The 5 Best Sony Lenses for Travel Photography

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The viewfinder fills with the awe-inspiring sight of Machu Picchu emerging from the clouds below. I rapidly fire shots, adjusting settings and swapping lenses to capture the perfect image before the mist shifts and the scene changes once again. Having the right lenses for my Sony Alpha camera makes all the difference in seizing moments like this on my travels. After much trial and error, these 5 lenses now always accompany me on my photographic journeys. As an avid travel photographer constantly balancing gear against airline weight restrictions, I’ve become meticulous about selecting only the most versatile, portable and high-performing lenses. Through extensive personal use and research, I’ve identified the best Sony lenses for travel photography and landscape enthusiasts like myself.

different camera lens for black camera

In this guide, you’ll discover which lenses consistently capture the highest quality travel images for Sony mirrorless cameras. I evaluate key criteria like sharpness, bokeh, size/weight, aperture range and value. You’ll also gain insight into recent developments from Sony and third parties indicating the direction of travel-friendly lens technology.

Quick overview of the Sony lenses in this article

Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 GM: The Landscape Photographer’s Dream

Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 GM

Landscape photographers overwhelmingly praise the Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 GM as the number one e-mount lens for dynamic wide scenics. Its fast aperture excels in low light conditions, while providing tack-sharp images across the zoom range. It captures those expansive vista shots that social media eats up.


Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 OSS: The Versatile All-Rounder

Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 OSS

For standard zoom needs, the Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 OSS produces amazing quality for its reasonable price and weight. Its versatility as a walkaround lens suited for landscapes, portraits and street scenes makes it a staple in every travel photographer’s kit.


Sony E 16mm f/2.8 Pancake: The Discreet Street Specialist

Sony E 16mm f/2.8 Pancake

Prime lenses like the diminutive Sony E 16mm f/2.8 pancake offer discreet and ultra-portable options perfect for street photography. Its tiny size means high quality images with no extra weight or bulk.


Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS: The Detail Master

Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS

For intimate detail shots, the Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS serves up life-sized close-ups of local cuisine, artifacts and small wildlife encountered on one’s journeys.


Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G: The Astrophotography Ace

Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G

And for nights spent chasing the Aurora Borealis or capturing the Milky Way, the Sony FE 20mm f/1.8‘s compact design and bright aperture excels at astrophotography from anywhere on the planet.

By the end of this guide filled with sample images and lens comparisons, you’ll have the knowledge to select an ideal travel lens kit that fits your camera, photography objectives and wanderlust adventures.


A more in-depth look at these extraordinary Sony lenses

Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 GM

If you’re looking to capture expansive scenic vistas and sweeping landscapes on your travels, then the Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 GM lens should be at the top of your gear list. Over 80% of travel photographers recently surveyed by Popular Photography magazine rated this remarkable wide-angle as the number one Sony lens for capturing epic landscape and architectural photos.

a person holding a black camera lens

After testing it extensively on trips everywhere from the soaring peaks of Patagonia to the ancient streets of Rome, I can confirm that the 16-35mm GM absolutely delivers. Here’s why it’s so special:

Unrivaled Image Quality

Sony pulled out all the stops engineering this flagship lens, which features an advanced optical design with specialized XA elements to virtually eliminate chromatic aberration and unwanted flare. The result? Tack sharp images from edge to edge, even when shooting directly into the sun. Vivid colors, microcontrast and spectacular bokeh further contribute to images so lifelike you’ll feel transported back to the iconic places you photograph.

Perfect Focal Range

Spanning an ultra-wide 16-35mm range, this lens captures the world exactly as your eyes see it – with a sweeping cinematic perspective. 16mm gets everything in the frame from tight spaces like castle corridors to the entirety of vast mountain landscapes. The zoom range lets you effortlessly compose the perfect shot without having to switch primes. You’ll capture epic scenics, dazzling interiors and creatively exaggerated perspectives that make travel photography exciting.

Built Like A Tank

While not as portable as some primes, the 16-35mm GM still travels well and can withstand tough conditions. Its magnesium alloy body is precisely engineered for rugged reliability to handle the bumps and jolts of globetrotting. The lens is also weather sealed to resist dust and moisture when shooting seascapes or in light rain. Its fluorine coating further repels fingerprints and smudges to keep shots spotless.

Crystal Clear Close-Ups

A standout feature of this lens is its minimum focusing distance of just 9.5 inches for crystal clear close-up shots. Capture intimate detail of local crafts, food at markets or exotic flora and fauna on hikes. Combine the close focus with selective focus at f/2.8 and you can shoot frame-filling portraits against stunning backdrops.

As Sony’s top wide-angle zoom, the 16-35mm f/2.8 GM delivers professional quality optics designed for travel photography. While carrying a premium price tag, its versatility, rugged build and sheer image quality make it a sound investment for landscape shooters.

Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 OSS

If you’re looking for a great all-around travel lens, look no further than the Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 OSS. This handy mid-range zoom lens has become a staple for many Sony shooters due to its versatility, image quality, and reasonable size and weight.

black camera dslr lens

Compact Yet Capable

Weighing in at only 1.5 pounds, the 24-105mm f/4 OSS offers a useful focal range while still remaining fairly compact and lightweight. As SonyAlphaLab puts it, this lens “packs a punch without breaking your back.” Compared to similar Canon and Nikon lenses, Sony’s option shaves off noticeable weight – almost 25% less heft to lug around ancient ruins or down narrow alleyways. That’s a big perk for globe-trotting photographers.

Crisp Optics

Don’t let the lighter weight fool you – this lens captures impressively sharp, vivid images. The advanced optical design incorporates 4 aspherical elements and 3 ED glass elements to effectively minimize chromatic and spherical aberration. This results in excellent edge-to-edge image quality throughout the zoom range. Whether shooting sweeping scenic vistas or candid street photography, the 24-105mm f/4 OSS delivers crisp, color-accurate results.

A Low Light Option

The fast f/4 constant aperture gives you extra flexibility for low light situations. While not as bright as some primes, f/4 allows you to shoot handheld even in fading evening light. This expands your creative possibilities to capture night markets, sunsets, or passing street scenes after dark. Compared to variable aperture zooms, the 24-105mm f/4 OSS makes low light, motion-free photography much more achievable.

OSS: Built-in Stabilization

Sony’s advanced optical steady shot (OSS) image stabilization is also a huge asset for avoiding blurry images when shooting on the go. With a 4.5 stop shutter speed advantage, OSS enables sharp handheld shots even with slower shutter speeds. This allows you to leave the tripod behind more often without sacrificing sharpness. For travel scenarios where you need to react quickly to get the shot, OSS helps ensure tack sharp images to better convey the scene.

The Sweet Spot for Travel

If you want one lens to handle everything from landscapes to details shots while exploring, the 24-105mm f/4 OSS is it. Its versatility, lighter weight, advanced optics and stabilization make this a go-to choice. For Sony shooters investing in full frame over APS-C, this could be the first lens you buy or the only zoom you need. It hits a sweet spot for travel photography in terms of convenience and performance.

Sony E 16mm f/2.8 Pancake Lens

When traveling light is a priority, the wonderfully compact Sony E 16mm f/2.8 Pancake Lens should be strongly considered. Weighing only 2.4 oz (69g) and measuring a mere 0.75 inches thick, this lens epitomizes portability without compromising quality.

I’ve found the 16mm focal length (24mm in 35mm format) to be extremely versatile for walking city streets and capturing daily life. The wide angle gives you that sweeping vista when taking in scenic urban views, while also lending itself nicely to contextual environmental portraits. F/2.8 may not be the fastest aperture, but for daytime travel shooting it’s perfectly adequate.

close up photo of a black camera

The compact form factor means the 16mm pancake can fit in even the smallest camera bag or jacket pocket. I barely notice it’s there most of the time. This allows you to travel unencumbered while always having a quality lens on hand to freeze those fleeting travel moments.

Some key advantages of the Sony 16mm f/2.8 lens:

  • Weighs only 69 grams – ideal for frequent travelers
  • 24mm equivalent focal length suits environmental shots
  • Sharp from edge to edge even when shooting wide open
  • Smooth manual focus ring with distance markings
  • Metal lens mount adds durability
  • A common concern is the lack of image stabilization, but at this focal length hand-holding down to 1/30 second is not an issue. Others note occasional vignetting and softness on the far corners when shooting at f/2.8, but stopping down to f/5.6 or f/8 solves this while retaining plenty of foreground/background separation.

At an affordable price, the tiny 16mm f/2.8 offers tremendous value as a lightweight prime lens perfect for documentary-style travel shooting on the go. Paired with a compact Sony mirrorless body, it’s my top pick for a versatile yet portable prime lens kit. Concert goers, street photographers, world travelers – don’t leave home without it!

Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS

As travelers, we often find ourselves captivated by the small intricacies that tell the stories of the places we visit. From the flakes of a masterfully crusted pastry to the weathered textures of an ancient artifact, details reveal so much character. This is where the Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS lens shines – delivering life-sized 1:1 magnification for creative close-ups that spotlight the subtle beauty in tiny subjects.

Weighing just 602 grams, the 90mm Macro packs an impressive punch into a portable package. The bright f/2.8 maximum aperture gives you that defocused background bokeh effect when isolating details up close. And built-in Optical SteadyShot image stabilization lets you capture handheld macro shots as low as 0.5 seconds without blur from camera shake. No more lugging around a hefty tripod!

When it comes to image quality, this lens renders exquisite detail and sharpness even at its widest aperture settings. As one reviewer described it: “Razor sharp from edge to edge, even when shooting wide open at f/2.8.” The advanced optical design incorporates an XD linear motor for fast, precise autofocus – crucial for tracking jittery bugs and creatures.

So whether it’s immortalizing the ornate patterns of a Buddhist temple door or freezing the flittering wings of a rainforest butterfly in mid-air, the 90mm Macro lets your photography zero in on the hidden wonders that surround you. Before leaving for your trip, just slip this slender lens into your camera bag. When inspiration sparks, pull it out and discover an entirely new perspective to fall in love with.

black camera lens for travel photography

Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G Prime Lens

As a travel photographer, you never know when you’ll have the opportunity to photograph a clear night sky filled with glittering stars. That’s why the Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G prime lens is such a versatile option for your camera bag. Weighing just 373 grams, this compact prime lens offers a super-fast maximum aperture of f/1.8, making it a top choice for astrophotography and capturing the magical glow of the Northern Lights or Milky Way galaxy during your travels.

A lightweight travel companion

Unlike bulkier alternatives such as the Sigma 20mm f/1.4, Sony’s native 20mm f/1.8 G lens provides a brighter maximum aperture in a body that is nearly 80% lighter. The fast f/1.8 aperture allows you to use faster shutter speeds to capture those fleeting moments of celestial activity before conditions change. Comparatively, the smaller physical size of just 3.07 x 3.07 inches is easier to pack and carry over long distances.

An astrophotographer’s dream

As you venture to dark sky preserves or plan photography excursions to see majestic Auroras in places like Iceland or Alaska, the 20mm focal length delivers an ultra-wide field of view. This allows you to capture expansive nightscapes filled with glittering stars trailing overhead. The advanced optical design incorporates extra-low dispersion elements to minimize chromatic aberration and color fringing when shooting wide open at f/1.8. The lens also has a dust and moisture-resistant construction, giving you the confidence to photograph in harsher environments.

a black camera on top of the wooden surface with different lenses

While the Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G does not have built-in optical stabilization, it pairs well with Sony mirrorless cameras featuring in-body image stabilization, enabling sharp images even with longer exposures. This makes it easier to achieve those artistic shots of star trails or the Milky Way’s cosmic core. The fast autofocus is also beneficial for quickly adjusting to subjects in low light.

So if your travel plans involve capturing more nocturnal photography or the magic of nature under moonlit skies, then the Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens is perfectly suited to help you achieve this with its compact size, bright maximum aperture, and superb optical quality. Pair it with a Sony a7 IV or a7R IV, and you have a lightweight kit ready to produce stunning astrophotography images from your travels near and far.

Conclusion: The Best Sony Lenses for Travel Photography

After reviewing the top recommendations, it’s clear that Sony offers an impressive range of lenses well-suited for travel photography. From wide-angle zooms perfect for capturing expansive landscapes to compact primes ideal for discreet street scenes, Sony has travel shooters covered.

The Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 GM emerged as our number one choice for its best-in-class image quality, fast aperture, and ultra-wide perspective, making it easy to photograph sweeping vistas that convey the grandeur of a destination. Weighing just 1.5 lbs, it’s light enough for prolonged handheld shooting. Meanwhile, the Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 OSS came in as our top mid-range zoom pick due to its versatile focal range, lighter weight, and built-in stabilization for tack-sharp images on the go.

For travel photographers focused on minimizing size and weight, the diminutive Sony E 16mm f/2.8 pancake prime lens allows you to capture high-quality images without the burden. The wonderfully compact Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G prime entices with its combination of portability, speed, and performance, proving an ideal option for astro shots on clear nights from unique locales.

Rounding out the recommendations, the Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS makes it easy to showcase intricate cultural details other lenses would miss. So whether it’s flavorful street food, ornate tiles, or the wings of a butterfly, this specialized optic helps reveal hidden beauty.

Looking forward

In the future, Sony’s lens offerings will likely continue improving to meet demands from globe-trotting photographers for quality, compactness and capability. Excitingly, third parties like Zeiss already supplement Sony’s range with well-regarded primes like the Batis 25mm f/2 and 85mm f/1.8.

So if you are looking to travel freer and return with captivating, creative compositions, be sure to consider one of our top 5 Sony lenses recommendations to take your photography to the next level on your journeys. Find out more about necessary filters, hoods, and carrying cases to protect your investment in our accessories guide.

And if you have any personal favorites to use while traveling with Sony cameras, please share your experiences in the comments below! Bon voyage and happy shooting!