10 Best Sony Zoom Lenses 2025 in the United States

The Sony FE 600mm F4 GM Super Telephoto Lens (SEL600F40GM) is an impressive piece of equipment, particularly for wildlife and sports photographers. Its key selling point is that it is the world's lightest 600mm super-telephoto lens, making it easier to handle during long shoots. The focal length of 600mm allows you to capture distant subjects with great clarity, while the wide F4 aperture ensures excellent performance in low-light conditions and provides a beautiful background blur (bokeh). The use of a large XA (extreme aspherical) element helps to reduce spherical aberration, contributing to high image quality.

Autofocus speed and accuracy are top-notch, thanks to the inclusion of two Extreme Dynamic (XD) Linear Motors. These motors ensure fast, precise, and quiet focusing, which is crucial for capturing fast-moving subjects. The lens is built with the G Master quality, offering superior focusing speed up to 20fps, which is particularly beneficial for high-speed shooting scenarios. Additionally, the balanced weight design addresses the common issue of front-heaviness seen in similar lenses, providing a more comfortable user experience.

On the downside, this lens is a prime lens, meaning it does not offer a zoom range, so you are fixed at 600mm. Also, given its specialized nature and high performance, it comes with a hefty price tag, which might be a significant investment for some users. In terms of build quality, the lens is robust and weather-sealed, ensuring durability in various shooting conditions. However, its size and weight, while light for its category, still make it less portable compared to smaller lenses. The lens is compatible with Sony FE and Sony E mountings, making it versatile for users of Sony's full-frame and APS-C mirrorless cameras. This lens is best suited for professional photographers who need top-tier performance in capturing distant subjects.

The Sony SEL1224G FE 12-24mm F4 G is an ultra-wide angle zoom lens designed for Sony E-mount cameras. With a focal length range of 12-24mm, it is well-suited for landscape, architecture, and interior photography, providing a very wide field of view. The constant aperture of F4 across the zoom range ensures consistent exposure settings, though it might not be ideal for low light conditions compared to lenses with wider apertures like F2.8.

The lens features a linear motor and Direct Drive SSM for fast and precise autofocus, which is also quiet—a great benefit for video recording. Additionally, Sony's Nano AR coating reduces flare and ghosting, improving image quality in challenging lighting situations. The build quality is robust, with a dust and moisture resistant design, making it suitable for outdoor use.

Weighing 1.24 pounds and measuring 4.62 x 3.43 x 4.62 inches, it is relatively lightweight and compact for an ultra-wide zoom lens. However, the lens lacks built-in image stabilization, which could be a drawback for handheld shooting. It is compatible with Sony E-mount cameras, making it a versatile addition to any Sony user's kit. This lens is a solid choice for photographers who need an ultra-wide angle zoom with good build quality and reliable autofocus performance.

The Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II is a high-performance telephoto zoom lens designed for full-frame cameras. It offers a versatile focal length range of 70-200mm, ideal for a wide range of photographic applications from portraits to sports and wildlife. The constant f/2.8 aperture ensures excellent low-light performance and beautiful background blur (bokeh). This lens excels in image quality, incorporating multiple advanced elements such as aspherical and ED glasses to reduce aberrations and enhance resolution across the zoom range. Sony’s Nano AR Coating II helps in minimizing flare and ghosting for clearer images.

Autofocus is both fast and precise, thanks to four XD Linear Motors which enhance tracking of moving subjects significantly. This makes it suitable for both still photography and videography, with reduced focus breathing and quiet operation being a plus for video shooters. The build quality is strong, with weather sealing to protect against dust and moisture, suitable for outdoor shoots. At 2.3 pounds, it is relatively lightweight and portable for a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens, improving handling and reducing fatigue during long shoots.

It is fully compatible with Sony E-mount cameras and allows for the use of 1.4x and 2x teleconverters to extend its reach. The premium price might be a barrier for casual photographers. Enthusiasts and professionals who prioritize image quality, fast autofocus, and reliable build quality will find this lens a valuable addition to their kit.