Best standard zoom lenses for Sony A: Top Picks

Our catalogue lists 66 standard zoom lenses for Sony A. General-purpose zooms that start at 35mm or wider and reach somewhere between 50mm and 135mm.

How these were picked. Lenses are ranked using only data in our catalogue: those with editorial notes first, then those with a photo and a buying link, newer release years where known, and faster maximum apertures as a tie-breaker. This is a data-based shortlist, not a hands-on test ranking.

1.Sony Vario-Sonnar T* DT 16-80mm f/3.5-4.5 ZA lens

16-80mm · f/3.5 · Sony A

The Zeiss 16-80mm standard zoom for APS-C A-mount cameras, with screw-drive autofocus. It weighs about 440 g and takes 62mm filters.

Specs Buy on Amazon Compare with DT 16-50mm f/2.8 SSM (SAL1650)
2.Sony DT 16-50mm f/2.8 SSM (SAL1650)

16-50mm · f/2.8 · Sony A

The standard zoom for APS-C A-mount cameras, with a constant f/2.8 aperture, SSM motor and dust and moisture resistant build. It weighs about 577 g.

Specs Compare with DT 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM (SAL1855)
3.Sony DT 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM (SAL1855)

18-55mm · f/3.5 · Sony A

The standard A-mount kit zoom for APS-C, offering a typical 18-55mm range in a very light package. It weighs about 210 g and uses a 55mm filter.

Specs Compare with Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70mm f/2.8 ZA SSM II (SAL2470Z2)
4.Sony Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70mm f/2.8 ZA SSM II (SAL2470Z2)

24-70mm · f/2.8 · Sony A

A 24-70mm f/2.8 standard zoom for A-mount from Sony and Zeiss, updated in 2015 with a dust and moisture resistant build. It weighs about 975 g and uses 77mm filters.

Specs Compare with DT 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM (SAL18135)
5.Sony DT 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM (SAL18135)

18-135mm · f/3.5 · Sony A

A walk-around APS-C zoom for A-mount with 7.5x range. It weighs about 398 g and has a SAM motor and 62mm filter thread.

Specs Compare with DT 16-50mm F2.8 SSM
6.Sony DT 16-50mm F2.8 SSM

16-50mm · f/2.8 · Sony A

This 16-50mm f/2.8 fast standard zoom lens from Sony fits Sony A mount cameras. The range covers everything from wide scenes to portraits, so it works as a general-purpose lens.

Specs Buy on Amazon Compare with 28-75mm F2.8 SAM (SAL2875)
7.Sony 28-75mm F2.8 SAM (SAL2875)

28-75mm · f/2.8 · Sony A

A full-frame 28-75mm f/2.8 standard zoom for A-mount with a SAM motor and 67mm filter thread. It weighs about 585 g.

Specs Compare with DT 18-70mm F3.5-5.6
8.Sony DT 18-70mm F3.5-5.6

18-70mm · f/3.5 · Sony A

A 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 standard zoom lens, the Sony DT 18-70mm F3.5-5.6 is designed for Sony A mount bodies. The range covers everything from wide scenes to portraits, so it works as a general-purpose lens.

Specs Buy on Amazon Compare with AF 28-75mm F2.8 (D)
9.Minolta AF 28-75mm F2.8 (D)

28-75mm · f/28.0 · Sony A

A full-frame f/2.8 standard zoom from Minolta. It weighs about 510 g and takes 67mm filters.

Specs Compare with DT 16-105mm F3.5-5.6
10.Sony DT 16-105mm F3.5-5.6

16-105mm · f/3.5 · Sony A

The Sony DT 16-105mm F3.5-5.6 is a superzoom lens covering 16-105mm at f/3.5-5.6 for Sony A mount cameras. The wide-to-tele range makes it a one-lens option for travel and everyday shooting.

Specs Compare with Minolta/Sony AF DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 (D)
11.Sony Minolta/Sony AF DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 (D)

18-70mm · f/3.5 · Sony A

The Sony Minolta/Sony AF DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 (D) is a standard zoom lens covering 18-70mm at f/3.5-5.6 for Sony A mount cameras. The range covers everything from wide scenes to portraits, so it works as a general-pur...

Specs Compare with SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical [IF] Macro
12.Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical [IF] Macro

28-75mm · f/2.8 · Sony A

A 28-75mm f/2.8 full-frame macro zoom lens, the Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical [IF] Macro is designed for Sony A mount bodies, from the Tamron SP series with aspherical elements. It is intended for clo...

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