If you finish reading this article, you will be able to choose the right Sony E-Mount lens, that allows you to: take clear and sharp photos at low light (Night), Shot amazing close ups for tiny objects full of details, catch superb action for your fan during sport activities, provide pro portraits for your family, friends or clients, and finally capture breathtaking landscapes.
As with any new hobby, when you are a beginner in photography, it is very easy to get excited or misguided and make an impulsive buy. Though you have an option to choose multiple lenses for your camera, buying one that is not compatible will not just produce bad quality images but can also be such a waste of your money.
If you own a Sony a6000/a6300/a6400/a6500 mirrorless camera and want to find the right type of Sony lens for it, then you have come to the right place. This guide will give you everything from the different types of lenses for Sony a6000/a6300/a6400/a6500 that are ideal for sport, portrait, wild life photography and more. What's even better, you can also choose from some great brands like Tamro and Sigma and help you make a 100% successful purchase, whether you want to buy one online or walk into a store.
In this guide, we strive to give you all the help you will need in finding the right kind of lens for any Sony e-mount camera that you own. So even if you are not planning to buy one now, you can always use this as a guide later when you decide to buy one.
So we recommend that you bookmark this page as you will want to come back to it for reference later. If you find our guide useful, then you could also share it on Facebook, Twitter or other sites, with your friends who may also find it useful.
We will cover section:
As the name suggests, the 16-50 mm lens is the standard lens that comes bundled with your kit when you buy your camera. It is included by default, as it is a great first lens for beginners to shoot videos and pictures. You can take high quality pictures for all occasions with the 16-50mm. In case, you did not buy the kit lens, then you are better off buying the Sony 18-200 mm lens which will give you a wider coverage of the focal lengths, but before make your final decision, read this article that talk about 7 benefits of the kit lens, that will make you love it for ever.
Once you get the hang of your kit lens, your next lens to experiment with would be the Sony 35mm f/1.8 OSS. This is a prime lens, which means the focal length is standard, unlike a zoom lens. But prime lenses are great due to the fact that they have a field of view that is very similar to that of the human eye and thus produce captivating images.
Simply put, a telephoto lens is one that has a long focal length which means it has a narrower field of view allowing for a magnified image. Unlike regular long focal length lenses, telephoto lenses are shorter by virtue of their design, and hence are great to be used with your compact mirrorless, Sony camera.
If you are the type who likes the convenience of having everything in one, then the all in one zoom lens for Sony is the only lens you will ever need. With a focal length range of 18-300 mm, you can get everything from wide-angle to telephoto in one. This is especially great if you do not already have the standard 16-50 mm kit lens.
In portrait photography, the face of a person or a group of people is the main aspect of the picture. Though portraits can be taken with even your existing kit lens, the best portrait lens for Sony would be a prime lens with a focal length of 50mm to 60mm. This range is the optimum for head and should portraits and produce sharp images. What's even better, they are compact and lightweight, so you can easily carry one with you for weddings and parties with friends.
It is an obvious fact that when you get closer to the subject, you lose some of the field of view. But with a wide angle lens, the focal length is much smaller than a regular lens, so that you get more coverage even when you get closer.
What if you could see the face of a dragon fly or the housefly or even the petals of a tiny flower in great detail? That is exactly what a macro lens can do for you; open up a great new world of everything that is small.
A macro lens can let you explore things that even your eyes can't see, functioning like a magnification glass of sorts. You get a great depth of field and clarity even when you are just inches away from your subject. So if macro photography is your passion, then a Sony macro lens is what you will need to quench your thirst.
Not everyone wants to carry a super bulky camera with an even bigger lens, making you look like you're armed with a rifle. A Sony pancake lens is very compact, lightweight and flat that you can easily team it with the Sony and carry it into your coat pocket.
A great way to have enough storage space is to invest in an SD memory card based on your requirements. In any case, opt for something higher, as it never hurts to have some extra space for your digital captures.
Buy: Pro 64gb Memory card (Low price)
While going on a planned trip or adventure, make sure you buy extra batteries and charge them ahead to enjoy longer photo shooting times.
Buy: X2 Wasabi Battery (Very Recommended)
If you already have a tripod for your camera, then a wireless remote control almost becomes a default requirement. What's even better, your pictures will be a lot clearer, as it eliminates the vibration caused when you manually press the shutter release.
Buy: Sony Wire Control (#1 Best Seller - Low Price)
In addition to acting as a timer, it can also be used to control shutter speed and exposure length which when done manually can cause camera shakes.
Buy: Sony SelfTimer
Thankfully replacement covers are available in the market, specifically for your Sony. Even if your existing lens cover is not broken or missing, you can always choose one that comes with a leash to ensure its safety.
Buy: Sony alpha Lens cap (Different sizes)
Buy: Neewer Lens Hood for Sony alpha
Polarizing filters can also be used with your camera lens to reduce reflection from the subject and thereby to increase the contrast. If you want to get creative or add an element of fun to your pictures, you can choose from a range of color filters and add a dramatic effect to an otherwise sober picture.
Buy: Filters for Sony Alpha 6000
Read More:
Which is the BEST lens for Sony a6000/a6300/a6400/a6500 camera?
Mirrorless cameras such as the Sony a6000/a6300/a6400/a6500 let you take extremely high quality pictures and videos without the bulk of a DSLR. These are great options for a beginner and also are compatible with a variety of Sony lenses to let you explore different types of photography from portraits to landscapes and many more.As with any new hobby, when you are a beginner in photography, it is very easy to get excited or misguided and make an impulsive buy. Though you have an option to choose multiple lenses for your camera, buying one that is not compatible will not just produce bad quality images but can also be such a waste of your money.
If you own a Sony a6000/a6300/a6400/a6500 mirrorless camera and want to find the right type of Sony lens for it, then you have come to the right place. This guide will give you everything from the different types of lenses for Sony a6000/a6300/a6400/a6500 that are ideal for sport, portrait, wild life photography and more. What's even better, you can also choose from some great brands like Tamro and Sigma and help you make a 100% successful purchase, whether you want to buy one online or walk into a store.
In this guide, we strive to give you all the help you will need in finding the right kind of lens for any Sony e-mount camera that you own. So even if you are not planning to buy one now, you can always use this as a guide later when you decide to buy one.
So we recommend that you bookmark this page as you will want to come back to it for reference later. If you find our guide useful, then you could also share it on Facebook, Twitter or other sites, with your friends who may also find it useful.
We will cover section:
- Chapter One: What You Need to know About Sony E-Mount Lenses
- Chapter Two: List of the BEST Sony a6000/a6300/a6400/a6500 Lenses According to Photography Types
- Chapter 3: Lens Changing Tips
- Chapter 4: Must Have Accessories For Lenses (Protection, Cleaning…)
Chapter One: What You Need to know About Sony E-Mount Lenses
The great thing about DSLR cameras or mirror-less APS-C cameras is that you can play around with a variety of lenses. So, you can take a great landscape picture that covers the expanse of the Grand Canyon with a wide angle lens or an extremely close-up picture of the little hummingbird with a macro lens or some really captivating videos. The possibilities are almost endless and the good news is that, these lenses are also available to suit different pockets.
Buying lenses other than those that came as a bundle with your camera can seem pretty expensive. But you don’t have to worry as you can also buy extremely affordable lenses from great brands such as Tokina and Sigma. These brands use cost-effective materials to build the lenses without compromising on the quality of the glass used. But nothing can equal the quality and compatibility that you get when you use original Sony lenses for Sony alpha cameras.
A- Are there Different types of Sony a6000/a6300/a6400/a6500 Lenses (Prime VS Zoom)? Simply, Yes
The very first thing you will need to know before you buy a lens is its focal length. This is expressed in millimeters and will either be shown as a single number (E.g. 35mm) or as a range (E.g. 24 - 75mm). A higher focal length means that the scene coverage will be narrower and vice versa.
Now that you understand focal length, you need to know that there are two basic types of lens viz., prime lens and zoom lens.
Prime lens
Prime lenses has a fixed focal length, say for instance, a Sony 50mm has a 50 mm focal length and hence has an angle of view that is constant. Prime lenses come in a variety of focal lengths to suit different needs. Here are a few points to help you decide if a Sony a6000/a6300/a6400/a6500 Prime lens is the right one for you.
Pros and cons of prime lenses
- Sharp - You can get sharper pictures and relatively high quality images with a prime lens
- Size and weight - Lens with larger focal lengths can be larger and bulkier but in general they are not as heavy as zoom lenses
- Fast - Prime lenses are much faster than zoom lenses
- Zoom - The only way to achieve a zoom will be to physically get closer to your subject
- Price - Prime lenses only cost you a third or fourth of the zoom lenses and hence are pocket-friendly, especially for beginners.
Zoom lens
In contrast to prime lenses, a zoom lens allows you to choose a focal length from a wide range. For instance, a Sony a6000/a6300/a6400/a6500 zoom lens that is 70 - 200 mm will let you choose any focal length between 70 mm and 200 mm. Our pros and cons of zoom lenses below will let you decide if they are a better choice for you than the prime lenses.
Pros and cons of zoom lenses
- Versatile - One zoom lens is everything you will need for all your different photography styles due to their wide range of focal length.
- Portable - They are easy to carry everywhere as they cut down the need for multiple lenses.
- Care - As there are no lenses to swap, your lens and the sensor will virtually be dust-free and won't require as much care as prime lenses.
- Time - Saves the time involved with swapping lenses during your photo shoots.
B- Are there Different types of Sony Lens MOUNT (E mount Vs EF mount)
The Sony is a mirrorless APS-C camera that uses a smaller sensor to capture the images as opposed to full frame sensors of DSLR cameras. The lenses used on the Sony mirrorless cameras are called E-mount lenses while those used on their full-frame counterparts are called as FE lenses.
Though these FE lenses are compatible with E mount cameras, you are better off not buying them as FE lenses are not only more expensive, but are also much heavier, counteracting the convenience of using a lightweight mirrorless camera such as the Sony a6000/a6300/a6400/a6500.
Chapter two: List of the BEST Sony alpha a6000/a6300/a6400/a6500 Lenses According to Photography Types:
As a beginner, it can be very confusing to choose the right kind of lens as there are so many different options out there in the market. That is why, we have handpicked only the best ones for you and what's more, we have even classified them based on the photography type so that you don't have to try and crack impossible lens jargon. Simply pick the style you are looking for and the lens that we have recommended under it. It's that simple!
How to get your hands on the perfect Lens for you:
Buying the perfect lens for your Sony a6000/a6300/a6400/a6500 can be a little tricky. Here is a little help:
- Fix your budget to avoid any impulsive buying.
- Check the focal length of your existing lens or lenses to avoid buying ones with similar specs.
- Pick the photography style of your interest. For e.g. Nature photography.
- Choose from the list of lenses recommended under your choice of photography style.
1. Sony a6000/a6300/a6400/a6500 Kit Lens 16-50mm Power Zoom
| Lens name | Rate | Price | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sony 16-50mm | 4.0/5 | $348 | Low Price |
2- Sony 35mm – Must Have lens Sooner or Later
It has a wide aperture of f/1.8 and hence allows you to take blur-free images even under low light conditions. So shooting at night, in birthday parties or concerts won't be a problem at all. Prime lenses are also called as fast lenses as they avoid blur with their fast shutter speeds.
If you love those pictures with blurred backgrounds that bring the subject in focus to life, then these fast lenses are your best bet as they produce the best 'bokeh' effect. Though these lenses are not cheap, it will be one of those lenses you will hold on forever for the quality images that they produce.
| Lens name | Rate | Price | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sony 35mm | 4.6/5 | $448 | Free shipping – Only 1 left in stock |
3. Best Sony a6000/a6300/a6400/a6500 Telephoto lenses (lens)
Simply put, a telephoto lens is one that has a long focal length which means it has a narrower field of view allowing for a magnified image. Unlike regular long focal length lenses, telephoto lenses are shorter by virtue of their design, and hence are great to be used with your compact mirrorless, Sony camera.
When you buy telephoto lenses for Sony a6000/a6300/a6400/a6500, you will be able to work with a focal range from 55mm to 600mm. If you already have a kit lens, then this will be perfect to cover the rest of the focal length range. They are ideal for shooting subjects that are in the medium to far distance range. So if your heart is after wildlife or nature, then a telephoto lens will be your best bet.
Your telephoto lens can also capture moving objects due their fast shutter speed. So it is great for those who love sports photography and produce quality images in portrait, landscape and macro modes.
| Lens Name | Rate | Price | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sony 55-210mm | 4.6/5 | $348 | Only 3 left in stock |
4. Best Sony a6000/a6300/a6400/a6500 All in One Zoom Lenses (Lens)
The all in one zoom lenses are compact and lightweight, making them the ideal companion for outdoor photographers and for those who are on a budget and cannot afford multiple lenses. So if nature photography is your thing, simply pick up an all in one zoom lens and never miss a shot because you did not have the right lens.
| Lens Name | Rate | Price | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sony 18-200mm | 4.3/5 | $848 | Free Shipping |
5. Best Sony a6000/a6300/a6400/a6500 lens (lenses) for portrait photography
In portrait photography, the face of a person or a group of people is the main aspect of the picture. Though portraits can be taken with even your existing kit lens, the best portrait lens for Sony would be a prime lens with a focal length of 50mm to 60mm. This range is the optimum for head and should portraits and produce sharp images. What's even better, they are compact and lightweight, so you can easily carry one with you for weddings and parties with friends.
| Lens Name | Rate | Price | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sony 60mm | 4.7/5 | $239 | Only 13 left in stock |
| Sony 50mm *Recommended |
4.7/5 | $298 | Free Shipping |
6. Best Sony a6000/a6300/a6400/a6500 Wide-Angle Lens (Lenses)
It is an obvious fact that when you get closer to the subject, you lose some of the field of view. But with a wide angle lens, the focal length is much smaller than a regular lens, so that you get more coverage even when you get closer.
Therefore, when you use a wide angle lens for Sony, you will be able to shoot pictures of large gatherings such as weddings and even landscapes. These lenses give you a great depth of detail as well!
| Lens Name | Rate | Price | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rokinon 12mm *Recommended |
4.5/5 | $355 | 24% off save $117.51 |
| Sony 16mm | 4.2/5 | $248 | Free Shipping |
| Sony 10-18mm | 4.5/5 | $848 | Free Shipping |
7. Best Sony a6000/a6300/a6400/a6500 Macro Micro (known as Close up) lens (Lenses)
What if you could see the face of a dragon fly or the housefly or even the petals of a tiny flower in great detail? That is exactly what a macro lens can do for you; open up a great new world of everything that is small.
| Lens Name | Rate | Price | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sony 30mm Macro *Recommended |
4.6/5 | $278 | Free Shipping |
8. Best Sony a6000/a6300/a6400/a6500 pancake lens
Pancake lens are popular with street photographers who do not like to draw attention and who like to carry their camera with them everywhere.
Some photographers love to do food photography for many reason, as advertising, or just because they respect food, so the right lens for do that, is a lens that have a medium focal length between 80mm and 100m, as that you can capture food colours, plus a very sharp details.
| Lens Name | Rate | Price | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sony 20mm | 4.2/5 | $348 | Free Shipping |
9. Best Lens for Food Photography:
Some photographers love to do food photography for many reason, as advertising, or just because they respect food, so the right lens for do that, is a lens that have a medium focal length between 80mm and 100m, as that you can capture food colours, plus a very sharp details.
| Lens Name | Rate | Price | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sony 20mm | 4.8/5 | $1199 | Only 4 left in stock |
10. Summary: List of recommended lenses & must have lenses for Sony a6000/a6300/a6400/a6500
Here is a quick round up of the different types of lenses to go with your Sony.
- Kit Lens - Sony kit lens 16-50mm
- Lens for Everyday Photography - Sony 35mm
- Wildlife/Nature/Sports photography - Sony Telephoto lens 55-210mm
- All types of photography - Sony 18-200mm
- Portrait photography - The Recommended one is Sony 50mm
- Wide angle photography - Rokinon 12mm Sony E-mount
- Macro or Close-up photography - Sony 30mm macro lens
- Street photography - Sony pancake lens
- Food Photography: Zeiss 85mm f/1.8
Chapter 3: Lens changing tips
If you own only one type of lens, then you are probably not going to be removing the lens. But when you have to swap between lenses, extra care needs to be taken to avoid dust from entering your camera or the insides of the lens.
While DSLRs and point and shoot cameras have self-cleaning lenses, mirrorless cameras tend to collect dust more easily and cause dust spots. But by following a small tip every time, you can avoid these dust spots.
When you change the lens, simply keep your camera facing downwards on a clean surface instead of holding it with your hand. This way the sensor and the inside of the camera can be kept dust-free.
In addition to following the above tip, we also give you a list of accessories that will protect your lens and also help with the cleaning and maintenance of your lens.
Nothing can be more frustrating than to lose a great photo due to a slight shake in the picture. An answer to all these issues would be to get a tripod for Sony. So no matter where you are, you can focus on capturing images instead of worrying about holding your camera steady.
Buy: Sony 60 inch Tripod (Low Price - #1 Best Seller)
Or Read: Ideal 6 Tripod for Sony DSLR Camera
Monopods are simple in design with just a staff and a head to support your camera and balance the weight of your device while shooting pictures.
Buy: Monopod (Low Price - Durable)
Buy: Backpack (Durable - Low Price - 10% OFF)
Protective pouches are a great way to protect your lenses from moisture, dust, sand and from accidental bumps and scratches. Travelers, especially backpackers can simply clip them on to their backpacks and quickly access the lens when needed, instead of taking the whole pack apart.
Buy: Pouch Set for Lens (#1 Best seller - low Price - Very Recommended)
Your APS-C cameras and lenses can easily collect dust and cause dust spots on your images. Keep your optical gears clean of dust by investing in a set of good quality cleaning accessories, which include air blower, lens pens, microfiber cloth, cleaning solution, brushes etc. and clean your gear regularly for crystal clear images.
Buy: Pro Cleaning Accessories (#1 Best Seller - Low Price - 40% OFF)
While DSLRs and point and shoot cameras have self-cleaning lenses, mirrorless cameras tend to collect dust more easily and cause dust spots. But by following a small tip every time, you can avoid these dust spots.
When you change the lens, simply keep your camera facing downwards on a clean surface instead of holding it with your hand. This way the sensor and the inside of the camera can be kept dust-free.
In addition to following the above tip, we also give you a list of accessories that will protect your lens and also help with the cleaning and maintenance of your lens.
Chapter 4: Must Have Accessories For Lenses (Protection, Cleaning…)
1. Sony a6000/a6300/a6400/a6500 Tripod
Cameras, especially when coupled with their lenses can be quite heavy and it takes a really steady hand to take great pictures. It can also put a great amount of strain on your wrists and hands after prolonged usage.Nothing can be more frustrating than to lose a great photo due to a slight shake in the picture. An answer to all these issues would be to get a tripod for Sony. So no matter where you are, you can focus on capturing images instead of worrying about holding your camera steady.
Buy: Sony 60 inch Tripod (Low Price - #1 Best Seller)
Or Read: Ideal 6 Tripod for Sony DSLR Camera
2. Sony a6000/a6300/a6400/a6500 Monopod
Tripods offer the best type of stability for your camera, but they can also be cumbersome and bulky. So if you need a simpler, lighter and a more compact option to keep your camera steady, then you can buy a monopod for Sony.Monopods are simple in design with just a staff and a head to support your camera and balance the weight of your device while shooting pictures.
Buy: Monopod (Low Price - Durable)
3. Sony a6000/a6300/a6400/a6500 Travel waterproof case (Backpack)
Camera bags sure do take care of your gear but can also be awkward to carry, especially when you are on the go. Even if your kit just involves a pair of lenses, an APS-C camera and some accessories, then a waterproof camera backpack will ensure that your optic gear stay protected while your back takes care of its weight.Buy: Backpack (Durable - Low Price - 10% OFF)
4. Protective pouch set for lenses
Protective pouches are a great way to protect your lenses from moisture, dust, sand and from accidental bumps and scratches. Travelers, especially backpackers can simply clip them on to their backpacks and quickly access the lens when needed, instead of taking the whole pack apart.
Buy: Pouch Set for Lens (#1 Best seller - low Price - Very Recommended)
5. Digital SLR Cleaning Accessories Kit
Your APS-C cameras and lenses can easily collect dust and cause dust spots on your images. Keep your optical gears clean of dust by investing in a set of good quality cleaning accessories, which include air blower, lens pens, microfiber cloth, cleaning solution, brushes etc. and clean your gear regularly for crystal clear images.
Buy: Pro Cleaning Accessories (#1 Best Seller - Low Price - 40% OFF)
6. SD Memory Card – More Space
When you buy a new lens, it is quite natural to experiment with it and before you know, you have a couple of hundred photos and are running out of memory. While you are engrossed in your photo shoot, a lack of memory space can be quite frustrating.A great way to have enough storage space is to invest in an SD memory card based on your requirements. In any case, opt for something higher, as it never hurts to have some extra space for your digital captures.
Buy: Pro 64gb Memory card (Low price)
7. Sony a6000/a6300/a6400/a6500 Extra battery
Just like having enough storage space for your pictures, it is also important to have extra batteries to save you from frustrating situations. Even if you are going to carry your charger, you will not want to be charging your battery when you are in the middle of a great shoot. For all you know, you could be traveling and may not know where your nearest power source could be.While going on a planned trip or adventure, make sure you buy extra batteries and charge them ahead to enjoy longer photo shooting times.
Buy: X2 Wasabi Battery (Very Recommended)
8. Sony a6000/a6300/a6400/a6500 wireless remote control (Shutter release)
Some pictures require you to operate your camera from a distance or you may want to be part of the picture without having to run, as is the case with timers. A wireless remote control will be a great addition to your kit as it can trigger the shutter release from a distance.If you already have a tripod for your camera, then a wireless remote control almost becomes a default requirement. What's even better, your pictures will be a lot clearer, as it eliminates the vibration caused when you manually press the shutter release.
Buy: Sony Wire Control (#1 Best Seller - Low Price)
9. Sony a6000/a6300/a6400/a6500 self timer (Known as intervalometer)
Time-lapse photography can let you watch a seed germinate or a flower bloom from a bud in a matter of seconds. An intervalometer is a device that can either be connected to your camera or used wirelessly to set intervals between shots which produce time-lapse photos and videos.In addition to acting as a timer, it can also be used to control shutter speed and exposure length which when done manually can cause camera shakes.
Buy: Sony SelfTimer
10. Sony a6000/a6300/a6400/a6500 Lens cap (cover)
Most lens covers of digital cameras are not attached to the camera and so it is quite common to lose them or misplace them. Accidental damage or breaking of the lens cap is also another possibility. But a lens cap is very important to keep your lens free of dust and scratches.Thankfully replacement covers are available in the market, specifically for your Sony. Even if your existing lens cover is not broken or missing, you can always choose one that comes with a leash to ensure its safety.
Buy: Sony alpha Lens cap (Different sizes)
11. Sony a6000/a6300/a6400/a6500 Lens Hood
A lens hood is designed to be attached to the front of your lens to protect it and to chiefly act as a physical hood to reduce light flares and lens glares. Some models can be used with your lens cap while others can be mounted reversed to protect the lens when not in use.Buy: Neewer Lens Hood for Sony alpha
12. Sony a6000/a6300/a6400/a6500 Filter (UV, Polarizing, Colorful filters)
You can do more than just capture great images with your Sony camera. While you shoot pictures, ambient factors such as fog, dust and reflection can affect the quality of the image produced. UV filters control the amount of UV light entering your camera and produce more clearer pictures, but they are also simply used to protect your lens from dust, moisture and accidental scratching.Polarizing filters can also be used with your camera lens to reduce reflection from the subject and thereby to increase the contrast. If you want to get creative or add an element of fun to your pictures, you can choose from a range of color filters and add a dramatic effect to an otherwise sober picture.
Buy: Filters for Sony Alpha 6000
Read More:
- More Sony a6000 Accessories (13 must have pieces)
- Free Online Digital Photography Course from A to Z Click here
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