I've recently got my hands on the Sony FX3, and I'm in the hunt for some lens recommendations. I'm mainly going to use it for filmmaking — a mix of indie films and some commercial work. I'm looking for lenses that offer great image quality, perform well in low light, and have good autofocus capabilities. Budget-wise, I'm flexible but looking for the best value for money.
Would love to hear what lenses you've had good experiences with and any to avoid!
Thanks in advance!
Depends on your budget, but here's what I'd recommend: Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II for wide establishing shots and interiors, the 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II as your workhorse lens, and maybe the 70-200mm f/2.8 GM II if you need longer reach. If budget's tight, the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 G2 is fantastic value and performs really well on the FX3. The autofocus is snappy and it's much lighter than the Sony equivalent.
Before jumping in, are you planning to use a gimbal for most of this? Weight and balance can be a real headache on the FX3 if the lens extends while zooming. Also, is manual focus override a big deal for your indie work or are you relying 100% on the AF? Usually I stick to native glass to ensure the focus breathing compensation and active stabilization work perfectly, but here are a few that work well:
Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=24+70mm+F2+8+DGDN+II+Sony&BI=8941&KBID=10361&SID=12345&DFF=d50
Love my FE 20mm f/1.8 lens.
For commercial work, consider the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM. It’s versatile, incredibly sharp, and the autofocus performance is top-notch. It covers a useful range, making it ideal for a variety of shooting conditions. Yes, it's an investment, but it's like having multiple prime lenses in one.
If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, check out the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III RXD. It’s significantly cheaper than the Sony G Master lenses but still offers excellent performance for video work. The autofocus is great, and it's lightweight, making it great for gimbal use.
If you have enough money, try the FE 16-35 gm ii, fe 24-70 gm ii, and fe 70-200mm gm ii lens, the best choices for FX3 !
A 24-70mm lens is a good choice for video shooting.