5 Best Sony Mirrorless Lenses Under $500 2024 (Updated Expert Advice)

What Is The Best Sony Mirrorless Lenses Under $500?

Attention all photography enthusiasts! 

Are you ready to elevate your photography game without breaking the bank?

Look no further! 

In the world of mirrorless cameras, Sony has established itself as a pioneer, offering cutting-edge technology and unparalleled quality.

Today, we unveil the top 5 Sony mirrorless lenses under $500, each a gem designed to enhance your creativity and capture breathtaking moments with precision and clarity. 

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an aspiring amateur, these lenses promise to unlock a world of possibilities, empowering you to unleash your imagination and capture the world in stunning detail. 

Join us on this journey as we explore the best Sony mirrorless lenses that won’t drain your wallet!

List Of Top 5 Best Sony Mirrorless Lenses Under $500

1. Sony FE 50mm F2.5 G
2. Sony SEL85F18 85mm F/1.8-22
3. Sony FE 24mm F2.8 G
4. Sony FE 40mm F2.5 G
5. Sony FE 50mm F1.8 Standard Lens

After extensive hours of research and expert opinion and recommendation, I have shortlisted the top 5 Best Sony Mirrorless Lenses Under $500.

1. Sony FE 50mm F2.5 G Lens

Specifications

• Brand: Sony
• Focal Length: 50mm
• Lens Type: Standard
• Compatible Mountings: Sony E
• Camera Lens Description: 50mm

Pros

1. Compact size
2. Excellent image quality
3. Versatile focal length
4. Smooth autofocus

Cons

1. Limited aperture range
2. Not weather-sealed
3. Some distortion at wider apertures
4. Slight vignetting in corners

Description

The Sony FE 50mm F2.5 G is a compact yet powerful lens designed for Sony mirrorless cameras. 

With its standard focal length and impressive image quality, it’s a versatile choice for portrait, street, and everyday photography. 

While it may have some limitations, its affordability and performance make it one of the best Sony mirrorless lenses under $500, perfect for photographers looking to enhance their skills without breaking the bank.

Buy It Now: Sony FE 50mm F2.5 G Full-Frame Ultra-Compact G Lens

2. Sony SEL85F18 85mm F/1.8-22 Lens

Specifications

• Brand: Sony
• Focal Length: 85mm
• Lens Type: Telephoto
• Compatible Mountings: Sony E
• Camera Lens Description: Prime, Medium-Telephoto

Pros

1. Wide aperture for low light
2. Excellent bokeh effect
3. Sharpness and clarity
4. Lightweight and portable

Cons

1. Some chromatic aberration
2. No image stabilization
3. Slight distortion at wider apertures
4. May struggle with fast-moving subjects

Description

The Sony SEL85F18 85mm F/1.8-22 Lens is a medium-telephoto prime lens renowned for its wide aperture and exceptional image quality. 

Its 85mm focal length makes it ideal for portraits, creating stunning bokeh effects that beautifully isolate subjects from backgrounds. 

Despite some minor drawbacks, such as chromatic aberration and lack of image stabilization, its affordability and performance make it a top choice for photographers seeking premium results without exceeding a $500 budget.

Buy It Now: Sony 85mm F/1.8-22 Lens

3. Sony FE 24mm F2.8 G Lens

Specifications

• Brand: Sony
• Focal Length: 24mm
• Lens Type: Wide Angle
• Compatible Mountings: Sony E
• Camera Lens Description: 24mm, Ultra-Compact

Pros

1. Compact and lightweight
2. Versatile wide-angle lens
3. Good image quality
4. Fast autofocus

Cons

1. Slight distortion at edges
2. Limited aperture range
3. No weather-sealing
4. Some vignetting in corners

Description

The Sony FE 24mm F2.8 G is a superb ultra-compact wide-angle lens designed for Sony mirrorless cameras. 

Its 24mm focal length makes it perfect for landscape, architecture, and street photography, offering a wide field of view and excellent image quality.

While it may have some minor drawbacks like distortion and limited aperture range, its compact size, affordability, and overall performance make it one of the best Sony mirrorless lenses under $500, catering to photographers who demand quality and portability without breaking the bank.

Buy It Now: Sony FE 24mm F2.8 G Lens

4. Sony FE 40mm F2.5 G Lens

Specifications

• Brand: Sony
• Focal Length: 40mm
• Lens Type: Standard
• Compatible Mountings: Sony E
• Camera Lens Description: 40mm, Ultra-Compact

Pros

1. Compact and lightweight design
2. Versatile focal length
3. Excellent image quality
4. Fast and accurate autofocus

Cons

1. Limited aperture range
2. Not weather-sealed
3. Some distortion at wide apertures
4. Slight vignetting in corners

Description

The Sony FE 40mm F2.5 G is an ultra-compact standard lens designed for Sony mirrorless cameras. 

With its versatile 40mm focal length, it’s perfect for a wide range of photography genres, including street photography, portraits, and everyday shooting.

Despite some minor drawbacks like limited aperture range and distortion, its compact size, affordability, and impressive performance make it one of the top choices for photographers seeking high-quality results without exceeding a $500 budget.

Buy It Now: Sony FE 40mm F2.5 G Lens

5. Sony – FE 50mm F1.8 Standard Lens

Specifications

• Brand: Sony
• Focal Length: 50mm
• Lens Type: Standard
• Compatible Mountings: Sony E
• Camera Lens Description: 50mm

Pros

1. Wide aperture for low light
2. Compact and lightweight
3. Versatile focal length
4. Fast and quiet autofocus

Cons

1. Plastic construction
2. Some chromatic aberration
3. Slight vignetting at wider apertures
4. Not weather-sealed

Description

The Sony FE 50mm F1.8 is a standard prime lens designed for Sony mirrorless cameras, offering a versatile focal length suitable for various photography styles.

 Its wide aperture of f/1.8 enables excellent low-light performance and beautiful background blur for portrait photography. 

Despite its plastic construction and minor optical imperfections, its affordability, compactness, and overall performance make it an excellent choice for photographers looking to expand their creative horizons without breaking the bank.

Buy It Now: Sony FE 50mm F1.8 Standard Lens

Conclusion

These five Sony mirrorless lenses under $500 offer a remarkable balance of affordability, quality, and performance. From wide-angle to telephoto, each lens brings its own unique strengths, catering to various photography styles and preferences.

 Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned enthusiast, these lenses provide an accessible pathway to elevate your photography experience without breaking the bank.

 With their compact designs and impressive image quality, they represent exceptional value for any photographer seeking to expand their creative capabilities within a budget constraint.

Related:

• Best Sony Mirrorless Lenses Under $3000
• Best Sony Mirrorless Lenses Under $2000
• Best Sony Mirrorless Lenses Under $1500
• Best Sony Mirrorless Lenses Under $1000

FAQs

Q: Are these lenses compatible with all Sony mirrorless cameras?

A: Yes, all the lenses mentioned are compatible with Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras.

Q: Can these lenses be used for professional photography?

A: While they may not have all the features of high-end professional lenses, they offer excellent image quality suitable for a wide range of professional and enthusiast applications.

Q: Do these lenses come with warranties?

A: Yes, they typically come with a manufacturer’s warranty, but the duration may vary. It’s advisable to check the warranty terms before purchasing.

Q: Are these lenses weather-sealed for outdoor photography?

A: Not all lenses mentioned have weather sealing. It’s essential to verify individual lens specifications for weather-sealing capabilities if this feature is a priority for you.

Q: Can these lenses achieve sharp images in low light conditions?

A: Yes, many of these lenses have wide apertures, enabling them to perform well in low light situations and produce sharp images with minimal noise.