Best Sony Lenses For Wedding Filmmaking My Top 5 Sony Lenses

"When it comes to brands I prefer Sigma over the G master lenses for the value for when it comes to price and performance. In this video I share my experiences with a few lenses that I have used extensively over the three years that I was shooting with Sony"

1. My Favorite Prime Lens: Sigma 35mm vs. Sony G Master

The 35mm focal length is hands-down my go-to for filming. It strikes the perfect balance, offering versatility for landscape shots, medium framing, and close-ups. At one point, I had both the Sigma 35mm and the Sony 35mm G Master, and after testing them side by side, I found myself leaning towards the Sigma 35mm. The key difference comes down to the color cast. The Sony leans towards a green tint and has a slightly flatter image, while the Sigma offers richer color contrast and leans slightly towards magenta, which is perfect for capturing skin tones—ideal for people-centric shots. For me, the Sigma's color performance makes it the clear winner.

2. My Favorite Zoom Lens: Sony 24-105mm F4

The Sony 24-105mm F4 has been my go-to lens for events for quite some time now. Its versatility is unmatched, and its size is just right for handheld shooting—it’s not too heavy to be a strain but not so light that it introduces shaky footage. With the excellent low-light capabilities of modern full-frame Sony sensors, an F4 lens like this performs admirably in challenging lighting, especially when you can push ISO up to 12,800 without sacrificing image quality. Price is another factor. The Sony 24-70mm F2.8 is nearly double the cost of the 24-105mm, and in my opinion, the extra money is better spent elsewhere—like on a solid prime lens that will give you better bokeh and low-light performance. The 24-105mm gives you the flexibility without breaking the bank.

3. The Sony 85mm 1.8 & Sigma 105mm 2.8

The Sony 85mm 1.8 is a compact yet powerful lens, perfect for portrait work, but I primarily use it as a secondary camera on weddings to capture moments like the groom’s vows. Paired with the Sigma 105mm 2.8 macro lens, I can get intimate shots of the bride or the officiant, even if they’re standing apart. Both of these lenses are lightweight and unobtrusive, which makes them easy to handle without weighing down my camera bag. Sure, you could opt for a 70-200mm F4 or F2.8, but those lenses are larger, heavier, and significantly more expensive. If you need more range, the Tamron 35-150mm F2.8 is a great option, offering impressive versatility, though it’s a bit on the heavier side.

4. The Canon FD 50mm 1.4: A Vintage Classic

Every camera kit should have at least one lens that’s a bit out of the ordinary or brings something unique to the table. For me, that lens is the Canon FD 50mm 1.4, a vintage lens from the 70s. Despite its age, it holds up surprisingly well in terms of sharpness and character—often outclassing modern lenses in ways that surprise many. I love using this lens for weddings, and the price is hard to beat. You can often find one for just $100 on eBay, and it still delivers excellent results. These lenses have a special charm that modern lenses simply can’t replicate. The 50mm is not typically my go-to focal length, but when I do need it, the vintage look and feel make it all the more rewarding.

5. The Sony 50mm 1.2 G Master vs. Sigma 50mm 1.4

Another lens I didn’t feature in the video is the Sigma 50mm 1.4, but it’s definitely one of my favorites, especially on the FX3. As for the Sony 50mm 1.2 G Master, it’s a lens I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with. The sharpness is phenomenal, and the bokeh is stunning, but it comes at a steep price and is surprisingly heavy for a prime lens. Personally, I prefer shooting light and agile, and carrying this lens around all day can be a bit cumbersome. If you’re shooting in a controlled environment, the weight might not be as big of a deal, but for me, I’d go with the Sigma 50mm 1.4. It’s more affordable, lighter, and for most applications, I don’t see the extra stop of light (1.2 vs. 1.4) as a game-changer.

Conclusion:

Sony offers an incredible selection of lenses, and these are the ones that have become my favorites when shooting weddings and events. Whether you're looking for prime lenses, versatile zooms, or even vintage glass, there's a lens to suit every need. I hope this breakdown helps guide your next lens purchase!

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Sony 24 - 105 F4 G

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Sigma Art 24 - 70 F.28 DGDN MK ii

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Prime Lenses Sony 35mm 1.4 G Master

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Sony 85mm 1.8

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Sigma Art 105mm 2.8 DGDN

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