Embarking on a photographic journey with your Sony A7III is like setting sail on a vast ocean of possibilities, and just like a sailor needs a trusty compass, you need the best travel lens to navigate your way through stunning landscapes and captivating cityscapes.
But which lens should you choose? With a plethora of options available, it's easy to feel overwhelmed.
Fear not, for in this discussion, we shall explore the crème de la crème of travel lenses for your Sony A7III, revealing the hidden gems that will elevate your photography to new heights. So, grab your camera bag and join us on this voyage of lens discovery
Key Takeaways
- Sony SEL24240 FE 24-240mm lens offers outstanding image quality and versatility for various photography needs.
- Sony FE 50mm F1.8 lens is compact, lightweight, and ideal for photographers on a budget.
- Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD lens provides a versatile zoom range and image stabilization.
- Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 lens has a wide aperture and fast autofocus, making it suitable for various photography styles.
The 6 Best Travel Lenses for Sony A7III [Detailed Review]
Let's now take a closer look at the best travel lenses for your Sony A7III. These lenses have been carefully selected based on their overall performance, budget-friendly options, premium features, high-end performance, and portability.
The top choices include the Sony SEL24240 FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS Zoom Lens, the Sony FE 50mm F1.8 Standard Lens, the Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD Lens, the Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 for Sony E-Mount, and the Tamron 70-300mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD for Sony Mirrorless Full Frame/APS-C E-Mount.
1. Sony SEL24240 FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS Zoom Lens (Best Overall)
The Sony SEL24240 FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS Zoom Lens is the best choice for photographers and travelers seeking a versatile all-in-one lens with outstanding image quality and a wide range of focal lengths.
This lens is compatible with Sony α7 series, 35mm full-frame E-mount cameras and offers a 10x magnification from 24mm to 240mm. It features Optical Steady Shot image stabilization and has a minimum focus distance of 1.64 ft-2.63 ft (0.5 m-0.8 m).
With 5 spherical elements for corner-to-corner sharpness and an ED glass element to reduce flare and ghosting, this lens delivers sharp and contrasty images with impressive color rendering. It also has a fast focus with a linear motor drive and inner focus mechanism.
Despite its heavy and unbalanced nature, the Sony SEL24240 FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS Zoom Lens is highly recommended for its outstanding image quality, versatility, and build quality.
Best For: Photographers and travelers seeking a versatile all-in-one lens with outstanding image quality and a wide range of focal lengths.
- Outstanding image quality
- Versatile for various photography needs
- Suitable for leisure photography
- Heavy and unbalanced
2. Sony FE 50mm F1.8 Standard Lens (Best Budget)
Ideal for photographers on a budget, the Sony FE 50mm F1.8 Standard Lens offers a large maximum aperture and lightweight design, making it the perfect choice for travel photography with the Sony A7III.
With its F1.8 maximum aperture, this lens allows for beautiful defocusing effects and stunning bokeh. The compact and lightweight design is ideal for full-frame e-mount cameras, ensuring that it won't weigh you down during your travels.
The lens features an aspherical element that controls spherical aberration and coma, resulting in sharp and clear images. Additionally, the double-gauss configuration suppresses field curvature and distortion, further enhancing image quality.
Customers have praised this lens for its performance, focusing speed, image quality, and minimal noise during operation. Overall, the Sony FE 50mm F1.8 Standard Lens is a budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on quality, making it an excellent choice for travel photography.
Best For: Travelers seeking an affordable yet high-performing lens for their Sony camera.
- Large F1.8 maximum aperture for beautiful defocusing effects.
- Compact and lightweight design ideal for full-frame E-mount cameras.
- Affordable price without compromising image quality.
- Good image quality with minimal issues like fringing or chromatic aberration
- Autofocus can be a bit noisy.
- Fixed focal length may not provide the versatility some photographers desire.
3. Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD Lens (Best Premium Option)
With its versatile ultra-telephoto zoom range and advanced image stabilization, the Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD Lens is the go-to choice for photographers seeking exceptional reach and stability while traveling with their Sony A7III.
This lens is specifically designed for full-frame Sony mirrorless cameras and offers a range of 150-500mm, allowing you to capture distant subjects with ease. The lens features VC image stabilization with three modes to minimize camera shake and ensure sharp images. It also incorporates XLD, LD, and GM elements to reduce color fringing and distortion.
The lens has a rotating Arca-type tripod mount with strap attachment loops for added convenience. With a minimum object distance of 23.6″ at 150mm, you can also capture close-up shots. Despite its slightly heavier weight of 4.14 pounds, the lens uses metal construction for durability.
Overall, the Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD Lens offers excellent build quality, image sharpness, and fast focusing, making it a fantastic option for travel photography.
Best For: Photographers who need a versatile ultra-telephoto zoom lens with excellent image stabilization for capturing distant subjects while traveling with their Sony A7III.
- Versatile zoom range of 150-500mm for capturing distant subjects.
- VC image stabilization with three modes for minimizing camera shake.
- XLD, LD, and GM elements reduce color fringing and distortion.
- Slightly heavier weight of 4.14 pounds may be a concern for prolonged handheld use.
4. Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 for Sony E-Mount (Best for High-end Performance)
If you're looking for a travel lens with high-end performance, the Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 for Sony E-Mount is an excellent choice. This lens features a fast and quiet VXD linear motor, providing high-speed autofocus for capturing fast-moving subjects with precision.
With a minimum object distance (MOD) of 7.1″ and a magnification ratio of 1:2.7, you can get up close and capture detailed shots. Despite its high-performance capabilities, the lens maintains a compact design, measuring 4.6″ in length and weighing only 19 oz.
It is also equipped with moisture-resistant construction and fluorine coating, ensuring durability and protection against the elements. The lens supports features like Fast Hybrid AF, Eye AF, and in-camera corrections, further enhancing its performance.
The Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 delivers exceptional image quality and is a versatile travel companion.
Best For: Travel photographers or enthusiasts looking for a versatile and high-performance lens for Sony E-Mount cameras.
- Versatile focal length range
- Wide aperture of F/2.8
- High-quality optics
- Compact and lightweight design
- Autofocus limitations in certain situations
5. Tamron 70-300mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD for Sony Mirrorless Full Frame/APS-C E-Mount (Best for Portability)
For those seeking a travel lens with exceptional portability, the Tamron 70-300mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD for Sony Mirrorless Full Frame/APS-C E-Mount is an excellent choice.
Weighing just 19.2 ounces, it is the world's smallest and lightest telephoto lens, making it easy to carry on your adventures. With 15 elements in 10 groups, this lens delivers uncompromising image quality, correcting chromatic aberration and other aberrations for sharp and high-resolution images with beautiful bokeh.
The lens features the RXD unit for high-speed precision autofocus that operates quietly. It is versatile for various photography genres such as landscapes, sports, wildlife, and portraits, providing a 105-450mm equivalent field-of-view on APS-C cameras.
Despite its small size, this lens packs a punch in terms of performance and image quality, making it an ideal travel companion.
Best For: Photographers looking for a lightweight and versatile travel lens with good image quality and up-close shooting performance.
- Lightweight design
- Good image quality
- Compatibility with Sony bodies
- Exceptional portability without compromising on image quality.
- Special lens elements to correct aberrations and deliver high-resolution images.
- Quiet and precise autofocus performance with RXD technology.
- Plastic build
- Lack of image stabilization.
6. Sony SEL18135, E 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 OSS E-Mount Lens (Best Value)
The Sony SEL18135, E 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 OSS E-Mount Lens offers exceptional versatility and image quality, making it the ideal travel lens for photographers seeking a lightweight and compact option without compromising on performance.
With its 7.5x high magnification zoom and 27-202.5mm focal length, this lens covers a wide range of shooting situations, from wide-angle landscapes to telephoto shots. The lens features 1x aspherical and 2x ED glass elements, delivering outstanding sharpness and minimizing aberrations.
Its 7-blade circular aperture produces beautiful bokeh, adding a pleasing background blur to your images. The lens also incorporates Optical SteadyShot image stabilization, ensuring crisp and steady shots even in low-light conditions. With fast, precise, and quiet autofocus, you can capture your subjects with ease.
Despite its powerful capabilities, the lens is compact and lightweight, making it a convenient option for travel. The Sony SEL18135, E 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 OSS E-Mount Lens offers excellent value for money, providing photographers with a versatile and high-performing lens for their Sony A7III.
- Versatile zoom range of 18mm to 135mm.
- 7.5x high magnification zoom and 27-202.5mm focal length for a wide range of shooting situations
- Wide aperture range of f/3.5-5.6 for flexibility in different lighting conditions.
- Optical SteadyShot image stabilization for minimizing camera shake.
- Outstanding sharpness from 1x aspherical and 2x ED glass elements
- Ease of use
- Limited maximum aperture compared to other lenses in the Sony FE lens selection.
- Heavier and more obtrusive than the Sony 16-50mm lens
Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Travel Lens for Sony A7III
When buying a travel lens for your Sony A7III, there are several important factors to consider.
First, consider the lens focal length, which determines the field of view and versatility of your shots. Next, evaluate the aperture options available, as wider apertures allow for better low-light performance and shallow depth of field.
Additionally, autofocus capabilities and image stabilization features can greatly impact the quality of your photos. Finally, don't forget to take into account the weight and size of the lens, as this can affect portability during your travels.
Lens Focal Length
Consider the focal length carefully when selecting a travel lens for your Sony A7III camera. The focal length determines the field of view and magnification, greatly impacting your photography experience. Here are three important factors to keep in mind:
- Wide Angle (10-35mm): Ideal for capturing vast landscapes and architecture, wide-angle lenses provide a wider field of view, allowing you to fit more into the frame.
- Standard (35-70mm): This versatile focal length is perfect for everyday photography, offering a natural perspective similar to what the human eye sees. It is great for portraits, street photography, and general use.
- Telephoto (70mm and above): Telephoto lenses are essential for capturing distant subjects, such as wildlife or sports events. They offer a narrower field of view but provide excellent magnification and compression.
Understanding the different focal lengths will help you choose the best travel lens for your Sony A7III, ensuring you capture the perfect shots during your adventures.
Aperture Options
To ensure optimal performance when selecting a travel lens for your Sony A7III camera, it is important to carefully consider the available aperture options. The aperture of a lens refers to the size of the opening that allows light to pass through and reach the camera's image sensor.
It plays a crucial role in determining the amount of light that enters the lens, as well as the depth of field in your photographs. A wider aperture, indicated by a lower f-number, allows more light to enter the lens and is ideal for low-light situations and creating a shallow depth of field.
On the other hand, a narrower aperture, indicated by a higher f-number, lets in less light and is suitable for capturing a greater depth of field, which is useful for landscape photography. When choosing a travel lens, consider the aperture range it offers and how it aligns with your photography needs.
Autofocus Capabilities
To ensure optimum autofocus performance when purchasing a travel lens for your Sony A7III camera, it is important to carefully evaluate the lens's autofocus capabilities. Here are three key factors to consider:
- Speed: Look for a lens with fast and accurate autofocus speed. This will ensure that you can quickly lock onto your subject, especially when capturing fast-moving objects or shooting in low light conditions.
- Tracking: A lens with advanced autofocus tracking capabilities is essential for capturing moving subjects. It should be able to continuously track and maintain focus on your subject, even when it is moving erratically.
- Focus Points: Consider the number and distribution of autofocus points on the lens. More autofocus points provide greater flexibility in composing your shots and increase the accuracy of focusing, especially when shooting subjects off-center.
Image Stabilization Feature
When purchasing a travel lens for your Sony A7III camera, it is crucial to consider the image stabilization feature. Image stabilization is a technology that helps reduce camera shake, resulting in sharper and clearer photos.
It compensates for any small movements or vibrations that may occur while you are holding the camera, especially in low light situations or when using longer focal lengths. The image stabilization feature can be particularly useful when shooting handheld or in situations where using a tripod is not possible.
There are two types of image stabilization: optical and in-body. Optical stabilization is built into the lens itself, while in-body stabilization is built into the camera body. Both types can be effective, but in-body stabilization offers the advantage of compatibility with a wider range of lenses.
Considering the image stabilization feature can greatly enhance your photography experience when traveling with your Sony A7III camera.
Lens Weight and Size
Consider the weight and size of the lens when purchasing a travel lens for your Sony A7III camera. The lens you choose should be lightweight and compact to ensure ease of transportation and convenience during your travels. Here are three important factors to consider:
- Weight: Opt for a lens that is lightweight to minimize the strain on your arms and shoulders while carrying your camera for long periods. A lighter lens allows for better mobility and reduces fatigue, making it easier to capture those unforgettable moments without feeling weighed down.
- Size: Look for a lens that is compact in size, as it will take up less space in your camera bag and make it easier to pack for your travels. A smaller lens also provides greater versatility and allows for discreet photography, making it ideal for street or documentary photography.
- Balance: Ensure that the lens is well-balanced when attached to your Sony A7III camera. A well-balanced lens will provide better ergonomics and improve your overall shooting experience, allowing for greater stability and control.
Conclusion
The best travel lens for Sony A7III is a versatile and compact option that ensures high-quality images in various shooting situations. The ideal travel lens should strike a balance between performance, portability, and affordability.
Sony offers a range of lenses that meet these criteria, such as the Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS lens. This lens provides a wide focal range, allowing you to capture both landscapes and close-ups without needing to switch lenses. It also features built-in image stabilization, which is crucial for handheld shots while traveling.
Additionally, the lens has a weather-sealed design, making it durable and suitable for outdoor use. Overall, the Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS lens is a reliable choice for travel photography with the Sony A7III.