Sony FE 40mm F2.5 G

Reviewers found it sharp in the centre from f/2.5 with good corners by f/4, low distortion, well-controlled colour fringing and quick, silent autofocus. The metal build and full set of controls on such a small lens were widely praised.

The limitations are the modest f/2.5 aperture, background blur that is limited unless you focus close, and a 7-blade aperture that turns highlights polygonal when stopped down. Vignetting is noticeable wide open, and some testers considered the launch price high for the speed.

Owners describe it as the lens that makes an A7C or A7-series body feel like a compact camera, and many say it lives on the camera for travel. The aperture ring and metal finish make it feel more premium than its weight suggests.

Complaints focus on the hood, which some find awkward to fit or easy to lose, the small lens cap, and the f/2.5 maximum aperture in low light. A few users wish it had been made faster at the same size.