Sony ZV-E1: What lens should you buy?

Today we're going to go through my Top 5 lenses I would recommend for the Sony ZV-E1 (and some alternatives if you've got deeper pockets)!
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Viltrox 16mm f/1.8 ↴
geni.us/viltrox16
Sony 14mm f/1.8 GM ↴
geni.us/SEL14F18GM
Sony 16-35 f/4 G ↴
geni.us/SELP1635G
Sony 16-35 f/2.8 GM II ↴
geni.us/SEL1635F28GMII
Sony 24mm f/1.4 GM ↴
geni.us/SEL24F14GM
Sony 50mm f1.4 GM ↴
geni.us/sel50F14GM
Sony 50mm f/1.2 GM ↴
geni.us/SEL50F12GM
Sony 90mm f/2.8 Macro G ↴
geni.us/SEL90M28G
Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II ↴
geni.us/SEL2470F28GMII
Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 GM II ↴
geni.us/SEL70200F28GMII
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Sony a7S III - geni.us/bestvideocamera
Sony ZV-E1 - geni.us/bestcontentcreator
Sony a7 III - geni.us/besthybridcamera
Sony FE 24mm f1.4 GM - geni.us/SEL24F14GM
Sony FE 50mm f1.4 GM - geni.us/sel50F14GM
Sony FE 24-70mm f2.8 GM - geni.us/2470gm
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0:00 - Introduction
0:18 - Viltrox 16mm f/1.8
1:24 - Sony 24mm f/1.4 GM
3:16 - Sony 16-35mm f/4 G
5:28 - Sony 50mm f/1.4 GM
7:05 - Sony 90mm f/2.8 Macro G
8:38 - Conclusion

[@DavidZhou]

Where are my Sony ZV-E1 users at?!

[@MattisTheCreator]

Right here 👋🏻

[@krrisshn]

Here !

[@wearetrackclub]

Super helpful insights, David! Really like how you put this together too 😁

[@DavidZhou]

Thanks, I appreciate that! 🙌🏼

[@PaulFeinberg]

Zac-e1 is a beast! My friend has one and never overheated for us at a day in the Orlando parks….and it was hot! Great video and great lenses

[@AlyssaMarieXo]

I need this video, but for the A7CII. looove your content!

[@wakeywarrior]

A couple of things particularly important for ZVE1 users. As you correctly emphasise non native lenses just do not work as gone with Steadyshot. Don’t know why third party manufacturers can’t crack that problem, but it means I try to stick with Sony lenses. A fantastic lens if a tiny set up is the priority is the 24mm F2.8 which is APSC sized with nice image quality. I have the 24mm F2.8, the 16-35mm Zeiss F4 (picked up second hand mint for £450) and the Tamron 28-75. I am tempted to get the Sony 20mm F1.8😫

[@limagepicture9023]

Great recommandations 👍 My Kit is composed with : Sony G 20-70mm f4 and G 70-200mm f4 macro. The high iso capabilties and IBIS are so impressive with ZV E1 ! 👍😉🙏🏾

[@shellowuy]

Hi I would like to request if you can make a video about best settings for 24mm f1.4 with sony zv-e1. Thanks in advance.

[@imranalijafar]

can you please tell us what happens to the lens range and aperture when we turn on dynamic stabilization? like 16mm f1.8 becomes what? Secondly, up to what range, in mm we can use the dynamic stabilization effectively?

[@DavidZhou]

Aperture doesn't change, but it does crop about 30%. So a 16mm f1.8 becomes a 20.8mm f1.8 (still wide enough for most things like self filming/vlogging)! EDIT: Well, technically, it affects your effective depth of field, but not from an exposure perspective. It's a bit confusing, but I wouldn't get too hung up on it as it won't critically affect your image.

[@Darian_Green]

What about the r18mm f2.8? Vs viltrox 16mm This will be my only lens

[@NikoBols]

Good to know that my ZV-E1 + 16-35mm PZ combo is David Zhou approved! 😀

[@DavidZhou]

Yes it is! 😁

[@KipJackson]

Clean AF !!! And we just started

[@DavidZhou]

Let's go! 🙌🏼

[@DWebbTheOldHead]

Of the 5 lenses you mentioned on this video, which 3 would you take for travel purposes? Great video, my man. 🍻

[@DavidZhou]

I’d probably pick the Viltrox 16 for ultra wide, Sony 24 for wide, and Sony 50 for medium shots! 😁

[@DWebbTheOldHead]

@@DavidZhou~ Good lookin’ out. 🍻

[@SeanNeale]

Any thoughts on the 2.5 G lenses like the 40mm and the 50mm with the ZVE1? After something super compact

[@DavidZhou]

I haven’t shot with them but I have friends who do and they love it for the compact setup!

[@SeanNeale]

@@DavidZhou thank you!

[@florentz1255]

If I only have budget for one lens, which one should I go

[@meronberhane7547]

What lense should I buy? I‘ll use the Camera for club events (low light) and in the city outside for video shoots

[@DavidZhou]

Sony 24 f/1.4, the wide aperture gives you the best lowlight performance and a 24mm should give you a wide enough angle (without going too wide) for club events. If you’re really looking for that super wide look, I’d maybe check out the Viltrox 16 f/1.8!

[@meronberhane7547]

@@DavidZhou Thank you for the reply David! Whats your opinion on the Sigma 18-50mm f 2.8? Do you think this is an alternative I can also go for since its cheaper and more of an allrounder? Im new to all this stuff so I cant decide.

[@schoeferfilm]

Great video 👍🏻 I ordered my ZVE1 last monday 😅 I can use all my full frame lenses from my FX6 🎥 best cinematic greetings from 🇩🇪

[@DavidZhou]

Such a great b-cam and still lets you use all of your full frame glass! 👊🏼

[@schoeferfilm]

Absolutely great 💪🏼 uploaded my first short test video 😅 I love it 😍

[@imboredDB]

Hi, what about Sony E 11mm 1.8, it only goes for 500.00. That seems way too cheap(forZvE-1) . Thanks David!

[@DavidZhou]

If I recall correctly, the image quality from it is pretty decent but the reason why it’s so cheap is because it’s an APS-C lens!

[@imboredDB]

@@DavidZhou Thanks, I found out hindsight !

[@shellowuy]

Awesome im wanting to buy the 24mm 1.4 lens with the zv e1 Thanks

[@DavidZhou]

Great combo!

[@shellowuy]

I already bought it but cant find videos regarding set up with 24mm 1.4

[@DavidZhou]

@@shellowuy what specifically are you needing help with? I can chat with you on my Discord server if you want specific info on setting up! I probably won’t be able to make a specific video for this combo unfortunately

[@shellowuy]

@@DavidZhou awww thats so cool I used a memory card from sony and sometimes theres problem on it i have to remove the battery coz its says it cant be written.

[@Aesthetics622]

Hey brotha amazing detailed work as always! So i have my zony zv e1 coming this friday with a bundle lens kit 28-66mm lens what would that lens be best for?? I am looking for more vlog style and in front of camera talking/streaming/ and youtube almost like movie like effect quality as i am into the fitness and business world. What are your thoughts any feedback is greatly appreciated! Cheers.

[@DavidZhou]

The Viltrox 20 f2.8 for Vlogging (holding the camera arms length), Sony 50mm f/1.4 GM for that beautiful background blur, compression, and “cinema” look. Either lens would be good for steaming (depending on how far the camera is away from you). Those two lenses should do some heavy lifting for you to start in those genres!

[@Aesthetics622]

@@DavidZhou awesome! I will be grabbing that!Thanks for your input bro! What can the 28-66mm lens be utilized with best in your opinion?

[@DavidZhou]

If I’m honest, it wouldn’t be on my camera often, but it might make a good travel lens for a compact setup where you don’t want to bring multiple lenses with you. The f/4 is limiting but the ZV-E1s ability to shoot at 12,800 ISO in SLOG3 would make it useable (could sell it though to recoupe some cost of the other lenses).

[@Aesthetics622]

@@DavidZhouthank you brother, for all the great insight and info! Tryna figure out all the specs and settings and you have been an awesome source of knowledge! Appreciate all that you do! Wanted to also ask is there any certain lense filters you’d recommend to give it more a movie like effect to video footages?

[@DavidZhou]

@@Aesthetics622 look into Mist filters and check out my review of the NiSi C5 Matte Box and my Freewell Filter reviews, those have been my favorite brands I’ve tried

[@terryanthony5323]

The Viltrox looks soooo good..I guess my only hesitation is how does the Dynamic Active Stab. look since its not a native lens....great shots!

[@DavidZhou]

It works *well enough*, it does well on following shots (forwards and backwards), but I’m not a fan of the way it pans, it’s like it rubber bands to catch up to your pans, slow or fast, but for walking and talking shots (where you’re just going forward) I think it handles it well!

[@bladerealm124]

@@DavidZhou is the Sony 16-35mm f4 (and f2.8 versions) significantly better than the Viltrox in this regard? I have the 16-35mm f2.8 GMII on pre-order but I'm debating getting the Viltrox 16mm f1.8 instead. I'm just worried about the stabilization being worse and autofocus in low light. How does the AF compare?

[@DavidZhou]

@bladerealm124 the AF on the Viltrox is minimally worse, the extra aperture WILL be better than compensating with ISO in most situations, but I think mostly the stabilization will be the biggest difference-I think the 16-35 2.8 II will be the better option (as 2.8 is quite enough for video IMO), except for in the weight department. I need to know a little more about what you plan on shooting/how you’re going to be using the lens. Handheld, Vlogging, Tripod, Gimbal, etc. and what you’ll be shooting mostly 😁

[@bladerealm124]

@@DavidZhou thanks for the quick response. I'm planning on using it for a wide variety of things including documenting trips (landscapes, cities), both photo and video, vlogging, product reviews, possibly even for streaming/webcam/zoom calls. I'm torn between the A7CII and ZV-E1 but I'm leaning to2wrss the ZV-E1 for the better low-light, 4k 120fps, no 4k60 crop, product showcase mode and less rolling shutter. For lenses I'm torn between the Viltrox 16mm f1.8 and Sony 16-35mm f2.8 GMII. I already have the Samyang 35mm f1.4 and Sony 85mm f1.8 but I will likely add-in some additional lenses in the future like the Sony 24mm f2.8 and Sony 40mm f2.5 for travel. And I'm interested in the Tamron 35-150mm f2-2.8 for times that I need that versatility and reach. The Sony 70-200mm f4 macro also looks interesting but these lenses go against the size advantage of the compact Sony bodies. Too many great choices in Sony's lineup these days. Do you find yourself using the Viltrox 16mm or the Sony 16-35mm f4 more? Have you used the f2.8 versions? The versatility of the 16-35mm f2.8 is amazing but I often find myself shooting at 16mm when using this range. And while 35mm is my favorite focal length I have been very interested in the Sony 35mm f1.4 GM for that extra subject isolation.

[@DavidZhou]

@@bladerealm124 Here are my thoughts, I use the Viltrox 16mm 1.8 a lot because if I have to choose between f1.8 vs. f4, I find myself choosing the 1.8 because I end up on the 16mm too often to trade that much light (e.g., at IBC right now and it's mostly indoors so I find that shooting between f1.8-f3.5 to be the sweet spot, since I can't overcrank SS with all of these indoor lights). I had the 16-35 f2.8 (version 1) to test for about 3 weeks and I really enjoyed shooting with it. If you're traveling more and are much more run and gun, I think that if you're cool with the (slightly) heavier 16-35 f2.8 II, I would go with that. It's just more versatile and you can compensate for lowlight with 12,800 ISO at f2.8 if you really need it in lowlight situations. Otherwise, you'll be dropping your camera bag often to switch lenses which always annoys me when I'm just trying to enjoy trips. If you're planning on doing more "planned" shooting, like making product videos, KZbin videos, client videos, etc. Then the time to switch lenses isn't a factor and the f1.8 and the f1.4 from the eventual 35mm would be better since it gives you more creative freedom to isolate the subject/get more light. Basically, you're going to have to pick: Do you want to prioritize EASE of shooting and getting shots in the moment? Then I would go for the zoom. If you want to prioritize having FULL control of the look of the shot and getting subject isolation all of the time (and are ok w/ swapping lenses often), I would go for the primes. It's a tough one because I go back and forth on them all the time. Despite everything I said, I shoot with primes a lot more often than I do with zooms (e.g., Viltrox 16 f1.8, Sony 24 f1.4, Sony 50 f1.4). I know it's not a straight forward answer, but hopefully that gives you enough information to help you decide!

[@Shpilberg]

What do you think about Batis 18 2.8???

[@DavidZhou]

Great lens, super sharp! But for $1,550, I’d rather go for the Sony 20mm f1.8 for $900 😁

[@Flashchocobo]

hol' up I just purchased the Sony ZV-E1

[@DavidZhou]

The algorithm knows all 👀

[@jpmongol]

Been using 16-35 pz for 10 months, which I sold 3 days ago to get 20-70 F4.

[@DavidZhou]

How do you like the 20-70??

[@jpmongol]

@@DavidZhou I’ll get it tomorrow and will let you know

[@jpmongol]

I’m pretty sure the lens quality wouldn’t be any problem but More about which focal length would fit to your necessity.

[@Kaiu24]

Great recommendations, and I agree with all of these but Personally I would also include the Sony 20mm f1.8. Such a great lens and fits well inbetween the 16mm and 24mm and its nice and light too.

[@DavidZhou]

I agree, I had so many recs and 20 f1.8 is high on there, the results are too good

[@Kaiu24]

@@DavidZhou I basically do everything with just my 20mm and the tamron 28-75. Though I do miss using the 24mm f1.4 but my next lens will have to be the 90mm Macro. Need the Macro capability for product shots!

[@DavidZhou]

@@Kaiu24 that’s a solid setup! And yes, when you need to get those macro shots, or even just tight close ups, the 90mm always kills it!

[@JonathanPajakLensCulture]

The Sony 24mm 1.4 is hands top 2 Sony lens of all time and its not number 2.

[@DavidZhou]

This guy knows what he’s talking about 😎

[@andrewsytek]

Laowa 4mm is the only right answer.

[@DavidZhou]

Just capture it ALL

[@svoropaev]

Viltrox is TOO heavy for vlogging and for such a small camera. I had to sell it because of that

[@DavidZhou]

I think I’ve just gotten too used to vlogging on heavy lenses and it felt light in comparison 😂

[@LukeniV]

It seems the most budget friendly though! Crazy prices!