Cannot afford Sony G and GM FE lenses? Cheap & Good Alternatives

[ttan98]

Over the last few years I had been using many models of Sony camera bodies starting with Nex 3C,5N,A6000 and lately A7RII. The gradual and then dramatic improvements in image quality can be observed from the above list.
Those who would to transcend to better image quality to the "ultimate"(i.e. using state of the art technologies) the latest Sony models, esp. 2nd hands purchase you can get them at reasonable prices are A7II and A7RII. The latter model will improve the image quality dramatically and worthwhile buying. I pulled the trigger recently by buying a 2nd hand one paid US$1,700 for it(latest V4 firmware I updated).
Let us go straight to the point of getting non-Sony native lenses from Canon and Sigma EF and EF-S lenses and compatible adapters from Techart III, Vitrox II and Sigma MCII. I bought many Canon and Sigma lenses over the years and here is what I found for these lenses do work really well with my A7RII. The models you should consider buying is listed here and their associated approx. prices(2nd hand), you can find them very affordable, automatic focus, light weight and more importantly the image quality to be very good as well obviously cannot match with far more expensive lenses from Sony's G and GM range if you can afford them.

Canon EF range(FF)
==============
24-85mm f3.5-4.5 - $150, general purpose lens, very sharp and good color renditions lens
20-35mm f3.5-4.5 - $150, general purpose wide angle lens
35mm f2.0 USM - $250-$300, motor is a little noisy
40mm f2.8 STM - $150
50mm f2.8 STM - $120
85mm f1.8 USM - $300-$350, still very good for portraits

Canon EF-S range(APSC)
================
24mm f2.8 STM - $200
15-85mm f3.5-4.5 - $250 general purpose travel lens good quality, a little heavy

Sigma EF-S range(APSC)
================
17-50mm f2.8 - $250 capable of giving VERY sharp images
17-70mm f2.8-3.5,- $250 general purpose lens, good quality

I was able to get good and accurate focusing speed via AFS & AFC mode in any of these adapters listed above, I can also use in eye focus mode with Techart III adapter only but the focus accuracy is not 100% reliable and functional.
My intention is to use these lenses till I am sufficiently competent to migrate to more expensive lenses in the G and GM range. Basically I am learning how to use this camera and photography before committing more money to buying more Sony expensive lenses. Having said that there are some Sony lenses that are well priced now and I think you know that, I am now currently aimed at those listed below that will give high quality images at the same time well priced.

28mm f2.0
35mm f2.8
55mm f1.8 Zeiss
16-35mm f4
and many more.

My expectations are, in the next few years there will be more 3rd party lenses from Tamron and Sigma in FE mount that will give us high quality images that are comparable to those from G and GM range at a far better prices e.g Tamron 24-70mm f2.8 G2 and 15-30mm f2.8. In the meantime I am using those above.

Hope you find my exposition here helpful.

 

[Stflbn]

Sony 28mm f2
Sony 50 1.8
Sony 85 1.8

Are all affordable and more than good enough options.

 

[BBQue]

THANKS! Great list and write-up.

Right now there are over 50 lenses in native E-mount and 8 full frame camera bodies. Amazing how far we have come in just four years.

 

[SQLGuy]

The Tamron 24-70/2.8 G1 is a lot of lens for the money.

The Tamron 70-300/4-5.6 is also a lot of lens, for even less money.

 

[Stflbn]

If you want to deal with adapters.

And if you are fine giving up some native camera focus functions and speed.

 

[SQLGuy]

If you want to deal with adapters.

And if you are fine giving up some native camera focus functions and speed.

 

[sportyaccordy]

The 24-85 is not a good lens. Plus side is it works great with my Fotodiox- AFs like a modern USM/STM lens. But it is just garbage optically, particularly at 24 which is where I primarily use 24-xx lenses. It doesn't get better stopped down either. I haven't used it yet, but the 24-105 STM looks to be a much better alternative. It will generate photos you will actually want to keep.

 

[sportyaccordy]

The Tamron 24-70/2.8 G1 is a lot of lens for the money.

The Tamron 70-300/4-5.6 is also a lot of lens, for even less money.

 

[Rmcp20]

The 24-85 is not a good lens. Plus side is it works great with my Fotodiox- AFs like a modern USM/STM lens. But it is just garbage optically, particularly at 24 which is where I primarily use 24-xx lenses. It doesn't get better stopped down either. I haven't used it yet, but the 24-105 STM looks to be a much better alternative. It will generate photos you will actually want to keep.

Actually there are many versions of the 24-85 lens if i am not mistaken (just like the 28-105 USM). The difference in optical quality is considerable.

For the 28-105USM, i remember having two copies, the second was the one with the "macro" word (not the flower symbol) and "Made in Japan". Much better than my first copy.

Same goes for 24-85 from what i remember, just don't remember which versions are better.

 

[Entropy512]

The Tamron 24-70/2.8 G1 is a lot of lens for the money.

The Tamron 70-300/4-5.6 is also a lot of lens, for even less money.

 

[sportyaccordy]

The 24-85 is not a good lens. Plus side is it works great with my Fotodiox- AFs like a modern USM/STM lens. But it is just garbage optically, particularly at 24 which is where I primarily use 24-xx lenses. It doesn't get better stopped down either. I haven't used it yet, but the 24-105 STM looks to be a much better alternative. It will generate photos you will actually want to keep.

Actually there are many versions of the 24-85 lens if i am not mistaken (just like the 28-105 USM). The difference in optical quality is considerable.

For the 28-105USM, i remember having two copies, the second was the one with the "macro" word (not the flower symbol) and "Made in Japan". Much better than my first copy.

Same goes for 24-85 from what i remember, just don't remember which versions are better.

That's a lot to sift through. I'd rather just get the 24-105 STM and be done.

 

[ttan98]

The 24-85 is not a good lens. Plus side is it works great with my Fotodiox- AFs like a modern USM/STM lens. But it is just garbage optically, particularly at 24 which is where I primarily use 24-xx lenses. It doesn't get better stopped down either. I haven't used it yet, but the 24-105 STM looks to be a much better alternative. It will generate photos you will actually want to keep.

 

[ttan98]

The 24-85 is not a good lens. Plus side is it works great with my Fotodiox- AFs like a modern USM/STM lens. But it is just garbage optically, particularly at 24 which is where I primarily use 24-xx lenses. It doesn't get better stopped down either. I haven't used it yet, but the 24-105 STM looks to be a much better alternative. It will generate photos you will actually want to keep.

Actually there are many versions of the 24-85 lens if i am not mistaken (just like the 28-105 USM). The difference in optical quality is considerable.

For the 28-105USM, i remember having two copies, the second was the one with the "macro" word (not the flower symbol) and "Made in Japan". Much better than my first copy.

Same goes for 24-85 from what i remember, just don't remember which versions are better.

That's a lot to sift through. I'd rather just get the 24-105 STM and be done.

 

[mcslsk]

Thanks for your overview. I was looking for a 24mm for APS-C. Found the Zeiss/Sony24/1.8 a bit disappointing given the price. The AF-S is a very inexpensive, small, yet very good performing alternative. So are the EF-S 1018, 1855 and 55250 (all latest version). AF on MB IV is very good if AF-S is used.

 

[sportyaccordy]

I don't have the time or desire to sift through and find a good one. It's not decentered or anything; I did close and far resolution tests. The outer 1/3 at 24mm is just smeary and bad. Rendering is flat and boring. It's a shame because it's nice and light and fast focusing. But optically my copy is just not good. Not inspiring or satisfying at all.

Maybe someone will get lucky and get a good copy but with STM glass I've found you don't need luck. They are all excellent. The extra $200+200go is worth it to me.

 

[ttan98]

Thanks for your overview. I was looking for a 24mm for APS-C. Found the Zeiss/Sony24/1.8 a bit disappointing given the price. The AF-S is a very inexpensive, small, yet very good performing alternative. So are the EF-S 1018, 1855 and 55250 (all latest version). AF on MB IV is very good if AF-S is used.

The Canon EF-S(APSC) 24mm STM lens is very good, compact and very cheap too, get it.

My older 18-55 kit lens is not that good; poor color rendition., but the 10-18mm is very good pity the aperture is too small starting at f4.5 - 5.6 use mainly for outdoors.

 

[Entropy512]

Thanks for your overview. I was looking for a 24mm for APS-C. Found the Zeiss/Sony24/1.8 a bit disappointing given the price. The AF-S is a very inexpensive, small, yet very good performing alternative. So are the EF-S 1018, 1855 and 55250 (all latest version). AF on MB IV is very good if AF-S is used.

I have the EF-S 24/2.8 STM - it's a great lens.

STM glass is just wonderful when adapted - and cheap! At one point 55-250 STMs were going for around $130 refurbished.

 

[Mordi]

Sony 28mm f2
Sony 50 1.8
Sony 85 1.8

Are all affordable and more than good enough options.

 

[mcrksman]

Minolta lenses are great for the price as well.. I just got the 70-210 and I love it. Will definitely be getting more minolta lenses. I can buy 10 for the price of a GM lens

 

[Notthecase]

What adapter do you use?