Which Small + Budget Lenses for the Sony A7CII/A7CR?

[@sjsphotog]

Sigma I-Series of lenses are perfect for the Sony a7cIi cameras and full metal and made in Japan. Specifically made for the compact cameras.

[@mrbaiser4133]

I'd recommend the small Sony G primes, Sigma I-series and Samyang tiny series. But none of the outdated and/or weak lenses on this list.

[@glenwells4926]

The Samyang 24mm F1.8 is optically excellent and way better than some of the examples given. It is small enough and light enough for the A7C range of cameras. Check out any reviews for that lens - also reasonable price second hand market.

[@balboa0621]

Samyang tiny series all the way

[@infrontofstrangers]

Great insights. The Samyang 45mm F1.8 is super underrated imo. Lots of character, sharp, light, F1.8 and very affordable.

[@alexlee3227]

I have that, it is a great little lens. Samyang have some cracking glass available for E Mount cameras.

[@selishots]

Great video! Since the original a7c I've been saying Sony needs to update and add more smaller lenses. They have GM and G, I'd love to see them come out with a line of lenses named C for compact.

[@phillmeredith]

Zeiss 55/1.8 and 35/2.8 compliment the a7cii so well - love them.

[@chrisbrockhurst]

Agreed

[@stevenwaldstein2249]

Thank you for the video. For my original A7C and now with my CII and CR I’m very happy with the size of the Sigma I-Series f/2 lenses. Even so I’ve gone back and rebought the 28/2, 35/1.8, and 55/1.8 because the new Compact C bodies have added back the front dial which makes the aperture ring, missing from the A7C, less critical and their reduced weight is nice. Have bought all of these used at greatly reduced prices even for mint versions. The small G series are nice build and features and bought those used as well. So almost everyone is ~ $400 to $350 except the 28/2 which is even cheaper. Lots to choose from and will have to sort this all out. One other family though I really like on the compact bodies, while larger but also very light are the Zeiss Batis 25/2, 40/2 CF and the excellent 85/1.8. Size is their only slight negative. IQ and ergonomics are top notch. Take care.

[@spencerfr1]

Samyang 45 1.8 is the goat, can’t believe you didn’t mention this! I have a full suite of G-master and sigma art lenses, and still reach for the Samyang 45 all the time! Absolute beast and so cheap

[@alexlee3227]

Great glass, agreed

[@luigigargiulo89]

Had it , Amazing lens

[@vilamao4001]

Love your independent thinking. Unlike most influencers recommending GM to everyone, you have something.

[@maratbabayan9332]

I bought Sony A7C2 and four lenses: 24/2.8G, 40/2.5G, Zeiss 55/1.8 and 24-105/4G. For travel I just take 24 and 40 with me and I can shoot everything - from a landscape up to portraits with this two tiny lenses. If I know i have to shoot portraits I take 55/1.8, and for documentary I just take 24-105/4G. I really happy with this gear set - small but super powerful travel kit. And i can fit it in a smal Ulanzi 6 liter bag, that's incredible! And I sold my beloved 24/1.4 after buying 24/2.8 (yes 1.4GM is one of the greatest lens I've ever use, but it's a bit chunky in contrast with 24/2.8 and at the moment I don't need aperture faster than 2.8 on such a wide angle), and 85/1.8 (it's a cheap but still great lens but I decided to keep a smaller 55/1.8 which is not as cool as 85 for portraits but it's smaller, it has a better image in my opinion and it's more versatile that 85). I have Zeiss 35/2.8 too, but 40/2.5 is better for me (didn't think that 40 mm could be so useful) so now I'm selling my 35 coz it does nothing but sucking dust sitting on a shelf. But Zeiss 35 is a cool lens too, but 40 has an aperture ring what I really like (get used to it on 24/1.4GM)

[@dm1torres1]

Great insight. Rookie photographer here. Thank you for sharing your setup. It seems like the 24 & 40 mm should be my first two lenses for landscape photography. I would love a zoom lens, but I keep hearing that prime lenses are best for beginners. How true is that? Thanks

[@petrub27]

But u r irrelevant

[@simonlee7121]

The Samyang 35 and 75 f1.8 are small, well priced and have great IQ.

[@DetroitFury]

YOU OVERLOOKED THE 11mm 1.8 APSC Lens….it’s 🔥and better than all the ones you mentioned in this video With auto apsc turned on it picks up the lens right away and gives u 16mm in apsc mode…. it’s laser sharp!!!! Best “lightest”vlogging lens out right now….i even use it on my A1 and it’s way faster than my 14mm f1.8 GM lens

[@cameraprepper7938]

I have four compact Lenses. Recently I got a used Sony Carl Zeiss Sonnar 35mm 2.8 ZA for $215 (tax included), it is a great Lens that I can recommend. Earlier this year I got a open boxed Zeiss Loxia Distagon 21mm 2.8 for $745 (tax included), great Lens, I have also the Voigtländer APO-Lanthar 35mm 2.0 Aspherical which have outstanding optical image quality (at least as good as Sony 35mm 1.4 GM !), I can very highly recommend Voigtländer APO-Lanthar Lenses. My last compact Lens is the Sony Zeiss Sonnar 55mm 1.8. Right now at my local camera store they have two used Sony Zeiss Sonnar 55mm 1.8 for $352 (tax included). The Sony A7CR Camera with 61 megapixels have 26 megapixels in APSC crop mode.

[@WU_Foto]

My top favorits in small lenses: Zeiss Loxia 50mmf2.0, Zeiss 35mmf2.8, Sigma 24mmf3.5, Voigtländer 21mmf3.5(Color-Skopar) and Voigtländer 15mmf4.5 (Superwide Heliar). All this lenses are small and supplys good results in Landscape, architecture and especially street-photography

[@WU_Foto]

You forgot the 21mm Color-Skopar

[@themarksmanABP]

Samyang 45mm 1.8 is an awesome lens on my a7iv

[@albertbarton4663]

With the a7cii I use the Sony 20mm f1.8 G, 40mm f2.5 G & the 85mm f1.8 FE. Also the 50mm f1.4 GM, but it never travels...still love it.

[@alexlee3227]

I put a Nokton classic 35mm 1.4 on my a7cii (using an adapter), not really a budget lens and is manual focus, but very compact and looks great.

[@sandeepraiphotography2111]

28mm f2.8 is still one of my favourite lenses.

[@MeAMuse]

I do love that Zeiss 35mm F2.8, but the Sony 35mm F1.8 takes it as the best option IMO. Wider aperture and closer focussing are both things that inspire my creativity!

[@Imboredas]

I’ll do you one better, I chose zeiss flektogon 35mm f2.4. A lot less performance, but much more character 😮

[@Morvont]

Thanks for making this, I've been using some absolute honkers on my a7CR!

[@MrBeautalkz]

All great recommendations! I'm surprised you didn't mention the MF zeiss loxia line. I don't really hear people talking about them anymore.

[@WU_Foto]

I love my Loxia 50mm, but i also love my Sigma 24 3.5 and all of my manuel Voigtländer lenses, especially the 21mm Color-Skopar.

[@stevefantini2912]

Just picked up the Sigma 24mm f3.5 for my a7cr, it's a beautiful combo, lovely pics. also got the smallrig baseplate to complete the retro look! makes me want to carry my camera everywhere.

[@abhinandande]

I Bought Samyang 24mm 1.8, 35mm 1.8 and 85mm 1.4 For My Two Sony A7c Cameras. Will Buy 50mm 1.4 This November. Trust Me These Lenses are Optically Excellent and Super Lightweight Too!!

[@stkuj]

I actually like the Sigma I-Series for the a7c.

[@CallumAFK]

I how fell in love with the TTArtsian lenses, extremely cheap but very well built, like the 50mm f2 was £60 but yeah it is M focus but so smooth and lightweight perfect for daily photography

[@iraklikordzaia]

Thanks for the interesting video and story. I'm going to buy this exact camera and lens combination - Sony A7CII & 40mm 2.5g & 50mm F2.5 G. Do these lenses handle a 33MP sensor well? Are you happy with this combination?

[@superalex159]

40mm f2.5 & 50mm f2.5 g -> 33MP easely. 60mp great

[@Cbartlettbo]

Compact for the win in the BROCKHOUSE! One of the few beauties in life where smaller is better. #sizematters

[@chrisbrockhurst]

😉

[@maggnet4829]

The 28mm f2 is as well great in apsc mode. It gives you 42.5mm that are pretty sharp. A great option for APSC mode that is small is the TTArtisan 27mm f2.8. Small, sharp, nice rendering and super cheap.

[@ZakBoxer]

Great video! I recently purchased an A7Cii and the 35mm 2.8. What lens hood and filter size did you buy?

[@Brandon4Weiss]

Man, good stuff. You really Brock(the)house down with this one.

[@simonlee7121]

DO NOT get the 16mm f2.8, sharpness is horrible. I can finally say it now that I have sold mine😂

[@bigchimpin4215]

The Zeiss loxia lenses are pretty affordable on the used market.

[@a55tech]

24-70 GMII still the best, having a smaller body than b4 is exactly what that lens needed

[@PaulFeinberg]

Fantastic selection of lenses there bud! Good job!

[@JimHester]

If you're going for the pancake APS-C lens, I recommend the 20mm f/2.8 over the 16mm. The image quality is much better on the 20mm, and IIRC that fisheye adapter works on it as well. (it also has a lens hood similar to the Zeiss 35mm f/2.8)

[@ALWH1314]

Actually, 35mm, 24mm and 50mm f1.4 GM are not too big on A7C. Tamron has a few small zoom size lenses too like 17-28 f2.8 and 28-200 f2.8/5.6, great for travel.

[@gregorybeale]

How you figure that the 28-200 is small on any body?

[@simonlee7121]

It’s very small considering it’s reach. It’s also relatively lightweight

[@bobbobby2092]

Great video! I want to ask you what type of white balance you use when shooting outdoors. Do you use the AWB or adjust the kelvin properties, or do you manually set the white using the color passport?

[@DanPandrea]

For those looking at the Sony E 16mm f/2.8 and thinking about buying it: don't. Image quality is absolutely terrible. You have to stop to f/8 to get decent details in the corners. Using an ultrawide or fisheye adapter (Sony VCL-ECU2 or VCL-ECF2) will only make things worse. Sure, you'll get a 18mm field of view in crop mode, but the corners will be even worse. If you want an ultrawide, your budget is tight and you're willing to use crop mode, just buy the Samyang/Rokinon 12mm f/2 AF.

[@IntrovertAswin]

Hey samyang lens not working on a7cii

[@DanPandrea]

@@IntrovertAswin it works, but since it’s made for APS-C, it doesn’t cover the full frame sensor of your a7cii. Your camera should automatically switch to crop mode when using an APS-C lens.

[@bigfartingguy]

That’s all lenses. Lenses are always sharpest when you close the lens down to around f6-f10. This is especially true the wider the lens.

[@superalex159]

Zeiss 16-70mm f4 ASP-C lens can replace 24-105mm f4 full frame for 4k 60fps, on Sony A7cR without any visible vignetting. It will be 20-87.5mm

[@wakeywarrior]

Sony 24mm F2.8 is very nice all round lens. Very small, and works better with stabilisation being Sony. The Zeiss 16-35 mm F4 zoom is a fantastic second hand buy, just got one in excellent condition for £450. Very good stabilisation when used on my ZVE1. With the ZVE1 you can shoot in very dark conditions to good quality with an F4, so a 2.8 is more than enough for any low light situation.

[@GlennZucman]

I love the form factor of the Sony 16mm APS-C lens! I have one for my a6000. Sadly, the lens hunts a lot. It's really the only lens I have that hunts and it makes it useless. Interestingly, it hunts less on the zv-e10 than on the a6000.

[@Hobbies4Hire]

Great job on the video Chris! Thanks for making it. I had the same thought about the smaller camera bodies with bigger lenses.

[@sebbo85]

my biggest purchase intent is the S&Q feature: Will the finished slow motion file be saved in 4k? In short, do I have the finished slow motion file 4k60p on my memory card? without having to slow down in post

[@johannesschoen]

For anyone looking into the Samyang 35mm Full Frame, I am using it for years and I think it's great. Very light too and I would say smaller than any of the full frame lenses here. And thanks for the video Chris. Always enjoy your content!

[@emiliedixneuf8228]

This lens (Samyang 35mm f/2.8) is not compatible with the Sony A7C II in AF-C mode. An update has been ineffective (for now). I know, I use it.

[@johannesschoen]

@@emiliedixneuf8228 I used it the other day and shot video. Focus stayed on the eye perfectly

[@johannesschoen]

@@emiliedixneuf8228 that's odd because by now I own the A7CII and use that lens so much. Works perfectly fine for photo and video on AFC. Can def recommend it!

[@nickscott8488]

The Tamron 20-40mm would be a good option

[@Soundwave857]

I'm very curious if removing the back cover of the 16mm 2.8 will improve the coverage of fullframe. Im very tempted to get the 20 2.8 for my a7cII as a pocket setup, 30mm is pretty neat

[@SimeonKolev]

6:04 but there is a much better option than the Sony 16 2.8 - Samyang/Rokinon 24 2.8 witch is a full frame lens with better optics than the 16 2.8 (the first E mount lens ever) and the Samyang is almost the same size. There is also a 35 2.8 Samyang which is on par with the Zeiss 35 2.8 and from what I have heard the AF is slightly better than on the Zeiss which has some AF issues that are still not fixed. Sony 20 2.8 - same story as with the 16 2.8 - old lenses with bad optics, I think the 16-50 kit lens is slightly better in terms of sharpness and clarity of the image.

[@kqschwarz]

Thank you for the great advice. Do you have the name or a link for the 28 and 35 mm lens hoods?

[@BelAir101]

I figure out this camera with that sony sonnar T* 35 f2.8 ZA. Excellent micro contrast.

[@chryseass.5143]

I like my Sony 35 f1.8 on my a7C- not too big for a compact camera. Overall, though, the Tamron 28-200 is such a great travel lens paired with the a7C series.

[@BangPhoto]

Was hoping to find the brand name of that lens hood you use….

[@akcine]

I love a Leica M 40 mm on this camera, even with the adapter which is tiny btw, its still super small setup. Fully manual of course but amazing look.

[@johnscontent]

A7CII or ZV-e1 as a compact backup camera to an A7SIII? 70% video, 30% video. Get a camera with better stabilization and better video stabilization lacking in photography or get a camera to makeup for photography shortcomings of the a7siii?

[@luvingventure1126]

Great video! Just ordered the A7Cii and I need a good all around small lens for video. I do need a good zoom. Nothing crazy but enough. Which one would you recommend with good zoom distance?

[@pcphotography9108]

I’ve been deliberating between the 24-50mm f2.8 and the 20-70mm f4

[@rabbi4293]

Please make chapters for this kind of videos.

[@geekcommentator8567]

Hey Chris, hoping you can help me. In your opinion, do you think that 40mm lens is capable of resolving the A7RV? Looking for a great EDC lens for that camera that is sharp enough to take advantage of all those pixels.

[@roykropp155]

Any recommendation for an autofocus, relatively compact macro lens?

[@paolomesseca8679]

Thanks for your rewiew: would you tell me please THE BRAND OF THE LENS SHADE you mounted on the Sony Zeiss 35 mm f 2,8 ? Thanks

[@krishnastock]

Thanks for the recommendations. Please provide a link for the Hoage square hood that fits the Sony 28mm f2. Thanks!

[@jayeypi]

How would you describe the AF performance of the 55mm f1.8 zeiss?

[@sean1e100]

I’m really surprised there seem to be no pancake lenses that would make this pocketable in the same way the Fuji x100 series is. Whichever 3rd party will bring out that 30mm, 1 1/2 inch silver lens for the e-mount will absolutely crush it.

[@DevonChristopherAdams]

Great video. I have enjoyed 24mm 2.8G last year. Do you have links/models to the lens hood & fish eye adapter you showed us? Been enjoying your content. I love my A7Cii.

[@codyandvictoria]

Solid recommendations but don’t sleep on that 16-50 aps-c kit lens 🤣 I’m only half joking…

[@chrisbrockhurst]

Haha I still have one and need to put it to use

[@vladimirgrishin8574]

sony 20mm 2.8 is even smaller than 16mm and waaay sharper and better quality overall ( also less vignetting on FF ). i believe 20mm is perfect compact wide lens for a7c series and zv-e1

[@bayuzene]

Great video. What does a lens hood do?

[@Cthames123]

Nice job running down some tiny, yet optically strong, budget options for the A7C cameras. Good video! I’m exploring the Sigma, 90mm, f2.8 which is on par in terms of size as all the others discussed, seems pretty strong optically, and comes in used around $400. I have what many regard as the very best lens Sony has ever made, (and I agree), 90mm, f 2.8, macro, but it is long, heavy, and hard lugging around. Though it returns great results, I have to think twice about carrying it with me, (which is an important factor). The sigma, 90mm, f2.8 could be a strong option, in a compact size. Ever think about the Sigma, 90mm, f2.8?

[@TheLiachtgams]

The Zeiss Loxia Series works great. Prime, small and manual.

[@chrisbrockhurst]

I’ll take a look

[@cameraprepper7938]

I have the Zeiss Loxia Distagon 21mm 2.8 which I can recommend, you should also try to look at Voigtländer APO-Lanthar Lenses, I have the 35mm 2.0 which is as least as good as the Sony 35mm 1.4 !

[@michaelblumfield3933]

Why do you say that you can't expect to get f1.8 in a small lens? Olympus and Panasonic have long offered multiple Micro 4/3rds lenses that are 1.7 or 1.8, are tiny, and affordable. Canon has a series of 1.8 primes in their full-frame RF mount.

[@chrisbrockhurst]

Of course micro 4/3 will be small!

[@michaelblumfield3933]

@@chrisbrockhurst but there are plenty of small 1.8 lenses for full frame, too, including Sony. So I am confused about why you say you can't expect better than 2.8 in a small lens.

[@ikoyDaPnoy]

Hands down the Voigtlander 50mm f/1.2 ASPH Nokton E-mount.

[@jukeboxjohnnie]

Got to say, Samyang 24mm 2.8 and 35mm 2.8 - tiny, inexpensive, great pictures. i have these two for when I dont want to carry the 20-70 or 16-35.

[@kevinfengg]

Cool table grid mat! Where’s it from?

[@BenSussmanpro]

I have same mat from Amazon

[@JesusChristSaves.]

i hated the 35mm 2.8 when i first got it used for 250$ - Than it grew on me, and now its basically never taken off my A7C II (Had the A7C before this one)

[@nothingtobeconcernedabout7477]

Only thing that is a bit strange is saying the older lenses are cheaper and the newer stubby G lenses are pricier when the old lenses are around 400 used and the newer lenses are 550 new... while yes they are pricier but for a small amount more you not only get newer G lenses which means for most that they have less quirks than the old lenses and get them new. Used they are probably the same... he didn't show the prices for the used new G lenses because they would probably also be around 400 like the older ones at 400 used

[@erictian4925]

Love the lens hood look where can we find them

[@dccoletrain]

One advantage of using my Fuji is the small lenses like the 27mm and F2 lenses. We’re still working on autofocus 😂

[@wachend]

Hi, what's the size of the lens hood you showed in this video? Do you still have the link to it? Thanks

[@user-sf5bt8eb4y]

from your previous review of sigma 24-70 2.8, would you recommend it for A7C series?

[@namesurname5256]

I have sigma 28-70 for a7c, it is a good pair

[@xstensl8823]

i would like to see a 4/3 crop mode

[@yartriesthis]

@chrisbrockhurst Whats your opinion on the Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G Ultra Wide Angle Lens?

[@KendawgzProductions]

Brockhouse inner circle crew on call!

[@chrisbrockhurst]

😉

[@antonyb]

whats the best out of the a7cii and the a7CR for video and photo

[@sandrathomas-pk7kq]

HI CHRIS MANY OF MY COLLEAGUES AND CLIENTS HAVE SAID THAT THEY EXPERIENCE A LOT OF EYE STRAIN AFTER USING OR WATCHING VIDEOS SHOT WITH CAMERAS LIKE A7IV, A7C,etc. THEY ALSO COMPLAIN ABOUT SWOLLEN AND PUFFY EYES DUE TO THE EYE STRAIN CAUSED BY THESE CAMERAS. ANY SIMILAR EXPERIENCE? CAN SONY ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM IF IT EXISTS?

[@hellolau]

LOL, 🤣 Easy fix: buy a Canon. Done.

[@panth5501]

I wish you would have showed some sample images.

[@thelocalfilmpro231]

I kinda feel like some vintage contax ziess lenses are just as small and have a better look to them that would pair amazing with this camera . If your okay with it h giving up bells and whistles that is .

[@tipipasa1321]

No love for fe 50mm?

[@RensKapoor]

Is sony a7c2 having autofocus problem with samyang lenses.. i just sold my a74 for a7c2 because of the ai chip and user luts. But came across a video that said a7c2 has some autofocus problems with samyang lenses… 😢

[@SalvatoreCianchino]

Brockhouse chads reporting in

[@chrisbrockhurst]

💪🏻

[@definingslawek4731]

What I don't understand is tiny compact film point and shoot cameras had f2 / f1.8 lenses that were TINY and exposed a 35mm frame. So why is it that now this 28mm f2 for example is kind of massive in comparison. I want a f2 pancake for my sony so I can have it in my coat pocket as an edc cam🥺

[@fujiandeye]

thank ypu for this video

[@chriswittstruck282]

Great vid thanks! Subbed.

[@fincrattanaka4633]

rokinon 35 2.8,only this choice

[@FabianKowol]

Can You do a movie about the picture quality on A7CII and A7IV? Is it true that the A7CII don't have the 100% mechanical shutter? why isn't anyone talking about this?

[@RandumbTech]

I’ve been burned before by the e front curtain and I’ve disabled it on my A7iv. It’s odd that Sony doesn’t allow user to turn it off on this camera.

[@EelcoWiersma]

The new Sony 24/40/50mm G are actually cheaper than all those old zeis lenses, even the second hand ones.

[@neilcameron434]

The samyang lenses are cheap and small 24, 35,45,75mm all 1.8. Not in the same build quality league or autofocus of so much Sony lenses though.

[@williamwang6055]

No link for the FE2/28 len hood ?

[@MartinV.]

Great Video

[@Shawneys]

Samyang 35 f2.8 is the smallest one with weigh only 70g

[@poikatiikeri]

always just prime lenses, i wish there was a tiny 24-70mm alternative

[@germanchokolat1]

Can someone reply with a link please 🙏

[@renashbellrn]

wtf it just ends?? no outro or something? why