Rokinon AF IO2460AFZ-E 60mm

A tiny, weather-sealed f/2.8 zoom that punches way above its price tag. Skip it only if you absolutely need that 70mm portrait length.

The autofocus is the real star here. That Linear STM motor is fast, quiet, and practically invisible in video work. We were surprised by how little focus breathing there is, which is a huge win for run-and-gun shooters. Optically, it's sharp in the center right from f/2.8, though the edges do soften up a bit until you stop down. The bokeh isn't going to melt your brain, but it's smooth enough to not be distracting.

The obvious rival is Sony's 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II, which is optically superior and has that extra 10mm of reach, but it costs a fortune and weighs nearly 700g. The Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM is another strong competitor with stabilization, but you're locked into Canon's system. For Sony shooters, the Rokinon is the budget king. If you absolutely need more reach, the Tamron 18-300mm is a superzoom alternative, but you'll lose the constant f/2.8 aperture and low-light chops.

Pricing is all over the map, from $682 to an absurd $99,782, so don't get scammed. At the real-world price under $700, this lens is a steal. You're getting a constant f/2.8 aperture, weather sealing, and top-tier AF for less than half the cost of Sony's own 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II. If you find it at the low end of that range, buy it without a second thought.

The Rokinon AF 24-60mm f/2.8 is the lens for Sony shooters who want constant f/2.8 brightness without the backache or the bank-breaking price of a traditional 24-70mm. You give up a little reach on the long end, but you gain a compact, weather-sealed workhorse that feels right at home on a gimbal. For video creators and travel photographers, this thing is a sneaky-good alternative to the heavy hitters.

If you're primarily a portrait photographer, this isn't your lens. The 60mm long end just doesn't compress features the way a 70mm or 85mm does, and the bokeh is merely okay. Go grab a used Sony 85mm f/1.8 instead and call it a day.

If you're a Sony hybrid shooter who values portability and video performance over sheer portrait perfection, this is your lens. The missing 10mm on the long end is the only real compromise, and for most people, the weight savings and price tag more than make up for it. It's not the best for dedicated portrait work, but for everything else, it's a brilliant little zoom.