G Master lenses are loved by both seasoned and hobbyist video shooters for their top-notch build quality, amazing optical performance and reliable autofocus. Whether you're just starting out or looking to up your game, the G Master lineup has something to offer for every creative need. Let's take a look at some of the standout G Master lenses for video and what makes them a favorite in the videography community.
Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master II
For those ultra-wide shots, take a look at the Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master II. Whether you're filming vlogs, architecture, or vast landscapes, this lens gives you stunning wide-angle views. Its fast f/2.8 aperture is great for low-light shooting and offers creative depth of field effects. You'll get sharp, high-res images from edge to edge, perfect for capturing detailed scenes with precision.
Travel filmmaker and YouTube educator Brandon Li (@brandon_l_li) relies on the Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II for the majority of his video creation. “What I really like is that the 16-35 doesn’t extend or contract very much as you zoom it, so that means I don’t have to rebalance the gimbal regardless of which focal length I use with this lens,” he says. “You can go between ultra-wide and portrait, you can go 16-35 all within the same lens, and that covers me on a lot of my docu-type shoots.” Read more in Pro Tips For Epic Travel Films.
Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II
First up, the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II is a real all-rounder. This lens is perfect for anything, from sweeping landscape shots to close-up portraits, thanks to its versatile 24-70mm range. It features a constant f/2.8 aperture, meaning you get consistent exposure throughout its zoom range, and it's fantastic in low-light conditions. This is key for achieving that dreamy bokeh and depth of field that can really tell a story. Plus, with its advanced optical elements and coatings, your shots will come out sharp and vibrant, minimizing any unwanted glare or aberrations.
Alpha Collective member Jessica Hirsch (@cheatdayeats) uses the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II as her go-to for dynamic food videos. “I always wonder if another lens will replace my love for the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master. Well, technically it has, once the Mark II version came out! It’s a bit lighter and less long, and it’s somehow even a bit sharper than the amazing Mark I, so I had to get it. This combo is easily my favorite of all time and I go months sometimes without having to use a different lens for the amazing Alpha 7S III. Not only can I zoom in with my lens, but even more so during post-edit since I film in 4k and edit in 1080p.” Read more in Jessica Hirsch's Ultimate Photography Kit For Food And Travel.
Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master II
Now, if you're after a lens that gives you great reach, the Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master II is your guy. It's perfect for capturing subjects from afar, which is super handy for wildlife and sports videography. It includes Optical SteadyShot (OSS) image stabilization to help you get smooth, stable shots even when you're shooting handheld or in tricky spots. And with its durable build and weather sealing, this lens will be your trusty sidekick no matter where your shoot takes you.
Photographer, videographer and freediver Josh Munoz (@joshmunoz) started taking the Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 GM II underwater with him for beautiful footage below the surface. “Holy smokes, is it fun! Sometimes it feels like things are a bit too close so it can’t be used in every situation, but the detail you can capture with this underwater is wild. The speed and intelligence of this lens paired with a powerful camera body make shooting video so simple and the lens has no problems keeping focus even while tracking.” Read more in What’s In My Bag: A Freediver’s Hybrid Kit For Rare Underwater Encounters, Vlogging & More.
Sony 50mm f/1.2 G Master
If low-light performance and isolating your subject are what you need, the Sony 50mm f/1.2 G Master is an excellent pick. Its wide f/1.2 aperture lets you shoot in dim conditions while providing beautiful bokeh and subject isolation. This lens is compact and lightweight, making it easy to handle for on-the-go shoots. Plus, its precise autofocus ensures you nail the focus every time, even with a shallow depth of field.
Filmmaking and Sony Artisan Ben Moon used the Sony 50mm f/1.2 GM for a film, and loved the cinematic look the lens gave him. “The autofocus performed beautifully while filming surfing in Iceland during the making of the Creation Theory film. When shooting surf in Iceland, people will often use a wider lens so they can get closer to the action. But in this scenario, I was shooting a break. It was springtime and the water was 34 degrees, definitely the chilliest ocean I have swam in with a waterhousing. I had to stay in this one spot. That lens had a very cinematic feel. There was a lot of really expensive cinema gear on that set for that film, but looking back at the footage shot with this lens, it just blends in with the rest of the footage shot on cinema gear.” Watch below and read more in What’s In My Bag: A Pro’s Go-To Kit For Epic Outdoor Photography & Cinematic Video.
Sony 135mm f/1.8 G Master
The Sony 135mm f/1.8 G Master is a favorite for portrait work, making it ideal for interviews and cinematic storytelling. It excels at rendering subjects beautifully, giving your videos a cinematic feel. The wide f/1.8 aperture allows for great depth of field control and performs superbly in low light, enhancing background separation. The lens is packed with advanced optics to minimize aberrations and deliver precise autofocus, essential for professional video work.
Wedding filmmaker Matt Johnson says the Sony 135mm f/1.8 GM is one of the prettiest lenses out there for wedding video. I would argue that there is something truly magical about this focal length, and it’s actually because this lens is so tight that it is so good.” Watch below as he reviews it from the perspective of a wedding filmmaker.
Sony 14mm f/1.8 G Master
Looking for an ultra-wide perspective? The Sony 14mm f/1.8 G Master is perfect for capturing expansive scenes, like architecture and landscapes. Its fast f/1.8 aperture is fantastic for low-light conditions, offering beautiful bokeh and depth control. It's compact and lightweight too, so you can easily maneuver it during dynamic shoots.
The Journey Glimpse Photography Collective (@journeyglimpse), known for creating compelling travel videos, relies on the Sony 14mm f/1.8 GM lens to create their popular vlogs. “It has the perfect wide angle for vlogging,” the members share. “It is incredibly sharp, has fast autofocus and with its wide-open aperture we are able to film even in relatively dark environments without raising the ISO sky high.” Read more in What's In My Bag: A Travel Photo Collective's Kit For Filmmaking & Vlogging.
Sony 24mm f/1.4 G Master
The Sony 24mm f/1.4 G Master provides a versatile wide-angle view, great for landscapes, street videography, and environmental portraits. Its bright f/1.4 aperture means you can shoot in low light and create stunning depth of field effects. With advanced optics, this lens delivers sharp, high-contrast images with minimal aberrations, making it a go-to in any videographer's kit.
Alpha Collective member Jess Santos (@missjessbess), who is known for capturing photos, videos and timelapses of the night sky and her adventures, calls the Sony 24mm f/1.4 GM her go-to for video. “This lens lives on my Alpha 7S III for video, I love the focal length and f/1.4 for my adventure videos. This is also a great lens for capturing the night sky and night photography panoramas and because it is lightweight it is always in my bag.” Read more in What’s In My Bag: An Adventurer’s Kit For Dreamy Landscapes, Astroscapes & Timelapses.
Sony 35mm f/1.4 G Master
Lastly, the Sony 35mm f/1.4 G Master lens offers a classic focal length that provides a natural perspective, perfect for storytelling and documentary-style shooting. Its wide f/1.4 aperture is excellent for low-light scenarios and controlling depth of field, essential for crafting impactful video content. Smooth and quiet autofocus is also a highlight, ensuring your footage is seamless and professional without any distracting noise.
Environmental filmmaker and Sony Artisan Andy Mann says the Sony 35mm f/1.4 GM is his first choice for video. “The holy grail of photojournalism, style and grace. I use this as my go-to portrait/people lens as I am able to include the environmental story around my subject while still getting that boutique shallow depth of field. This will be my first choice when moving to video as well. It’s the most beloved prime lens of all time for a reason.” Read more in What's In My Bag: A Conservation Storyteller's Run-&-Gun Kit For Photo & Video.
