12 Best Sony Wide-Angle Lenses in 2023 : ( Reviews & Guide )
Which Sony wide-angle lens would you buy?
When diving into the world of best Sony wide-angle lenses, the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM undoubtedly leads the pack. This lens not only offers a versatile zoom range but also stands out for its remarkable optical quality, outstanding autofocus performance, and sturdy construction, ensuring your creative vision takes center stage.
For those eager to find value, the Samyang 24mm f/1.8 AF FE presents a cost-effective yet high-performance option. Videographers and vloggers might gravitate towards the Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G, a lens tailored for dynamic video capture. On the more premium side, the Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM is designed for those who crave ultra wide-angle perspective and top-tier craftsmanship while the Sigma 14mm f/1.4 DG DN, with its ultra-fast aperture, becomes a beacon for astrophotographers aiming to capture the night sky in all its glory. Meanwhile, the Sony E 10-20mm f/4 PZ G holds its own as an essential for those working with APS-C sensors.
The brief overview provided is just the tip of the iceberg. Journey through the article to uncover a curated list of 12 top-performing Sony wide-angle lenses, each with its unique strengths.
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Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD
Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM
Samyang 24mm f/1.8 AF FE
Which are the Best Sony Wide-Angle Lenses in 2023?
My top 12 recommendations for the best sony wide-angle lenses are:
Best Overall Lens : Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM
Best Value Lens : Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD
Best Affordable Lens : Samyang 24mm f/1.8 AF FE
Best Premium : Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM
Best Wide-Angle Zoom Lens for Video : Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G
Best Wide-Angle Prime Lens : Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM
Best Value Wide-Angle Prime Lens : Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G
Best Third-Party Wide-Angle Prime Lens : Sigma 14mm f/1.4 DG DN
Best APS-C Wide-Angle Zoom Lens : Sony E 10-20mm f/4 PZ G
Best Third-Party APS-C Zoom Lens : Tokina 11-18mm f/2.8 ATX-M
Best APS-C Prime Lens : Sony 15mm f/1.4 G
Best Third-Party APS-C Prime Lens: Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN
Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM
Main Features
- FE Lens
- Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
- Min. Focus Distance: 28 cm
- 2 XA & 2 ED Element
- Nano AR Coating
- Direct Drive SSM AF motors
- Focus Hold Button
- Circular 11-blade diaphragm
- Dust & Moisture-Resistant Design
- Weight : 680g
Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM emerges as a versatile wide-angle lens that will make you rethink what you can achieve with your photography. This gem from Sony caters to an expansive spectrum of photography genres, including but not limited to, landscapes, real estate, architecture, and astrophotography. Laden with extraordinary features such as a versatile zoom range, remarkable optical quality, swift f/2.8 aperture, reliable autofocus, and solid build quality, it ensures that your artistic aspirations remain unhindered.From my first encounter with this lens, its outstanding performance was immediately evident.
The versatility of the focal length range is a major selling point of this lens. Varying from a wide 16mm to a standard 35mm, it affords unparalleled versatility. Whether you want to capture sweeping landscapes or detailed architectural features, the variable focal length lets you frame your subjects with ease and precision. The fast f/2.8 aperture plays a significant role, granting the lens superior low-light performance, making dawn, dusk, and nighttime photography less daunting. Plus, it delivers a creamy, aesthetically beautiful bokeh that adds depth to your images.
The optical performance of the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM is nothing short of outstanding. The lens delivers stunning sharpness and contrast, making each image come to life with the finest details and great colors.The lens exhibits minimal coma, which makes it a strong ally for astrophotographers wanting to capture the celestial bodies in all their glory with minimal distortion.Moreover, the lens sports a circular 11-blade diaphragm, rendering a smooth and pleasing bokeh effect, adding that touch of artistry to your images.
Equipped with Direct Drive SSM AF motors, this lens offers rapid, precise and impressively silent autofocus, ideal for spontaneous shots or dynamic subjects. It eliminates the challenge of capturing fleeting moments and transient expressions. Furthermore, it allows focusing down to approximately 28cm, providing a way to isolate subjects while retaining an element of the surrounding context.
What seals the deal is the solid build quality and thoughtful design of the lens. It’s a result of high-quality materials and a weight of 680 grams, which strikes a perfect balance between durability and portability. The dust and moisture-resistant design adds a layer of reliability, making it a companion you can count on in adverse weather conditions.
To sum it up, the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM is a versatile wide-angle lens that delivers a superior performance on every front. It is a testament to Sony’s commitment to providing top-tier lenses for photographers who do not wish to compromise on quality or versatility. Whether you are an experienced professional or an enthusiastic beginner, consider this lens for its rich features and exemplary performance. It is more than equipped to enrich your photography journey and help you capture the world in its magnificent splendor.
Pros
Cons
Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD
Main Features
- FE-Mount Lens
- Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
- RXD Stepping AF Motors
- Min. Focus Distance: 19 cm
- Fluorine Coatings
- Weather-Sealed Design
- Weight : 420g
The Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD embodies an exquisite balance between cost and quality, with performance that confidently contends with its pricier rivals. A closer look reveals a versatile zoom range, superb optical quality, fast f/2.8 aperture, dependable autofocus, and impressive build quality. It is an excellent choice for anyone seeking to step up their game in various photographic genres without stretching their budget. My hands-on experience with this lens has only reinforced its amazing performance that well warrants its price.
Packing a versatile zoom range, it offers a flexibility that accommodates a range of photography types.The lens’ focal range, spanning from 17mm to 28mm, adds a unique versatility to its performance. Whether you’re capturing expansive vistas, architectural marvels, real estate interiors, or busy street scenes, this lens flexes to match your vision. The broad field of view at 17mm immerses the viewer into the scene, while the tighter 28mm can focus on the details. Complementing this is a constant maximum aperture of f/2.8, providing consistent performance across the entire zoom range, enhancing low light capabilities, and making it a dependable ally for night sky photography.
The superb optical performance offered by this lens is truly remarkable. It delivers excellent image quality marked by outstanding sharpness, impressive contrast, and fabulous color rendering. The well-managed chromatic aberration ensures clear, clean images free from color fringing, and the commendable flare resistance allows you to shoot confidently into the light. Further, the rounded nine-blade diaphragm contributes to the lens’ aesthetic prowess, producing smooth, creamy bokeh that subtly isolates subjects and adds depth to your shots.
Another key strength of the Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD is its autofocus performance. Equipped with RXD Stepping AF motors, the lens ensures a focusing system that’s not only fast but also quiet and precise. It eliminates any worries of missed opportunities and supports the capture of fleeting moments. The lens also possesses an impressive close focus distance of about 19cm, enabling you to take intriguing close-ups while retaining a sense of the surrounding context.
In terms of build quality, the lens stands tall with its robust and weather-sealed construction. You can take on photography adventures regardless of weather conditions, as this lens promises reliability in the face of the elements. Despite its solid build, the lens is surprisingly lightweight at only 420g. This makes it an ideal companion for those on-the-go and extended outdoor shoots.
All things considered, the Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD epitomizes an ideal blend of cost-effectiveness and high-quality performance, challenging pricier counterparts with aplomb. The lens’s versatility, superior optical quality, swift f/2.8 aperture, reliable autofocus, and robust build affirm its value proposition. Whether you’re dabbling in landscape, architecture, or astrophotography, this lens can be your steadfast companion, empowering you to refine your craft without breaking the bank. Dive into your creative journey with this versatile wide-angle zoom lens, and allow your artistic vision to unfold.
Pros
Cons
Samyang 24mm f/1.8 AF FE
Main Features
- FE-Mount Lens
- Maximum Aperture: f/1.8
- Linear STM AF Motor
- 2 ED, 2 Aspherical Elements
- Ultra Multi-Coating
- Min. Focus Distance: 19 cm
- 9-Blade Diaphragm
- Weather-Sealed Design
- Weight : 230g
For those who seek cost-effectiveness without compromising on performance, the Samyang 24mm f/1.8 AF stands as an ideal choice. Despite its budget-friendly price, this lens excels in its wide-angle prowess, proving invaluable across diverse photography genres.It combines efficiency and quality with a set of outstanding features like a wide field of view, superb optical quality, bright f/1.8 aperture, and excellent autofocus, all encompassed within a compact and lightweight design. This lens has proven its stellar performance, capturing the world in detail with a quality that is impressive for its accessible cost.
This lens’s wide focal length of 24mm is one of its defining characteristics. This gives the lens a great deal of versatility, making it suitable for photographing a wide range of subjects, including vast landscapes, the intricate details of architectural design, cozy interior spaces, the bustle and spectacle of everyday life on the street, and spectacular celestial events. The lens’s fast f/1.8 aperture complements its wide angle and low-light performance by providing greater control over depth of focus, thus expanding the scope of possible artistic expression.
Optically, the Samyang 24mm f/1.8 AF excels with its superb performance. It delivers impressive sharpness across the entire image, even when shooting wide open at f/1.8. The lens successfully manages distortion and chromatic aberrations, maintaining the fidelity of the image. The result is clear, crisp images with true-to-life colors and details. The lens also demonstrates substantial flare resistance, ensuring the quality of your image is maintained even in challenging light conditions. Its low coma characteristic also makes it particularly suitable for astrophotography, ensuring that the stars in your night sky shots retain their pinpoint clarity without unwanted smearing or tailing.
The autofocus performance is another high point of the Samyang 24mm f/1.8 AF. The Linear STM AF Motors ensures the autofocus is fast, silent, and precise, aiding in capturing sharp and well-focused photos or videos. Alongside this, it exhibits low focus breathing, making it an excellent option for videographers. It’s also worth noting the close focus distance, an impressive 19cm, making it capable of close-up shots that add variety to your portfolio.
The build quality of the Samyang 24mm f/1.8 AF is yet another notable aspect.It sports a weather-sealed design that ensures durability and resilience under various conditions. What’s more, it’s incredibly lightweight at just 230g, making it a convenient addition to your gear without weighing you down.
In summary, the Samyang 24mm f/1.8 AF successfully marries affordability with performance. Its wide field of view, fast aperture, remarkable optical quality, excellent autofocus, and compact build place it in a league of lenses that offer much more than what their price suggests. So, whether you’re an enthusiast or a professional seeking an addition to your arsenal, the Samyang 24mm f/1.8 AF is worth considering. Its performance has repeatedly proven its value, and it could just be the lens you need to take your photography to the next level.
Pros
Cons
Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM
Main Features
- FE Lens
- Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
- 3 XA Elements
- 3 ED and 2 Super ED Element
- Nano AR Coating II
- XD Linear AF Motors
- Min. Focus Distance: 28 cm
- Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
- Dust & Moisture-Resistant Design
- Weight : 847g
The Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM firmly establishes itself in the high-end segment, offering photographers an exceptional ultra wide-angle zoom lens that epitomizes quality, performance, and durability. Built for the discerning professional who appreciates top-tier quality and performance, the lens justifies its premium price by delivering a compelling combination of versatility, optical brilliance, swift autofocus, and a rugged build quality. After conducting a thorough test,I was impressed with its performance that delivers unparalleled output that matches its cost.
With a flexible zoom range spanning from 12mm to 24mm, this lens serves as a versatile tool, providing a dramatically wide field of view. This makes it adaptable across a variety of photographic scenarios.From capturing the grandeur of landscapes and architectural designs to revealing the depths of interiors or the enchanting spectacle of the night sky, this lens accommodates it all. Its constant f/2.8 aperture across the focal range further elevates its versatility. This feature is not common amongst lenses of such wide focal length, enabling the lens to gather more light, create shallower depth of field effects, and perform proficiently at lower ISOs.
When it comes to optical performance, the Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM goes above and beyond. The lens demonstrates unparalleled image quality and exhibits excellent sharpness across the frame, even when the aperture is wide open. It impresses with its magnificent color rendition, providing a vibrant palette to bring out the best in your subjects. Additionally, it manages chromatic aberration well, ensuring minimal color fringing, and exhibits excellent resistance to lens flare. Its relatively low coma makes it a suitable candidate for astrophotography, producing starry scenes with minimal distortion.
Autofocus performance is crucial in photography, and this is where Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM truly excels. Powered by the XD Linear AF Motors, the autofocus performance is not just quick and accurate but also incredibly quiet. The swift and precise autofocus is a game-changer in time-sensitive situations, where capturing the decisive moment can make or break a shot. Furthermore, the lens impresses with a close focus distance of just 28 cm, allowing photographers to capture intimate details in close-up shots, making this lens an even more versatile tool for various photographic applications.
Crafted from high-quality materials, the Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM exhibits both durability and longevity. Its construction includes dust and moisture-resistant features, bolstering its ability to withstand the elements and making it a dependable tool for professional photographers shooting in outdoor environments.
In conclusion, the Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM sets a high bar in the ultra wide-angle zoom lens category. It offers an exceptional combination of versatility, performance, and durability that justifies its premium price point. Whether you are capturing the vastness of a landscape, the intricacies of an architectural structure, the ambiance of an interior space, or the celestial wonders, this lens is capable of turning those moments into beautifully detailed images. For photographers aiming to enhance their creative arsenal with a top-tier wide-angle zoom lens, the Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM warrants a closer look.
Pros
Cons
Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G
Main Features
- FE Lens
- Maximum Aperture: f/4
- Power Zoom Function
- 2 Advanced Aspherical Elements
- 1 ED and 1 Super ED Element
- Dual XD Linear AF Motors
- De-Click Switch
- Min. Focus Distance: 24 cm
- Weather-Sealed Design
- Weight : 353g
The Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G lens is a fantastic lens crafted with videography and vlogging enthusiasts in mind and also offering a wide range of capabilities that suit various types of photography. From the flexible power zoom function, excellent optical quality to dependable autofocus performance, this lens delivers unmatched quality, whether you are capturing sweeping landscapes, bustling city streets, or engaging vlogs.Upon my initial usage of this lens, its incredible value was immediately palpable.
Covering a versatile focal length of 16mm to 35 mm, it offers immense flexibility for videography and vlogging. Its broad coverage also caters to various photographic genres, ranging from landscape and architecture to street photography. The lens’s power zoom function is an asset for videographers. It ensures responsive and fine zoom control, be it through the zoom ring or levers available on the lens or the camera. Powered by four XD linear motors, this function also permits remote work with certain electronic gimbals and devices, yielding smoother transitions for video shoots.
In the arena of optical performance, the lens displays impressive prowess. It maintains consistent sharpness across the zoom range, along with excellent contrast, particularly in the image’s center. It controls flare effectively, maintaining good contrast even when shooting against bright light. Coma smearing is virtually non-existent, a key factor for astrophotography. Furthermore, the de-clickable aperture diaphragm allows for smooth iris changes, an often underappreciated but crucial component in video shooting. The ability to smoothly transition between different light environments without disrupting the continuity of the footage underscores this lens’s superior performance.
Autofocus performance on this lens is remarkably efficient. Four XD linear motors drive the responsive autofocus that operates quickly, silently, and smoothly, features critical for video capture requiring quick focus changes. This lens minimizes focus breathing, thus enhancing close focus capabilities, and provides support for breathing compensation on compatible camera bodies. The lens comes with convenient controls such as auto/manual focus switch, focus hold button, and an aperture control ring that can be adjusted to turn smoothly for video work or with clicks for photography.
Regarding its build quality, the Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G impresses with its robust yet lightweight design. It features a weather-sealed construction, making it a reliable companion in diverse shooting conditions. Tipping the scales at just 353g, it is the lightest lens in its category. This compactness and lightness support handheld vlogging and run-and-gun style videography, enabling creators to pack light.
To conclude, the Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G lens is a reliable and powerful tool that empowers videographers, vloggers, and photographers to elevate their creativity. Whether capturing wide landscapes or shooting engaging vlogs, users can expect remarkable output that makes their content stand out. With its wide range of features packed into a compact and lightweight design, this lens truly is a game-changer in the world of videography and vlogging. Be it for a hobbyist or a professional, the Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G is a worthy consideration that promises to expand your creative horizons.
Pros
Cons
Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM
Main Features
- FE Lens
- Maximum Aperture: f/1.8
- 2 XA Elements and 1 Super ED Element
- Nano AR Coating II
- XD Linear AF Motors
- Min. Focus Distance: 25 cm
- De-Click Switch
- Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
- Dust & Moisture-Resistant Design
- Weight : 460g
The Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM lens is a top-tier lens, tailored to deliver unparalleled performance across various photography genres. Bursting with numerous advanced features, this gem stands out in Sony’s impressive range of prime lenses for its ultra-wide focal length, remarkable optical quality, fantastic autofocus capability, and top-notch build quality.Offering a unique blend of technical prowess and artistic influence, the lens takes you into a new dimension of wide-angle photography.The incredible value it brings to the table was immediately apparent from my earliest use.
Distinguished by its wide focal length of 14mm, this lens allows users to capture broad, expansive views effortlessly. This feature is particularly advantageous for landscape, architecture, or astrophotography, where wider perspectives are often necessary. Additionally, the maximum aperture of f/1.8 ensures excellent low-light performance. This means you can continue shooting even when the sun goes down or when you find yourself in less than ideal lighting conditions. The bright aperture also gives photographers a tool for incredible depth of field control, creating a compelling separation between subject and background with pleasing bokeh, despite being a wide-angle lens.
The image quality delivered by this lens is absolutely spectacular. Right from f/1.8, the lens is capable of producing brilliantly sharp, contrast-rich images with stunning detail, from the center to the corners of the frame. Chromatic aberrations are well controlled, ensuring your images have accurate color representation without any unwanted color fringing. When shooting against bright lights, the flare resistance of the lens stands out. The lens is virtually free from coma, an essential feature for night sky photographers. The rounded 9-blade diaphragm of the lens enhances the quality of out-of-focus elements, producing pleasing bokeh when shooting subjects at a close distance.
The autofocus capability of the Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM lens is commendable. Powered by the XD Linear AF motor, it delivers fast, silent, and precise autofocus ensuring critical sharpness in every shot. Whether you’re shooting fast-paced events or focusing on a static landscape, this lens swiftly locks onto your subject, providing accurate results consistently. The lens also offers a minimum focus distance of 25 centimeters, giving you the flexibility to get close to your subjects for more intimate compositions. Additional features like an aperture ring, an auto/manual focus switch, and a focus hold button add further versatility for a variety of shooting scenarios.
Sturdy and dependable, the Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM lens is constructed from high-grade materials, it promises durability and longevity. It also boasts a dust and moisture-resistant design that can withstand harsh shooting environments. Furthermore, despite its exceptional features and robust build, the lens maintains a relatively light weight at 460 grams, making it a portable companion for your shooting adventures.
In conclusion, the Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM lens is a consummate performer, showcasing what is possible when superior optical technology meets thoughtful design. It excels in all crucial areas of ultra-wide-angle photography, providing an exceptional blend of wide field of view, remarkable low-light performance, stellar optical quality, and robust build. If you’re eager to push the creative boundaries of ultra-wide-angle photography, the Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM lens is undoubtedly worthy of your attention.
Pros
Cons
Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G
Main Features
- FE Lens
- Maximum Aperture: f/1.8
- 2 Aspherical Elements
- 3 ED Elements
- Dual XD Linear AF Motors
- De-Click Switch / Focus Hold Button
- Min. Focus Distance: 18 cm
- Weather-Sealed Design
- Weight : 373g
The Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G positions itself as an attractive choice in the market of wide-angle prime lenses, with features that cater to a myriad of photography types, as well as videography and vlogging. Its mastery lies in its wide focal length, exceptional optical quality, remarkable autofocus performance, and lightweight yet durable construction. After comprehensive testing, I am impressed with the quality of images it can deliver.
Bearing a wide focal length of 20mm, this lens opens the doorway to expansive vistas, affording more space within the frame for creative composition.This makes it a versatile tool, perfect for landscape photography, architectural shots, and other expansive compositions. Its maximum aperture of f/1.8 provides commendable low-light capabilities, making it an ally in challenging lighting conditions. This large aperture also grants significant depth of field control, allowing for a gorgeous bokeh, accentuating your subject against a beautifully blurred backdrop.
Regarding optical performance, the Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G shines brilliantly. Demonstrating an exceptional degree of sharpness and contrast across the frame, it delivers images of pristine quality. Minimal distortion is another noteworthy trait of this lens. It means your straight lines will stay true, an essential feature for architectural and landscape photographers who prize precise geometrical renditions. The absence of visible chromatic aberrations further enhances the image quality, making this lens a worthy companion for all your photographic endeavors.
Moving on to the autofocus performance, the Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 excels in this area. It employs Sony’s Dual XD linear AF motor, resulting in fast, near-silent, and accurate autofocus performance. This feature becomes incredibly useful when capturing video or working in fast-paced environments where quick focus is essential. Additionally, the lens demonstrates low focus breathing, making it even more desirable for videographers. Its close focus distance capability of 18 cm allows for intricate close-up shots and a magnification of 0.20x, enabling photographers to explore the world of macro photography with an ultra-wide perspective.
As far as build quality, weight, and size are concerned, this lens does not disappoint. Weighing only 373 grams, it maintains a compact and well-balanced form, ensuring it doesn’t add much heft to your camera kit. Its outstanding build quality, featuring dust and moisture-resistant design, and a fluorine coating at the front element, ensures durability. Functionalities such as a de-clickable aperture ring, a focus hold button, and an AF/MF switch, further add to the user convenience and control.
To summarize, the Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G is an impressive lens that checks all the right boxes in terms of functionality, performance, and build quality. Its ability to deliver in a wide variety of shooting conditions and types of photography, combined with its robust yet lightweight design, makes it an attractive option for any photographer or videographer looking to add a wide-angle lens to their kit. Whether you’re an amateur venturing into wide-angle photography or a professional seeking a reliable and versatile tool, the Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G proves to be a worthy contender.
Pros
Cons
Sigma 14mm f/1.4 DG DN
Main Features
- FE-Mount Lens
- Maximum Aperture: f/1.4
- HLA AF Motor
- Min. Focus Distance: 30 cm
- Dust and Splash-Resistant
- Weight : 1170g
The Sigma 14mm f/1.4 DG DN steps forward as an accomplished wide-angle lens, offering an impressive blend of performance, versatility, and quality. Equipped with a generous 14mm focal length and an ultra-fast f/1.4 aperture, this lens guarantees exceptional optical quality and an effective autofocus system within an impressively robust structure, making it an outstanding choice for a variety of photography types, particularly astrophotography, landscape, and real estate.My thorough testing of this lens reaffirmed its ability to deliver high-quality performance at a reasonable price point.
As the first-ever 14mm lens with an ultra-fast f/1.4 aperture for full-frame cameras, the Sigma 14mm f/1.4 DG DN offers a unique combination of wide-angle coverage and low-light performance. This feature allows you to create dramatic landscapes, vast night skies, and expansive interior shots with exceptional clarity and detail. The captivatingly bright f/1.4 aperture grants extraordinary low-light prowess, ideal for shooting celestial objects or dimly lit interiors. Plus, it provides excellent depth of field control, which can produce beautifully out-of-focus backgrounds when you get close to the subject, adding an artistic touch to your images.
Looking closely at the optical qualities, the Sigma 14mm f/1.4 DG DN does not fail to impress. Its sharpness is exceptional, delivering crisp, finely detailed images from the get-go. Its contrast is similarly praiseworthy, giving images a vivid, lifelike feel. Chromatic aberration, a common optical nuisance, is skillfully controlled in this lens. The lens’s flare resistance is also exceptional, maintaining image clarity even in challenging lighting conditions. Uniquely, it handles coma aberration impressively, a trait valuable for astrophotography. The 11-blade diaphragm contributes to the pleasing, soft bokeh, adding an artistic touch to the pictures.
The HLA AF Motor incorporated in the Sigma 14mm f/1.4 Art lens provides impressive autofocus performance. Its speed, silence, and accuracy make it adaptable to a variety of shooting situations, including those that require capturing fast-moving subjects. Beyond its superb autofocus feature, the lens also impresses with its close focusing distance of 30 centimeters, making it possible to shoot smaller subjects or intricate details with superb clarity and sharpness.
From a construction perspective, this lens impresses with its solid build. The lens is dust and splash-resistant, features a weather-sealing gasket around the rear mount, and includes a tripod collar, ensuring durability under various conditions. Practical features like an aperture control ring, an auto/manual focus switch, a focus hold button, and a manual focus locking switch are incorporated, providing greater control to the user.
In conclusion, the Sigma 14mm f/1.4 DG DN Art lens sets new standards in the realm of ultra-wide-angle lenses, delivering superior performance across a range of scenarios. Its bright maximum aperture, exceptional optical performance, effective autofocus, and robust build make it a compelling choice in its category. Its value proposition is well-established, making it a significant consideration for those seeking to expand their photographic capabilities.
Pros
Cons
Sony E 10-20mm f/4 PZ G
Main Features
- Sony APS-C Lens
- 15-30mm ( Full-Frame Equivalent )
- Maximum Aperture: f/4
- Power Zoom Function
- 3 Aspherical Elements
- 1 ED Element
- Dual Linear AF Motors
- Min. Focus Distance: 24 cm
- Dust & Moisture-Resistant Design
- Weight : 175g
The Sony 10-20mm F4 PZ G lens is a notable piece of equipment, offering a wealth of features that span a wide range of photography styles, as well as video production. The lens shines in its useful power zoom function, excellent optical quality, remarkable autofocus capabilities, and sturdy, compact design.These characteristics make it an essential asset for any photographer or vlogger, enabling them to capture stunning, high-resolution images and videos across a variety of settings and conditions.After extensive testing, I can vouch for the stellar results it delivers.
Possessing a wide focal length range from 10 to 20mm, this lens paves the way for sweeping landscapes, offering ample space within the frame for creative composition. This makes it an extraordinarily versatile tool, perfect for capturing vast vistas, architectural images, and other broad compositions. The lens also features a power zoom function, delivering smoother and more precise zoom movements. This is a standout feature for videographers, enabling them to effortlessly navigate between wide-angle and tighter shots.
As for the optical performance, the Sony 10-20mm F4 lens is a shining beacon.It produces stunningly sharp images, corner-to-corner, across the entire zoom range, breathing life into every frame. The lens has been designed to control chromatic aberrations effectively, ensuring that every color in your image is depicted with true-to-life accuracy. Flare resistance is another area where the lens excels, guarding your images against light-induced distortions. Particularly for astrophotography, the lens’s excellent control of coma aberration offers stellar images, allowing bright celestial bodies to be captured in all their brilliance.
Moving to autofocus performance, the Sony 10-20mm F4 PZ G exhibits excellent abilities. It utilizes dual linear AF motors, yielding quick, silent, and accurate focus in both AF-S and AF-C modes. This feature becomes particularly useful when shooting video or working in dynamic environments where fast focus is crucial. The lens also offers very low focus breathing, an additional advantage for videographers. The close focus distance of 20 centimeters when zoomed in to 20mm allows for intriguing close-up shots, opening the doorway to an immersive photography experience.
On the build quality front, the Sony 10-20mm F4 lens delivers impressively – it showcases a robust yet lightweight construction that ensures its longevity while offering comfort and ease of use. Weighing a mere 175 grams, the lens redefines portability, making it an ideal choice for travel photography and a perfect match for handheld gimbal use.The lens is also equipped with intuitive control features, such as a power zoom toggle switch, a focus hold button, and an autofocus/manual focus switch, further enhancing user convenience and control.
To wrap it up, the Sony 10-20mm F4 PZ G lens stands out as a significant option for those in search of a dependable wide-angle zoom lens, packed with a myriad of advanced features in a light and compact package. Its practical power zoom capability, outstanding optical performance, accurate autofocus functions, and user-centric design all serve to redefine the standards in wide-angle photography and videography. For travel photographers, vloggers, or astrophotographers, the unrivaled quality and versatility offered by this lens make it a highly valuable addition to your toolkit.
Pros
Cons
Tokina 11-18mm f/2.8 ATX-M
Main Features
- APS-C Lens
- 16.5-27mm ( Full-Frame Equivalent )
- Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
- 2 Aspherical Element
- STM AF Motor
- Min. Focus Distance: 19 cm
- Weight : 335g
The Tokina 11-18mm f/2.8 ATX-M lens is a commendable player in the wide-angle zoom lens market that manages to find a sweet spot between cost and quality, making it an outstanding choice even among its pricier rivals. It offers a versatile zoom range, high-grade optical quality, fast f/2.8 aperture, robust autofocus, and impressive build quality. This lens is a great option for photographers and video makers looking to broaden their horizons across various genres without straining their pockets.
Featuring a flexible ultra-wide zoom range, it offers versatility that accommodates diverse types of photography. The lens’ focal range, spanning from 11mm to 18mm, adds a distinct flexibility to its performance. Whether you’re framing expansive landscapes, architectural wonders, interior real estate shots, or vlogging, this lens flexes to fit your creative needs. Its versatility is further highlighted by a fast, constant maximum aperture of f/2.8. This feature ensures optimal light intake and consistent imaging performance throughout the zoom range, making the lens a reliable tool in challenging lighting scenarios.
The outstanding optical performance provided by this lens is genuinely impressive. It delivers excellent image quality characterized by extraordinary sharpness, even at its widest aperture with great contrast, and clarity. The well-controlled chromatic aberration guarantees clear, pristine images free from color fringing, and the commendable flare resistance enables you to shoot confidently in bright conditions,while vignetting, distortion are kept well under control. Moreover, the lens produces pleasing bokeh which adds an artistic touch to images and also subtly isolates subjects and infuses depth into your shots.
Another major asset of the Tokina 11-18mm f/2.8 is its autofocus performance, outfitted with an STM AF motor that delivers reliable and effective autofocus which is notably fast, capturing subjects swiftly and reducing the chance of missing important moments. Despite the quick operation, the autofocus mechanism works silently, an important feature for video production where audio is critical.The lens also boasts an impressive close focus distance of 19cm, enabling you to take captivating close-ups while maintaining a sense of the surrounding environment.
The build quality of the Tokina 11-18mm f/2.8 ATX-M is equally impressive.The lens shines with its sturdy and well-balanced construction. Despite its robust build, the lens is surprisingly lightweight at only 335g. This makes it an ideal companion for those on-the-go and extended outdoor shoots. Although lacking weather sealing, it’s made with high-quality plastic that instills confidence in its durability.
In conclusion, the Tokina 11-18mm f/2.8 ATX-M has surpassed all my expectations with its remarkable performance-to-price ratio, holding its ground firmly in the competitive market of ultra-wide zoom lenses.Its combination of features and performance make it a versatile tool for photographers and video makers across various genres. The lens’ lightweight yet sturdy construction makes it the perfect travel companion, without compromising durability. If you’re in search of an ultra-wide zoom lens that balances cost, performance, and convenience, the Tokina 11-18mm F2.8 should be at the top of your list.
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Sony 15mm f/1.4 G
Main Features
- Sony APS-C Lens
- 23mm ( Full-Frame Equivalent )
- Maximum Aperture: f/1.4
- 3 Aspherical Elements
- 1 Super ED & 2 ED Element
- Dual Linear AF Motors
- Min. Focus Distance: 20 cm
- Dust & Moisture-Resistant Design
- Weight : 219g
The Sony 15mm f/1.4 G certainly lives up to its reputation as a terrific lens, boasting a blend of wide-angle coverage and exceptional low-light capabilities. Perfect for various photography types as well as videography and vlogging, this lens brings a new level of versatility to the table. Its compact and lightweight design paired with an ultra-fast 1.4 aperture and excellent optical performance providing unmatched value for its class.
The wide focal length of the Sony 15mm f/1.4 G lens offers a full-frame equivalent of 23mm, which is ideal for a range of applications. From capturing sprawling landscapes to detailed architecture, this lens gives the necessary coverage while also serving as a superb tool for vloggers and videographers who need a broad field of view. But the capabilities of this lens do not end with its broad perspective. The f/1.4 aperture facilitates exceptional low-light performance and provides remarkable control over depth of field. This opens up new creative possibilities, whether capturing stunning starry skies, intimate indoor scenes, or cinematic videos with beautiful background blur.
On the aspect of optical performance, the Sony 15mm f/1.4 G triumphs with extraordinary sharpness and contrast. The lens creates sharply defined images across the entire frame, ensuring every detail is captured immaculately. Further enhancing its optical excellence, chromatic aberrations are superbly controlled, ensuring your images remain free of unwanted color fringing. Flare resistance in this lens is also commendable, maintaining vibrant images even when shooting against strong light. Plus, the pleasing bokeh that this lens produces effortlessly adds depth to your compositions, isolating your subject beautifully against a smooth, blurred background.
Autofocus performance is another key strength of the Sony 15mm f/1.4 G. Equipped with dual linear AF motors, the lens performs quickly and accurately in both AF-S and AF-C modes, assuring in-focus shots even in dynamic situations. Videographers will appreciate the low focus breathing, which makes for more professional-looking footage. Additionally, the lens allows for a close focusing distance of 20 cm in autofocus mode and 17 cm in manual focus mode, providing unique opportunities for close-up shots.
The build quality of the lens is also worthy of a special mention.Despite being compact and weighing just 219 grams, it feels robust and well-balanced. The lens’s weather sealing allows it to withstand harsh outdoor conditions, while its lightweight and compact form factor make it an excellent choice for travel photography and usage with gimbals. Useful features such as an auto/manual focus switch, focus hold button, and an aperture control ring further enhance its usability.
To sum up, the Sony 15mm f/1.4 G lens represents a versatile, high-performance tool that delivers excellent value. It offers a winning combination of wide-angle coverage, low-light capabilities, reliable autofocus, and robust build quality. These features, coupled with its compact size and lightweight design, make it an ideal choice for photographers and videographers seeking a dependable and versatile wide-angle lens. It is certainly worth considering for those looking to upgrade their kit or diversify their creative options.
Pros
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Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN
Main Features
- APS-C Lens
- 24mm ( 35 Equivalent )
- Maximum Aperture: f/1.4
- Stepping AF Motor
- 2 Aspherical Elements
- Super Multi-Layer Coating
- Min. Focus Distance: 25 cm
- Weather-Sealed Design
- Weight : 405g
The Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN lens has proven itself to be a fantastic lens, offering remarkable performance without demanding a hefty price. This lens’s excellent cost-to-quality ratio makes it an enticing option for those desiring brilliant wide-angle shots without burning a hole in their pockets. Its wide focal length, ultra-fast aperture, and proficient autofocus capabilities make it an invaluable tool in any photographer’s kit, promising impressive results in a range of applications, from real estate and travel photography to vlogging and videography.
The comprehensive focal length of this lens makes it a versatile choice for a myriad of photographic applications. The 16mm provides a broad perspective, ideal for capturing stunning landscapes, expansive real estate interiors, or intricate cityscapes. Coupled with the ultra-fast 1.4 aperture, the lens delivers exceptional low-light performance, making it ideal for astrophotography or shooting in dimly lit conditions. This wide aperture also allows photographers and videographers to control depth of field meticulously, isolating subjects against a beautifully blurred background, an aspect that especially comes in handy while creating engaging vlog content or cinematic videos.
One of the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN’s strengths lies in its amazing optical performance. It delivers striking sharpness and contrast at the image center, even at the maximum aperture of f/1.4. Corner sharpness might slightly trail behind at wider apertures but improves dramatically when stepping down to f/2 or f/2.8. Chromatic aberrations are effectively controlled, ensuring your images depict accurate color representation without any unwanted color fringing. The flare resistance of the lens shines when shooting against bright lights.Plus,the rounded aperture blades enhance the quality of out-of-focus elements, producing pleasing bokeh when shooting subjects at a close distance.
Enhancing its adaptability across various shooting situations, the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN lens presents a superb autofocus system. Employing dual linear AF motors, the lens ensures a speedy, smooth, and quiet focus acquisition, perfect for discreet shooting in quiet environments or continuous focusing during video recording. Not to overlook, the lens’s minimum focus distance of 25 cm presents an exciting opportunity to frame compelling close-up shots with an expansive background.
The craftsmanship behind the Sigma 16mm lens is apparent in its solid and robust construction. Weighing a solid 400 grams, it provides a sense of sturdiness and reliability without becoming burdensome. Its compact size ensures easy portability, making it an ideal travel companion for photographers on the move.
All in all, the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN is a lens that undoubtedly provides incredible value. Its wide focal length, ultra-fast aperture, outstanding optical performance, and reliable autofocus, all encapsulated in a robust build, combine to create a lens that is capable and versatile. If you are looking for a wide-angle lens that performs brilliantly across a range of photography types and videography, the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN should definitely be on your list.
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What Should be Considered Before Buying Sony Wide-Angle Lenses?
In the vast and versatile world of photography, wide-angle lenses have long been revered for their exceptional capacity to encapsulate broad vistas and convey depth in the frame. They have become integral components in the kits of landscape, architectural, and even street photographers. If you’re a Sony user, choosing the right wide-angle lens for your needs can be a decisive factor in how you express your photographic vision. To help you make an informed choice, here are some essential features to consider when choosing wide-angle lenses for your Sony camera.
• Focal Length : The focal length is a crucial factor when selecting a wide-angle lens. These lenses typically have a focal length of 35mm or less, allowing for a broader perspective. Ultra-wide lenses, with a focal length less than 24mm, offer an even wider view and can create dramatic, expansive photos. You should choose a focal length that suits your specific needs, whether it’s capturing expansive landscapes, detailed architectures, or engaging street scenes.
• Aperture : The lens aperture not only controls the amount of light that passes through the lens but also affects the depth of field. Lenses with larger maximum apertures, such as f/1.4 or f/1.8, allow more light into the camera sensor, enabling better performance in low light conditions and providing more control over the depth of field. This is an important consideration if you plan to use the lens for low light photography or if you want to achieve a shallow depth of field.
• Optical Quality : The quality of a lens is determined by its ability to render sharp images, control distortions, and minimize chromatic aberration. High-quality lenses will produce sharp images even at their widest apertures. Some wide-angle lenses can distort the image, especially around the edges, so look for a lens with good edge-to-edge sharpness. Chromatic aberration, or color fringing, can also be a problem with some lenses, so ensure that the lens has good chromatic aberration control.
• Autofocus Performance : Fast and accurate autofocus can be invaluable, especially when you’re shooting moving subjects or working in fast-paced environments. Some wide-angle lenses come with autofocus motors that are not only speedy but also virtually silent, which is an added advantage when shooting video.
• Build Quality and Weather Resistance : Lenses are investments and you would want them to last. A lens with a sturdy build and good weather sealing will stand up to harsh weather and demanding shooting conditions. A lens with a metal construction will generally be more durable than one made from plastic. While these lenses may be heavier, they often provide better protection for the lens elements.
• Compatibility : Finally, compatibility is key. Sony’s E-mount cameras have a shorter flange distance than DSLRs, so they can accept a broader range of lenses with the use of an adapter. However, native E-mount lenses are generally smaller, lighter, and offer better functionality and autofocus performance than adapted lenses.
Choosing a wide-angle lens for your Sony camera is a personal decision that should be based on your unique needs as a photographer. It is always a good idea to test a lens before purchasing if possible, or read in-depth reviews to get a sense of how the lens performs in real-world scenarios. Remember, the best lens is not always the most expensive one but the one that allows you to capture your vision accurately and creatively.
FAQs
Is a 35mm lens considered wide angle?
From my perspective, I consider a 35mm lens as a versatile choice that sits comfortably in the wide-angle category. It’s wide enough to capture landscapes, street scenes, or interiors, while still providing a perspective similar to human vision, making it great for environmental portraits or events. The 35mm doesn’t distort the scene as much as wider lenses can, offering a more natural-looking representation. But remember, photography is highly subjective, and the ‘good’ or ‘best’ lens really depends on what you want to create.
Is a 14mm lens too wide?
In my experience, a 14mm lens is not too wide if used with intention and understanding. It captures an expansive field of view, ideal for dramatic landscapes, architecture, or indoor scenes where space is limited. However, it may come with a level of distortion at the edges, which can be used creatively or corrected in post-processing. The key is knowing when to deploy this ultra-wide perspective to tell your story. So, while it’s broader than your typical lens, its unique qualities can produce striking and immersive images in the hands of a photographer who knows how to leverage it.
Do wide-angle lenses make things look bigger?
The unique distortion characteristics of wide-angle lenses can indeed make objects seem larger, but only when they’re close to the lens. Wide-angle lenses amplify the sense of depth and distance in a photo, making nearby subjects look bigger while objects in the distance appear smaller. This can create a dramatic effect and add depth to your images. However, if the subject isn’t close to the lens, a wide-angle lens won’t necessarily make it appear larger. Understanding this interplay of distance, depth, and distortion is part of mastering wide-angle photography.
About
I’m a professional photographer with 17 years of experience in a wide range of photography, and over the course of my career I’ve had the opportunity to use a variety of photographic equipment now I would like to share my knowledge with you through this website. I hope Cameraindepth.com becomes the go-to destination when selecting the best gears for any project. Here you can access unbiased reviews and make an informed decision when choosing gears.
