Greatest lenses for Sony a7R IV in 2023

This can be a roundup of the most effective lenses for Sony A7R IV in 2023.

From price range to premium and prime to zoom lenses, I’ll allow you to slim down which lenses are the appropriate match in your capturing model and price range. 

It may be overwhelming to take a look at the in depth lineup of lenses from Sony in addition to third-party producers.

Hopefully, this information can be useful in narrowing your search to seek out the most effective lens in your Sony A7R IV.

I’m an enormous fan of the Sony A7R IV as a high-resolution digital camera. (You possibly can verify my A7R IV assessment to listen to me gushing about it!)

At 61 mp, it’s constructed for the skilled who needs to make huge prints or have the flexibleness to crop in considerably.

It additionally boasts some spectacular video options with 8k video seize.

To actually make the A7RIV sing, you want some superior glass that may exhibit how detailed the decision of this digital camera can get.

Learn on for my information to the most effective lenses for Sony A7R IV.

What are the Greatest Lenses for Sony a7R IV in 2023?

1. Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM | Greatest Broad Angle Zoom Lens for Sony a7R IV

Stabilized: No
Weight: 680 g (24 oz.)
Dimension (Diameter x Size): 3.5 x 4.8″ / 89 x 122 mm
Filter Diameter: 82mm
Minimal Focusing Distance: 0.28m (11 in)

Most Aperture: f/2.8

The Sony 16-35mm f/2.8  is my primary lens selection for the Sony A7R IV in the case of vast angle lenses.

It’s a longtime favourite extremely vast angle lens that makes for a flexible all day lens for capturing landscapes, motion sports activities, and occasions.

Some folks discover this to be slightly too vast angle for an throughout zoom lens however my picture library reveals this lens to be tremendous efficient!

As a result of the Sony A7R IV is so nicely suited to panorama photographers, the Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 can be a highly regarded selection. It has the power to seize a large scene which pairs properly with the unbelievable element of the 61mp sensor of the Sony A7R IV.

Moreover, the Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 can be utilized on the zoomed in focal size of 35mm to seize much less distorted, extra pure feeling photos. This zoom vary is particularly good on vast angle lenses as a result of it adjustments the look considerably.

As a lot as I can, I decide to shoot nearer to 35mm to maintain the distortion to a minimal giving a extra pure really feel, however generally you simply want a brilliant vast view, making 16mm very good to have.

Along with the focal size selection, the Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 could be very sharp all through the aperture vary and produces wonderful high quality photos. Chromatic aberration and distortion are very nicely managed.

When it comes to construct high quality, this lens for Sony A7R IV digital camera our bodies is great. They’re nicely paired by way of high quality.

The Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 has a metallic barrel with good feeling rubber across the zoom & focus rings. I’ve dropped it on two events, and it has held as much as the abuse very nicely.

The one time I’ve skilled any bother is when heavy rain will get between the lens and the digital camera physique. It’s climate sealed, however I don’t suggest taking images in a downpour.

In the event you do end up on this scenario, make sure to put a plastic bag over the digital camera or contemplate a digital camera rain cowl.

As you’d anticipate from a top-quality G-Grasp lens (Sony’s highest designation of high quality), this lens is spectacular in virtually each specification.

Previously, I used to be initially uncertain concerning the lens flare on this lens, however over time, I’ve come to love it. It may create a cool circle impact when capturing instantly towards the solar, however in any other case, it’s well-controlled.

Apart from the lens flare, the Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 is my present favourite vast angle lens and arguably a key, greatest vast angle lens for Sony A7 RIV cameras.

In order for you a really versatile wide-angle optic amongst Sony lenses for the Sony A7R IV digital camera, this is a wonderful selection!

2. Sony FE 28mm f/2 | Greatest EveryDay Walkaround Prime Lens for Sony a7R IV

Stabilized: No
Weight: 200 g (7 oz)
Dimension (Diameter x Size): 2.5 x 2.4″ / 64 x 60 mm
Filter Diameter: 49mm
Minimal Focusing Distance: 0.29m (11.4 in)

Most Aperture: f/2

Launched in 2015, the Sony 28mm f/2 is getting older however nonetheless makes this record due to a number of qualities.

It’s tremendous quick, light-weight, and fairly cheap! For the worth, the efficiency is great.

Initially, I handed over this lens as a result of it was older, and I had the focal size lined with a 16-35, however I’ve come to like how small and cheap it’s.

I don’t have to fret about it as a lot, and it makes the Sony A7R IV an inexpensive on a regular basis carry digital camera.

Certain, it has some flaws, however the value makes it so interesting!

The 28mm focal size is an in depth second to the 35mm amongst avenue pictures fans and photojournalists. Some photographers discover it extra versatile than the 35mm when capturing indoors.

This lens is particularly compact, which additionally makes it much less intimidating for photographing folks since you’re not utilizing a “huge digital camera.” Because of this folks find it irresistible for avenue pictures.

Even at a cheaper price level, this lens gives strong efficiency. The vast f/2 most aperture makes capturing fast-paced topics in low gentle very doable.

Don’t anticipate loads of bokeh with this lens merely due to its wide-angle lens perspective, nevertheless it does supply some background separation in case your topic is near the digital camera.

The Sony 28mm f/2 is sharp, particularly in the course of the body, nevertheless it does fade towards the sides of the body on the widest apertures. You could discover this extra on the Sony A7 RIV due to its excessive decision.

In contrast with an affordable package lens, this explicit optic will really feel like a considerable step up by way of sharpness.

Paired with the spectacular autofocus of the Sony A7R IV, this lens will produce sharp photos rapidly and silently. Though it’s an older lens, it has no bother maintaining with the newest digital camera physique autofocus techniques.

In the event you actually dig into the specs of this lens, you could begin to ruminate on the issues, however I guarantee you that for those who strive it, you’ll get pleasure from it. The compact nature and minimalist nature of this lens is not going to disappoint. 

The Sony 28mm f/2 is a good buy, particularly for professionals trying to have a reasonable backup for his or her workhorse vast angle lens.

It would educate you to zoom together with your toes and provide you with a great really feel for the ever-popular 24-35mm focal size.

3. Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 | Greatest All Spherical Prime Lens for Sony a7R IV

Stabilized: No
Weight: 281 g (9.9 oz)
Dimension (Diameter x Size): 2.6 x 2.9″ / 66 x 73 mm
Filter Diameter: 55mm
Minimal Focusing Distance: 0.22m (8.7 in)

Most Aperture: f/1.8

A strong efficiency lens with a pleasant value level, the Sony 35mm f/1.8 is a well-liked option to pair with the Sony A7R IV digital camera.

It’s a step up in efficiency and high quality from the Sony 28mm f/2 talked about above whereas nonetheless touchdown beneath $750.

If I might solely have one lens for the Sony a7R IV, this is able to be it.

The Sony 35mm f/1.8 has all of it: light-weight, compact, comparatively reasonably priced, prime quality, and full featured. This makes it particularly nicely suited to variable conditions like avenue pictures.

This lens is a wonderful steadiness of measurement/weight for the Sony A7R IV digital camera physique.

I knew when it was launched that it might change into a staple in my package. With a large most aperture of f/1.8, it excels in low gentle however is far more compact than the Sony 35mm f/1.4 lens.

When I’ve to hold my bag up a mountain, the distinction between carrying ultra-fast lenses just like the Sony 50mm f/1.2 and an f/1.8 model is critical.

My checking account additionally appreciates the marginally narrower aperture lenses!

With shut topics, this lens will produce a properly blurred backdrop and provide the separation/bokeh you anticipate from a high-quality, low-aperture lens.

In the event you actually need bokeh, try the 85mm f/1.8 under. A telephoto focal size with a large most aperture goes to provide the greatest bokeh.

The sharpness of this wide-angle lens is great. The one time you may discover some lack of sharpness is towards the sides of the body when capturing vast open.

This isn’t actually an issue for the reason that majority of topics gained’t be on the outer edges of the body.

As a result of 35mm is my favourite focal size, this lens has change into my go-to for photographing weddings and occasions.

It may shoot a distortion-free portrait or a wider scene for those who transfer additional again. It’s a versatile focal size and has enabled me to supply an enormous number of photos.

In order for you a high-quality prime wide-angle lens in a versatile focal size that gained’t break the financial institution, try the Sony 35mm f/1.8 in your Sony A7R IV.

4. Sony FE 55mm f/1.8 | Greatest Cheap Customary Prime Lens for Sony a7R IV

Stabilized: No
Weight: 281 g (9.9 oz)
Dimension (Diameter x Size): 2.5 x 2.8″ / 65 x 71 mm
Filter Diameter: 49mm
Minimal Focusing Distance: 0.5m (1.64 ft)

Most Aperture: f/1.8

{Many professional} photographers (me included) love a 50mm lens. The Sony 55mm f/1.8 is a wonderful option to fill that spot within the lineup. 

It gives an amazing steadiness of efficiency in a compact and reasonably priced package deal. It’s tremendous sharp (as you’d anticipate from a 50mm lens) and I attain for it recurrently once I need a medium focal size. 

Initially, I assumed I would discover the distinction between 50mm and 55mm (my previous lens was a 50mm) however I can hardly inform the distinction.

The distinction between a 28mm and a 35mm is critical however the nearer you get to a telephoto lens, the much less influence just a few millimeters have on the ultimate picture.

As with a few of the different prime lenses on this article, you’ll rapidly discover the sharpness of this lens when put next with cheaper package zoom lenses. I’ve discovered it to be one of many sharpest lenses in my package, even on the widest aperture. It additionally maintains good sharpness throughout the body.

At beneath 10 oz (281g), the Sony 55mm f/1.8 could be very properly balanced on the Sony A7R IV and works very well as a video lens. I like how simply this mixture tucks into luggage or perhaps a jacket pocket.

This lens is so smooth that you simply may even mistake a bag for being empty as a result of it’s so light-weight. One other nice lens for avenue pictures.

I primarily use this lens once I need slightly extra topic isolation than the Sony 35mm f/1.8 can present.

It takes wonderful full size portraits and you may get in near isolate particulars. It’s not strictly a portrait lens nevertheless it works nice as a multipurpose prime lens.

The Sony 55mm f/1.8 has wonderful bokeh when shot vast open and can give that traditional full body look that individuals come to anticipate with skilled pictures.

Though it isn’t as vast because the Sony 50mm f/1.2, it does surprisingly nicely at blurring the backdrop.

I discover the minimal aperture of f/1.8 to be lots brilliant sufficient to work in virtually any scenario. Certain, you may pay extra for a f/1.4 and even f/1.2 lens however that’s just one extra cease of sunshine on the most and a big expense.

My different favourite side of this lens is the colour and distinction that actually intensify how sharp it truly is. Over time, you’ll start to acknowledge that every lens has a unique really feel and I’ve come to like the character of the Sony 55mm f/1.8.

The Sony 55mm f/1.8 lets you slim in on the vital issues in a picture with out it being as confining as a telephoto lens. 

Total, this 55mm is a wonderful selection for a top quality low price range mid vary prime lens in your Sony A7R IV!

5. Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 | Greatest Cheap Sony Portrait Lens for Sony a7R IV

Stabilized: No
Weight: 371 g (13.1 oz)
Dimension (Diameter x Size): 3.1 x 3.2″ / 78 x 82 mm
Filter Diameter: 67mm
Minimal Focusing Distance: 0.8m (2.62 ft)

Most Aperture: f/1.8

In the event you’re utilizing the Sony A7R IV to take portraits, the Sony 85mm f/1.8 is more likely to be your portrait lens of selection! It’s a good steadiness of price, excellent picture high quality, and measurement/weight.

The 85mm focal size is ideal for creating properly rendered faces and can be some of the pure trying focal lengths for headshots amongst telephoto lenses.

Some folks go for a barely longer focal size however the 85mm lets you work in a smaller area as a result of you may get nearer to your topic.

A lot of the lenses on this article may have a much bigger, dearer G-Grasp lens that’s larger efficiency, however I are inclined to go for the cheaper various.

On this case, the Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM lens is almost triple the worth however solely a 2/3 of a cease quicker in aperture. That’s the distinction between 1/60 vs 1/100, a minimal distinction in my view.

Certain, if you need the most effective and the worth isn’t any concern, go for the most effective. Amongst portrait lenses, this lens has excellent picture high quality, however additionally, you will have a a lot larger/heavier lens to hold round. 

As compared, the Sony 85mm f/1.8 is a wonderful lens that’s cheaper and virtually pretty much as good. In my expertise, the pictures are tack sharp, the colour rendition is great, and it’s sufficiently small that you simply gained’t hesitate to convey it in your backpack.

This lens additionally completes the prime trio of 35mm, 55mm, and 85mm. Every has a definite feel and appear that helps me create a sure sort of picture.

For the reason that Sony A7R IV is so well-liked amongst panorama photographers, the Sony 85mm f/1.8 might be a wonderful selection to combine issues up.

So many panorama photographers go for a large angle prime lens however the 85mm could make for some stunning compression and bokeh in your photos. The compression lets you make the topic really feel nearer to the background.

Final however not least, the bokeh of this lens is why most individuals attain for it. I like this portrait lens when capturing photos with metropolis lights within the background.

These lights will flip into stunning blurry bokeh backdrops which might be traditional in so many Hollywood scenes.

When capturing vast open at a most aperture of f/1.8 with this lens, the background falls properly out of focus, drawing your consideration to the topic.

When capturing portraits, I like the quick autofocus of this lens when paired with the attention autofocus of the Sony A7IV. Once you use the main target maintain button, it locks onto an eye fixed or face and at all times nails the sharpness.

In the event you’re a marriage, portrait, or business photographer, I extremely suggest trying out the Sony 85mm f/1.8 prime lens!

6. Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 II GM | Greatest All Round Zoom Lens for Sony a7R IV

Stabilized: No
Weight: 695 g (1.5 lb)
Dimension (Diameter x Size): 3.5 x 4.7″ / 88 x 120 mm
Filter Diameter: 82mm
Minimal Focusing Distance: 0.2m (8.3 in)

Most Aperture: f/2.8

The Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II is probably going some of the well-liked lenses to pair with the spectacular specs of the Sony A7R IV. It’s extremely versatile and works nicely when capturing in quick paced environments.

I notably love this lens for outings the place I do know I gained’t wish to change lenses as a result of it covers such a large focal size.

At 24mm you may get an enormous panorama, and at 70mm you may isolate a small phase of the bigger scene.

The highest eventualities I discover once I don’t wish to change lenses are when it is extremely windy/dusty, when it is extremely moist/chilly, and when dropping a lens might be catastrophic (i.e. climbing pictures).

If you end up in any of those eventualities, the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II needs to be in your record.

Though many of the lenses on this article are on the cheaper finish, this lens isn’t. It was lately re-designed by Sony and has the newest in optical efficiency. Lots of the extra reasonably priced lenses on this class will sacrifice a portion of the zoom vary (i.e. 28-70mm vs 24-70mm).

Whereas this may increasingly look like a minor lower in focal size, taking 4mm off the zoom vary is definitely an enormous distinction on the vast angle finish of the zoom vary.

The distinction between 70mm and 75mm isn’t that important however the change in zoom vary from 24-28mm ends in a extra seen distinction.

Typically there are additionally extra reasonably priced choices with the next most aperture. For instance, a max aperture of f/4 as an alternative of f/2.8 will change your skill to blur the backdrop in addition to scale back low gentle efficiency.

I like this extremely versatile lens as a result of it’s tack sharp. You probably have ever regarded on the first technology model of this lens from Sony, you’ll discover the brand new one is considerably lighter and extra compact. About 200 grams lighter actually.

A couple of different options to notice about this excessive finish zoom lens are its sharpness, excellent picture high quality, and quick autofocus.

You’re at all times going to need to make some compromises when designing a zoom lens however this lens is among the greatest available on the market on this value vary.

Whereas I recurrently go for a less expensive model of a major lens, it may be a clever option to step up in construct & picture high quality when shopping for a zoom lens. Certain, you’re paying over $2000 for this lens nevertheless it covers all kinds of focal lengths.

You’d be taking a look at not less than three prime lenses to get the identical protection. With that in thoughts, you need to go for the very best quality with a zoom lens if you wish to obtain related sharpness to a major lens.

Paired with the Sony A7R IV, this lens is a workhorse. It may seize all kinds of pictures all with the fast rotation of the zoom ring.

I discover this video lens particularly helpful when capturing as a result of I can get a unique shot with out having to re-balance my gimbal after altering lenses.

The construct high quality of this lens is high notch, one thing you’d anticipate from a lens launched in  2022. It has all of the options you may ask for in a lens: clean zoom ring, high quality focus ring, aperture ring, af/mf swap, focus maintain button, and even an aperture de-clicking swap.

In the event you’re on a tighter price range, there’s an f/4 model of this focal size from Sony (see my Sony 24-70mm f/4 assessment), which gives nice sharpness and respectable general efficiency in a lighter package deal, however there’s merely no denying it – the f/2.8 is healthier in each approach.

This lens is great and is clearly the king of the 24-70 focal size aka, the most effective zoom lens for Sony.

Over the previous few years, the mid-range zoom lens has change into a crowded discipline with choices from Sigma, Samyang, and Tamron, however the Sony 24-70 f/2.8 GM II is unquestionably the most effective in the case of construct and picture high quality!

7. Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM | Greatest All Round Telephoto Zoom for Sony a7R IV

Stabilized: Sure
Weight: 1480g (52.21oz)
Dimension (Diameter x Size): 3.5 x 7.9″ / 88 x 200 mm
Filter Diameter: 77mm
Minimal Focusing Distance: 0.96m (3.15 ft)

Most Aperture: f/2.8

Final however not least, the Sony 70-200 f/2.8 GM is among the greatest telephoto lenses for the Sony A7R IV. It may create stunning bokeh in addition to compress your topic to seem nearer to far off backdrops.

Because the third lens within the zoom lens trio: Sony 16-35mm f/2.8, Sony 24-70 f/2.8, and Sony 70-200 f/2.8, this lens is a necessary piece in lots of photographers kits. 

It excels as a portrait lens within the 70-100mm focal size. At 200mm, it creates superior compression. I discover this particularly helpful when capturing motion sports activities within the mountains. It offers that huge mountain really feel whenever you zoom in tight on a topic and body them towards a surprising backdrop of jagged cliffs.

Moreover, the minimal aperture of this telephoto lens is f/2.8 which is nice for isolating topics and producing bokeh.

Sometimes you consider prime lenses for bokeh, however the Sony 70-200 f/2.8 GM does an amazing job due to its zoom vary. At 200mm and f/2.8, your topic will pop off the backdrop, particularly for those who get near the topic.

Even on the minimal aperture, this lens is particularly sharp which additionally helps to make your topic pop off the background. You’ll rapidly come to understand the picture high quality of this lens.

This telephoto lens is absolutely featured, providing a selectable focus vary, optical stabilization mode choice, auto/handbook focus swap, and a spotlight maintain button! The zoom/focus rings additionally really feel clean however secure.

Paired with the compact and light-weight Sony A7 RIV, this lens is on the heavier facet, nevertheless it comes with a tripod ring that may assist steadiness it whenever you’re utilizing a fluid head or tripod.

A substitute for the Sony 70-200 f/2.8 GM is the Sony 70-200 f/4 G lens. It gives one cease much less gentle however lots of the similar results and loads of sharpness. The principle causes to go together with the f/4 model are weight and value. In the event you shoot indoors, I’d go for the f/2.8 model.

The Sony A7R IV doesn’t have the most effective excessive ISO efficiency, so it may be good to have an additional cease of sunshine when capturing darkish topics.

You probably have the price range, the Sony 70-200 f/2.8 GM is a powerful lens. I’d say it earns its place as the most effective telephoto lens in its focal vary available on the market right this moment!

Last Phrases

As you contemplate what lenses to get in your Sony A7R IV, I like to recommend you assume by means of what topics you’ll be capturing and what instruments would be the simplest for that.

In the event you solely shoot indoor company headshots, you’re package will look a lot completely different than somebody who captures arctic expeditions. The hot button is to seek out the gear that’s greatest suited to your model of pictures.

Would you like light-weight, low price, excessive efficiency, zoom lenses, or prime lenses? Choose your priorities and purchase the gear you want, not simply the gear that appears the best. Certain that shiny new GM Lens may have the most effective efficiency however will or not it’s value the additional price?

Hopefully this text helped you slim in on what gives you the most effective bang in your buck. From a large angle prime lens, to an extremely vast lens with a flexible zoom vary, to a implausible portrait lens, I hope you discover what you’re on the lookout for.

I’m at all times evaluating what lenses I like and that are going to assist me make the images I’m concerned about creating however actually, you may’t go unsuitable with any of the lenses for the Sony A7R IV. It vital to take a look at each prime and zoom lenses to seek out the most effective lens that may fulfill your wants.

Apart from the 2 professional zooms talked about on the finish, that are extra for professionals and people with bigger budgets, many of the lenses on this article are comparatively reasonably priced and can maintain their worth fairly nicely for those who determine to promote them and get one thing else.

Moreover, the picture high quality is almost pretty much as good because the dearer options.

I like the traits of every of those lenses, they usually all have a spot in my digital camera bag for various causes. I hope you’ll be able to discover the lenses that suit your model.

You probably have any questions on lenses listed right here or others that you simply assume needs to be included within the article, depart a remark under. I like listening to your suggestions and serving to folks discover the most effective gear!

In the event you’re concerned about full body Sony mirrorless cameras, you’ll additionally get pleasure from my different guides: