Best Lenses for Sony a9 in 2019. Looking for recommended lenses for your Sony a9? Here are the top recommended Sony a9 lenses.
Making use of a 24.2MP full-frame Exmor RS stacked CMOS sensor and BIONZ X image processor, the Sony a9 is capable of shooting at up to 20 fps, recording UHD 4K video internally, and shooting with an expanded sensitivity range to ISO 204,800. Balancing the quickness of the processor is a well-matched 693-point phase-detection autofocus system that covers 93% of the image area for accurate and quick subject tracking in a variety of lighting conditions. The new Sony a9 also features a vibration free, fully electronic, completely silent anti-distortion shutter7 with absolutely no mechanical mirror or shutter noise, making it an extremely powerful photographic tool for any shooting situation that demands quiet operation. All in one, Sony a9 ($4,498 at Amazon) is an excellent choice for pro sports photographers and photojournalists.
Below are the top recommended lenses for Sony a9 mirrorless camera based on high image quality, good price and usefulness, including leading prime and zoom options from wide-angle to telephoto. You can choose the one you need.
Best Lenses for Sony A9 in 2019
Best All-in-One Lens for Sony a9
Sony FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS ($998): The ultimate in convenience. A full-frame 24mm to 240mm zoom range allows this lens to cover an extensive variety of shooting situations with 10x effective zoom range, making it ideal for landscape, snapshots, portraits and travel where reducing luggage is a priority. The ability to switch from wide angle to telephoto without having to change lenses also means that more of those fleeting moments that make great shots will be captured. It’s not super sharp, has healthy levels of distortion, and the autofocus is mediocre. All in all, it is reasonably priced and the ultimate choice in convenience. And it’s an okay solution for those on a budget.
| Lens | Price | Buy Now |
| Sony FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS | $998 | Amazon |
Best Portrait Prime Lenses for Sony a9
Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM Lens ($1,798): The top FE portrait lens! For professional portrait photographers and those who want the very highest in quality, the new Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM Lens is the lens you must need and you won’t find a better FE-mount lens! Designed as the ultimate portrait lens, the new Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM telephoto prime lens strikes a perfect balance between resolution and bokeh in a compact package. Perfect lens for portrait photography, and it is actually ideal for a wide variety of subjects! If you want a less expensive 85mm lens, try the Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8.
Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 Lens ($1,199): An ideal portrait-length lens, this Zeiss Batis 85mm short telephoto has been designed specifically for full-frame E-mount mirrorless cameras: superb sharpness, fast & quiet auto focus and Dust and weather sealed. Fast f/1.8 maximum aperture benefits working in low-light conditions and also offers extensive control over depth of field for selective focus applications.
Zeiss Batis 135mm f/2.8 ($1,999): This Zeiss Batis 135mm f/2.8 mid-length telephoto prime lens is ideal for portraiture, weddings and travel photography. Characterized as an apochromat, the Sonnar optical design helps to virtually eliminate chromatic aberrations and color fringing, and also benefits overall sharpness and clarity. Additionally, a T* anti-reflective coating has been applied that suppresses lens flare and ghosting when working in strong lighting conditions.
Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 Lens ($598): Budget option with great performance!
| Lens | Price | Buy Now |
| Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM Lens | $1,798 | Amazon |
| Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 Lens | $1,199 | Amazon |
| Zeiss Batis 135mm f/2.8 | $1,999 | B&H |
| Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 Lens | $598 | Amazon |
Best Macro Lenses for Sony a9
Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS ($1,098): Perfect macro lens for Sony a9! For those who frequently shoot macro photography and close-up portraits, the Sony 90mm f/2.8 is the very right lens: excellent sharpness, depth of field, and color rendition. Its maximum aperture of f/2.8 is effective when shooting in low light and allows for shallow depth-of-field focus. An internal focus system in which only the middle optical groups move when focusing provides fast autofocus action and a short minimum focus distance of 11″.
Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro Lens ($498): The new FE 50mm F2.8 Macro lens features an ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass to effectively compensate for axial chromatic aberration at close focus, allowing it to create consistently sharp and high quality images. The optical and mechanical construction of the lens has less glare and ghosting, even without a lens hood. The lens is also dust and moisture resistant. True macro design affords a life-size, 1:1 magnification ratio along with a 6.3″ minimum focusing distance for working with close-up subjects.
| Lens | Price | Buy Now |
| Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS | $1,098 | Amazon |
| Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro | $498 | Amazon |
Best Standard Prime Lenses for Sony a9
Sony Zeiss FE 35mm f/1.4 Distagon T* ($1,598): Fast, sharp, and loaded with the latest technology, the FE 35mm f/1.4 ZA offers outstanding optical performance in a versatile 35mm focal length. The fast f/1.4 maximum aperture provides very effective low light capability and shallow depth of field control. Aperture ring designed for still or movie shooting, Corner to corner sharpness w/Advanced Spherical elements.
Sony Zeiss FE 50mm f/1.4 Planar T* ($1,498): With its normal perspective, fast maximum aperture, and high-end design, the Planar T* FE 50mm f/1.4 ZA Lens from Sony is easy to see as a go-to standard optic for full-frame E-mount shooters. The bright F1.4 maximum aperture offers excellent low light performance and adds to the 11-blade aperture and aspheric elements for gorgeous bokeh. Compared to Sony Zeiss FE 55mm f/1.8, it has better low light performance and bokeh: excellent image quality, superb sharpness, smooth bokeh and well built.
Sony Zeiss FE 55mm f/1.8 Sonnar T* ($998): One of the sharpest lenses ever! Very popular! It features a very fast and bright f/1.8 maximum aperture to support working in dimly-lit conditions and for greater control over focus for shallow depth of field imagery. From an image quality standpoint, the Sony Zeiss FE 55mm f/1.8 is surprisingly impressive. And it has smaller size and lower price than the Sony 50mm f/1.4.
Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 ($248): The most affordable FE glass with great performance!
| Lens | Price | Buy Now |
| Sony Zeiss FE 35mm f/1.4 Distagon T* | $1,598 | Amazon |
| Sony Zeiss FE 50mm f/1.4 Planar T* | $1,498 | Amazon |
| Sony Zeiss FE 55mm f/1.8 Sonnar T* | $998 | Amazon |
| Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 | $248 | Amazon |
| Sony Sonnar T* FE 35mm f/2.8 ZA | $798 | Amazon |
Best Standard Zoom Lenses for Sony a9
Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Lens ($2,198): The best 24-70mm lens! The Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM Zoom Lens is the ultimate choice for those seeking the highest possible optical performance for portrait, travel and event photography or even simple everyday shooting. To maximize usability this lens also features a dust/moisture resistant design, AF/MF switch, circular aperture, Nano AR coating, compact, a direct drive SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor) focusing system that is super smooth and quiet, making it an ideal choice for shooting both still images as well as movies.
Sony FE 24-70mm f/4 ZA OSS ($1,198): If you can’t afford the FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM lens, the FE 24-70mm f/4 ZA OSS lens will be a great choice for you!
| Lens | Price | Buy Now |
| Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Lens | $2,198 | Amazon |
| Sony FE 24-70mm f/4 ZA OSS | $1,198 | Amazon |
| Sony FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS | $498 | Amazon |
Best Wide Angle Prime Lenses for Sony a9
Zeiss Batis 25mm f/2 ($1,299): Highly recommended! Ideal for architecture, landscape, and interior photography, this lens’ 82° angle of view pairs with a 7.9″ minimum focusing distance for producing creative perspectives and unique close-up imagery. Bright f/2 maximum aperture benefits working in low-light conditions and also offers control over the focus position when using selective focus or shallow depth of field techniques.
| Lens | Price | Buy Now |
| Zeiss Batis 25mm f/2 | $1,299 | Amazon |
Best Ultra-Wide Angle Prime Lenses for Sony a9
There are many comparisons of Zeiss Batis 18mm f/2.8 vs Zeiss Loxia 21mm f/2.8…Our suggestion is: if you love the convenience of autofocus, and you often shoot astro-photography, architecture (outdoor and indoor), or shoot in rough weather conditions, then go to the Zeiss Batis 18mm f/2.8. Or, if you shoot a lot of landscapes and want the best sharpness, like using more compact lenses and the old-fashioned zone focusing (Manual Focus) and the feeling of a mechanical focus ring, then go to Zeiss Loxia 21mm f/2.8.
Zeiss Batis 18mm f/2.8 ($1,499): Offering incredible sharpness and color rendition, the Zeiss Batis 18mm f/2.8 lens an excellent ultra wide angle prime lens designed specifically for Sony E-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras. Well-suited to interior, architectural, and astrophotography applications, the Batis 18mm f/2.8 blends its extremely wide 99° angle of view with a high degree of functionality and it is extremely sharp all the way to the corners. The very large field angle of this super wide-angle lens is perfect for creative shots with unusual perspectives. Consistently excellent image quality right into the corners makes the lens perfect for the challenges of, for example, landscape, astro and architectural photography.
Zeiss Loxia 21mm f/2.8 ($1,499): Excellent Manual Focus Wide Angle Prime Lens! Despite its compactness, the super wide-angle Zeiss Loxia 21mm f/2.8 Lens offers outstanding image performance – and it is extremely sharp all the way to the corners. Whether architecture, landscape or also three-dimensional subjects in close-up against a spacious background – this focal length with its large image angle is an excellent addition to the Loxia lens family. It is an absolute must for wide-angle fans who try manual focus often and want to capture even the tiniest details of a special moment in a photo or on film.
| Lens | Price | Buy Now |
| Zeiss Batis 18mm f/2.8 | $1,499 | Amazon |
| Zeiss Loxia 21mm f/2.8 | $1,499 | Amazon |
Best Wide-angle Zoom Lenses for Sony a9
Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM ($2,198): Amazing fast and flexible wide-angle zoom lens! Distinguished by its constant f/2.8 maximum aperture, this lens offers consistent performance throughout the zoom range and benefits working in low-light conditions. No matter what zoom setting or focus distance you shoot at, this lens delivers consistently superb resolution from corner to corner, with stunning background bokeh when required. A compact, lightweight design makes it manageable for active shooting. Shooting up close at F2.8 can produce some extraordinary background bokeh. Class-leading size and weight reductions have been achieved while maintaining outstanding optical performance. Ideal for landscapes, architecture, close up portraits, sports, action and much more.
Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G ($1,698): Sony’s widest full-frame E-mount lens. Its ultra-wide 12-24mm range features cutting-edge refinements for stunning corner-to-corner G Lens resolution at all apertures, while quiet, fast, precise autofocus make it ideal for movies as well as stills. It is an excellent choice for landscapes and architecture, and is compact, lightweight, and mobile so it can go wherever the great shots are without slowing you down.
Sony Zeiss FE 16-35mm f/4 ZA OSS ($1,348): Excellent lens for landscape photography! For everyone from landscape professionals to those who want to just dabble in wide-angle photography, this Sony Zeiss FE 16-35mm f/4 is one of best FE-mount lenses: impressive sharpness, fast focusing, reasonable levels of distortion, and a weather-sealed build for protection from the elements. If you want a faster wide-angle lens, try the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM lens.
| Lens | Price | Buy Now |
| Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM | $2,198 | Amazon |
| Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G | $1,698 | Amazon |
| Sony Zeiss FE 16-35mm f/4 ZA OSS | $1,348 | Amazon |
Best Telephoto Prime Lenses for Sony a9
Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS ($1,098): Perfect macro lens for Sony a9! For those who frequently shoot macro photography and close-up portraits, the Sony 90mm f/2.8 is the very right lens: excellent sharpness, depth of field, and color rendition. Its maximum aperture of f/2.8 is effective when shooting in low light and allows for shallow depth-of-field focus. An internal focus system in which only the middle optical groups move when focusing provides fast autofocus action and a short minimum focus distance of 11″. Perfect macro lens for Sony A7 series mirrorless cameras.
Zeiss Batis 135mm f/2.8 ($1,999): This Zeiss Batis 135mm f/2.8 mid-length telephoto prime lens is ideal for portraiture, weddings and travel photography. Characterized as an apochromat, the Sonnar optical design helps to virtually eliminate chromatic aberrations and color fringing, and also benefits overall sharpness and clarity. Additionally, a T* anti-reflective coating has been applied that suppresses lens flare and ghosting when working in strong lighting conditions.
Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM OSS ($1,498): A unique 100mm mid-telephoto lens featuring STF (Smooth Trans Focus) technology that can elevate portraits and subjects that benefit from smooth background bokeh to new artistic heights while boasting G Master resolution. It features fast, precise, quiet DDSSM autofocus, and close-up capability up to 0.25x magnification. Built-in Optical SteadyShot image stabilization minimizes blur that can occur during low light or macro shooting.
| Lens | Price | Buy Now |
| Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS | $1,098 | Amazon |
| Zeiss Batis 135mm f/2.8 | $1,999 | B&H |
| Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM OSS | $1,498 | Amazon |
Best Telephoto Zoom Lenses for Sony a9
Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS ($2,598): Pro-grade image quality and build. Combine both the ultimate in sharpness with spectacular bokeh, this Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM lens is an excellent lens without doubt. Ideal for Photojournalists, sports and wedding photographers, it covers portrait-length to telephoto perspectives and it is sharp, focuses quickly, has minimal distortion. Characterized by both its fast f/2.8 maximum aperture and inclusion of OSS (Optical SteadyShot) image stabilization, this lens is ideally-suited for handheld shooting of distant and fast-moving subjects.
Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS ($1,498): The small size, versatile 35mm focal length, and outstanding overall performance of this lens make it an ideal match for compact 35mm full frame format E-mount bodies. This makes it useful for portraits and sports photography where you want to separate the subject from the background. It is as sharp as the f/2.8 version for less than half the cost, but not great when natural light is low.
Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS ($1,198): Ideal for travel, landscape and wildlife photography, the newly announced FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS lens features a state-of-the-art optical design including four aspherical glass elements, two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements and Sony’s Nano AR coating, which all work together to effectively suppress spherical aberration, distortion, and chromatic aberration. Together with Optical SteadyShot image stabilization, ensures beautiful high-resolution results for both still and video shooting.
In addition, the Sony FE 1.4x & FE 2.0x Teleconverters ($548) are specially designed for the Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM & Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS Lenses. Please Note: these adapters will NOT fit on the FE 70-200 F4 G OSS.
| Lens | Price | Buy Now |
| Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS | $2,598 | Amazon |
| Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS | $1,498 | Amazon |
| Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS | $1,198 | Amazon |
| Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter | $548 | Amazon |
| Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter | $548 | Amazon |
Best Super Telephoto Zoom Lenses for Sony a9
Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS ($2,498): The lens you must have for sony a9! The first super-telephoto zoom in Sony’s flagship G Master series covers a versatile 100mm to 400mm range with outstanding sharpness, fast AF and compact design. It’s an exceptionally powerful photographic tool for a variety of enthusiast and professional shooters, in particular those that are commonly shooting sports or wildlife. Highly recommended!
In addition, the Sony FE 1.4x & FE 2.0x Teleconverters ($548) are specially designed for the Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM & Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS Lenses.
| Lens | Price | Buy Now |
| Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS | $2,498 | Amazon |
| Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter | $548 | Amazon |
| Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter | $548 | Amazon |
MORE OPTIONS:
Best Lens Optimized for Video
Sony FE PZ 28-135mm f/4 G OSS ($2,498): Designed to satisfy 4K production requirements, the Sony FE PZ 28-135mm f/4 G OSS Lens is a wide-ranging zoom lens that covers wide-angle to telephoto perspectives while adding many features for your full-frame a7 cameras. G-series optical design ideal for HD and 4K moviemaking.
| Lens | Price | Buy Now |
| Sony FE PZ 28-135mm f/4 G OSS | $2,498 | Amazon |
Best Manual Focus Lenses for Sony a9
Offers outstanding image performance, Zeiss Loxia lenses are all excellent manual focus lenses designed specially for Sony full frame E mount cameras. If you want to get the best sharpness, like using more compact lenses, star flares and old-fashioned zone focusing and the feeling of a mechanical focus ring, the Zeiss Loxia lenses are great choices for you. You can choose the one you need!
| Lens | Price | Buy Now |
| Zeiss Loxia 21mm f/2.8 | $1,499 | Amazon |
| Zeiss Loxia 35mm f/2 | $1,299 | Amazon |
| Zeiss Loxia 50mm f/2 | $949 | Amazon |
| Zeiss Loxia 85mm f/2.4 | $1,399 | Amazon |
Samyang/Rokinon E-Mount AF lenses
Rokinon AF 14mm f/2.8 FE Lens ($849): Designed specially for the unique rear element to sensor distance of Sony E mount full frame mirrorless cameras and with a bright f/2.8 maximum aperture, the Rokinon 14mm F2.8 AF achieves optimal performance with reduced size and weight. It’s IF (Internal Focusing) auto focus system is compatible with both phase detect and contrast detect sensors for fast, quiet and accurate focus detection. UMC anti-reactive coatings, three Aspherical and two ED lens elements combine to attenuate chromatic and spherical aberrations for outstanding image clarity, contrast and color fidelity with high resolution from the center to the corners of the image.
Rokinon AF 50mm f/1.4 FE Lens ($699): Designed specifically for Sony full frame E-mount cameras, this new high speed prime combines advanced optical technology with a fast, quiet and precise auto focus system. The bright f/1.4 maximum aperture takes the stress out of working in lighting conditions, and provides shallow depth of field for greater point of focus control. UMC anti-reflective coatings and three aspherical lens elements combine to limit chromatic and spherical aberrations for outstanding image clarity, contrast and color fidelity. The precisely configured 9-blade aperture delivers smooth, pleasing bokeh at all settings.
| Lens | Price | Buy Now |
| Rokinon AF 14mm f/2.8 FE | $849 | Amazon |
| Rokinon AF 50mm f/1.4 FE | $699 | Amazon |
Rokinon E-Mount Cine Lenses
Not to be confused with their premium quality Xeen Cine Prime lenses listed below, Rokinon also offers a wide range of cinema versions of their manual focus E-mount lenses adapted to include T-stops, clickless aperture and focus gearing. The lens comes in Sony E-Mount and features industry standard geared focus and iris rings that share common position with other Rokinon Cine DS lenses. To aid focus pullers who have to work both sides of the lens, the aperture and focus scales are marked on both sides of the lens.
| Lens | Price | Buy Now |
| Rokinon 12mm T3.1 ED AS IF NCS UMC Cine DS Fisheye | $549 | B&H |
| Rokinon 14mm T3.1 Cine DS | $499 | Amazon |
| Rokinon 24mm T1.5 Cine DS | $799 | Amazon |
| Rokinon 35mm T1.5 Cine DS | $599 | Amazon |
| Rokinon 50mm T1.5 AS UMC Cine DS | $529 | Amazon |
| Rokinon 85mm T1.5 Cine DS | $399 | Amazon |
| Rokinon 100mm T3.1 Macro Cine DS | $599 | Amazon |
| Rokinon 135mm T2.2 Cine DS | $599 | Amazon |
Rokinon Xeen Cine E-Mount Lenses
Rokinon Xeen Cine lenses are built specifically for using as cinema lenses for Sony E-mount. They feature an internal focus design so that the lens does not change size while focusing to minimize the appearance of breathing when changing focus. Each lens in the set is multi-coated for good contrast, glare prevention, and are color matched to a factory standard, allowing you to assemble a set over time with minimal color shift. The 11-bladed iris provides a rounded aperture for a natural looking highlights and Bokeh.
| Lens | Price | Buy Now |
| Rokinon Xeen 14mm T3.1 | $2,495 | Amazon |
| Rokinon Xeen 16mm T2.6 | $2,495 | Amazon |
| Rokinon Xeen 20mm T1.9 | $2,495 | Amazon |
| Rokinon Xeen 24mm T1.5 | $2,495 | Amazon |
| Rokinon Xeen 35mm T1.5 | $2,495 | Amazon |
| Rokinon Xeen 50mm T1.5 | $2,495 | Amazon |
| Rokinon Xeen 85mm T1.5 | $2,495 | Amazon |
| Rokinon Xeen 135mm T2.2 | $2,495 | Amazon |
