5 Best Sony Lenses For Sports Photography 2023 (Updated Expert Advice)

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What is the Best Lens For Sports Photography?

Are you an avid sports photographer searching for the best lenses to capture those unforgettable moments? 

Look no further than Sony, known for its exceptional lens technology.

I’ve narrowed it down to the top 5 Sony lenses for sports photography. These lenses are designed to capture action-packed shots with stunning clarity and precision, ensuring that you never miss a moment

Whether you’re shooting a fast-paced game of basketball or an intense soccer match, these lenses will help you capture the perfect shot every time.

So, let’s dive in and discover the best Sony lenses for your sports photography needs…!

List Of Top 5 Best Sony Lenses For Sports Photography

  1.  Sony FE 600mm F4 GM Super Telephoto Lens 
  2. Sony SEL 400mm Fixed Prime Lens
  3. Sony FE 70-200mm telephoto Zoom G Master Lens
  4. Sony FE 24-70mm II Lens
  5. Sony FE 100-400mm For Sports Photography

I have spent extensive time researching and testing various Sony lenses. After careful consideration, I have narrowed down the selection to the top 5 Sony lenses that excel in sports photography

1. Sony FE 600mm F4 GM Super Telephoto Lens 

Specifications

  • Brand: Sony
  • Lens Type: Telephoto
  • Compatible Mountings: Sony E
  • Camera Lens Description: 600 millimeters
  • Maximum Focal Length: 600 Millimeters

Reasons to buy

  1. Exceptional image quality
  2. Fast autofocus
  3. High-speed tracking
  4. Durable and weather-resistant
  5. Suitable for professional sports photography and wildlife photography

Drawbacks

  1. Expensive price point
  2. Large and heavy
  3. Limited versatility due to its specialized use
  4. Requires a tripod or monopod for stable shooting
  5. Compatibility only with Sony E-mount cameras

Description

The Sony FE 600mm F4 GM Super Telephoto Lens is a highly specialized lens designed for professional sports photographers and wildlife enthusiasts who demand high image quality and precision. 

It has an advanced optical design with three fluorite elements and three extra-low dispersion elements that work together to reduce chromatic aberrations, distortions, and other optical imperfections that can degrade image quality. 

It also has sophisticated autofocus capabilities. 

Overall, the lens is a high-quality performer that provides exceptional image quality and advanced features for professional sports photographers and wildlife enthusiasts who demand the best.

Buy It Now: Sony FE 600mm For Sports Photography

2. Sony SEL 400mm Fixed Prime Lens

Specifications

  • Brand: Sony
  • Lens Type: Fixed Prime
  • Compatible Mountings: Sony E
  • Camera Lens Description: 400 millimeters
  • Maximum Aperture: f/2.8

Reasons to buy

  1. Exceptional image quality that provides beautiful bokeh
  2. Fast and precise autofocus with XD Linear Motor technology
  3. Customizable focus hold buttons and focus limiter switch for more efficient shooting
  4. Advanced optics
  5. Nano AR coating that reduces ghosting and lens flare
  6. Durable and weather-resistant design

Drawbacks

  1. Expensive price point
  2. Large and heavy
  3. Fixed focal length limits versatility in shooting situations
  4. Compatibility only with Sony E-mount cameras
  5. Requires a tripod or monopod for stable shooting

Description

The Sony SEL400F28GM 400mm Fixed Prime Camera Lens is a high-end professional lens designed for sports photographers and wildlife enthusiasts who demand the best. 

It has advanced optics, including two fluorite elements and one ED element, as well as Nano AR coating, XD Linear Motor technology, customizable focus hold buttons, and a focus limiter switch. 

It has an f/2.8 maximum aperture, which allows for excellent low-light performance and beautiful bokeh. 

Overall, the lens delivers exceptional image quality and advanced features for professional sports photographers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Buy It Now: Sony SEL 400mm Fixed Prime Lens

3. Sony FE 70-200mm telephoto Zoom G Master Lens

Specifications

  • Brand: Sony
  • Lens Type: Telephoto
  • Compatible Mountings: Sony E
  • Camera Lens Description: 200 millimeters
  • Maximum Focal Length: 200 millimeters

Reasons to buy

  1. Fast and lightweight telephoto lens
  2. Advanced optics with ED glass elements
  3. Circular 11-blade aperture for beautiful bokeh
  4. Compatible with Sony E-mount cameras
  5. Maximum aperture of f/2.8 for low-light performance photoshoot

Drawbacks

  1. Expensive price point
  2. Large and heavy
  3. The fixed focal length of 200mm
  4. No image stabilization

Description

The Sony FE 200mm F2.8 G is a lightweight telephoto lens ideal for sports and wildlife photography.

It has advanced optics, such as two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements and an 1-blade circular aperture. 

It is Sony E-mount camera compatible and has a maximum aperture of f/2.8, allowing for excellent low-light performance and fast shutter speeds. 

Its fixed focal length of 200mm, however, and lack of image stabilization may limit its usefulness in certain situations.

Overall, the lens is a high-quality telephoto lens that provides excellent image quality and fast performance for wildlife and sports photography.

Buy It Now:  Sony FE 70-200mm  Fo Sports Photography

4. Sony FE 24-70mm II Lens

Specifications

  • Brand: Sony
  • Lens Type: Standard Zoom
  • Compatible Mountings: Sony E
  • Camera Lens Description: 70 millimeters
  • Focal Length Description: 24-70mm

Reasons to buy

  1. Advanced optics for sharp and clear images with minimal distortion
  2. Circular 9-blade aperture for beautiful bokeh and natural-looking images
  3. Maximum aperture of f/2.8 for excellent low-light performance and fast shutter speeds
  4. Focal length range of 24-70mm 

Drawbacks

  1. Expensive
  2. Large and heavy
  3. No image stabilization

Description

The Sony FE 24-70mm II lens is a high-quality standard zoom lens designed for Sony E-mount cameras. 

It features advanced optics, including aspherical and ED glass elements, to minimize distortion and ensure sharp and clear images. 

It has a circular 9-blade aperture, which produces beautiful bokeh and helps to create a natural, three-dimensional look in images.

It has a maximum aperture of f/2.8, which allows for excellent low-light performance and fast shutter speeds. It also has a focal length range of 24-70mm, making it suitable for a wide range of photography applications. 

Overall, the lens is a popular choice among professional and serious amateur photographers.

Buy It Now: Sony FE 24-70mm II Lens

5. Sony FE 100-400mm

Specifications

  • Brand: Sony
  • Lens Type: Telephoto
  • Compatible Mountings: ALC-SH151
  • Camera Lens Description: 9 
  • Maximum Focal Length: 400mm

Reasons to buy

  1. Long focal length range of 100-400mm 
  2. Optical image stabilization helps to produce sharper images, especially at slower shutter speeds
  3. Fast and accurate autofocus system with Dual Linear Motors (DDSSM) for quick and precise focus
  4. The weather-sealed design protects against dust and moisture
  5. High-quality optics and coatings produce sharp and clear images with good contrast and colors

Drawbacks

  1. The maximum aperture of F4.5-5.6 may not be ideal for low-light conditions
  2. At 100-400mm, the lens is relatively heavy and may require a tripod for extended use
  3. Expensive compared to other lenses in its range
  4. Some chromatic aberration and distortion can occur at certain focal lengths

Description

The Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS is a telephoto zoom lens designed for Sony’s full-frame E-mount cameras.

It has a focal length range of 100-400mm and features an optical image stabilization system and a fast and accurate autofocus system with Dual Linear Motors (DDSSM).

 It is relatively heavy and may require a tripod for extended use, making it a significant investment for photographers.

Buy It Now: Sony FE 100-400mm For Sports Photography

Conclusion 

Sony has an impressive range of lenses for sports photography that can capture fast-paced action with exceptional clarity and sharpness. 

These lenses offer a variety of focal lengths, excellent image stabilization, fast autofocus, and rugged build quality, making them ideal for capturing sports events. 

With Sony’s commitment to innovation and quality, these lenses are sure to provide photographers with exceptional results in any sports photography scenario.

I hope this article helped you find the best choice.

Related:

FAQs

What makes Sony lenses stand out for sports photography?

Sony lenses are known for their excellent image quality, fast autofocus, and image stabilization, making them ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects like athletes in action.

What is the recommended best focal length for sports photography?

The best focal length for sports photography depends on the sport you are photographing and your shooting position. A telephoto lens with a focal length of 200mm or longer is typically recommended for capturing sports action from a distance, while a wide-angle lens may be more suitable for capturing the overall atmosphere of a sporting event.

Is it necessary to have a fast aperture for sports photography?

 A fast aperture can be beneficial for sports photography as it allows for faster shutter speeds and can create a shallower depth of field, isolating the subject from the background. However, it’s not always necessary, and other factors such as image stabilization and autofocus speed are also essential.

What is the difference between the Sony lineups GM and G lenses?

GM (G Master) lenses are Sony’s premium lenses designed for professional use, while G lenses are designed for enthusiasts and advanced amateurs. GM lenses typically have a wider aperture, faster autofocus, and better build quality than G lenses.

Can Sony lenses be used on other camera brands?

Sony lenses with an E-mount can be used on Sony’s mirrorless cameras, but they cannot be used on other camera brands without an adapter. Some Sony lenses with an A-mount can be used on Sony’s DSLR cameras as well as other camera brands with an adapter.

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