The ZV-E10 is Sony’s latest APS-C mirrorless camera, and offers a dynamic combination of portability, affordability, and usability. Much like its predecessor, the ZV-1, it’s a great camera for aspirational vloggers and content creators. Unlike the ZV-1, however, the new model is an interchangeable lens system. So we set out to determine the 5 best lenses for the Sony ZV-E10. 

As a mirrorless camera, the ZV-E10 uses Sony E-mount lenses. While technically you could pair it with any one of Sony’s premium G Master lenses, they are better suited to more advanced, full-frame models like the a7 III or a7R IV.  

With a price tag of $698, The Sony ZV-E10 is more accommodating to beginners or those restricted by a budget. Nonetheless, it’s a powerful camera, capable of producing high quality stills and video.  

We deliberately selected lenses that match the camera’s blend of affordability and high performance. Each of the lenses below currently have a price tag below $650, yet produce fantastic visuals when paired with the Sony ZV-E10.

Sigma 16mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary 

The Sigma 16mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary is a fantastic wide-angle lens to use with Sony’s latest APS-C mirrorless camera. The letters ‘DC’ indicate the lens is designed for APS-C sensors, while ‘DN’ means the lens is exclusively for use with mirrorless cameras.  

As the ZV-E10 is an APS-C system, there is a 1.5 times crop on the lens, producing an angle of view equivalent to a 24mm lens on a 35mm sensor camera. This is a versatile angle of view that’s great for shooting wide-angle or landscape visuals. However, it’s also ideal for recording while walking and talking into the camera. 

For example, if you’re holding the ZV-E10 in front of you, recording yourself – perhaps using the Sony GP-VPT2BT grip – you’ll need a lens with a close minimum focusing distance and a wide angle of view to ensure your face is completely in frame and in focus while you record.  

The lens’ wide angle of view and 9.8-inch minimum focusing distance allows you to keep your face in focus and in frame from an arm’s length away. However, it’s also not so wide that your face will appear distorted or unnaturally wide. Additionally, shooting at the wide maximum aperture of F1.4 produces a pleasing bokeh and background separation effect. 

The ZV-E10 does not feature built-in mechanical image stabilization, however, it does utilize Sony’s electronic image stabilization software, SteadyShot. When recording handheld, you may wish to use this feature for reducing shake, although keep in mind that it will add an additional 10% crop to your image. All the more reason to use a lens with a wide angle of view like the Sigma 16mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary. 

Alternatives include the Sony 20mm F1.8 G and the Tamron 20mm F2.8 lenses. We ultimately chose the Sigma lens due to its wider angle of view and maximum aperture. At $399, it’s also considerably more affordable than the Sony lens, and only slightly more expensive than the Tamron lens. However, all three models make for great partners to the Sony ZV-E10.  

Sigma 30mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary 

Our second lens pick is another Contemporary lens by Sigma. With an equivalent focal length of 45mm, this lens also offers a robust angle of view for capturing subjects at different distances. Whether you’re shooting an intimate interview inside a studio, or trying to capture a vast outdoor landscape, the Sigma 30mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary lens won’t let you down. 

Measuring 2.6 x 2.9 inches (64.8 x 73.3mm), and weighing 9.3 oz (265g), the compact lens is easy to take with you anywhere. The lens also holds up optically, producing crisp, clear visuals even when shooting wide open at F1.4. 

We also recommend the Sony 35mm F1.8 OSS lens. Measuring 2.5 x 1.8 inches (63 x 45mm) and weighing 5.5 oz (154g), it’s smaller and lighter than the Sigma lens. The letters OSS stand for Optical SteadyShot, indicating the lens also has built-in mechanical image stabilization. This may appeal to vloggers that like to shoot handheld, given that the ZV-E10 camera only offers electronic image stabilization as mentioned above. 

However, while the Sony lens also pairs well with the ZV-E10, we found the Sigma lens generated better bokeh. This is unsurprising given its wider maximum aperture, which also allows it to perform more effectively in low-light. Additionally, the Sigma lens costs just $289, while the Sony lens is currently priced $473.  

Most photographers have a nifty-fifty in their camera bag. That is, an affordable, compact, 50mmm prime lens with a wide maximum aperture. While the Sigma lens may have a slightly wider angle of view, it fits the other defining characteristics of a nifty-fifty. It’s affordable, versatile, produces a shallow depth of field, and will well and truly earn its place in your camera bag.   

Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary 

Our third lens is another Sigma Contemporary prime lens with an aperture of F1.4. As discussed, the benefits of such a wide maximum aperture include pleasing bokeh and background separation, and a reliable low-light performance.  

With an equivalent focal length of 85mm, the Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary lens is ideal for portrait, street, wedding, and travel photography and video. The longer focal length makes it easier to capture candid moments from a distance, and the optical performance is fantastic. The lens captures incredibly sharp, crisp imagery.  

The Sigma 56mm F1.4 costs $429. If budget is an issue, you may prefer the Sony 50mm F1.8 OSS. With a more affordable $348 price tag, the lens also offers built-in optical image stabilization and is smaller and lighter than the Sigma lens. Its equivalent focal length is closer to 75mm, and the maximum aperture is one stop less wide. For these reasons, we think the Sigma lens is worth the extra expense. Either way, both lenses can produce fantastic visuals when paired with the Sony ZV-E10.  

Sony E PZ 18-105mm F4 G OSS 

Our fourth recommendation is the Sony E PZ 18-105mm F4 G OSS lens. As the only zoom lens in our list, it’s a robust companion to the Sony ZV-E10. The large focal range, equivalent to 27-157.5mm, makes it a suitable choice for most styles of photography and video.  

While the F4 maximum aperture may limit its capabilities in low-light, this is not a variable aperture lens, as zoom lenses in this price range tend to be. The lens can produce sharp, clear visuals at the F4 aperture throughout its focal range. Additionally, the lens has built-in optical image stabilization, and a power zoom button on its side that’s great for video. 

Measuring 3.1 x 4.3 inches (78 x 110mm) and weighing 15.1 oz (427g), it’s the largest lens in our list. Currently priced $648, it’s also the most expensive. However, given its all-purpose focal range and high-quality optical performance, the Sony E PZ 18-105mm F4 G OSS offers immense value. It’s an excellent default lens to leave on your ZV-E10.  

Sony 20mm F2.8 

Our fifth and final recommendation is an ultra-compact fan favorite. Measuring 2.5 x 0.8 inches (62.6 x 20.4mm) and weighing 2.4 oz (69g), the Sony 20mm F2.8 is a pancake lens that perfectly complements the already-compact ZV-E10.  

Given its size and an affordable $348 price tag, we anticipated some issues with distortion, sharpness, and image quality. On the contrary, the lens yielded impressively sharp, clear visuals. It’s a credit to the quality offered by Sony’s optics, even at the low end of their price range.  

The ZV-E10 is a small camera, and pairing it with the Sony 20mm F2.8 allows you to make the most of it. Adding negligible size and weight, the lens makes the ZV-E10 feel like its pocket-sized predecessor, the ZV-1. Additionally, the 30mm equivalent focal length means the lens is adept at landscape, street, travel, and portrait-style photography and video. Offering versatility, affordability, and portability, it’s a very fitting companion to the ZV-E10.  

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That concludes our list of the 5 best lenses under $650 for the Sony ZV-E10. While we found these lenses to be our preferred pairings with the new vlogging camera, your needs may demand different choices.  Let us know what lenses you like to use with your ZV-E10 in the comments below.

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