These are the best Sony lenses for pet photography when you want fast, sticky Animal Eye AF, flattering separation, clean indoor low-light performance, and close-focus detail for whiskers, paws, and action—backyard zoomies to cozy couch portraits—and here’s what to look for as you buy: prioritize fast apertures (ƒ1.4–ƒ1.8 primes; constant ƒ2.8 zooms), linear/XD motors that lock onto erratic movement, reliable OSS (paired with IBIS) for indoor handhelds, short minimum focus distance for nose-to-lens moments, minimal focus breathing if you film, weather sealing for drool/rain/park dust, and front diameters you can standardize so one high-quality clear/UV and a VND cover your kit; favor lenses with quiet AF so timid pets aren’t spooked, and bring a rubber hood to cut window reflections for shelter sessions. Full-frame prime heroes: FE 35mm ƒ1.4 GM (environmental storytelling at pet eye level with dimensional pop), FE 50mm ƒ1.4 GM (classic living-room portraits and owner-pet moments), FE 85mm ƒ1.4 GM (creamy half-body separation outdoors), FE 135mm ƒ1.8 GM (action freezes and distant candids with razor detail), and FE 20mm ƒ1.8 G or FE 24mm ƒ1.4 GM for cramped interiors and dynamic play; must-have detail lens: FE 90mm ƒ2.8 Macro G OSS (whiskers, collars, paws, tags, textures). Zoom workhorses: FE 24–70mm ƒ2.8 GM II (from floor-level wide to tight mid-shots—stellar close-focus), FE 70–200mm ƒ2.8 GM OSS II (dog sports, fast yard chases, shelter runs; elite AF/OSS and TC support), FE 70–200mm ƒ4 Macro G II (lighter with 0.5× for nose/eye detail), and FE 16–35mm ƒ2.8 GM II (dramatic low-angle wides and group shots); compact/value standouts: Tamron 28–75mm ƒ2.8 G2 (small, quick) and Tamron 70–180mm ƒ2.8 VXD (pit-friendly tele); for field games or agility from the fence line, FE 100–400mm ƒ4.5–5.6 GM OSS adds flexible reach while staying sharp. Budget-friendly full-frame options: FE 35mm ƒ1.8, FE 50mm ƒ1.8, and FE 85mm ƒ1.8—light, fast AF, beautiful once you learn their wide-open sweet spots; tiny G trio (FE 24/2.8 G, 40/2.5 G, 50/2.5 G) keeps kits stealthy for nervous rescues. APS-C shooters get pro-ready results with E 16–55mm ƒ2.8 G (workhorse mid-range), E 15mm ƒ1.4 G (22.5-eq environmental hero), E 35mm ƒ1.8 OSS (52-eq “normal” with stabilization), E 50mm ƒ1.8 OSS (75-eq portrait), E 11mm ƒ1.8 (tight rooms), and E 70–350mm ƒ4.5–6.3 G OSS for dog-sport reach; mounting FE 70–200/2.8 or FE 135/1.8 on crop delivers extra “reach” without losing AF performance. Practical buyer tips: build a two-lens spine (24–70/2.8 + 70–200/2.8 or 35/1.4 + 85/1.4) and add the 90 Macro for detail sets; standardize thread sizes for one VND (video) and a clear protector for muddy sessions; test close-range sharpness and bokeh at your working distances (≈0.3–2 m), and favor internal focus/zoom for balance when you’re shooting low and moving fast. Pet-shooting tips: enable Animal Eye AF with AF-C and a flexible/expanded zone, start around 1/1000–1/2000s for running dogs (ƒ2.8–ƒ4, Auto-ISO with a sensible ceiling), or 1/250–1/500s for calmer portraits; shoot at the pet’s eye level, keep backgrounds distant for clean separation, and use toys/treats/squeakers above the lens axis for eye contact; indoors, bounce window light or a softbox, work near wide open and stop 1/3–2/3 stop for eyelash-crisp eyes, lean on OSS/IBIS to keep ISO down, and avoid CPLs that can dull fur sheen; for video, hold a 180° shutter with VND, enable breathing compensation, and prefer quiet linear-motor lenses for natural audio; bring wipes, water, and patience—breaks keep energy up and tongues tucked in. Whether you’re freezing a mid-air fetch, capturing a cat’s sunlit whiskers, or telling a cozy family-and-pet story, the best Sony lenses for pet photography combine fast, quiet AF, close-focus ability, and flattering optics—so fur looks silky, eyes sparkle, and your keepers feel lively and full of personality.