Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G OSS is one of the best lenses for Sony A5100. and the most recent entry-level model in the Sony series. Even two years after its release, it’s still one of the most technically advanced models a beginner can find with its 24MP APS-C sized sensor, 179-point hybrid autofocus system, and good video capabilities.
Despite having a respectable 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens included with the camera, the optical quality is frequently insufficient to take extremely sharp shots of complex situations, and the aperture range can be too sluggish in low light.
For this reason, I’ve created a list of the system’s best lenses for Sony A5100, including two choices for each type of photography. I did my best to find lenses for the list that offer good optical quality and have a quicker maximum aperture than the kit lens.
I also kept in mind a few other things, such as the lens size of the Sony a5100’s small body and its price, as many of the best E-mount lenses are twice as expensive as the body (if not more)!
Which are the best lenses for Sony A5100 for professional photography?
1. Sony SEL30M35 30mm f/3.5 e-mount
Key-Specifications:
Brand: Sony | Lens Type: Macro | Compatible Mountings: Sony E | Camera Lens Description: Compact System Camera Lens | Maximum Focal Length: 30 Millimeters | Product Dimensions: 2.2 x 2.44 x 2.44 inches | Item Weight: 4.9 ounces | Item model number: SEL30M35 | Batteries: 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. | Manufacturer: Sony |
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Sony SEL30M35 30mm f/3.5 e-mount is one of the best lenses for Sony A5100. The Sony SEL30M35 is a cost-effective macro lens that can be considered a very handy second lens for your Sony A5100 because it enables you to take numerous types of photography while ensuring high-quality results without spending a fortune to enjoy this pleasure!
The design of this lens is initially very straightforward, consisting of 7 elements split into 6 groups, further enhanced by an ED element and three aspherical elements. On the other hand, its lightweight, silver-finished body will enhance the beauty of your A5100 camera and give you truly convenient shooting sessions without making you feel tired, even if you’ve been shooting for longer!
Additionally, if you look closely at this lens, you will note that it has a metal barrel and a ribbed manual focus ring. When we put all of these features together, we can easily claim that the overall build quality is good and that this lens is simple.
One of the SEL30M35’s greatest strengths in terms of performance is its capacity for producing a higher level of clarity at full aperture; in fact, users have highly lauded this lens for its potential to be a true “performer” in the center of the field!
But concerning the distortion, Sony has once again done a great job. Specifically, even though the SEL30M35 is affordable, it still performs a fantastic job of reducing distortion. Once you can use your A5100 with this lens mounted, you will understand what I mean.
Last but not least, thanks to this model’s internal stepping motor with rear-focusing design, you may take images with accurate color representation and high-quality recorded videos.
Therefore, this lens is all about convenience and adaptability, so I suggest you consider buying it as your next item since it won’t have a big impact on your budget but will still provide you with many advantages!
2. Sony SEL35F18 35mm f/1.8
Key-Specifications:
Brand: Sony | Lens Type: Wide Angle | Compatible Mountings: Sony E (NEX) | Camera Lens Description: 35 millimeters | Maximum Focal Length: 35 Millimeters | Product Dimensions: 1.77 x 2.48 x 2.48 inches | Item Weight: 5.5 ounces | Item model number: SEL35F18 | Batteries: 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. | Manufacturer: Sony |
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Sony SEL35F18, 35mm f/1.8, is one of the best lenses for Sony A5100. The Sony SEL35F18 35mm f/1.8, also referred to as the SEL35F18, is a prime-fixed type of lens that combines an appealing appearance, strong performance, and a price that is affordable for a variety of different photographers.
These three characteristics have caused this lens to receive numerous favorable reviews! What else can you anticipate from it, though? Let’s begin immediately and find out!
Speaking of the design, this model is incredibly small and lightweight, measuring just 1.8 by 2.5 inches (H, D), and it is perfect for APS-C mirrorless cameras like the Sony A5100.
Looking a little closer, we can see that the optical design comprises 8 elements split into 6 groups. We can also see two aspherical elements and an extra-low dispersion element. The last two components are particularly significant since they aim to maximize contrast and reduce spherical aberration!
Additionally, the mounting plate is made of chromed metal, although the focusing ring and outer barrel are both made of aluminum alloy. This is excellent since it prevents you from noticing noticeable differences in the lens’s appearance and function, even after using it for a while.
The SEL35F18 performs admirably in most scenarios. While most lenses in this price range lack stabilization of any type, this one features optical stabilization for both images and movies! This is helpful in practice since you’ll be amazed by the photos and videos you get, but especially by the outcomes of low-light shooting!
The greatest results can be obtained at f/4, f/5.6, and f/11, according to those taking landscape photos with this lens mounted on their Sony A5100. The SEL35F18 produces a highly brilliant performance. Thus, these settings are recommended. Even if this is only their opinion, I would still encourage you to look it over so that you may decide whether the outcome meets your preferences.
The distortion is typically nonexistent; even better, the SEL35F18 manages flare and ghosting well, which indicates the lens’s high quality.
In conclusion, the SEL35F18 would be a wonderful alternative for you if you’re interested in taking landscape photos full of vivid details, powerful contrast, and a lifelike appearance.
3. Sony 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 (SEL18200LE)
Key-Specifications:
Brand: Sony | Focal Length Description: Zoom 18-200 mm f/3.5-6.3 | Lens Type: Telephoto | Compatible Mountings: Sony E | Camera Lens Description: 200 millimeters | Product Dimensions: 3.82 x 2.68 x 2.68 inches | Item Weight: 1.01 pounds | Item model number: SEL18200LE | Date First Available: May 17, 2012 | Manufacturer: Sony |
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Sony 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 (SEL18200LE) is one of the best lenses for Sony A5100. For photographers who adore shooting wildlife and sports with their Sony cameras, including those who possess the Sony A5100, the SEL18200LE is a dream come true.
If you’ve been looking online, you’ve undoubtedly seen this lens quite a bit. Well, I have a responsibility to tell you the explanation for the success.
The SEL18200LE is essentially an all-in-one superzoom lens from a design standpoint. It boasts a sturdy structure made of a metal lens mount, a plastic filter ring, and up to seven rounded diaphragm elements to help you capture the greatest out-of-focus backgrounds possible!
The focusing ring is composed of rubber, has noticeable ribs, and is approximately 1/2 inch wide. What’s fascinating is that the ring rotates to infinity in either direction without stopping, which puts the camera in manual focusing mode.
How about the crispness now? This lens will significantly improve your camera’s performance because images taken with it will appear beautiful even at its widest f/3.5 and 18mm settings. You will see its potential as soon as you take your first picture.
Additionally, the autofocus function is incredibly rapid and efficient; some users have told me it takes less than a second to obtain the whole focus range. I appreciate this!
The autofocus’ second benefit is that it is really quiet, so in addition to taking pictures, you will also be able to record movies with no issues!
The image quality is said to be nothing less than exceptional by those who have shot in clear daylight, and considering its enormous focus range, which gives you a ton of creative license when it comes to framing your shot, I believe that this lens will work just fine for you!
The lack of a direct mechanical connection to the optics is one drawback common to most mirrorless lenses. Still, I think Sony has gotten away with it, given the lens’s affordable pricing and capable performance.
In conclusion, if you ever buy the SEL18200LE, you can be confident of its incredibly powerful capabilities. I strongly advise you to give it some serious thought.
4. Sony Carl Zeiss Sonnar T E 24mm F1.8 ZA
Key-Specifications:
Brand: Sony | Focal Length Description: F-1.8 | Lens Type: Fisheye | Compatible Mountings: ony E | Camera Lens Description: 4 | Product Dimensions: 2.58 x 2.48 x 2.48 inches | Item Weight: 7.9 ounces | Item model number: SEL24F18Z | Date First Available: August 23, 2011 |
Manufacturer: Sony |
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Also, Sony Carl Zeiss Sonnar T E 24mm F1.8 ZA is one of the best lenses for Sony A5100. The Sony Carl Zeiss Sonnar T E 24mm F1.8 ZA has been on the market for a fairly long period.
However, even today, it is still being widely used by the owners of the Alpha line of APS-C mirrorless cameras, thanks to its uncompromised performance that will make each photo look unique, exactly as you’d like!
Design-wise, this lens is large; it measures 2.6 x 2.5″ ( H, D ), weighs around 7.9 ounces, and boasts a solid alloy body accompanied by a barrel made of metal and a wide, ridged metal manual focus ring which is the only control available.
Unfortunately, you won’t find a depth-of-field scale/infrared index/distance scale, and I think that Sony could have done a better job considering the price tag of the lens. Either way, other features will guarantee a nearly flawless performance, so let’s move on.
For your information, the angle view of this lens is set at 61 degrees, given its focal length of 24mm, and it can focus as close as 6.2 inches, which is still satisfying since, at its closest working distance, it will ensure that images will be projected onto the image sensor at 1:4 size. It has a good, if not the best macro capability.
Furthermore, those who’ve been shooting with this lens claim that the image quality is unrealistically sharp at f/1.8, but even if you’re stepping down to f/4, f/2, or f/2.8, the performance is absolute gold as well, and I’m sure that you will notice this as well!
In addition, I have good news for you if you’ve been curious about the distortion. In general, distortion is non-existent, but in any case, RAW photographers can effectively remove the vignette look by using software such as Lightroom CC. In contrast, JPG shooters can apply an in-camera correction if they recognize some dimness.
Before we end, there’s yet one more thing I would like to mention. One of the best things about owning this lens is the top-notch image quality and the opportunity to have spectacular results when shooting at a wide aperture. To be more precise, while shooting at a wide aperture, you can make your subject pop by blurring the background.
It’s also a pretty good lens for taking real estate photos, so if you are in that field, this lens can serve you well.
Overall, even though this unit has some flaws, still, the Sony Carl Zeiss Sonnar T E 24mm F1.8 ZA is more than a highly suitable candidate to become a part of your shooting arsenal, especially if you love to shoot with a prime wide-angle lens that will never disappoint you!
5. Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G OSS
Key-Specifications:
Brand: Sony | Lens Type: Telephoto | Compatible Mountings: Sony E | Camera Lens Description: 200 millimeters | Maximum Focal Length: 200 Millimeters | Product Dimensions: 6.89 x 3.15 x 3.15 inches | Item Weight:1.85 pounds | Manufacturer: Sony |
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Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G OSS is one of the best lenses for Sony A5100. Since owners of Sony Alpha cameras frequently utilize interchangeable lenses, the Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G OSS is perfect for these cameras.
If you’ve had a chance to see how this lens performs, I’m sure you were more than satisfied! If not, you now have a greater understanding of the caliber of this excellent lens!
This device has a very elegant, matte-white hue and is durable while still being comfortable to carry. I also find it to be visually appealing. You can carry this lens anywhere you go and photograph in various weather situations thanks to Sony’s use of a weather-resistant metal exterior further strengthened by a rubber focus and zoom ring. As a result, you will never feel constrained in terms of shooting!
Along with its electronic focusing ring, the front of the lens has three buttons around the barrel. I enjoy the inclusion of these buttons, especially because they stand for focus lock and will greatly aid you in maintaining a secure grip no matter the lens facing! Sounds intriguing.
Since you’re here to learn about the performance, let’s set the design aside and talk about the performance.
The sharpness of the Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G OSS is astounding. Some folks have told me they never had any trouble getting excellent results no matter what the aperture, starting at 70mm at f/4, f/5.6, and f/16 and going up at 100m to apertures that range from f/4, f/16, and f/22. This lens is sharp!
Additionally, Sony has added an extra-low dispersion glass to guarantee that your images always have strong contrast and are free of chromatic aberration even at large aperture settings. Meanwhile, the Nano AR coating will reduce reflections when you shoot outside, so your images are always filled with strong clarity.
Finally, feel free to experiment and capture the photographic style you enjoy the most because this lens is adaptable and allows you to focus on finer details while shooting landscape, cityscape, street, and other types of photography with ease and outstanding results. In other words, you’ll be fascinated by whatever you photograph with a 70–20mm lens!
In conclusion, the Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G OSS is a flexible, must-have telephoto lens that has the potential to enhance your photography experience significantly. Please do not hesitate to check it out and experience the immediate difference that utilizing this lens brings you!
Best Lenses For Sony A5100 Buying Guide
Choosing a product involves time, patience, effort, and knowledge so that you won’t regret your decision later. In this post section, I’ll provide you with some crucial information and pointers about the things to consider so that you may start shooting with the greatest possible outcomes.
Viewing angle and focal length
It is vital to comprehend these two concepts. The angle of view, measured in degrees, essentially indicates how much of a scene a lens can allow or take in. On the other hand, the focal length is measured in millimeters. If you’ve ever had the chance to hear certain photographers discuss a lens’ focal length, you’ll know that their main concern is the angle of view.
For your reference, regular lenses are often between 35 and 70mm, telephoto lenses extend beyond standard lenses, and macro lenses are typically in the 35 to 100mm range.
Types
The two most well-known lens designs are prime and zoom. While prime lenses have far better optics and produce stronger low-light performance, zoom lenses are noted for their versatility because they allow you to easily frame your subjects without moving.
Here’s a hint. Always give priority to lenses that are made especially for your camera. For instance, if you have a Sony camera, seek lenses made by Sony, as most third-party sellers’ and manufacturers’ lenses cannot work with your camera.
Of course, you can divide lenses into smaller groups, such as astrophotography, real estate, landscape, etc., but zoom and prime lenses are the most common.
Aperture
After the ISO and shutter speed, the aperture is a component of the “holy trinity” of photography. The opening in a lens via which light enters the camera is a common definition of the aperture idea. The aperture, then, is an aperture through which light passes. Why is it significant, then? Your images will appear brighter if you select a lens with a higher aperture since it will let in more light, and the opposite is also true.
Handling
It is entirely up to you whether you need a lightweight lens for street photography, a moderate lens for landscape or portrait photography, or a heavy lens for anything else. Lenses can be heavy, moderate, or lightweight, depending on the type.
FAQs the best lenses for Sony A5100
Q: How much are the lenses for the Sony A5100?
A: Since the price depends on several variables, including the quality and kind of lens, I won’t be able to provide you with the most specific answer to this rather generic issue. Thus, the cost may range from $100 to more than $2,000.00.
Q: Do newcomers need to have lenses?
A lens is not required, but having one won’t hurt because lenses are important parts of cameras and photography because they can guarantee high-quality outcomes.
Q: Which lens works best with the Sony A5100?
A: Similar to the first question, this one is challenging to answer because everything hinges on your initial willingness to invest. The most accurate response to your query would thus be that this page contains, in my opinion, the greatest lenses.
Q: Is the Sony A5100 a worthwhile purchase?
A: Of course it is; this is one of the most popular mirrorless cameras on the market. At the same time, novices frequently choose this camera since they don’t want to spend much money but still want high-quality results. And the Sony A5100 has all of these qualities!
Conclusion
Finally, I’m confident you can see the potential in each of the lenses above (Best Lenses For Sony A5100 in 2023) now that you know what to expect from them in practice due to my thorough research of each one. As a result, feel free to select the option that best fits your needs and price range because whatever choice you make will be a good one!
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