for portability
  • Sharp image quality with minimal aberrations
  • Fast f/2.5 aperture for good low-light performance
  • Durable construction with weather sealing
  • Ideal for everyday photography and travel
Best Bokeh Prime Lens
Sony FE 85mm F/1.4 GM SEL85F14GM
Sony FE 85mm F/1.4 GM SEL85F14GM
Sony FE 85mm F/1.4 GM SEL85F14GM
  • Exceptional f/1.4 aperture for stunning bokeh
  • G Master optics ensure unparalleled sharpness
  • Ideal for professional portrait photography
  • Fast, silent autofocus for critical sharpness
  • Robust, weather-sealed construction for reliability
Best Versatile Zoom Lens
Sony FE 24-105mm F/4 G OSS SEL24105G
Sony FE 24-105mm F/4 G OSS SEL24105G
Sony FE 24-105mm F/4 G OSS SEL24105G
  • Versatile 24-105mm zoom range for all-around use
  • Constant f/4 aperture across zoom range
  • Built-in Optical SteadyShot image stabilization
  • High-quality G series optics for sharp images
  • Durable design with dust and moisture resistance
Best Telephoto Zoom for Macro
Sony FE 70-200mm F/4 Macro G OSS II SEL70200G2
Sony FE 70-200mm F/4 Macro G OSS II SEL70200G2
Sony FE 70-200mm F/4 Macro G OSS II SEL70200G2
  • Versatile 70-200mm range for sports and wildlife
  • Constant f/4 aperture for consistent exposure
  • Built-in Optical SteadyShot for sharp images
  • High-quality G series optics ensure clarity
  • Lightweight design enhances portability and handling
 

Our Favorite Sony G and GM Lenses

Let’s take a closer look at our favorite Sony G and GM lenses. From wide-angle zooms to prime lenses for portraits, there’s a perfect match for every style and situation. We will explore these options to find the ideal addition to your photography bag.

1. Sony E 10-20mm f/4 G PZ

Our Top Pick
Sony E 10-20mm F/4 G PZ SELP1020G
Brand
Brand
Sony
Lens Weight
Lens Weight
178 g
Maximum Aperture
Maximum Aperture
f/ 4.0
Focal Length Range
Focal Length Range
10-20 mm
Image Stabilization
Image Stabilization
No
The Sony E 10-20mm f/4 G PZ lens stands out for its wide-angle zoom capability, making it a good option for landscape and architectural photography. Its constant f/4 aperture helps to achieve consistent exposure, which is useful in changing light conditions. However, it might not be the best for creating a shallow depth of field or shooting in very low light.

This lens is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around. It’s built well, with weather sealing that protects it in outdoor shoots. But, its autofocus speed, while quick and accurate for most situations, might lag behind some other lenses.

Optically, the lens delivers sharp images with minimal chromatic aberration, thanks to its high-quality glass elements. Yet, at its widest, some barrel distortion is noticeable. This can be fixed in post-editing, but it’s something to keep in mind.

 

2. Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM

Best Ultra-Wide Zoom
Sony FE 12-24mm F/2.8 GM SEL1224GM
Brand
Brand
Sony
Lens Weight
Lens Weight
847 g
Maximum Aperture
Maximum Aperture
f/ 2.8
Focal Length Range
Focal Length Range
12-24 mm
Image Stabilization
Image Stabilization
No
The Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM lens is a top choice for those needing wide views. Its f/2.8 aperture is great for low light and creating some background blur. This makes it useful for indoor shots and night skies. Its zoom range from 12mm to 24mm lets photographers capture everything from vast landscapes to detailed architectural scenes without changing lenses.

The lens is made from quality materials, ensuring it lasts and can deal with tough conditions. Despite its solid build, it’s still light enough for easy handling, even during long shoots. The autofocus is quick and stays sharp across various lighting situations, making it reliable for capturing fast-moving subjects.

This lens doesn’t have image stabilization, relying on the camera’s system instead. While this might be a downside for some, the wide angle reduces the impact of camera shake. The Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM lens is a good option for professionals looking for wide, sharp shots in a durable package.

 

3. Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II

Best All-Around Zoom Lens
Sony FE 24-70mm F/2.8 GM II SEL2470GM2
Brand
Brand
Sony
Lens Weight
Lens Weight
695 g
Maximum Aperture
Maximum Aperture
f/ 2.8
Focal Length Range
Focal Length Range
24-70 mm
Image Stabilization
Image Stabilization
No
The Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II lens is a versatile tool, perfect for those who need to quickly adapt to changing scenes. Its wide aperture of f/2.8 is great for low light and creating beautiful bokeh, making it ideal for portraits and events. The zoom range covers wide to short telephoto, allowing for a variety of shots without changing lenses.

The lens combines high-quality materials with a design that’s both durable and lightweight. It’s easy to handle, even during long shoots, and the weather sealing means it can withstand tough conditions. The autofocus is fast and reliable, ensuring sharp images in any situation.

With some of the best bokeh you’ll find anywhere, this lens is sharp, bright, and quick-focusing. A great standard zoom that covers a wide range of needs. The Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II is a good choice for professionals looking for quality and flexibility. Its high price reflects its performance and build, making it a valuable addition to any photographer’s bag.

 

4. Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM

Best Portrait Prime Lens
Sony FE 50mm F/1.4 GM SEL50F14GM
Brand
Brand
Sony
Lens Weight
Lens Weight
516 g
Maximum Aperture
Maximum Aperture
f/ 1.4
Focal Length Range
Focal Length Range
50 mm
Image Stabilization
Image Stabilization
No
The Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM lens shines in its class, offering a blend of speed, sharpness, and build quality that appeals to professionals and enthusiasts alike. Its f/1.4 aperture not only excels in low light but also provides a shallow depth of field, making it perfect for portraits where a creamy bokeh is desired. This prime lens, known for its “nifty fifty” versatility, is ideal for a wide range of photography styles, from street scenes to intimate portraits, though it may not be the first choice for extreme close-ups or distant wildlife shots.

Constructed to meet the demands of serious photographers, this lens combines durability with a user-friendly design. Weighing just over a pound (454 g), it balances well on Sony’s mirrorless bodies, ensuring comfortable use over extended periods. The absence of built-in image stabilization is hardly a drawback, as it pairs seamlessly with Sony’s stabilized camera bodies to deliver crisp images under various conditions. The Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM emerges as a very useful tool in a photographer’s bag, offering a good mix of optical excellence and practicality.

 

5. Sony FE 50mm f/2.5 G

Best Compact Prime Lens
Sony FE 50mm F/2.5 G SEL50F25G
Brand
Brand
Sony
Lens Weight
Lens Weight
174 g
Maximum Aperture
Maximum Aperture
f/ 2.5
Focal Length Range
Focal Length Range
50 mm
Image Stabilization
Image Stabilization
No
The Sony FE 50mm f/2.5 G lens is a prime example of balance between quality and compactness. Its f/2.5 aperture, while not the widest, offers good low-light performance and the ability to create soft background blur, making it suitable for portraits and everyday photography. This lens stands out for its sharpness and minimal distortion, characteristics that are crucial for capturing detailed and accurate images.

Built with a mix of metal and high-quality plastics, this lens is both lightweight and durable, making it an ideal travel companion. Its weather sealing adds an extra layer of protection, allowing photographers to shoot in various conditions without worry. The autofocus is quick and silent, ensuring that moments are captured with precision.

Despite lacking built-in image stabilization, when used with Sony’s IBIS-equipped cameras, it performs admirably in low light. This lens is a good option for those who prioritize portability without compromising on image quality, making it very useful for a wide range of photography styles.

 

6. Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM

Best Bokeh Prime Lens
Sony FE 85mm F/1.4 GM SEL85F14GM
Brand
Brand
Sony
Lens Weight
Lens Weight
820 g
Maximum Aperture
Maximum Aperture
f/ 1.4
Focal Length Range
Focal Length Range
85 mm
Image Stabilization
Image Stabilization
No
The Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM lens is a standout choice for portrait photographers seeking exceptional image quality. Its f/1.4 aperture not only excels in low light but also creates stunning bokeh, making subjects pop against smoothly blurred backgrounds. This prime lens, known for its precise focus and high resolution, is perfect for capturing detailed portraits and intimate moments.

Constructed to meet the demands of professionals, this lens combines durability with a user-friendly design. Weighing about 1.8 lbs (820g), it’s solid yet manageable for handheld shooting. The weather sealing ensures reliability in various shooting environments, from studio to outdoor settings.

Despite lacking built-in stabilization, when paired with Sony’s IBIS-equipped cameras, it delivers sharp, clear images even in challenging light. Overall, the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM is a very useful tool for photographers who prioritize quality and performance, offering a blend of optical excellence and practical features.

 

7. Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS

Best Versatile Zoom Lens
Sony FE 24-105mm F/4 G OSS SEL24105G
Brand
Brand
Sony
Lens Weight
Lens Weight
663 g
Maximum Aperture
Maximum Aperture
f/ 4.0
Focal Length Range
Focal Length Range
24-105 mm
Image Stabilization
Image Stabilization
Yes
The Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS lens is a versatile tool, perfect for photographers who value flexibility and quality. Its wide zoom range from 24mm to 105mm covers everything from wide landscapes to detailed portraits, making it an ideal all-in-one lens. The constant f/4 aperture, while not the widest, still allows for good control over depth of field and decent low-light performance.

Built to last, this lens combines durability with a design that’s both user-friendly and reliable in various shooting conditions. Weighing just over 1lb (663g), it’s relatively light for its capabilities, ensuring it’s comfortable for day-long shoots. The added benefit of Optical SteadyShot (OSS) image stabilization helps keep shots sharp, even in lower light or when shooting handheld.

Despite its f/4 aperture not being the widest, the lens’s sharpness and the quality of its bokeh make it a good option for those looking for a single lens solution. Its build quality, combined with effective image stabilization, makes the Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS a very useful lens for a wide range of photography styles.

 

8. Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II

Best Telephoto Zoom for Macro
Sony FE 70-200mm F/4 Macro G OSS II SEL70200G2
Brand
Brand
Sony
Lens Weight
Lens Weight
794 g
Maximum Aperture
Maximum Aperture
f/ 4.0
Focal Length Range
Focal Length Range
70-200 mm
Image Stabilization
Image Stabilization
Yes
The Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II stands as a versatile lens, blending telephoto reach with macro capabilities. Its focal range is perfect for photographers who need to capture subjects from a distance, like wildlife or sports, while the macro feature opens up a world of close-up details. The constant f/4 aperture, while not the widest, still allows for significant control over depth of field and performs well in varied lighting conditions.

Built with durability in mind, this lens is both lightweight and weather-sealed, making it a reliable choice for outdoor shoots. Its optical performance is impressive, offering sharp images with minimal aberrations, thanks to advanced glass elements. The autofocus is quick and silent, ensuring that subjects are captured with precision.

Despite its f/4 aperture, the lens’s image stabilization system effectively compensates for camera shake, enhancing its low-light capabilities. Overall, the Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II is a good option for those seeking a balance between versatility, image quality, and portability, making it very useful for a wide range of photography genres.

 

Conclusion: The Best Sony G and GM Lenses

The article provides a detailed look at the best Sony G and GM lenses, showcasing their strengths in various photography scenarios. From wide-angle zooms perfect for landscapes to prime lenses ideal for portraits, each lens offers unique features to enhance photography skills.

Our top choice, the Sony E 10-20mm f/4 G PZ, stands out for its versatility and image quality. It’s a great all-rounder. There are seven other lenses to explore, each with its own strengths.

Our Top 3 Sony G and GM Lenses
Sony E 10-20mm F/4 G PZ SELP1020G
Sony E 10-20mm F/4 G PZ SELP1020G
Sony E 10-20mm F/4 G PZ SELP1020G
Sony FE 12-24mm F/2.8 GM SEL1224GM
Sony FE 12-24mm F/2.8 GM SEL1224GM
Sony FE 12-24mm F/2.8 GM SEL1224GM
Sony FE 24-70mm F/2.8 GM II SEL2470GM2
Sony FE 24-70mm F/2.8 GM II SEL2470GM2
Sony FE 24-70mm F/2.8 GM II SEL2470GM2