The best standard zoom lenses for Sony lenses offer versatility and quality, making them ideal for a wide range of photography styles. That’s why they are one of the most popular types of lenses with photographers and videographers.
Our guide highlights the top picks to help you capture stunning images with your Sony camera.
The number one choice is the Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G, chosen for its versatile focal range, constant aperture, and reasonable price tag. It’s a great all-rounder that allows you to explore many types of photography.
If that’s not the lens you’re looking for, we have seven more excellent standard zoom lenses for APS-C and full frame Sony cameras.
What Is the Best Standard Zoom Lens for Sony?
When choosing the best standard zoom lens for Sony, focal range, aperture, and optical performance are all important factors to consider.
Our list includes top picks from Sony and Sigma, chosen for their versatility, image quality, and functionality. These lenses excel in various scenarios, from landscapes to portraits, ensuring photographers have the flexibility and performance needed for professional photography.
- Offers unique 20-70mm zoom range for versatility
- Constant f/4 aperture balances light and size
- High-quality G series build and design
- Dual XD Linear Motors for fast, silent autofocus
- Weather-sealed for reliable outdoor use
- Constant f/2.8 for superior low-light performance
- G Master series ensures top-tier image quality
- Fast, precise autofocus with four XD Linear Motors
- Durable, weather-sealed construction for outdoor reliability
- Exceptional sharpness and bokeh for professional results
- Versatile 28-70mm range for everyday shooting needs
- Built-in OSS for steady shots in low light
- Lightweight design enhances portability and handling
- Affordable entry into full-frame E-mount system
- Good optical performance with effective aberration control
- Expansive 24-105mm range for unmatched versatility
- Constant f/4 aperture across all focal lengths
- Optical SteadyShot stabilization for sharp images
- Premium G series build and image quality
- Dust and moisture resistant for outdoor reliability
- Bright constant f/2.8 aperture for low light
- Premium G series optics ensure top image quality
- Compact and lightweight design for APS-C cameras
- Fast, precise autofocus with XD linear motors
- Dust and moisture resistance for reliable outdoor use
- Constant f/2.8 aperture for exceptional low-light performance
- Art series quality ensures superior optical clarity
- Fast and accurate autofocus with stepping motor
- Dust and splash-proof design for durability
- Compatible with Sony E-mount full-frame cameras
- Compact design for enhanced portability and convenience
- Constant f/2.8 aperture across zoom range
- High-quality construction with weather-resistant features
- Exceptional sharpness and color accuracy
- Competitive pricing for professional-grade optics
- Constant f/2.8 aperture for excellent low-light performance
- Compact and lightweight, ideal for travel photography
- Sharp and clear image quality across zoom range
- Fast and silent autofocus suitable for video recording
- Affordable option with professional-grade optics
Our Favorite Standard Zoom Lenses for Sony
Let’s take a closer look at the best standard zoom lenses for Sony. From wide landscapes to detailed portraits, there’s a standard zoom lens for nearly every scenario.
With options ranging from the versatile Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G to the compact Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN | C, photographers can find the perfect tool to enhance their skills and creativity.
1. 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 lens stands out for its unique and versatile focal range. Starting at 20mm, it’s great for capturing wide landscapes or architecture. Moving up to 70mm, you have the perfect focal length for tightly framed portraits. This range makes it a good option for photographers who want to carry just one lens.
Its f/4 aperture is a good balance, offering decent low light and depth of field performance.
Optically, the lens includes elements that reduce distortion and chromatic aberration. This means images are sharp with true-to-life colors throughout the focal range.
Its autofocus is quick and reliable, making it good for capturing fast-moving scenes. But, without in-lens stabilization, users need to rely on their camera’s stabilization, which might be a downside for some.
Compared to the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II, the 20-70mm f/4 G offers a wider angle but a smaller aperture. This makes the 20-70mm lens more suited for landscapes and architecture, where the wider angle is useful and the smaller aperture less of an issue.
Optically sharp, versatile, and reasonably priced, the Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G is a great lens for a wide range of photographers.
2. Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II
| 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
|
The Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II lens is a top pick for those who need flexibility without sacrificing quality. Its 24-70mm range covers wide to short telephoto, perfect for capturing everything from vast landscapes to detailed portraits.
The f/2.8 aperture helps in low light and creates a beautiful background blur. Being a constant aperture, it gives you the same excellent exposure control from 24mm to 70mm.
The 9-blade circular aperture enhances the bokeh effect when using a shallow depth of field, resulting in a rich and creamy background blur.
Extra-low Dispersion (ED), Super ED, and aspherical elements ensure pristine image quality throughout the zoom range. A Nano coating also reduces lens flare, ghosting, and vignetting.
Built to last, the lens combines durable materials with a design that’s easy to handle. Weighing 695 g, it’s light enough for all-day use and fits into any good camera backpack. It’s also weather-sealed, so you can use it outdoors without fear.
Quick and silent autofocus ensures you never miss a moment, even in fast-paced settings. While it lacks built-in stabilization, many Sony cameras offer this feature, helping keep shots steady.
The Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II is a brilliant standard zoom lens with everything from sharp optics to a fast aperture.
3. Sony FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS
| Brand |
Brand
Sony
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
295 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 5.6
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
28-70 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
 |
The Sony FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS is a brilliant, budget-friendly lens for beginners or casual photographers.
Its focal length is good for capturing everything from group shots to portraits. The variable aperture, while not ideal in low light, works well in most situations. This lens is especially useful for those who prefer a light setup while traveling.
The lens’s Optical SteadyShot (OSS) keeps images sharp in lower light or when shooting handheld. This is a big advantage when capturing clear photos without a tripod.
Built with a mix of metal and plastic, it’s both sturdy and lightweight. This makes it easy to carry around, fitting nicely into a photography day bag light the Wandrd Duo Daypack.
The Sony FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS is a good option for photographers looking for an affordable, versatile lens. It’s particularly well suited to hobbyists or those just starting with full-frame photography.
4. 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 lens is a versatile choice for photographers who value flexibility and quality. It isn’t strictly a standard zoom lens, as it ventures into telephoto territory. But it covers all standard-angle focal lengths, so it’s definitely worth including.
Its wide wide zoom range covers most shooting scenarios, from wide landscapes to detailed portraits. It’s the perfect lens if you don’t want to walk around with a backpack full of lenses.
The constant f/4 aperture offers consistent exposure throughout the zoom range, which is impressive for such a wide focal range. It’s also wide enough to give you decent depth of field control, especially at the telephoto end.
Sony’s OSS system gives you extra support shooting in low light, helping you capture sharp shots in less-than-ideal conditions.
The optical quality is excellent for a lens in this price bracket. You might experience some distortion or chromatic aberration, but only at the extreme settings.
It’s compact and lightweight, making it a great choice for street and travel photographers. It isn’t fully weather-sealed but does have some splash resistance.
Versatile, lightweight, and affordable, the Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS is a great option for beginners and casual photographers.
5. Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G
| Brand |
Brand
Sony
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
494 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 2.8
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
16-55 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G lens is the standout choice for Sony APS-C camera users. With its wide-to-standard focal range, you can use it for anything from landscapes to portraits.
Its wide f/2.8 aperture is constant across the zoom range, giving you fantastic low-light performance at any focal length. It also gives you depth of field control, enhancing portraits with a lovely bokeh background.
Weighing just 494 grams, it’s light enough for all-day use. And despite the light weight, it has weather-sealing for risk-free outdoor use.
Optically, this lens impresses with sharp, clear images and minimal chromatic aberration. The autofocus is quick and silent, suitable for both stills and video. While it lacks built-in stabilization, many Sony cameras compensate with in-body stabilization, which mitigates this issue.
Combining a broad focal range, constant aperture, and portability, the Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G is the best standard zoom for APS-C Sony cameras.
6. Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN | A for Sony E
| Brand |
Brand
Sigma
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
830 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 2.8
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
24-70 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN | A is a versatile lens from Sigma’s fabulous Art series of lenses. With a zoom range that spans every standard focal length, it’s a versatile option with sharp optics.
Thanks to its advanced construction that includes FLD and SLD elements, the lens impresses with its sharpness and minimal chromatic aberration.
Its constant f/2.8 aperture is perfect for capturing sharp images in low light and achieving beautiful bokeh effects.
An Optical Stabilization (OS) system gives you even more support in poor lighting, making this one of the best lenses for low-light photography.
The autofocus is quick and accurate, ensuring that photographers won’t miss fleeting moments.
The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN | A is a gorgeous alternative to Sony lenses. You might save a few pennies thanks to the reasonable price tag, but you’re losing very little in terms of performance and quality.
7. Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN | C for Sony E
| Brand |
Brand
Sigma
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
470 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 2.8
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
28-70 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN | C for Sony E-mount strikes a balance between portability and optical performance. From Sigma Contemporary lens range, we know it’s a great lens for photography and videography.
Photographers and videographers will appreciate the fast f/2.8, especially because it’s constant throughout the zoom range.
Weighing around 470 g, it’s lighter than many alternatives, making it a good option for street or travel photography.
Thanks to its use of FLD and SLD elements, this lens impresses with sharp images and controlled aberrations.
The autofocus is quick and reliable, ensuring that users won’t miss those fleeting moments. It also has an internal focusing system, helping it maintain its shape and increase focus speeds.
For those in search of a versatile, lightweight lens without breaking the bank, the Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN | C is a compelling option. It offers a useful focal range for a variety of shooting scenarios, from portraits to landscapes, making it a valuable addition to any camera bag.
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, lightweight, and affordable zoom lens. It offers a versatile focal range with a constant f/2.8 aperture, making it an excellent choice for photographers looking for flexibility.
Its lightweight design ensures it won’t weigh you down, making it perfect for day-long shoots or travel photography.
The lens delivers sharp, clear images with minimal distortion, thanks to its advanced construction that includes SLD and aspherical elements.
Autofocus is both quick and quiet, ensuring photographers can capture fleeting moments while keeping a low profile. While it lacks built-in stabilization, the fast aperture compensates by giving you excellent light intake.
The Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN | C is an impressive lens at an equally impressive price. It’s versatile and compact, making it a must-have for your camera day bag.
Conclusion: The Best Standard Zoom Lenses for Sony
We’ve now reviewed the eight best standard zoom lenses for Sony, offering insights into their performance, build, and suitability for various photography needs. The article highlights the importance of choosing the right lens based on focal range, aperture, and additional features such as image stabilization and autofocus speed.
Our top choice is the Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G, with its unique focal range, constant aperture, and sharp optical quality. It’s a good all-rounder you can use for a wide range of photography, including landscapes, street, and portrait photography. But as we’ve seen, there are seven other incredible standard zoom lenses for Sony cameras.
