In this blog, I will share with you my first impressions of the Sony 24mm f/2.8 prime lens. I’ve been using this lens for a few weeks, so this blog is an initial look and not a full review. The full review will come later after more extensive use in different conditions. For clarity, I purchased this lens with my own money, and I have no affiliations with Sony.

Purpose

This lens serves three key purposes. The first is to provide a tiny, lightweight package for travel photographers or those wishing to have the camera on a neck or shoulder strap. Secondly, this lens can be a fantastic backup option if you’re travelling. Perhaps your main lens is a zoom, and should something happen to it, the 24mm f/2.8 can serve as a backup option without taking space in your bag. Lastly, this is a great documentary photography lens due to the focal length and compact size.

Focal Length

The go-to focal length for many street and documentary photographers is 28mm. While this is a little wider, it doesn’t detract from that 28mm experience. If anything, it gives you a little more cropping room. This is a fantastic focal length for showcasing your point of view. Travel, food, events, and so much more can look incredible from the first-person perspective that this focal length can provide. Documentary photographers would use it to tell stories right from the centre of the action and make viewers feel like they are right there with them. Lastly, if paired with a higher resolution sensor in the A7RV and A7CR, you can get 35mm-equivalent photos in APS-C mode while still retaining ample resolution.

Build Quality

The lens feels solid with a sturdy all-metal build. The focus dial is smooth and well-damped. The aperture dial has solid, distinct clicks. Overall, the build quality seems great; however, this is something that will require time and heavy use to fully evaluate.

Size & Weight

Aside from the focal length, this would be the primary reason one would look at the 24mm. At 162 grams, it’s one of the lightest full-frame lenses out there, and you can really feel it when you have a camera around your neck. On a cross-body strap, you can barely notice the camera, even if fitted to the bigger A7R. If fitted to a smaller A7C, the total package is lighter and more compact than many APS-C alternatives. As mentioned before, due to the size and weight, this is a lens I will bring with me on every single trip as a backup.

Features

Despite the size, the lens packs quite a few features. The primary one is environmental sealing, and while Sony never discloses how much it can withstand, I’ve never had any issues with any of their products in the rain. The second feature, which isn’t unique to this lens but was a deciding factor in my purchase, is the custom button on the side. I programme it to temporarily enable manual focus while being pressed. This allows me to press it with one finger while using the other to adjust focus manually. As soon as I let go, the camera is back in AF. You get a click on/off switch which allows for smooth aperture adjustment, and an AF/MF switch. The aperture ring is easy to use, and all the markings are clear to see. The lens comes with a lens hood, however I personally don’t use it.

Image Quality

All modern lenses have fantastic image quality, and I feel we’re at the point where any modern lens above £500 will produce good results. I can’t say anything specific about the 24mm f/2.8. The image is tack-sharp, the bokeh is nice, and the colours render as they should. No issues at all. I took it out the other day for a photoshoot with my mum. Here are some of the shots.

AF Performance

The AF is top-notch thanks to two linear motors. It’s silent, fast, and reliable. However, just like image quality, this is hardly a surprise. Nothing specific I can say about the AF – it works every single time exactly how you’d expect.

Summary

I don’t often do blanket recommendations for gear because what you shoot with is very specific to you and your style. However, I can make an exception for the 24mm f/2.8 if you prefer wider focal lengths over 28mm. This is a must-have lens for all Sony shooters due to its size, weight, and performance. It makes for a good backup option or as your primary street photography tool. If this is a little too wide for you, check out the 40mm version.