Last Updated on: 26th January 2023, 10:06 am
Choosing a lens for the Sony A7R IV can be complicated to create outstanding stills and 4K video; the Sony A7R IV is also equipped with the E-mount lens system, making it the “all-rounder” of the system. There are several top Sony E-mount lenses on the market today.
I have the Sony A7R IV and have been tinkering around with it for a few months, and I am in love with this camera! I am also a photographer and always looking to improve my craft.
With the Sony A7R IV, Sony focuses most of its technical advancements on its sophisticated lens mount, allowing some of the most sensitive optics available today. Several lenses for the Sony A7R IV are suitable for various photographic processes.
So, I researched what lens would be good for me and compiled this article which might help you. Several choices exist, whether you’re buying your first lens or upgrading your current one.
Best 8 Lenses Widely used for A7R IV
Here are some lenses which I recommend for A7R IV among different available Camera brands
1. Sony Planar T*FE, 50mm f/1.4 – Best standard lens for A7R IV
I’ve been capturing macro photography with a Sony A7R IV for over eight years, specializing in various macro techniques. It fascinates me to capture the beauty of all feather types.
I have produced many beautiful photographs of bird feathers or pillow feathers with the Sony Planar T*FE, 50mm f/1.4 lens, which has impressed me with its exceptional performance. It has been ranked as the best versatile all-around lens for the Sony A7R IV.
The Sony Planar T*FE 50mm f/1.4, the A7R IV’s dominant lens, effectively unites all the required features. With this lens attached, you’ll be able to handle unexpected situations by taking advantage of the Sony A7R IV’s well-designed attractiveness, packed with high-tech equipment, wherever you roam.
Specifications
Item Dimensions | 7.64 x 4.65 x 4.72 inches |
Item Weight | 2.41 lbs |
Lens Type | Standard |
Maximum Aperture | f/1.4 |
Maximum Focal Length | 50 |
Maximum Aperture Range | f/1.4 |
Maximum Format Size | APS-C |
Minimum Aperture | 16 |
Minimum Focal Length | 50 |
Why I recommend
I used the Sony A7R IV’s Ring Drive SSM lens during bird photography, allowing seamless focus shifts when switching between advanced AF/MF modes.
Its wide f/1.4 aperture allows me to focus on my subject and its 11-blade diaphragm produces a tastefully blurred background, enabling me to create more artistic and appealing photographs.
It makes more accurate images with minimal motion distortion on my Sony A7R IV and helps me create the ambiance of low-light scenes because of its tiny size. The innovative ZEISS T coating helps prevent flare and ghosting in areas with uncertain natural light.
Why I don’t recommend
If you use the fastest aperture speed when using wide apertures, the lens bores the dim corners of the camera.
Pros
- Large aperture for low light and shallow depth of field
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Planar design for excellent sharpness
- Minimal distortion and chromatic aberration
- Built-in lens hood
Cons
- No image stabilization
- Sony E-mount only
2. Sony FE Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* 55mm f/1.8 – best prime lens for A7R IV
As a street photographer, I always seek exciting stories to capture. I take photos of light streaks the moment I see them before moving on to my favorite thing, which I like the most. Sony FE Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* 55mm f/1.8 is a prime lens with outstanding quality, and I admire its excellent performance.
While pursuing my street photography business, I acquired a Sony A7R IV. In my Sony A7R IV backpack, this prime lens is an absolute delight. It created light trails that brought viewers to the location.
Because of its 55mm focal length and f/1.8 light-gathering compatibility, this lens gave me the most magnificent city scenery at the extreme resolution, giving me full credit.
These fine-tuned clips result from the newly increased aperture’s light-capturing capabilities, which retain enough power to capture street images with the Sony A7R IV’s rapid framing capability.
Specifications
Item Dimensions | 2.8 x 2.52 x 2.52 inches |
Item Weight | 0.62lbs |
Lens Type | Normal |
Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 |
Maximum Focal Length | 55mm |
Maximum Aperture Range | F1.8 |
Maximum Format Size | 35mm full frame |
Minimum Aperture | 22 |
Minimum Focal Length | 55mm |
Minimum Operating Distance | 0.5m |
Photo Filter Thread Size | 49mm |
Why I recommend
My productivity and shooting range are enhanced using this prime lens with the Sony A7R IV, which allows me to capture every activity on the street from every angle up to 43 degrees.
In light of the Sony A7R IV’s electronic rangefinder capabilities, I expect this all-manual lens to perform exceptionally well up to a focusing distance of 19-11 inches. Its 11-blade diaphragm opens a new world of creative possibilities beyond photographs with a “wide-angle” look.
I used distortion-correcting software to achieve a large field of view and beautiful bokeh, which has proven to be an excellent prime lens for Sony A7R IV users that wish to make a tremendous impact on a variety of well-textured street aesthetics while traveling around.
Why I don’t recommend
The lens auto-focus is fast but not entirely as accurate as a manual focus. The difference between 50 and 55 mm seems small, but it makes me feel cramped.
Pros
- Excellent sharpness
- Exceptional build quality
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Compact and lightweight
- Outstanding value for money
Cons
- Bokeh could be better
- Some chromatic aberration at wide apertures
- Not weather-sealed
3. Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 – best prime lens for A7R IV
Having planned to explore some steep gorges and waterfalls with my Sony A7R IV in Houston for some time, I arrived at the start point to discover a picturesque waterfall nearby. I considered the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 lens during that time.
A wide-angle lens allows me to capture the smooth movement of water falling over rocks, through lush ferns, and over waterfalls, making them worthy of printing. I consider this camera the ideal nature camera because it produces ethereal and mesmerizing waterfall images.
Since the Sony A7R IV has high-speed optical components that reduce rigidity, I was able to capture the most challenging conditions with the most uncomplicated technique. My goal with this wide-angle lens was to be able to shoot gorgeous surroundings fast and effectively with no effort with the Sony A7R IV.
Specifications
Item Dimensions | 4.88 x 3.5 x 10 inches |
Item Weight | 1.50lbs |
Lens Type | Wide angle |
Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 |
Maximum Focal Length | 35 |
Maximum Aperture Range | f/2.8 |
Maximum Format Size | Full frame |
Minimum Aperture | 22 |
Minimum Focal Length | 16 |
Why I recommend
I accomplished many tasks with it, including shooting up to a focal length of 16-35mm and enlarging the necessary spot at a magnification ratio of 0.19x without losing sight of the stunning panorama of the waterfall through the viewfinder.
Because of its low-cost performance in capturing stills and mobile photographs of eternal nature, the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 has surpassed the experiences of every skilled trip photographer using the Sony A7R IV.
The Nano AR Coating eliminates spurious reflections caused by the environment in my work. This results in consistently superior contrast and clarity when backlighting and other complex lighting settings are present.
I recommend it to all photographers, both amateurs and professionals since it is one of the most spectacular wide-angle lenses for the Sony A7R IV.
Why I don’t recommend
The photographs I took exhibited distortion while I was capturing them. Along with this, it doesn’t have image stabilization makes me uncomfortable.
Pros
- Fast aperture of f/2.8
- Wide angle of 16mm
- Lightweight and compact
- Weather-sealed design
- Excellent image quality
Cons
- Vignetting at 16mm
- Not as wide as some competing lenses
4. Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 – best portrait lens for A7R IV
I specialize in candid and street photography, which allows me to interact with my surroundings and remember unusual events, including taking spontaneous portraits in public locations. I used the Sony A7R IV with the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 lens.
Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 lens is a stellar portrait lens for the Sony A7R IV, so I became interested in capturing individuals in public places. It captured the most subtle movements I had ever seen. The company’s expertise in fixing optical faults and generating distinctive photographs inspired me to create a portrait gallery with this telephoto lens.
The Sony FE, 85mm f/1.4, has proven to be the most potent version compatible with the Sony A7R IV, thanks to its advanced aspherical correction and contemporary tempering techniques. I recommend it to anyone interested in travel or portraits who want to experiment with different scenarios.
Specifications
Item Dimensions | 8.3 x 5 x 5.5 inches |
Item Weight | 2.90 lbs |
Lens Type | Portrait |
Maximum Aperture | f/1.4 |
Maximum Focal Length | 85mm |
Maximum Aperture Range | F4.59 |
Maximum Format Size | 35mm full frame |
Minimum Aperture | 16 |
Minimum Focal Length | 85mm |
Photo Filter Thread Size | 77mm |
Why I recommend
By focusing the tremendous amount of light on the photo sensor, this portrait lens has provided me with more heightened and remarkable portraits thanks to its Linear SSM Focus System. Its AF and MF focus at a minimum distance of 2.79 feet and 2.62 feet, ensuring maximum creative expression.
AR Coating, which minimized glare and ghosting, I achieved all of my goals at the beautiful tech-based conferences. Because I could take breathtaking panoramas at a wide 29° angle of view with the 85mm lens, Sony A7R IV doesn’t require a protective covering for the portrait lens, and I could shoot handheld videos with a broader field of view regardless of the weather.
Due to their optical structures, the XA Element and the Three ED Elements generate unaltered images through their optical networks.
Why I don’t recommend
The image quality is okay, but it does not bother me when it sounds like pieces of plastic scraping against each other. If you are incredibly insensitive to that type of noise, you could still use it for still photography, knowing that people near you would notice the sound.
Pros
- Excellent image quality
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Bright f/1.4 maximum aperture
- Compact and lightweight design
- Rugged and weather-resistant construction
Cons
- Dimmed corners
- No image stabilization
- Minimum focus distance of 85mm
5. Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 – best landscape lens for A7R IV
In Chicago, there was a country-wide competition for landscape photography in which I applied and registered myself to represent my college. I was uncertain about whether I would win; it was all about my college’s dignity.
As a result, I search the market for the most suitable ultra-wide landscape lens. For my Sony A7R IV, I tried the Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 and found it one of the top lenses. I became more attached to this lens from taking pictures with it for the competition than from using it in practical situations. I also ranked in the 3rd position due to this superior lens.
The Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 is a professional landscape lens that can capture stunning images of the landscape and its shadows and the fast-paced trip course with ease and efficiency. The Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 camera produces exceptional results and can therefore be considered an ideal replacement for the Sony A7R IV.
Specifications
Item Dimensions | 4.63 x 3.5 x 4.5 inches |
Item Weight | 1.25 lbs |
Lens Type | Wide angle |
Maximum Aperture | f/4 |
Maximum Focal Length | 24 |
Maximum Format Size | Full frame |
Minimum Aperture | 22 |
Minimum Focal Length | 12 |
Why I recommend
With its firm resolution in the center and sharp insight in the corners, the landscape lens pitches dramatically into landscape mode. Its large aperture opening of f/4, a crucial characteristic of ultra-wide-angle optics, allows it to cope admirably with the high-contrast light in my setting.
When I used the Supersonic Wave motor with the Sony A7R IV’s Alpha lens attachment, I could shift focus smoothly without changing the angle of view of the shot because focus breathing was almost eliminated.
Due to its small size, this lens is excellent on my Sony A7R IV because it produces more accurate shots with minimal motion artifacts. It also lets me quickly get a feel for a low-light scene while being inexpensively priced.
Why I don’t recommend
For starters, a landscape lens needs the ability to use filters; unfortunately, this lens does not allow for that. The next issue is its max aperture of f/4, as this slow speed makes for difficult low-light photography and poor astrophotography.
Pros
- Wide angle lens
- Fast f/4 aperture
- Lightweight and compact
- Weather-sealed construction
- ED and Aspherical lens elements
Cons
- No image stabilization
- Distortion at the widest setting
6. Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 – best zoom lens for A7R IV
As part of our sea voyage, I decided to explore and visit different islands, and my basic desire was to capture them for a lifetime. During my Alpha 7R IV project, I needed the highest zoom lens compatible with the camera.
After an arduous journey of searching and finding, I decided to purchase the Sony FE 24-105mm f/4, but still, I was curious whether I had made the right decision. The superb zoom range of this lens enables me to quickly and easily reframe the picturesque waves that pass by when traveling.
I can capture wide-angle photos and zoom in on distant subjects with ease. It is one of the premier zoom lenses for alpha 7R iv. This professional-level zoom lens is designed for vacation photography with the Sony A7R IV.
With this ready-to-use zoom lens, photographers can capture the most captivating views of shadows over the sea and the fast-paced journey route. This zoom lens is the perfect choice for any trip photographer using a Sony A7R IV.
Specifications
Item Dimensions | 4.5 x 3.38 x 4.72 inches |
tem Weight | 1.46 lbs |
Lens Type | Standard zoom |
Maximum Aperture | 4mm |
Maximum Focal Length | 105mm |
Maximum Format Size | Full frame |
Minimum Aperture | 22mm |
Minimum Focal Length | 24mm |
Why I recommend
Its 23-84 degree field of view allows seamless coverage changes when shooting video on the Sony A7R IV. It also improved color uniformity, resulting in clips on the verge of becoming spectacular. When I switch focus between images with the 24-105mm lens, I seem to zoom in or out.
A newly developed set of three ED optical elements reduces the striping of junction luminaries beyond the frame of the Sony A7R IV. The four Aspherical lens elements complement the zoom lenses slightly elevated shape, resulting in the most accurate images on both the exterior and inner components of the Sony A7R IV image sensor.
Why I don’t recommend
I realized that sharpness is not the most significant after shooting a film with this lens, especially when sharpness and contrast are excessive. There was no softness, warmth, or vital energy in this lens for me to like it. I couldn’t figure out why I wasn’t happy with it.
Pros
- Outstanding image quality
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Excellent build quality
- Versatile zoom range
- Dust and moisture resistant
Cons
- Relatively slow maximum aperture
- No image stabilization
7. Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 – best sports lens for A7R IV
Throughout my life, I have been passionate about photography. Since I was an adult, I have compiled an extensive collection of incredible sporting events photos. As part of this course, I investigated a worldwide Olympics in which many contestants demonstrated their sportsmanship by competing.
The Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 lens was the most suitable lens for the Sony A7R IV, and I carried it to capture the view for a lifetime. With this sports lens, I could frame more realistic sights in a single frame, which enhanced my productivity in capturing award-winning images of sporting events.
By limiting myself to the Sony A7R IV, the lens of the sport, and its unique features, I was able to advance my sports photography career. Surprisingly, the broad focus area and aperture expansion resulted in detailed shots of the sport games.
Specifications
Item Dimensions | 11.93 x 5.47 x 5.67 inches |
Item Weight | 4.91 lbs |
Lens Type | Telephoto |
Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 |
Maximum Focal Length | 200 |
Maximum Aperture Range | f/2.8-22 |
Maximum Format Size | APS-C |
Minimum Aperture | 22 |
Minimum Focal Length | 70 |
Photo Filter Thread Size | 77mm |
Why I recommend
The Sony A7R IV’s viewfinder made me see the athletes in motion with remarkable clarity when I composed my photos. This sports lens produces glare-free images thanks to the Super ED glass element and Nano AR coating.
Despite the wide aperture of f/2.8, I don’t have to worry about light since the lens focuses maximum light into the sensor of the Sony A7R IV. When I just need one lens for my Sony A7R IV, the sports lens’s 0.25x magnification size is ideal because it offers unparalleled speed and precision while expanding the zoom range.
With a 70-200mm lens, I can create sharp, straightforward images even in direct sunlight by increasing the brightness, capturing a vast scene area. Several objects were captured in various conditions with superb bokeh thanks to its 11-blade aperture.
Why I don’t recommend
This lens has been used a couple of times for sports and events. As a portrait lens, it’s excellent, but it’s not a particularly effective action lens because it back-focuses a lot, and I mean a lot. Moreover, it’s a weighty lens at 3 lbs, so your arms will hurt. The image stabilization does help a lot with telephoto lenses.
Pros
- Excellent image quality
- Built-in optical stabilization
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Excellent build quality
- Weather-sealed design
- Fast maximum aperture
Cons
- Heavy and oversized
- Noisy autofocus motor
- Requires an adapter for use with non-Sony cameras
8. Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 – best wedding lens for A7R IV
As I shot a couple’s wedding, the Sony A7R IV’s Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 lens served as my workhorse for the evening, so I rented a wedding lens and attached it to my camera.
As well as preserving other minor things, including those of cultural significance, I needed to be ready with the Sony A7R IV’s wedding lens whenever I came across them. It is a fantastic wedding lens because of its f/2.8 opening, which is the perfect mix of high resolution and beautiful bokeh.
This lens fits perfectly with the Sony A7R IV, which has an excellent optical system with an E-excellent mount. The Sony A7R IV has a superior optical system. With a focal length of 24-70mm, it is capable of focusing on distant objects with excellent clarity and realism.
Specifications
Item Dimensions | 5.3 x 3.4 x 3.4 inches |
Item Weight | 1.95 lbs |
Lens Type | Normal |
Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 |
Maximum Focal Length | 105 |
Maximum Aperture Range | F2.8 – F22 |
Maximum Format Size | 35mm Full Frame |
Minimum Aperture | 22 |
Minimum Focal Length | 36 |
Photo Filter Thread Size | 82mm |
Why I recommend
From beginning to end, my wedding photos turned out to be excellent. With the use of both aspherical lenses, the video was more transparent and more contrasty, even at the highest aperture settings, while minimizing chromatic aberrations in the video.
Extra-Low Dispersion and Nano AR Coatings help to eliminate ghosting and flare from the photos. At the moment, I was intrigued by the fact that I was able to focus quickly on the subject of my choice as the Sony A7R IV was able to operate with this wedding lens.
With its direct drive SSM motor controlling autofocus, I can quickly, accurately, and almost silently film wedding footage. With a maximum magnification of 0.24x, they’ve done the job confidently, blending the smoothness of the bokeh with the high resolution.
The zoom ring is more prominent, making it harder to use. Due to the glass movement in the wedding lens, the zoom ring is more pronounced and difficult to use.
Why I don’t recommend
I noticed that there was some distortion and it showed some softness which made covering the event quite uncomfortable. With all the heavy work I had to do, my arm began to hurt as it carried all that weight.
Pros
- Wide zoom range
- Sharp images
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Built-in image stabilization
- Weather-sealed construction
Cons
- Noisy autofocus motor
- Heavy and bulky
Conclusion
If you’re looking to get the most out of your camera, these are the lenses you’ll want to consider. From wide-angle to telephoto and everything in between, each of these lenses has its own unique set of features that make it ideal for different types of photography, so be sure to choose the one that best suits your needs.
FAQs
What lenses are compatible with the Sony a7R IV?
In addition to the Sony a7R IV’s compatibility with all lenses with an E-mount, the camera also supports lenses with an A-mount adapter.
Can I use APS-C lenses on an a7R IV?
Yes, it is possible to use APS-C lenses with an APS-C to full-frame adapter. Any image taken with an APS-C lens will automatically be cropped to fit the full-frame sensor size as soon as the camera detects it.
Is the Sony a7R IV weather sealed?
A weather-sealed design makes the Sony a7R IV resistant to dust and moisture. The magnesium bodies come with weather sealing to prevent snow and rain from getting inside.