The Best Lenses for the Sony FX9

The Sony FX9 is a staple in the filmmaking industry for good reason.

Offering a full-frame 6K sensor, fast hybrid autofocus and a dual base ISO, you must choose the right lens to maximise the camera’s capabilities.

The FX9 is a Netflix-approved camera, meaning it meets their technical and workflow requirements, placing it among the best in the world.

We’ve used FX9s for years for all types of productions, including:

• Documentaries
• Live performances
• Comedy shows
• Fashion shows
• Prank shows
• Talk shows
• Short films
• & much more

The versatility of the FX9 is unmatched and we would recommend this camera for most production types.

In this post, we will help you pick the perfect FX9-compatible lens for your next project.

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Sony FX9 Key Features

Before discussing which lenses are best suited for the camera, we’d like to tell you more about the Sony FX9. Here are the camera’s key features:

• 6K Full-Frame “Exmor R” sensor - the CMOS sensor is back-illuminated, boasting improved sensitivity and reduced noise. You can also capture 4K in Super 35mm.
• 15+ stops dynamic range - this helps filmmakers frame the scene whilst relying on the camera to capture every nuance and detail.
• Dual Base ISO - the secondary High Base ISO of 4000* excels in low-light conditions without adding extra gain.
• Cinematic colour science with S-Cinetone™ - this is the FX9’s default look, which includes rich mid-range colours, alluring facial tones and a softer tonal look.
• User 3D LUTs and HLG - you can import and store up to 16 LUTs in the FX9s internal memory and switch between them when you like.
• HDR/SDR dual production support - whilst shooting HDR content, the EVF is easily switched between HDR and SDR emulation modes.
• Selectable frame rates for Full-Frame, Super 35mm and Super 16mm - you can choose a frame rate from 1fps up to 180fps.
• 16-bit RAW capability - it supports 16-bit RAW footage exported at either 4K or 2K resolution using an optional extension unit.
• Fast Hybrid AF - developed by Sony’s Alpha camera engineers, it combines fast, accurate subject tracking with exceptional focus accuracy.
• Eye AF and Real-time Tracking - the FX9 is the world’s first camera with Sony’s high-speed, high-precision eye tracking technology.
• Customizable AF settings - this includes 7 AF transition speeds and 5 AF subject shift sensitivity ranges.
• Autofocus with Sony E-Mount lenses - the FX9 has autofocus compatibility with every Sony E-Mount lens.
• World’s first electronic variable ND filter for full-frame sensor - this is a world first for professional full-frame cameras.
• Proven ergonomics and accessory compatibility - it offers compatibility with a large proportion of Sony FS7 accessories including batteries, chargers, lenses, plus arms and lens adapters.
• Quick menu control with touch operation - the viewfinder has a touch screen menu that has quick access to the most commonly accessed features.
• 4K multi-camera remote operation - the FX9 supports S700 Protocol over Ethernet for all kinds of productions that require remote multi-camera operation.
• Stable, shake-free handheld footage - advanced image stabilisation can be transformed in post-production to look as if it were shot with a gimbal.
• 4-channel audio input and recording - this includes individual audio control dials for each channel.
• Multi-Interface (MI) Shoe - this provides power, signal connections and on/off switching with compatible Sony accessories.
• Networked for high mobility - featuring 5GHz and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi capability.

The FX9 is packed with features, making it one of the most versatile cameras in the world.

As mentioned before, to maximise the full capabilities of the camera, you must choose the right lens to pair with it.

If you’re looking for a PL-mount lens you must get a PL to E-mount adapter for it to work with the camera.

As mentioned above, all of Sony’s E-mount lenses have autofocus compatibility with the FX9 so you should consider that.

Now, let’s move on to showcasing the best lenses compatible with the Sony FX9.

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ARRI Signature Primes (PL-Mount)

Focal lengths: 12-280mm

Aperture: T1.8-T22

Front diameter: ​​114mm

Weight: 1.8kg

Offering a modern lens with a timeless look, Arri Signature Primes are quite possibly the best PL-mount prime lenses.

They have been used in productions such as John Wick: Chapter 4, Wednesday and Bridgerton.

Let’s take a look at the key specifications of these lenses:

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Cooke S8/i Primes (PL-Mount)

Focal lengths: 18-350mm

Aperture: T1.4-T22

Front diameter: ​​104mm

Weight: 2.4kg

The Cooke S8 range consists of 16 different focal lengths ranging from 18-350mm.

Cooke also says that they’ll be adding more focal lengths to the range later on in 2023.

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ZEISS CP.3 Primes (E-Mount)

Focal lengths: 15-135mm

Aperture: T2.1-T22

Front diameter: ​​95mm

Weight: 0.77kg

Offering ten focal lengths ranging from 15mm to 135mm, ZEISS CP.3 Primes cover all applications from wide-angle to telephoto.

Compared to the CP.2, these lenses offer a smaller size, interchangeable mounts and full-frame coverage.

As they are also E-mount lenses, you won’t need to use an E to PL-mount adapter.

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Sigma Cine Primes (E-Mount)

Focal lengths: 14-135mm

Aperture: T1.5-T16

Front diameter: ​​95mm

Weight: 1.21kg

Designed to shoot 6K and 8K, the Sigma Cine Primes are said to be perfect for contemporary movie and video production.

Sigma is a brand known for creating more affordable lenses, therefore these would be perfect if you had a tight budget.

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Conclusion

The FX9 is an innovative camera with many features that great lenses will benefit from.

When choosing a lens you should think about what you need, for example:

• Budget-friendly
• E or PL-mount
• High-end
• Versatility

If you’re looking for more information or would like to try out these lenses yourself, feel free to get in touch with us and we’ll provide you with a free quote.