Sony and other third-party lens manufacturers offer a wide range of lenses compatible with the Sony A7III camera. With so many options available, choosing the right one can be daunting. Given that the Sony A7III is highly acclaimed for its full-frame sensor, low-light performance, and responsive processor, selecting a suitable lens requires careful consideration. Depending on the type of photography you pursue, you can find a compatible lens that meets your needs for the Sony A7III.
This guide will help you choose the perfect lens for wedding photography with the Sony A7III.
Sony SEL85F18 85mm F/1.8-22
This lightweight lens is one of the most affordable options and allows you to capture shots with great detail. The AF/MF switch provides easy operation, and the lens offers quiet, responsive autofocus. One downside is that it can produce hazy or distorted images when exposed to direct sunlight. However, its high maximum aperture ensures sharp images and a creamy, beautiful bokeh (out-of-focus areas), which helps to eliminate distractions in your photos.
It offers excellent value for money and provides satisfactory results, which is exactly what a photographer wants from their investment. In fact, the sharpness and focus this lens delivers are almost on par with those of more expensive alternatives. Overall, if you are just starting out as a photographer and are uncertain about which lens to invest in due to budget constraints, this lens could be a great choice.
Sony Planar T*FE 50mm f/1.4 ZA
One of the most compatible lenses with the Sony A7III, this standard prime lens features 12 elements in 9 groups to enhance the focus range. Compared to its counterparts, this lens is slightly heavier and more challenging to carry around. It has a metal mount and metal housing, which contribute to its robust build quality. The optical elements are constructed from high-grade glass. Additionally, with a focal length of 50 mm, it offers a 47-degree angle of view, resulting in wide shots.
When using the lens at its maximum aperture of f/1.4, you may notice some light fall-off at certain points. If you want to incorporate bokeh into your wedding photographs, this lens features an iris diaphragm with 11 rounded blades to create beautiful bokeh. However, if you are just starting out as a wedding photographer, this option might be a bit outside your budget.
You might consider cheaper alternatives that offer similar features and specifications. However, intermediate and professional photographers should definitely include this lens in their collection.
Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM (SEL1635GM)
If you’re looking for versatility and uniqueness in your wedding shots, this lens should be your first choice. While it’s ideally used by photographers for documentaries or action scenes, it also works well for wedding photography due to its semi-wide perspective and minimal distortion. While a “nifty fifty” 50mm lens is always a good choice, a lens with a focal length of 35mm captures wide landscapes in detail. The aperture range is sharp, and the images produced are of excellent quality.
The only major downside of this lens is that it makes shooting in direct sunlight challenging. When exposed to direct sunlight, it can produce a green flare that may affect the quality of your shots. However, this issue is often outweighed by the lens’s versatility. Weighing 680 grams, this wide-angle zoom lens can be cumbersome to carry around. Despite this, it is built to withstand harsh weather conditions, effectively blocking moisture and dirt.
Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G OSS
This lens is popular for wedding and wildlife photography, thanks to its wide focal range and built-in image stabilization. You won’t need to worry about excessive hunting during prime time or golden hour. Although there may be a slight change in light fall at f/4, the camera ensures that photo quality remains optimal. Reliable editing software that uses RAW filters will handle any adjustments, providing useful shots for your clients and portfolio. Additionally, the lens is extremely lightweight due to its polycarbonate body.
With several physical buttons and controls integrated into the body, the Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G OSS lens offers complete control. Among these controls, the most useful include image stabilisation, focus mode switching and locking, and model selection.
However, this lens is slightly more expensive than its counterparts. Due to its delicate construction, it can break easily, so you need to be extra careful.
Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art
This lens is one of the most compatible options for the A7III’s sensors. It is known as the brightest wide-angle lens and is worth the investment. A rubberised knurling design provides a better grip, making it easier to handle. You can easily switch between the focus lock button and various focusing modes with a simple press of a switch. Whether it’s quasi-macro shots, city and landscape photography, or wedding portraits, this lens can handle it all.
Compared to other lenses, the sharpness quality provided by this lens is excellent. For optimal sharpness in your images, adjust the aperture between f/5.6 and f/11.
One downside to this lens is the lack of image stabilisation and some pronounced distortion. However, it remains an excellent choice due to its solid build quality, quick response time, weather sealing, minimal chromatic aberration, and versatility.
These five lenses are highly compatible with the A7III and offer great value for money. Although some options may be a bit pricey, the outstanding results make them worth the investment. Whether you’re shooting weddings, landscapes, or portraits, these lenses will not disappoint.