Choosing the best Sony lenses for travel photography makes all the difference when capturing stunning images in a new land. With so many options available, it’s important to find a lens that offers both versatility and quality to ensure your travel photos stand out.
Our top choice is the Sony E 18-105mm f/4 G OSS PZ, with its wide-ranging focal length and consistent performance. It’s a versatile pick for any travel scenario. Plus, we have eight more incredible Sony travel lenses for APS-C and full frame cameras.
What Is the Best Sony Lens for Travel Photography?
When selecting the best Sony lens for travel photography, you should consider weight, versatility, and image quality. Our list includes lightweight lenses that offer a range of focal lengths and sharp optical quality. These lenses are perfect for capturing everything from expansive landscapes to colorful street scenes.
- Versatile zoom range for diverse shooting scenarios
- Constant f/4 aperture for consistent exposure
- High-quality G series optics ensure sharp images
- Effective OSS for stable handheld shooting
- Compact and lightweight design for easy travel
- Wide f/1.8 aperture for low-light excellence
- Compact design ideal for travel and street photography
- Optical SteadyShot stabilizes handheld shots
- Fast, silent autofocus perfect for candid captures
- Superb image quality with beautiful bokeh effects
- Exceptional low-light performance with f/1.8 aperture
- Compact, lightweight design for easy portability
- Produces beautiful bokeh for portrait photography
- Fast, accurate autofocus system enhances usability
- Affordable entry into high-quality prime lenses
- Ideal for street and environmental portrait photography
- Wide f/1.8 aperture enhances low-light shooting
- Compact, lightweight design perfect for travel
- Fast, precise autofocus for dynamic shooting situations
- Delivers sharp images with beautiful background bokeh
- Broad 24-105mm zoom range covers most scenes
- Constant f/4 aperture for consistent exposure control
- Built-in Optical SteadyShot for sharp, stable images
- Professional G series optics ensure top image quality
- Durable design with dust and moisture resistance
- Unique 20-70mm range for versatile shooting scenarios
- Constant f/4 aperture across entire zoom range
- High-quality G series optics for sharp images
- Dual XD Linear Motors for fast, silent autofocus
- Robust build with dust and moisture resistance
- Power zoom feature for smooth focal transitions
- Wide to standard zoom range for versatility
- Constant f/4 aperture ensures consistent exposure
- Premium G series quality in a compact design
- Advanced optics for sharp, distortion-free images
- Fast f/2.8 aperture for superior low-light performance
- Compact and lightweight design enhances portability
- Exceptional sharpness and clarity across the zoom range
- Close focusing capability for versatile macro photography
- Designed specifically for Sony E-mount APS-C cameras
- Versatile telephoto range ideal for sports and wildlife
- Constant f/4 aperture for consistent exposure control
- Optical SteadyShot stabilization for sharp handheld shots
- High-quality G series optics ensure superior image quality
- Durable, weather-sealed construction for reliable outdoor use
Our Favorite Sony Lenses for Travel Photography
Let’s take a closer look at our favorite Sony lenses for travel photography. From wide-angle zooms to sharp primes, there’s a lens here for every travel scenario.
The list started with two E lenses for Sony APS-C cameras. Then the list moves onto FE lenses for full frame cameras. Explore these options to find the perfect fit for your photography travel bag.
1. Sony E 18-105mm f/4 G OSS PZ
| Brand |
Brand
Sony
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
482 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 4.0
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
18-105 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
 |
The Sony E 18-105mm f/4 G OSS PZ is a fantastic all-in-one lens for Sony APS-C mirrorless cameras. Covering wide landscapes at 18mm to detailed portraits at 105mm, it’s a single-lens solution for traveling photographers.
Its constant f/4 aperture in consistent exposure settings, crucial for quickly changing environments. However, it’s not the fastest for low light, where a lens like the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN | C might perform better due to its wider aperture.
The Optical SteadyShot (OSS) is a big advantage, helping to keep shots sharp in low light or when shooting handheld. That means you can travel without a tripod, helping travel light.
Weighing 15 oz (427g), it’s relatively light, making it easy to carry around all day. Yet, the lack of weather sealing means extra care is needed in wet conditions.
Its autofocus is quick and reliable, capturing fleeting moments with ease. And the Power Zoom features gives you super-fast composition changes. This is really useful when shooting videos, so travel vloggers will be pleased.
The lens shows some edge softness and distortion, which is common in zoom lenses. But generally, the lens delivers sharp, clean images that’ll draw plenty of attention on your travel blog or social media profile.
For travelers looking for a good mix of versatility, weight, and image quality, the Sony E 18-105mm f/4 G OSS PZ is a brilliant option. It’s versatile, lightweight, and affordable.
2. Sony E 35mm f/1.8 OSS
| Brand |
Brand
Sony
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
155 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 1.8
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
35 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Sony E 35mm f/1.8 OSS balances portability and performance, making it the best prime lens for Sony APS-C cameras. Its fixed focal length mirrors what the human eye sees, making it a top pick for capturing the essence of new places.
Weighing just 5.4oz (154g), it won’t weigh you down. And the compact size makes it an easy fit for any good travel camera backpack.
Quick and accurate autofocus ensures you won’t miss fleeting moments.
Its f/1.8 aperture is great for low light, allowing you to take clear photos even as daylight fades. The built-in Optical SteadyShot stabilizer helps keep images sharp when you are struggling for light. However, as a prime lens, you might miss the flexibility of a zoom lens.
The lens also allows for close-up shots with its 0.98ft (0.3m) minimum focusing distance. While it lacks weather sealing, its solid build can handle the demands of international travel. The Sony E 35mm f/1.8 OSS is perfect for those prioritizing a light pack but don’t want to compromise on image quality.
3. Sony FE 50mm f/1.8
| Brand |
Brand
Sony
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
186 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 1.8
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
50 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
 |
The Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 is a prime lens known for its simplicity and effectiveness in capturing everyday moments. Its fixed 50mm focal length is versatile enough for portraits, street scenes, and general photography. Weighing just 6.5oz (186g), it’s light and easy to carry, making it ideal for travelers who prefer a light pack.
With an aperture of f/1.8, it performs well in low light, allowing for beautiful shots during dusk or in dimly lit environments. However, it lacks image stabilization, meaning users need to rely on steady hands or higher ISO settings in challenging light.
The fast max aperture also gives you excellent depth of field control. This allows you to create a beautiful blurred background when shooting portraits or detail shots.
With a DC motor driving all lens groups, you get fast and reliable autofocus support. It isn’t quite silent, but the noise isn’t too distracting.
The Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 is an affordable and portable prime lens. Its build and image quality offer great value, especially for photographers who focus on portraiture and street-style travel photography. While it may not have the bells and whistles of more expensive lenses, its simplicity and performance make it a popular choice.
4. Sony FE 35mm f/1.8
| Brand |
Brand
Sony
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
280 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 1.8
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
35 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 excels in travel photography due to its compact size and excellent image quality. Weighing just 9.9oz (280 g), it’s easy to carry around all day. It’s a compact and affordable addition to any travel photographer’s backpack.
Its wide f/1.8 aperture is ideal for low-light conditions, allowing you to take vivid photos even as the sun sets. It also helps you create a bokeh effect when shooting travel portraits.
This lens is sharp across the frame, ensuring your travel shots are crystal clear. The autofocus is quick, ensuring you never miss a moment. However, it lacks built-in image stabilization, so you’ll get the best results when paired with a camera with built-in image stabilization.
For those who love to explore cities and landscapes alike, the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 is a great choice. Its weather-sealing adds a layer of protection against the elements, making it a reliable companion for your adventures. Its quality and versatility make it a popular option for travel photographers.
5. Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS
| 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
|
The Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS is a standout choice for travel photographers seeking versatility and quality. Its wide zoom range covers everything from sweeping landscapes to detailed portraits, making it an ideal single-lens solution.
Weighing 1.4 lb (663 g), it’s relatively light for a zoom with this kind of range. The light weight is especially impressive when you know the barrel includes four aspherical and 3 Extra-low Dispersion (ED) elements. That’s why the picture quality is so sharp throughout the zoom range.
An f/4 aperture offers consistent exposure control and decent low-light performance across the entire zoom range. The built-in Optical SteadyShot (OSS) is particularly useful for capturing sharp images in dim conditions or shooting handheld video.
Fast and accurate autofocus ensures you capture those fleeting moments. And its weather-sealed design adds an extra layer of confidence when facing unpredictable outdoor conditions.
The perfect blend of versatility and quality, the Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS has to be a top choice for travelers.
6. Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G
| Brand |
Brand
Sony
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
488 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 4.0
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
20-70 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G is a versatile zoom lens that ticks all the boxes for travel photographers. Starting at the wide 20mm focal length, it’s perfect for capturing expansive landscapes and architectural details. At the 70mm end, it allows for closer shots and portraits.
With its constant f/4 aperture, the lens offers consistent exposure control and decent performance in varied lighting conditions. Two Advanced Aspherical elements reduce chromatic aberration, so you get sharp images everywhere from 20mm to 70mm.
Dual Extreme Dynamic (DX) linear motos give you quick and reliable AF support, so you never miss a moment. And despite having two motors, it’s still practically silent in operation.
Weighing 16.2oz (460g), it’s relatively lightweight, ensuring it won’t be a burden during long days of exploration.
This lens is a great option for travelers who need flexibility without the hassle of changing lenses. Its build quality and weather sealing add confidence when facing unpredictable outdoor conditions. For those prioritizing convenience, quality, and range, the Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G is the best travel lens for you.
7. Sony FE 16-35mm f/4 G PZ
| Brand |
Brand
Sony
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
353 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 4.0
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
16-35 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Sony FE 16-35mm F4 G PZ is a versatile zoom lens that’s perfect for travel photography. Its wide to standard focal range makes it ideal for capturing everything from vast landscapes to detailed street scenes.
Weighing just 12.5 oz (353 g), it’s lightweight and easy to carry all day, reducing fatigue during long shooting sessions.
This lens shines in its ability to adapt quickly to changing scenes, thanks to its power zoom feature. This is especially helpful for videographers and vloggers, helping them change the focal length while filming.
Although it has a constant f/4 aperture, it still performs well in various lighting conditions, providing a good balance between portability and image quality. The lack of built-in image stabilization is mitigated by the effective use of cameras with in-body stabilization, ensuring sharp images even in low light.
For travelers who need a reliable, high-quality yet compact lens that covers a wide range of shooting scenarios, the Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G is a very useful choice. Its robust construction and weather sealing protect against the elements, making it a dependable companion for any adventure.
8. Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN | C for Sony E
| Brand |
Brand
Sigma
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
290 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 2.8
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
18-50 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN | C is a compact, versatile lens that’s ideal for travel photography.
Its constant f/2.8 aperture is a big advantage, allowing for low-light shooting at any focal length in the zoom range. It also gives you more creative control, allowing you to use a shallow depth of field.
Weighing just 10.2 oz (290 g), it’s lightweight and easy to carry, making it perfect for photographers on the move.
This lens delivers sharp, clear images with minimal distortion. The autofocus is quick and reliable, ensuring you never miss a moment. While it lacks built-in image stabilization, its performance in various lighting conditions and the ability to focus closely at 4.7 in (12.1 cm) adds to its versatility.
For those looking for a high-quality, all-around lens that won’t weigh down their bag, the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN | C is definitely a travel lens to consider. Its solid build and consistent performance across a range of scenarios make it a popular choice among travel photographers.
9. Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS
| Brand |
Brand
Sony
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
840 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 4.0
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
70-200 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS isn’t your typical travel lens with its telephoto focal length. But the versatile zoom range allows you to incorporate wildlife, sports, and portraits into your travel photography.
Weighing 1.8 lb (840 g), it’s the heaviest lens on the list. But despite the weight, it still fits into a decent travel camera backpack.
With an f/4 aperture, it offers consistent performance across the zoom range, providing good control over exposure and depth of field. The built-in Optical SteadyShot (OSS) image stabilization is crucial for capturing sharp images in challenging lighting or when shooting handheld.
The image quality is outstanding, giving you sharp, distortion-free images throughout the zoom range. And this clarity is in part due to the three double-sided aspherical elements. A T-lens coating also helps to produce true-to-life colors in your images.
The Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS is a reliable, high-quality telephoto lens that balances performance with portability. Its durable build and weather sealing make it a dependable companion for travel photography enthusiasts.
Conclusion: The Best Sony Lenses for Travel Photography
We’ve looked at all the best Sony Lenses for Travel Photography, highlighting their key features, such as weight, focal range, and aperture. We’ve seen Sony lenses for all travel photographers, whether you’re shooting wide landscapes, street scenes, or environmental portraits.
Our top choice, the Sony E 18-105mm f/4 G OSS PZ, stands out for its balance of versatility, weight, and image quality. It covers a wide range of photography scenarios without switching lenses. But you also have lenses like the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 or Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS if you use a Sony full frame camera.