The Worst Sony FE Lenses: Buyer Beware. Steer Clear of These Underperforming Sony Lenses.
The Sony E-mount system has revolutionized the world of mirrorless cameras, with many photographers making the switch to Sony’s full-frame lineup for its impressive image quality and performance. However, not all lenses are created equal. In this article, we’ll explore some of the worst Sony FE lenses you can buy. These lenses have a range of issues, from poor optical performance to questionable build quality. By knowing which ones to avoid, you’ll save yourself time, money, and frustration.
Sony FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS (SEL2870)
The Sony FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS is a kit lens that is often bundled with Sony’s full-frame mirrorless cameras. While it’s an affordable option, it suffers from poor sharpness, noticeable distortion, and lackluster build quality. The plastic construction makes it feel cheap, and the slow maximum aperture limits its low-light capabilities. There are far better alternatives available, such as the Sony FE 24-70mm f/4 or the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III RXD.
Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 (SEL50F18F)
You might expect a prime lens with a fast aperture to deliver excellent image quality, but the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 disappoints in several aspects. It has slow autofocus, producing an irritating noise that can be picked up by your camera’s microphone during video recording. Additionally, the lens suffers from softness and chromatic aberration, especially when shot wide open. Instead, consider the more expensive but significantly better-performing Sony FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA Sonnar T* or the Samyang AF 50mm f/1.4 FE.
Sony E 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS (SEL18200)
Although this lens is designed for APS-C E-mount cameras, it’s worth mentioning because many full-frame users may consider it for its versatility. Unfortunately, this superzoom lens suffers from poor sharpness and noticeable distortion throughout its zoom range. Its slow aperture and lack of weather sealing make it a poor choice for those wanting an all-in-one solution. Instead, look for higher-quality alternatives like the Sony FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS or the Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD.
Sony FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS (SEL24240)
While the Sony FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS offers a versatile 10x zoom range, it does so at the expense of image quality. This lens suffers from softness, vignetting, and distortion, particularly at the telephoto end. It also has a slow maximum aperture, limiting its usefulness in low-light situations. If you’re looking for a travel lens, the Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD is a better choice, with superior image quality and a faster aperture.
Conclusion:
When investing in a Sony mirrorless camera, it’s essential to choose high-quality lenses that will help you get the most out of your camera’s capabilities. By steering clear of the worst Sony FE lenses mentioned in this article, you’ll be on your way to building a solid lens collection that delivers outstanding performance and image quality. Remember, sometimes it’s worth spending a little more now instead of wasting your money on poor quality.