Sony A7 V vs A7 V Kit Lenses — Which One Should You Buy?

Buying a new camera often comes with one big question: should you buy the kit lens or go body only?

With the Sony A7 V, that decision matters more than ever. Thanks to its AI-driven autofocus intelligence, blackout-free high-speed shooting, and refined video capabilities, the A7 V can deliver strong results even with entry-level lenses — but it clearly rewards better glass.

In this guide, we break down the real-world differences between buying the Sony A7 V with a kit lens versus purchasing the body only. We’ll cover image quality, autofocus behavior, video performance, long-term value, and who each option actually makes sense for.

What Comes in the Sony A7 V Kit?

Sony typically offers the A7 V in both body-only and kit configurations, depending on region and retailer. The most common kit lens options include:

• Sony FE 28–70mm f/3.5–5.6 OSS — standard entry-level kit
• Sony FE 24–105mm f/4 G OSS — premium kit option (availability varies)

The price difference between the kit and body-only versions is usually smaller than buying the same lens separately, which is why kits often look attractive at first glance.

Why Sony Still Sells Kit Lenses in 2026

Kit lenses continue to exist for one simple reason: they solve the “I just want to start shooting” problem.

For first-time full-frame buyers, a kit lens provides immediate usability, covers everyday focal lengths, and removes decision fatigue. Sony’s autofocus system is strong enough that even slower kit lenses can still benefit from the A7 V’s AI subject recognition and tracking reliability.

That said, kit lenses are designed around convenience — not maximum optical performance.

Sony A7 V + Kit Lens — Real-World Performance

Autofocus & Subject Tracking

The A7 V’s AI-powered autofocus works impressively well with kit lenses. Eye AF, human and animal detection, and subject tracking remain reliable even with slower apertures.

For everyday photography, travel, and casual action, the camera does most of the heavy lifting — not the lens.

Image Quality Expectations

While kit lenses are perfectly usable, they come with compromises:

• Limited low-light performance due to slower apertures
• Less background separation compared to faster lenses
• Edge sharpness that improves when stopped down

The A7 V’s sensor can out-resolve basic kit glass, meaning you won’t always be using the camera at its full potential.

Video Performance with Kit Lenses

For video shooters, kit lenses actually make more sense than many expect. Optical SteadyShot (OSS) pairs well with the A7 V’s stabilized sensor, helping deliver steadier handheld footage.

Autofocus during video recording remains confident and predictable, especially for talking-head and run-and-gun setups.
Essential accessories for Sony A7 V

Body Only + Better Lens — The Alternative Path

Buying the Sony A7 V body only gives you freedom — and that freedom usually leads to better long-term results.

Higher-quality lenses offer:

• Faster apertures for low light and subject separation
• Improved sharpness across the frame
• Better build quality and weather sealing
• Stronger resale value over time

If you already own Sony E-mount lenses or plan to build a serious kit, skipping the kit lens often makes financial and creative sense.

For lens recommendations by shooting style, see our full guide: Best Lenses for Sony A7 V and also check out the Sony E-mount system.

Kit Lens vs Body Only — Quick Comparison

Which Option Should You Buy?

Buy the Sony A7 V Kit If…

• You’re new to full-frame photography
• You want a ready-to-shoot solution with minimal setup
• You mainly shoot travel, family, or everyday content
• You value convenience over ultimate image quality

Skip the Kit and Buy Body Only If…

• You already own Sony E-mount lenses
• Low-light performance and background separation matter
• You plan to shoot events, wildlife, or professional video
• You’re building a long-term lens system

Final Verdict

The Sony A7 V kit lenses are not a mistake — they’re a practical starting point. But they are exactly that: a starting point.

If you want simplicity and immediate usability, the kit makes sense. If you want to unlock what the A7 V is truly capable of, investing in better glass from the start will pay off in image quality, creative flexibility, and long-term value.

There’s no wrong choice — only the one that fits how you shoot today and where you want your photography or video work to go next.
For hybrid shooters, pairing the kit lens with the essential accessories for Sony A7 V can dramatically improve video quality and handling.

Frequently Asked Questions – Sony A7 V Kit Lens vs Body Only

Is the Sony A7 V kit lens worth buying?

The Sony A7 V kit lens is worth buying if you want a simple, ready-to-shoot setup with minimal upfront decisions. It works well for travel, everyday photography, and casual video, but it does not fully showcase the camera’s capabilities.

Which kit lens usually comes with the Sony A7 V?

Most regions offer the Sony FE 28–70mm f/3.5–5.6 OSS as the standard kit lens. Some retailers also bundle the Sony FE 24–105mm f/4 G OSS as a premium kit option.

Does the A7 V autofocus work well with kit lenses?

Yes. The Sony A7 V’s AI-driven autofocus performs reliably even with slower kit lenses. Eye AF and subject tracking remain accurate, especially for everyday photography and video.

Should beginners buy the Sony A7 V kit or body only?

Beginners usually benefit from the kit lens because it allows immediate shooting without extra research. However, those planning to grow into low-light or professional work may prefer body only and invest in better lenses.

Is buying body only better for long-term value?

In most cases, yes. Buying the Sony A7 V body only allows you to choose higher-quality lenses with better low-light performance, stronger resale value, and greater creative flexibility over time.