Best Lenses for Sony a9 III
The Sony a9 III is the newest iteration of Sony’s game-changing line of full-frame mirrorless cameras aimed at professional photographers. The a9 III represents the pinnacle of mirrorless technology with a combination of incredible speed, autofocus capabilities and image quality that rival high-end DSLRs. This powerhouse camera is optimized for fast-action photography such as sports, wildlife and motorsports photography where capturing split-second moments is key. However, in order to get the most out of this camera’s impressive capabilities, you need high-performance lenses that can keep pace with the a9 III. This article explores the top lens options across various styles and focal lengths to consider for this speed demon of a camera.
Prime Portrait Lenses | Zoom Lenses | Wide-angle Lenses | Telephoto Lenses | Macro Lenses | Video Lenses
Best 50mm, 85mm Prime Portrait Lenses for Sony a9III:
Portrait photography requires high image quality and beautiful bokeh, making prime lenses with wide apertures ideal. For Sony a9 III shooters, there are many great options available in the versatile 50mm and 85mm focal lengths. In this buying guide, we’ll compare the top-rated prime lenses around 50mm and 85mm for portraits on the a9 III.
For 50mm primes, standouts include the ultra-sharp Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM with stunning bokeh and cutting-edge autofocus. The more affordable Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM also delivers excellent image quality. Third-party alternatives like the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art provide pro-level performance for less.
In the 85mm range, the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM produces gorgeous portraits with buttery bokeh. The Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art is another top-notch prime with great value. For those on a budget, the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 punches above its weight.
You can find the perfect 50mm or 85mm prime lens for portraits with your Sony a9 III below.
| Lens | Check Price Now |
| Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Zeiss FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Rokinon AF 50mm f/1.4 FE | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Rokinon AF 85mm f/1.4 FE | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
Best Zoom Lenses for Sony a9III:
The Sony a9 III is a powerhouse camera made for pros, with lightning fast autofocus and blistering 120fps continuous shooting. To get the most out of this high-end body, you need a quality zoom lens. In this guide, we’ll compare the top zoom lenses for the a9 III across focal lengths from wide angle to telephoto.
For standard zooms, the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II delivers incredible sharpness in a rugged, pro-level body. The uniquely versatile Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS maximizes range for an all-in-one zoom. For telephoto, the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II is the gold standard for image quality and performance. More affordable options like the sharp Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 offer great value.
| Lens | Check Price Now |
| Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III RXD G2 | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Sony FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
Best Wide-angle Lenses for Sony a9 III:
Wide-angle lenses allow you to capture expansive scenes with dramatic perspective – crucial for landscapes, architecture, and environmental portraits. If you shoot with the 24.6MP Sony a9 III, you need a wide-angle lens that delivers excellent edge-to-edge sharpness and resolution. In this guide, we’ll compare the top options from 12mm to 35mm for wide-angle photography with the a9 III.
For stunning image quality in a fast aperture prime, the Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM is incredibly sharp with gorgeous bokeh. The more affordable Sony FE 28mm f/2 also impresses. For ultimate wide views, the Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM ultra-wide zoom is built for pro use with fast autofocus and a constant f/2.8 aperture. Third-party alternatives like the Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 provide great performance for less.
| Lens | Check Price Now |
| Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Sigma 20mm f/2 DG DN C | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Sony FE 28mm f/2 | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
Best Telephoto Lenses for Sony a9 III:
Telephoto lenses allow you to capture tightly-framed images of distant subjects. For wildlife, sports, and portraiture, telephotos are indispensable. With the 24.6MP Sony a9 III, you need lenses that deliver excellent sharpness and fast autofocus. In this guide, we’ll compare the top telephoto lenses from 85mm to 600mm for the a9 III.
For stunning portraits, the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM produces beautiful bokeh and razor-sharp results. The Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM is incredibly sharp for intimate portraits. For reach, the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS zoom is ideal for wildlife and sports with its versatile range. The Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS is a more affordable super telephoto zoom.
| Lens | Check Price Now |
| Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Sigma 105mm f/2.8 DG DN Macro Art | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
Best Macro Lenses for Sony a9 III:
A macro lens is a type of camera lens specifically designed for close-up photography. It allows you to capture small subjects at a very close distance while maintaining sharp focus and high magnification. Macro lenses are commonly used in fields such as product photography, nature photography (especially capturing insects and flowers), and scientific imaging. They offer a greater level of detail and magnification compared to regular lenses, allowing photographers to capture intricate textures, fine details, and small subjects with precision. Below are top rated Macro lenses for Sony a9III. The Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS lens (Amazon/B&H/Adorama) and Sigma 105mm f/2.8 DG DN Macro Art lens (Amazon/B&H/Adorama) are the best choice.
| Lens | Check Price Now |
| Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 G Macro OSS | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Sigma 105mm f/2.8 DG DN Macro Art | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Voigtlander MACRO APO-LANTHAR 110mm f/2.5 | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Rokinon 100mm f/2.8 Macro | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
Best Video Lenses for Sony a9 III:
The Sony a9 III is a highly capable hybrid camera with impressive video features like 4K video recording. To maximize its video capabilities, having the right lenses is crucial. In this guide, we’ll compare the top lenses for videography with the a9 III.
For a versatile zoom, the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II delivers sharp, stable video with fast autofocus suited for run-and-gun shooting. The Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II is ideal for interviews and tight shots with smooth tracking. The Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II ultra wide-angle zoom is great for real estate, vlogging and artistic videos.
| Lens | Check Price Now |
| Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
| Sony FE PZ 28-135mm f/4 G OSS | Amazon/B&H/Adorama |
Conclusion:
The Sony a9 III is a camera purpose-built for speed, making it ideal for sports, wildlife, and action photography. To get the most out of its capabilities, having the right lens for your style of photography is essential. For stunning portraits, fast prime lenses around 50mm and 85mm provide beautiful bokeh and sharpness. Versatile zooms like the 24-70mm f/2.8 and 70-200mm f/2.8 handle a wide range of scenarios with excellent quality. Wide-angles like the 16-35mm f/2.8 capture dramatic landscapes, while telephotos like the 100-400mm zoom in tightly on distant subjects. For video, stabilized zooms like the 24-70mm f/2.8 and 16-35mm f/2.8 provide smooth, cinematic footage. Macro lenses reveal the tiny details. With top-tier lenses matched to its performance, the a9 III is capable of incredible image quality for both photos and videos. For any photography genre, selecting the right lens for your creative vision is key to getting the most from this exceptional camera.