I came from an iPhone 14 Pro. The ZV-E1 is my first real camera. My goal was simple: cover as much focal length as I could for vlogging while keeping a usable aperture. I’ve used four lenses on this body are Sony 50mm f/1.8, Sony 16-35 f/4, Sony 24-105 f/4 (then returned it), and Tamron 28-200 f/2.8-5.6. Here’s what actually works for me, what annoyed me, and the one shoot where I picked the wrong lens. For the camera itself, see our Sony ZV-E1 review.
Quick verdict
- Buy a wide zoom for indoor and vlogging: I swapped the 24-105 for the 16-35 f/4 for more width and indoor use. The 16-35 stays on when I’m at the desk or in tight spaces.
- Buy one lens with reach: The Tamron 28-200 gives me 28 to 200 in one lens with f/2.8 at the wide end. I use it for run-and-gun and when I don’t want to change lenses.
- Buy a fast prime portraits and low light conditions: The Sony 50mm f/1.8 is cheap and fast. When the 16-35’s f/4 wasn’t enough(it failed), I wished I’d had the 50 or the Tamron.
- Do NOT assume f/4 is enough for every outdoor shoot. On a darker or cloudy day you’ll want f/2.8 or faster.
What I love and what annoys me
What I love: Footage straight out of the camera that needs less editing and gets to “done” faster. That’s the main win for me is quality and speed of production.
What annoys me: Autofocus. I’m still learning it. Sometimes the camera defocuses when I don’t want it to, and I’ve had to do multiple takes to get a usable clip. So lens choice isn’t just focal length and aperture; it’s also how much you’re asking of the AF (e.g. shallow DOF, quick reframes). For settings and AF, see our best ZV-E1 settings.
Lenses I actually use
Sony 16-35mm f/4 G
I returned the 24-105 and bought 16-35 for more wide end and better fit for indoor and vlogging. At 16mm I get the room and my face in frame without backing up. f/4 is fine indoors with two lights and controlled conditions. Do NOT take it as your only lens on a cloudy or dim outdoor day. I did that once for flowers in the garden and was disappointed. I should have brought the Tamron 28-200 or the 50mm f/1.8. For wide indoor and desk vlogging, the 16-35 is my default.
Sony 50mm f/1.8
Inexpensive and fast. I use it when I want shallow depth of field or when the light is low and f/4 isn’t enough. After the garden shoot with the 16-35, the 50mm is what I reach for when I know I’ll be in inconsistent or dim light. It’s also the lens I’d recommend as a first prime if you’re on a budget. See our best prime for ZV-E1 and best budget lenses for more.
Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6
One lens from 28 to 200. f/2.8 at the wide end helps in lower light; by 200 you’re at f/5.6. I use it when I want maximum focal range without swapping—B-roll, travel, family events. It’s the lens that would have saved the flower shoot: more reach and a faster wide end than the 16-35 in that situation. Heavier than the 16-35 or 50; I use the GP-VPT3 grip when it’s on the camera for long.
Sony 24-105mm f/4 G (returned)
I used it for a while. The reach to 105 was useful, but I wanted wider for indoor and vlogging, so I exchanged it for the 16-35. If you shoot more outdoors and don’t need 16mm, the 24-105 is still a solid one-lens option; for my use (mostly indoor/desk, sometimes outside and family), the 16-35 made more sense.
Wrong lens, one shoot
What happened: I took the 16-35 f/4 on a darker, cloudy day to shoot flowers in the garden. The aperture wasn’t enough; I had to push ISO or accept slower shutter. The result was disappointing. What I’d do now: Take the Tamron 28-200 (f/2.8 at 28mm) or the Sony 50mm f/1.8 in darker cloudy days. With this episode I have learned that match the lens to the light. f/4 is fine in good light or with lights indoors; for overcast or dim outdoor, bring something faster.
How I choose my lens now
| Situation | Lens I use |
|---|---|
| Indoor, desk, vlogging, tight space | 16-35 f/4 |
| Outdoor, variable light, or need reach | Tamron 28-200 |
| Low light, shallow DOF, or backup | 50mm f/1.8 |
| Family events, mix of wide and zoom | Tamron 28-200 and 50mm f/1.8 (for portraits) |
Verdict
For my use—mostly indoor/desk, sometimes outside and family events—the 16-35 f/4 and Tamron 28-200 cover most of it, with the 50mm f/1.8 for low light and when f/4 isn’t enough. Do NOT rely on f/4 alone for cloudy or dim outdoor shoots; bring a faster lens. If you’re starting from scratch and want one lens for range, the Tamron 28-200 is the one I’d pick; add the 16-35 if you need wider for indoor vlogging. For budget options, see best budget lenses for ZV-E1.
Check current prices: Sony 16-35 f/4 | Tamron 28-200 | Sony 50mm f/1.8 (affiliate links – we may earn a commission).