Best Lenses for Sony FX30

Short answer: Which lenses are best for the Sony FX30?

For the Sony FX30, a Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G is the best single zoom, because it keeps a constant f/2.8 aperture across the range. Add a fast prime such as the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN for low light and shallow depth of field, and a wide zoom such as the Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 for landscapes and interiors. The FX30's APS-C (Super 35) sensor crops the view, so focal lengths frame tighter than on a full-frame camera.

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What should you know about the Sony FX30 before choosing lenses?

The Sony FX30 is a Cinema Line camera with a 26 MP APS-C (Super 35) sensor, 4K recording up to 120p, five-axis sensor-shift stabilization and S-Cinetone and S-Log3 profiles, according to Sony's FX30 specifications on Wikipedia and Sansmirror. Sources list it at about 645 g with battery and card.

Three points matter for lens choice:

• Crop factor. The APS-C sensor has about a 1.5x crop, so a 30mm lens frames like a roughly 45mm lens on full frame, and a 56mm lens like roughly 84mm.
• Extra crop in high frame rates. Sources say 4K at 120p adds a further crop, quoted as 1.5x to 1.6x, so wide lenses help.
• Lens mount. The FX30 uses Sony's E mount, so it accepts E-mount and FE lenses and many third-party lenses.

How do the main lenses compare?

The figures come from the makers' pages and specification databases. Weights vary between sources, so check the manufacturer's page for current numbers.

Sources: Sony's E 16-55mm f/2.8 G specifications, PhotographyBlog on the Sigma 16mm, 30mm and 56mm f/1.4 lenses and PhotographyBlog on the Tamron 11-20mm.

Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G

The Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G lens is the all-round pick. Its constant f/2.8 aperture keeps exposure steady as you zoom, which helps for interviews and run-and-gun shooting, and it covers wide to short-telephoto framing.

Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary

The Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary lens is a fast prime for low light and shallow depth of field. On the FX30 it frames like a roughly 45mm lens, a natural field of view for people and general scenes.

Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD

For wide landscapes and tight interiors, the Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 gives an ultra-wide view that APS-C cameras can struggle to reach. The constant f/2.8 aperture is useful for video, and at about 335 g it is light.

Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary

The Sigma 56mm f/1.4 frames like roughly an 84mm lens, which suits tight close-ups and subject isolation, at a modest price for an f/1.4 prime.

Other lenses to consider

• Sony E 11mm f/1.8 lens — View on Amazon
• Sigma 18–50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary lens — View on Amazon
• Sony E PZ power zoom lens — View on Amazon
• Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary lens — View on Amazon

Which lens for which job?

Frequently asked questions

Which lens should I buy first for the FX30? A constant-aperture standard zoom such as the Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G covers the most situations. Add primes later.

Does the FX30 crop the image? The sensor is APS-C, about a 1.5x crop compared with full frame. Some sources say 4K at 120p adds a further crop, so check Sony's specifications.

Can I use full-frame FE lenses on the FX30? Yes. The FX30 uses the E mount, and FE lenses work, though they frame tighter because of the crop.

What is a good budget prime for the FX30? The Sigma 30mm f/1.4 and 56mm f/1.4 are common budget primes for APS-C E-mount cameras.

What is the best wide lens for the FX30? The Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 is a popular wide zoom, and the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 and Sony E 11mm f/1.8 are wide primes.

For related guides, see the best lenses for the Sony FX3, the best lenses for the Sony ZV-E10 II, the best lenses for the Sony a6700 and the best lenses for videography on Sony.

Photo by Mia Anderson on Unsplash