The Sony a7 II is a full-frame mirrorless camera and a more advanced follow-up to the Sony a7.
In addition to the 24MP sensor and Bionz X processor, it features a 5-axis sensor-based image stabilization.
Not to mention the improved AF, high-quality magnesium alloy build, and beginner-friendly usage.
It’s overall an excellent blogging camera and while a little heavier than its predecessor, it’s still lightweight enough to travel with comfortably.
Are you looking to elevate your photography and capture more stunning videos?
Here, we’ve rounded up the top 15 lenses for the Sony a7 II, along with a complete guide on how to pick the right one for you.
Want a quick answer? We absolutely love the Sony 16-35mm f/2.8.
What are the different types of lenses for the Sony a7 II? Here are the most common ones:
A prime lens is a fixed focal length lens that you can’t zoom in or out. Most prime lenses have a wider aperture, and can produce impressively sharp images with high resolution.
There are very few moving parts inside a prime lens, which is also why they’re typically more long-lasting and durable. Not to mention that the fixed length means they are pretty lightweight!
On the other hand is a zoom lens, which has a variable focal length that allows you to zoom in and out conveniently. It’s more versatile in terms of its ability to capture shots at different angles of view.
However, this versatility does sometimes come with a compromise to the photo quality, weight, size, aperture, and price.
A macro lens refers to lenses with a reproduction ratio of 1:1 and usually close minimum focus distance. This lets you shoot subjects from a close distance but still maintain sharp focus.
In macro photography, popular subjects include insects, leaves, glass, fabrics, and other small objects with textured surfaces.
Meanwhile, a telephoto lens is designed to capture subjects from a long distance thanks to its powerful zoom capabilities. But it’s usually quite large and heavy, and requires the use of a tripod for longer photo sessions.
They are used for sports, concerts, wildlife, and other situations where you might be shooting from afar. Good telephoto lenses can be costly, making it less ideal for beginners.
For photographing landscapes, architecture, interiors, and other extensive scenes, you’ll want a wide-angle lens. Its short focal length is able to capture a wider perspective in one single frame.
The best wide-angle lenses would have a small minimum focus distance so you can still fit an entire scene even when you’re close to it. They can also be a prime (fixed length) or zoom (changeable focal length) lens.
While it’s possible to use any lens for shooting portraiture, specific pairings of the right focal length and aperture can produce the best results. This is because you’ll want a realistic rendering of the colors and reproduction of the facial features.
A good portrait lens should have a wide aperture for creating smooth and natural bokeh. 50mm is the general rule of thumb for portraits, but you can go shorter for a more wide-angled approach or longer to focus more on the face.
These are the most important features of a lens that you should be looking at…
Technical features are always the priority when buying a lens, and you might want to check the focal length first. This refers to the length between the lens and image sensor and can affect the angle of view.
It also determines the magnification of your images. You’d want a short lens for a wider perspective, and a long lens for a more zoomed-in or telephoto effect.
Next up is the aperture, which is denoted with an ‘f’ and a number. It shows how much light can enter your lens and how well it can take photos in low light.
A larger number means a narrower opening of the aperture, and thus less light can enter. Whereas a low number refers to a larger opening and wider aperture, which means the lens can take bright photos even in darker environments.
While the Sony a7 II is tad heavier than its predecessor, it’s still a mirrorless camera and therefore quite lightweight and compact. So, don’t forget to consider how heavy and big your lens is!
If you’re planning to travel and bring your camera gear along, portability might be a priority for you. On the other hand, you may not mind the extra weight and size in exchange for better performance.
You shouldn’t ignore the build quality of a lens either, as its construction tells you how nice it will feel in your hands. Not to mention how long it can last you!
If you think you’ll be working outdoors a lot, it might be worth investing in a lens with weather-sealing properties. This could include splash, dust, and moisture resistance, among others.
Refer to the previous section for the most popular lens types you can find. Knowing which one to get is a great way to narrow down your choices!
While an amateur travel blogger can benefit from a versatile zoom lens for everyday use, a professional photographer might want to look at special telephoto or macro lenses, depending on their needs.
Next, it’s time to think about your budget! Remember that this is money spent on top of the camera itself, so consider how much you can spare for an additional lens.
It can be wise for beginners to look for more affordable alternatives, whereas bloggers and vloggers might be willing to invest more. Plus, you can sometimes save money by foregoing features you know you don’t need, like the aperture or focal range.
Good news! The Sony a7 II comes with a 5-axis sensor-shift stabilization, which means it can eliminate camera shakes or movements to produce smooth and stable results.
With that said, it can still be worth getting a lens with built-in stabilization for that extra smoothness. Of course, you can always use a gimbal for added stability.
Minimum focus distance: 0.28 m
Focal length: 16-35 mm
Max aperture: f/2.8
Filter thread: 82 mm
Weight: 680 g
Dimensions (diameter x length): 88.5 x 121.6 mm
The Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 is a premium G Master Series wide-angle zoom lens that’s perfect for everyday use.
With a high-end design and brilliant optics, this lens is a must-have for any serious photographer.
It also comes with a rounded 11-blade aperture to ensure natural and creamy bokeh, which can be especially great for portraits.
Meanwhile, the two extreme aspherical elements deliver impressive high resolution for the most beautiful images.
Not to mention that it comes with dust and moisture resistance, which is extra useful for when you’re shooting outdoors.
The only downside we can think of is that this lens is quite expensive, and it’s also not the lightest option you can find for a mirrorless.
But if quality is your main concern, then go for the Sony 16-35mm f/2.8.
Minimum focus distance: 0.5 m
Focal length: 55 mm
Max aperture: f/1.8
Filter thread: 55 mm
Weight: 281 g
Dimensions (diameter x length): 64.4 x 70.5 mm
The Sony FE 55mm f/1.8 is for those of you who want a high-quality and versatile prime lens.
It has a T* coating along with a superb optical design for minimal internal reflections and striking contrast.
While not the most budget-friendly, this prime lens is impressively lightweight and compact, making it perfect to travel around with!
With a 55m focal length, you can easily capture anything, from portrait to landscape and street situations.
Plus, its large f/1.8 aperture is ideal for shooting in low light and producing gorgeous bokeh.
Not to mention the linear motor for internal focusing that’s smooth and quiet, and the dust and moisture resistance.
Minimum focus distance: 0.18 m
Focal length: 28-75 mm
Maximum aperture: f/2.8
Filter thread: 67 mm
Weight: 540 g
Dimensions (diameter x length): 75.8 x 117.6 mm
Another excellent zoom lens we’d recommend is the Tamron 28-75 mm f/2.8.
This super versatile zoom lens is great for those who want an all-round functionality for a reasonable price tag.
It offers high-quality optics and a solid build, as well as a multipurpose zoom range.
The lens comes with a VXD linear motor focus for fast and accurate autofocusing, which is also able to track moving subjects.
The two low dispersion glass elements also help reduce optical aberration.
Plus, we think that the minimum focus distance of 0.18 m is really great for when you’re shooting a wider shot in small spaces.
Minimum focus distance: 0.295 m
Focal length: 105 mm
Max aperture: f/2.8
Filter thread: 62 mm
Weight: 710 g
Dimensions (diameter x length): 74 × 135.6 mm
The Sigma 105mm f/2.8 is a full-frame macro lens designed for mirrorless cameras like the Sony a7 II.
It comes with a 1:1 magnification ratio and a relatively close minimum focusing distance, which is useful for capturing small objects from close up.
This mid-telephoto macro lens offers impressive optics and a pro-level build quality, all thanks to its fluorine coating for dust and splash protection.
Plus, it also delivers edge-to-edge sharpness and minimal chromatic aberration.
Not to mention the stunning bokeh effect you can get!
This Sigma lens also includes a powerful Hyper-Sonic Motor for precise and quiet autofocus, which is useful for when you’re photographing skittish insects and tiny animals.
Minimum focus distance: 1.6 m
Focal length: 100-400 mm
Max aperture: f/5
Filter thread: 67 mm
Weight: 1,160 g
Dimensions (diameter x length): 86.4 x 182.3 mm
The Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 might be one of the best telephoto lenses you’ll find for the Sony a7 II
Complete with upgraded optical stabilizer that can detect camera shakes in multiple directions, it will help you get smooth and blur-free images even without a tripod!
The push/pull zoom mechanism is an intuitive control for the angle of view too, which is an innovative addition.
This feature is especially useful if you’re capturing moving subjects like wildlife, sports, or other events.
Meanwhile, its 9-blade rounded diaphragm lets you create beautiful background blurs.
It’s also reasonably priced for a telephoto lens, which makes it great even for beginners looking to get into telephoto photography.
Its Hyper Sonic Motor guarantees fast and silent AF, while the brass bayonet mount gives a rugged construction for more durability.
Minimum focus distance: 0.85 m
Focal length: 70-180 mm
Max aperture: f/2.8
Filter thread: 67 mm
Weight: 810 g
Dimensions (diameter x length): 81 x 149 mm
The Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VXD is another great telephoto lens you shouldn’t miss.
It’s considerably lighter and more compact than our previous recommendation, and is in fact one of the lightest lenses of its class.
So, this can be a better choice for traveling with!
It’s also got a bright and consistent max aperture of f/2.8, plus excellent central and edge sharpness.
Tamron’s new VXD autofocus is fast and precise, which coupled with improved AF tracking makes this lens a dream for capturing sports and other action!
Finally, the Zoom Lock (ZL) Mechanism is useful to avoid accidental extension when you’re shooting.
Minimum focus distance: 0.28 m
Focal length: 14-24 mm
Max aperture: f/2.8
Filter thread: -
Weight: 795 g
Dimensions (diameter x length): 85 x 133 mm
The Sigma 14-24mm F2.8 DG DN Art is one of our top choices for wide-angle lenses.
From starry skies to sprawling architecture and wide sceneries, this lens can do it all.
The lens construction includes an FLD glass and five SLD glass elements for reduced chromatic aberration, whereas the three aspherical lenses minimize flare.
Moreover, the advanced Nano Porous Coating can tackle strong backlight and ghosting for crisp, clear images.
We also love that you can achieve beautiful blurs, thanks to the 11-blade rounded diaphragm!
Best of all, the dust and splash resistant design features a water- and oil-repellent coating.
It’s overall a great lens to photograph the stunning landscapes on your travels, including to a country like India.
Minimum focus distance: 0.82 m
Focal length: 28 mm
Maximum aperture: f/2
Filter thread: 49 mm
Weight: 200 g
Dimensions (diameter x length): 64 x 60 mm
If you’re looking for a good travel lens, the Sony 28mm f/2 is our go-to.
This affordable wide-angle lens offers full-frame coverage while being impressively light and compact, which is great for a mirrorless camera.
It has a metal barrel and mount, as well as dust and moisture resistance—super useful for traveling.
From landscape and interiors to street shots, the 28mm lens is perfect for them all!
Moreover, it features excellent optics and a 9-blade circular aperture for gorgeous bokeh, plus super ED glass to suppress chromatic aberration.
The Sony 28mm f/2 is actually also our top travel lens to use on the Sony a7!
Minimum focus distance: 0.8 m
Focal length: 85 mm
Maximum aperture: f/1.8
Filter thread: 67 mm
Weight: 371 g
Dimensions (diameter x length): 78 x 82 mm
For shooting portraits with the Sony a7 II, we would recommend the Sony FE 85mm F1.8, a compact and lightweight lens with very high resolution.
We do love the customizable focus hold button that makes it easy and quick for you to switch between autofocus and manual focus.
You can also enjoy silent and accurate AF from the double linear motor actuator.
Of course, as with a good portrait lens, this one can produce stunning bokeh thanks to the 9-blade circular aperture.
Not to mention that this lens produces virtually no distortion, which is always great for portraiture!
Minimum focus distance: 0.45 m
Focal length: 50 mm
Maximum aperture: f/1.8
Filter thread: 52 mm
Weight: 186 g
Dimensions (diameter x length): 68.6 x 59.5 mm
The Sony FE 50mm F1.8 is an affordable portrait lens, offering the versatile focal length known among photographers by the ‘nifty fifty’.
It’s very light, compact, and the perfect companion for any of your trips.
This lens still comes with a really bright maximum aperture, so you can easily capture bright and clear images even in low light, and achieve natural background blurs.
The excellent optics feature an aspherical element and a double-gauss configuration for really good images.
You’ll also get a lens hood with your purchase, which in addition to the solid build, makes this a small but durable lens!
Minimum focus distance: 0.7 m
Focal length: 135 mm
Maximum aperture: f/1.8
Filter thread: 82 mm
Weight: 950 g
Dimensions (diameter x length): 89.5 x 127 mm
The Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM is hands-down one of the sharpest lenses on the market for the Sony a7 II.
It comes with an XD Linear Motor for quick, accurate, and quiet autofocus, whereas the XA elements and Super ED glass ensure high resolution.
And despite the telephoto length of this lens, it has a floating focus system to control aberrations.
You can also achieve soft background bokeh with this!
Unfortunately, for a prime lens, it’s actually quite heavy and large. So, we’d only recommend the Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM if you’re looking to get the sharpest possible photos.
Minimum focus distance: 0.24 m
Focal length: 24 mm
Maximum aperture: f/1.4
Filter thread: 67 mm
Weight: 445 g
Dimensions (diameter x length): 75.4 x 92.4 mm
The Sony 24mm F1.4 is one of the best lenses you can use for astrophotography.
With advanced technologies, this G Master lens can give you really high resolutions, soft bokeh, and outstanding sharpness even at wide open.
The AF drive is also fast and precise, while the two XA elements ensure consistent quality.
The design is also dust and moisture resistance, again making it travel-friendly. You don’t have to worry about slight weather elements when shooting the sky outdoors.
Minimum focus distance: 0.33 m
Focal length: 16-55 mm
Maximum aperture: f/2.8
Filter thread: 67 mm
Weight: 494 g
Dimensions (diameter x length): 73 x 100 mm
The Sony E 16-55mm F2.8 G remains one of our favorite everyday lenses that can tackle a variety of shots.
Thanks to its versatile and useful focal range, you can capture anything from immense landscapes to portraits.
It comes with XD Linear Motor for fast and precise AF, as well as two AA lenses, two aspherical elements, and three ED glasses to ensure the best images.
Not to mention excellent resolution, beautiful bokeh, and high contrast.
Of course, the best thing about this Sony lens is its compact and lightweight design, despite the powerful performance you get.
Minimum focus distance: 0.82 m
Focal length: 28 mm
Maximum aperture: f/2
Filter thread: 49 mm
Weight: 200 g
Dimensions (diameter x length): 64 x 60 mm
The Sony a7 II is also a great camera for recording videos, especially because it’s fitted with built-in stabilization.
When choosing the right lens to pair for videos, we recommend the Sony FE 28mm F/2.0.
The wide field of view is especially great for videos and vlogs, as it allows to fit a wider scene into one frame.
And at only 200g, this is the perfect lens for a Bali backpacking trip as it won’t weigh you down!
Included in its advanced technologies and coatings is the 9-blade circular aperture and quiet internal focusing, handy for both stills and videos.
Minimum focus distance: 0.17 m
Focal length: 10 mm
Maximum aperture: f/2.8
Filter thread: -
Weight: 570 g
Dimensions (diameter x length): 86 x 85 mm
Last but not least is the 7 Artisans 10mm f/2.8, which is a great fisheye lens that might interest those of you who want to experiment with creative photography styles.
In addition to landscape and travel shots, the 178-degree fisheye perspective works really well for astrophotography.
The wide f/2.8 aperture helps too! Of course, this also means it performs fantastically in low light.
This lens includes 8 groups of 11 optical structures for minimal chromatic aberration.
The kit lens that comes with the Sony a7 II is the 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS lens. It’s a pretty versatile zoom range that can cover everything from wide-angle to portrait, with decent image clarity and quality.
Yes, even in 2022, the a7II is still a good mirrorless camera to get. It’s high-resolution, has high ISO, good build, and 24MP.
Yes, you can. The a7II uses E-mount lenses, just like the Sony a6300.
An FE mount is a 'Full-frame E-mount', and works best for APS-C cameras. Whereas an 'E' mount is designed for full-frame cameras like the Sony a7 II.
That’s all for our version of the best Sony a7 II lenses.
Did you find the perfect one for you?
Have we missed any great lenses?
Hopefully, we’ve covered enough options to suit your different needs… Let us know your thoughts below!
We've also written an in-depth guide to online photography classes if you're interested in learning more...
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