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Worth knowing up front: Sony’s A-mount system (used by the A850) was discontinued years ago, and neither Sony nor Sigma/Tamron manufacture new A-mount lenses today. Every lens below is a genuine, well-regarded A-mount optic — but you’ll be buying it on the used/secondhand market (Amazon and eBay listings, camera resellers), not as new-in-box stock. That’s not a downside for image quality; these were Sony and Minolta’s professional-grade glass in their day, and they still perform well on the A850’s 24MP full-frame sensor. Prices below reflect typical used-market pricing.
| # | Product | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sony Carl Zeiss Planar T* 85mm F1.4 ZA (SAL85F14Z) | $700-$1,100 (used) | Amazon · eBay |
| 2 | Sony Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSM (SAL2470Z) | $600-$900 (used) | Amazon · eBay |
| 3 | Sony Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM (SAL1635Z) | $650-$950 (used) | Amazon · eBay |
| 4 | Sony 70-200mm F2.8 G SSM (SAL70200G) | $500-$800 (used) | Amazon · eBay |
| 5 | Sony 70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM (SAL70400G) | $550-$850 (used) | Amazon · eBay |
| 6 | Sony Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* 135mm F1.8 ZA (SAL135F18Z) | $700-$1,000 (used) | Amazon · eBay |
| 7 | Sony 50mm F1.4 (SAL50F14) | $150-$250 (used) | Amazon · eBay |
| 8 | Sony 28-75mm F2.8 SAM (SAL2875) | $200-$350 (used) | Amazon · eBay |
| 9 | Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG HSM (A-mount) | $250-$400 (used) | Amazon · eBay |
| 10 | Tamron SP AF 90mm F2.8 Di Macro (A-mount, Model 272E) | $200-$350 (used) | Amazon · eBay |
The picks, in detail
Sony Carl Zeiss Planar T* 85mm F1.4 ZA (SAL85F14Z)
The classic A-mount portrait prime — fast, sharp, and prized for its rendering of skin tones and bokeh.
- 85mm F1.4 maximum aperture
- Zeiss T* coating
- SSM autofocus motor
- All-metal build
- Exceptional portrait rendering
- Still highly regarded years after production ended
- Used-market only; prices vary by condition
Sony Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSM (SAL2470Z)
The professional standard zoom for the A-mount system, covering wide to short-tele at a constant f/2.8.
- 24-70mm F2.8 constant aperture
- Zeiss T* coating
- SSM autofocus
- Weather-resistant construction
- Versatile everyday pro zoom
- Strong optical performance across the range
- Heavier than a kit zoom
Sony Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM (SAL1635Z)
A pro-grade wide-angle zoom for landscape and architecture work on the A850’s full-frame sensor.
- 16-35mm F2.8 constant aperture
- Zeiss T* coating
- SSM autofocus
- Dust and moisture resistant
- Sharp corner-to-corner even wide open
- Useful range for interiors and landscapes
- Premium used pricing for the A-mount lineup
Sony 70-200mm F2.8 G SSM (SAL70200G)
Sony’s professional telephoto zoom, a staple for events, sports, and portraits at distance.
- 70-200mm F2.8 constant aperture
- G-series optics
- SSM autofocus motor
- ED glass elements
- Excellent subject separation and background compression
- Reliable, fast autofocus
- Large and heavy for everyday carry
Sony 70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM (SAL70400G)
A super-telephoto zoom built for wildlife and sports shooters who need reach beyond 200mm.
- 70-400mm range
- Two ED glass elements
- SSM autofocus
- 0.27x maximum magnification
- Long reach for wildlife/sports on a full-frame body
- Sharp G-series optics
- Narrower aperture at the long end limits low-light use
Sony Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* 135mm F1.8 ZA (SAL135F18Z)
A sharp, fast telephoto prime prized for portraits and subject isolation at distance.
- 135mm F1.8 maximum aperture
- Zeiss T* coating
- SSM autofocus
- 9-blade aperture for smooth bokeh
- Exceptional sharpness and background separation
- Fast enough for available-light portraits
- Narrow field of view limits versatility
Sony 50mm F1.4 (SAL50F14)
A classic fast standard prime, light enough to carry as a walkaround lens on the A850.
- 50mm F1.4 maximum aperture
- Super Steady Shot compatible body stabilization
- Compact, lightweight design
- Metal mount
- Affordable relative to the rest of this lineup
- Versatile everyday focal length
- Autofocus is slower than the SSM lenses on this list
Sony 28-75mm F2.8 SAM (SAL2875)
A budget-friendly constant-aperture standard zoom for shooters who want F2.8 without the Zeiss price tag.
- 28-75mm F2.8 constant aperture
- SAM autofocus motor
- Compact for a constant-aperture zoom
- Circular aperture blades
- Much cheaper than the Zeiss 24-70mm on the used market
- Solid everyday range
- Optically a step behind the Zeiss-branded zooms
Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG HSM (A-mount)
A third-party standard zoom alternative to Sony’s own 24-70mm, at a lower used-market price.
- 24-70mm F2.8 constant aperture
- HSM autofocus motor
- EX-series build quality
- Full-frame coverage
- Noticeably cheaper than the Sony/Zeiss equivalent
- Solid general-purpose performance
- Autofocus is slower than Sony’s native SSM lenses
Tamron SP AF 90mm F2.8 Di Macro (A-mount, Model 272E)
A dedicated 1:1 macro lens that doubles as a sharp short-telephoto portrait option.
- 1:1 macro magnification
- 90mm focal length
- Internal focusing design
- Sharp wide open
- True macro capability the rest of this list lacks
- Doubles well as a portrait lens
- Autofocus can hunt in macro range, as with most macro lenses
Buying tips
- Since Sony’s A-mount is discontinued, buy from a reseller with a return/inspection window (KEH, MPB, or an Amazon/eBay seller with clear return policy) rather than an unverified private listing.
- SSM (Sony’s ultrasonic motor) lenses autofocus noticeably faster and quieter than SAM lenses — worth the price difference if you shoot moving subjects.
- If you later move to Sony’s E-mount mirrorless system, these A-mount lenses can be adapted, though autofocus speed varies by adapter.
As an Amazon Associate and eBay Partner, toptenpick.com earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change.