It sports an ISO range of 100-16000, with a 2.4M dot OLED EVF eye sensor. The NEX-7 supports the 1080/60p HD movie recording option. It also has a tilting rear screen.

Now that we have covered the basics about the camera, let’s find the best Sony NEX-7 lens.

Best Prime Lens For Portrait Photography

Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 is constructed of nine elements in 12 groups. It packs an 11-blade aperture and aspheric elements which ensure a great bokeh effect.

The minimum focus distance is 0.45m. I liked the aperture ring of the lens with a selectable switch and auto/manual switch for direct focus control. The image quality of the lens is extraordinary, with sharpness from all corners.

In terms of design:

I appreciate having an iris ring for manual exposure. The bokeh effect is creamy and gorgeous, even at larger “F” stops.

The f/1.4 maximum aperture is great for portraits, and I didn’t notice distortions nor vignetting. Furthermore, it absorbs enough light, thus shooting in lowlight situations is not an issue.

Although it is designed quite well, with sleek lines and robust materials, the lens is hefty. If you consider it is a 50mm lens, there is no reason for that weight.

Despite its shortcoming in terms of weight and price, the performance of this optics is outstanding, thus making it the best Sony NEX-7 lens for portraits.

Best Wide-Angle Lens for Landscapes and Urban areas

Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 is a wide-angle lens with a maximum magnification ratio of 0.14x and an angle of view of 122°–84°.

The lens has a seven-blade circular aperture, along with four aspherical, one super ED and three ED glass elements. It sports a Direct Drive Supersonic Wave motor which provides silent and accurate focusing. It also provides incredible sharpness across the frame.

However:

At 12mm I noticed corner distortion, but only at extreme edges. Since I corrected it in post-production, I don’t take it as a flaw.

Furthermore, the lens delivers extraordinary results for interiors and landscapes.

The aperture is sufficient for the main purpose of the lens. I wish it was an f/2.8, but unless you plan to shoot portraits, you won’t tell the difference.

The main use of the lens is for landscapes and architecture photography. I achieved admirable results shooting house interiors. The zooming option is convenient for flexibility since you don’t need to switch to a prime ultra-wide lens.

The color rendering and sharpness are great overall, even at the maximum opening. When you consider all features, it is the best Sony NEX-7 lens for wide-angle purposes. 

Best All-Around Lens For Everyday Photography

Sony FE 24-70mm F/2.8 sets the minimum focus distance at 0.38 meters, with the maximum magnification ratio of 0.24x.

It sports an angle of view of 84°-34°. The lens is equipped with a nine-blade circular aperture which ensures creamy bokeh. Furthermore, it has a Nano AR coating for precise light transmission.

The general image quality is quite well. I tested the lens from an f/2.8 to an f/16 and the results were remarkable at both ends.

However:

At an f/16 I noticed color distortion at frame edges. I have also noticed that colors often change when I change the aperture, even under the same light. The focusing system is one of the best features of the lens. Not even once did I have a missed shot or focus hunting.

Even though it is a zoomable lens, it creates great-looking defocusing areas, so it can be used as a portrait lens.

Another great point is the customizable button which allowed me to set up necessary features. In this way, I avoided the use of the menu during shooting. The design of the lens is solid, but it feels quite heavy after some time. 

Best Telephoto Lens For Wildlife Photography

Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 is a telephoto zoom lens with Nano AR coating and Optical SteadyShot image stabilization.

The closest focus distance is less than three inches. The lens is built with a nine-blade circular aperture, two Extra-low, and four aspherical elements. The general image quality is overall great.

Pictures are full of small details, with solid separations and contrast. The optical image stabilization improves the shooting experience significantly, especially with the lack of a tripod collar. I tested the lens in difficult situations, and it would be extremely hard to shoot without OSS.

Furthermore:

The closest close-up distance can create beautiful macro shots. The aperture of an f/4.5 translates as the need for a higher ISO value when you shoot in the wilderness.

However, I didn’t face issues, thanks to solid focusing and OSS. The vignetting occurs at the telephoto end, but it is nothing that would count as a major flaw.

Another reason that makes this optics the best Sony NEX-7 lens for telephotography is the design. Although it is heavy, the materials are top-notch, and zooming capabilities are phenomenal.

Best Macro Lens For Macro Photography

Sony 90mm f/2.8-22 lens comes with Nano AR for suppressing reflections. It sets the minimum focus distance at 0.28m, with the maximum magnification ratio of 1.0x. The angle of view is 27°-17°. The lens has a nine-blade circular aperture, along with Direct Drive SSM focusing system.

One of the best features of the lens is the Optical SteadyShot image stabilization that renders beautiful images, even under harsh lighting. I liked the instant manual/auto focusing selection via a sliding focus ring, which works without any flaw.

The lens is razor-sharp for photographers who don’t mind using manual focus. I tested it on moving animals (insects, lizards, snakes) and achieved great results.

The autofocus option works solid.

However:

For macro work, the manual focus proved better in this case.

I liked the color distribution since the images were saturated and lively. Furthermore, the background melted away, even at an f/16 aperture.

The design of the lens is phenomenal, and the push/pull between auto/manual is ergonomically perfect.

The ribbed focus ring is great to use. Moreover, the lens offers protection from dust and moisture, so it is safe to use it under heavy rains. 

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Sony NEX-7 with the Right Lenses

When aiming to enhance your photography with the Sony NEX-7, choosing the right lenses is crucial. Here are specific tips to help you select lenses that will complement your NEX-7 and elevate your photography:

• Consider the Sensor Crop Factor: The NEX-7 has an APS-C sensor with a 1.5x crop factor. Remember that the effective focal length will be 1.5 times the stated lens focal length. Choose lenses that align with the field of view you need after considering this crop factor.

• Prioritize Lens Aperture: A lens with a wide aperture, like f/1.4 or f/2.8, is ideal for low light conditions and can achieve a shallow depth of field for portraits with beautiful bokeh.

• Assess Image Stabilization: While the NEX-7 doesn’t have in-body stabilization, some lenses offer optical stabilization. Opt for stabilized lenses if you frequently shoot in dynamic conditions or handhold your camera for videos.

• Look for Sharpness and Autofocus Speed: The NEX-7’s high-resolution sensor requires lenses that can resolve fine detail. Seek out lenses known for sharpness and fast autofocus to take full advantage of the camera’s capabilities.

• Evaluate Size and Weight: The NEX-7 is compact, so consider the size and weight of the lenses. A heavy lens might unbalance the camera, making it harder to handle, especially when shooting handheld.

• Explore Specialty Lenses: If you have specific interests like macro or astrophotography, look for lenses that cater to those niches, such as a macro lens with 1:1 magnification or a wide-angle lens with a fast aperture for astrophotography.

• Invest in Quality Glass: Given the resolution of the NEX-7, investing in high-quality lenses can significantly impact the final image quality. Look for lenses with low dispersion elements and coatings that reduce flare and ghosting.

• Keep Firmware Updated: Occasionally, manufacturers release firmware updates that can enhance lens performance. Ensure your lenses are up-to-date to maximize compatibility and performance with your NEX-7.

• Consider Future Compatibility: If you plan to upgrade your camera body in the future, consider lenses that are compatible with both your current NEX-7 and any potential future camera bodies, such as full-frame options if you plan to upgrade to a full-frame Sony camera.

By following these tips, you can strategically select lenses that will not only work well with your Sony NEX-7 but also support your evolving photography skills and interests.

Best Lenses for Sony Nex 7 – Wrapping up

The increasing popularity of Sony’s cameras makes the market more saturated with different optics.

For that reason, it can be difficult to find the best Sony NEX 7 lenses.

No matter if you are a seasoned photographer, or someone who just got into the game; pick any of the Sony NEX 7 lenses and you can’t go wrong.

Please read similar guides on this blog such as Sony A5000 lenses and Sony A5100 lenses.

If you need additional help feel free to comment below and I will do my best to suggest some lens for your specific situation.

More Sony APS-C Series Lenses Guides:

• Sony A6300 Lenses
• Sony NEX-7 Lenses
• Sony A5100 Lenses
• Sony A6000 Lenses
• Sony A5000 Lenses
• Sony A6100 Lenses
• Sony A6600 Lenses
• Sony A6400 Lenses
• Sony A3000 Lenses
• Sony A55 Lenses
• Sony ZV-E10 Lenses
• Sony A6500 Lenses