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sony a6000 lenses

15 Best lenses for Sony a6000 [updated 2024]

    With so many different options available, it can be difficult to decide which lens is best for you. To help narrow your choices, we’ve compiled a list of the best lenses for Sony a6000. Our top picks cover a variety of styles and budgets to suit any photographer.

    From primes and zooms to wide angles and telephotos, this list of best lenses will help you find the perfect lens for your needs. We’ve considered prices, customer ratings, reviews, and features like optical stabilization, weatherproofing, and more.

    Read more: How to Choose a Camera Lens That Fits Your Needs.

    Disclosure: This article features affiliate links, including Amazon.com. If you decide to buy through one of these links, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra expense to you. For more details, please see my disclosure policy.

    Best lenses for Sony a6000

    Picking the perfect lens for your requirements can be tiring, but don’t worry! Our comprehensive list of Sony a6000 lenses simplifies this process by categorizing each option into prime, wide-angle, and other sections so that you can make an educated decision based on the type of photography you will embark upon. Furthermore, prices are broken down into three reasonable budget sizes:

    • Budget $: 0 – 500
    • Average $$: 501 – 1000
    • Expert $$$: 1001+

    portrait lenses

    1. Sony 85mm F/1.8-22

    • Price: Average $$
    • Dimensions: 3.1 x 3.2 in. / 78 x 82 mm
    • Filter size: Ø67 mm
    • Weight: 13.1 oz. / 371 g
    • Maximum aperture: f/1.8
    • Focal length: 85 mm
    • Image stabilization: No

    What could be the best lens for portraits? For example, this 85mm lens, with a compact design, offers unbeatable performance. You’ll experience stellar image sharpness that is perfect for any portrait photographer. Silent autofocus and fantastic bokeh effects are all at an incredibly reasonable price point!

    Build and handling: This lens is constructed with a sleek, minimalist design and weather-resistant build quality. Optically, it packs an ED (Extra-low Dispersion) element and a 9-blade diaphragm that produces remarkable images while maintaining the weight of only 13.1 oz (371 g) at 3.1 x 3.2 in (78 x 82 mm) in size. There’s also an AF/MF switch and a customizable focus hold button for convenience.

    Performance: Autofocus is fast and nearly noiseless due to the dual linear stepping motors, plus an electronically coupled manual focus ring that functions with fluid ease. Center sharpness is remarkable even when shooting at maximum aperture. Additionally, the bokeh delivers a dreamy effect and doesn’t lose any smoothness if you decrease the f-stop slightly.

    Best for: It adds unique energy to any portrait composition, making the result truly perfect. Thanks to the aperture f/1.8 and 85-mm focal length, your model will be set apart from its background with a smooth, blurred effect.

    This 85 mm portrait lens captures images with sharp shots and excellent blurry backgrounds when shot at a wide aperture.

    2. Sigma 56mm F/1.4 DC DN

    • Price: Budget $
    • Dimensions: 2.6 × 2.3 in. / 66.5 × 59.5 mm
    • Filter size: Ø55 mm
    • Weight: 9.9 oz. / 280 g
    • Maximum aperture: f/1.4
    • Focal length: 56 mm
    • Image stabilization: No

    Boasting a remarkable f/1.4 maximum aperture, this portrait lens is astoundingly lightweight and portable – yet captures vibrant images with unparalleled quality at its valued focal length range. With its fixed wide aperture, you can capture eye-catching photos with stunning clarity.

    Build and handling: Basic water resistance offers protection from the external environment. The body measures 2.3 by 2.6 inches and weighs only 9.9 ounces. It also supports 55mm front filters.

    Performance: The lens boasts exceptionally stunning and creamy bokeh to create striking out-of-focus highlights and transitions. It also comes with a Hyper Sonic Motor for lightning-fast autofocusing. Because of its quiet focusing, the lens is also an obvious choice for video projects.

    Best for: This lens is an ideal choice for portrait photography, yet it also offers incredible results when shooting landscapes, architecture shots, urban scenes, and event images. This Sony lens is the ideal companion to your camera equipment, featuring an impressive array of features and a small design.

    Its features and cost-efficient price make it an ideal choice for any photographer; the Sigma 56mm excels in performance among its counterparts. Whether you’re a professional or just starting with photography, this addition to your kit would be beneficial if you have a passion for portraits!

    3. Sigma 30mm F1.4 Contemporary DC DN

    • Price: Average $$
    • Dimensions: 2.6 × 2.9 in. / 64.8 × 73.3 mm
    • Filter size: Ø52 mm
    • Weight: 9.3 oz. / 265 g
    • Maximum aperture: f/1.4
    • Focal length: 30 mm
    • Image stabilization: No

    This lightweight and cost-friendly model offers remarkable picture quality from the well-known Sigma series. It has a wide aperture, which gives your photos great effects, and excellent image resolution that will impress any beginner or hobby photographer!

    Build and handling: Measuring 2.9 by 2.6 inches and weighing only 9.4 ounces, this lens is surprisingly compact for an f/1.4 design. It retains its professional look and handling with a metal barrel and polycarbonate construction supporting 52mm front filters.

    Performance: The Sigma lens is driven by a powerful stepping motor that achieves fast, smooth autofocusing without making any noise. The lens includes a Super Multi-Layer coating to ensure excellent optics and reduce ghosting and flare effects. It also delivers maximum control over the depth of field for crisp photos.

    Best for: It’s more widely used for portraits, but due to its focal length, you can work with it on many other occasions. It’s great even for traveling, landscapes, and event photography, with some space to capture images. Fast and silent autofocus also enables it to be used for shooting videos.

    The Sigma portrait lens promises ultimate versatility for a fantastic bargain with its wide f/1.4 aperture and excellent specifications. Its shorter focal length offers more flexibility than the previous 56mm lens, perfect for general-purpose use.

    Travel lenses

    4. Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G

    • Price: Expert $$$
    • Dimensions: 2.87 x 3.94 in. / 73 x 100 mm
    • Filter size: Ø67 mm
    • Weight: 1.09 lb. / 494 g
    • Maximum aperture: f/2.8
    • Focal length: 16 – 55 mm
    • Image stabilization: No

    This outstanding and versatile choice grants excellent clarity of photos with its constant aperture of f/2.8 and a focal length range stretching from 16 to 55mm on APS-C mirrorless cameras!

    Build and handling: The E 16-55mm lens is designed for convenience and comfort. It has a reversible hood, 67 mm front filters, rubber focus, and zoom rings easily identifiable by touch. The ridged rings make it effortless to rotate the lenses.

    Performance: With its fixed f/2.8 aperture across all focal lengths, this remarkable lens is ideal for shooting in dark environments and provides virtually silent autofocusing. You’ll also have complete control with manual focusing due to Linear Response MF!

    Best for: For photographers of all levels, this is the perfect companion for everyday photoshootings. Capture those unique moments no matter where you are—from city streets to grandiose vistas. Thanks to its versatility, it’s often used for travel photography.

    This lens offers incredible optical performance and premium construction, and it’s also remarkably compact. It may have a higher price tag than other options, but that investment will certainly be worth the money over time.

    5. Tamron 17-70 F2.8 Di III-A VC RXD

    • Price: Average $$
    • Dimensions: 2.9 x 4.7 in. / 74.6 x 119.3 mm
    • Filter size: Ø67 mm
    • Weight: 18.5 oz. / 525 g
    • Maximum aperture: f/2.8
    • Focal length: 17-70 mm
    • Image stabilization: Yes

    The Tamron lens is an ideal choice, with an extensive range of focal lengths and an f/2.8 aperture. Furthermore, it features optical image stabilization, ensuring the production of exceptionally sharp images. Given its superior performance and reliability, this lens stands out as one of the finest multipurpose options at a reasonable price.

    Build and handling: Tamron’s 17-70mm F2.8 stands out among similar lenses, as it is lightweight at only 18.5 oz (525 g). Despite its size, the construction quality of this lens remains top-notch, with weather seals for durability and a fluorine coating for cleaning ease and protection against moisture or grease damage.

    Performance: With the travel lens, you can use its RXD (Rapid eXtra-silent stepping Drive) autofocus motor for quick auto-focusing. The performance of this camera is remarkable, even in very low light conditions! It also generates little to no sound when enabling autofocus, making it an ideal choice for movie production or capturing spontaneous moments.

    Best for: Tamron 17-70mm is the ideal lens for photographers constantly on the go. From its constant f/2.8 maximum aperture across all zoom ranges – it’s a great all-in-one lens. Whether it be travel adventures, videos, or night photography, this multipurpose lens allows you to easily take remarkable shots from different angles.

    This lens offers exceptional value, featuring superior image stabilization and unmatched quality at its price level.

    wide-angle lenses

    6. Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD Sony

    • Price: Average $$
    • Dimensions: 2.9 x 3.4 in. / 73 x 86.2 mm
    • Filter size: Ø67 mm
    • Weight: 11.8 oz. / 335 g
    • Maximum aperture: f/2.8
    • Focal length: 11 – 20 mm
    • Image stabilization: No

    Whether you are a beginner or an experienced photographer, the Tamron 11-20mm is ideal for capturing stunningly wide shots on Sony’s E-mount mirrorless APS-C format cameras. Its speedy and consistent f/2.8 aperture will provide plenty of versatility to take your photography journey to new heights!

    Build and handling: The Tamron wide-angle lens packs immense strength in its compact and lightweight design. Its construction comprises a high-grade plastic barrel, metal mounting plate, and weather seals to shield it against moisture or grease. The front element boasts a fluorine coating, adding an extra protection layer.

    Performance: Tamron’s RXD (Rapid eXtra-silent stepping Drive) technology provides a speedy and quiet autofocus system, ideal for capturing movies or photos of unsuspecting subjects. Additionally, even when shooting at the widest aperture setting, f/2.8, images remain sharp and clear in every corner of each shot!

    Best for: The Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 is an ideal lens for capturing nature’s beauty, mainly landscapes and travel scenes. At a total aperture of f/2.8, you can take remarkable starry night photos with this lens. Although there may be some heavy vignetting effects in the corners at f/2.8, it still delivers quality images that are sharp and clear!

    It’s more expensive than some of its counterparts, but its premium features, performance, and weather-resistant construction are worth every penny!

    7. Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS

    • Price: Budget $
    • Dimensions: 2.76 x 2.5 in. / 70.1 x 63.5 mm
    • Filter size: Ø62 mm
    • Weight: 7.94 oz. / 225 g
    • Maximum aperture: f/4
    • Focal length: 10 – 18 mm
    • Image stabilization: Yes

    This compact and lightweight APS-C format mirrorless camera provides an impressive f/4 aperture rating across its entire range and 3-stop optical stabilization.

    Build and handling: This Sony lens for a6000 is a lightweight, compact, wide-angle zoom offering incredible reliability with its metal mounting plate. Unfortunately, it lacks weather seals for those days when Mother Nature shows her wrath. At 2.5 by 2.8 inches and only 7.9 ounces (225 grams), you can take it on your travels without feeling uncomfortable!

    Performance: This lens’s autofocus acts swiftly and seamlessly, while the optical image stabilizer makes it perfect for capturing in dim conditions. The central sharpness is excellent throughout the zoom range, but some edge softening can occur at 10mm, even when narrowing down your aperture.

    Best for: Boasting a steadfast f/4 aperture, this lens proves an ideal option for shooting any landscape composition and architectural interiors. It even meets the demands of astrophotography. It also fits such confined genres as real estate photography due to its ultra-wide capabilities!

    This zoom lens epitomizes compactness and lightweight construction with remarkable power. The constant f/4 aperture rating throughout its entire range, combined with 3-stop optical stabilization, allows extraordinary performance in any setting!

    zoom lenses

    8. Sony E 55-210mm F4.5-6.3 OSS

    • Price: Budget $
    • Dimensions: 2.51 x 4.25 in. / 63.8 x 108 mm
    • Filter size: Ø49 mm
    • Weight: 12.17 oz. / 345 g
    • Maximum aperture: f/4.5
    • Focal length: 55 – 210 mm
    • Image stabilization: Yes

    Its lightweight design and portability make it easy to take wherever you go and capture beautiful moments. Plus, thanks to image stabilization technology built into this cost-effective lens model, there’s no need to worry about blurry images!

    Build and handling: Sony E lenses are well known for solid construction, and the 55-210mm OSS is no different. It has been made with mag-alloy, which makes it stand out from its peers in this price range. The rubberized zoom control rings on this lens also operate incredibly smoothly. Moreover, since the front element doesn’t rotate, you can easily use polarizers without any difficulty!

    Performance: Autofocus performance with this contrast detection system is quite impressive. Sony also offers Optical Steady Shot (OSS), a lens-based image stabilization feature for extra clarity when capturing your shots! In the lower to mid-range, the lens is incredibly sharp in its center and remarkably good at its borders when slightly minimized. Its center may be softer than ideal, but it produces very usable results even at 210mm.

    Best for: For those who explore and enjoy capturing fantastic shots at a distance, this basic lens is perfect. It’s an all-in-one lens with additional focal lengths than standard lenses, a great companion for sports or wildlife photographers looking to make their hobby even more exciting!

    Despite its light and portable build, the Sony E 55-210mm F4.5-5.6 OSS does not provide high image quality when taken at maximum aperture—yet it is an excellent bargain for hobby photographers.

    9. Sony E 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 G OSS

    • Price: Average $
    • Dimensions: 3.03 x 5.59 in. / 77 x 142 mm
    • Filter size: Ø67 mm
    • Weight: 22.05 oz. / 625 g
    • Maximum aperture: f/4.5
    • Focal length: 70 – 350 mm
    • Image stabilization: Yes

    This affordable yet powerful landscape lens ranges from 70mm to 350mm. It features advanced optical stabilization, seven blades in the circular aperture mechanism, and Sony’s top-tier XD (Extreme Dynamic) linear motor auto-focusing system.

    Build and handling:  At only 22.05 oz (625 g) and 5.6 in (14.2 cm) in length, this impressively small yet powerful lens covers an incredibly versatile focal range that extends an extra 1.89 in (4.8 cm) when at 350mm! The price point is relatively entry-level, but the build quality still feels solid, with a metal lens mount and generous zoom ring to ensure adequate grip with its rubberized banding.

    Performance: Sony’s G Lens offers excellent corner-to-corner clarity across its focal range. Boasting Optical SteadyShot image stabilization, you can capture images with clarity even at incredibly long distances due to XD Linear Motor technology. Three ED glass elements are strategically placed to counter chromatic aberration and color blur.

    Best for: This lens is light, versatile, and has a wide focal range that makes it an excellent choice for wildlife hikes, travel photography, or capturing outdoor sports. With rapid focusing capabilities and whisper-quiet 70-350mm settings, this is the perfect tool for candid shots, stills, and video footage.

    The E 70-350mm lens is ideal for an a6000 camera user who desires a respectable zoom range to capture wildlife and sports shots without busting the budget or lugging around a clunky large telephoto. It may not compete with the 200-600mm or 100-400mm lenses in reach, sharpness, and brightness. Yet, as its price tag is less than half that of these lenses, you’d get decent-quality images and fast focusing speed at an affordable cost.

    telephoto lenses

    10. Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS

    • Price: Average $$
    • Dimensions: 3.4 x 7.8 in. / 86.0 x 199.2 mm
    • Filter size: Ø67 mm
    • Weight: 40.2 oz. / 1,140 g
    • Maximum aperture: f/5
    • Focal length: 100 – 400 mm
    • Image stabilization: Yes

    If you’re hunting for a decent budget-friendly lens with outstanding quality and large zoom capabilities to capture sports or wildlife events, this might be an ideal choice! With this telephoto lens, you’ll get all the premium features at an affordable price.

    Build and handling: The Sigma lens is crafted with remarkable craftsmanship, making it an ideal choice for enthusiasts. This product features metal construction and a seal that protects against dust and moisture. Its robust build guarantees durability, and its lightweight design and petite size make it perfect for those requiring up to 400mm of telephoto reach!

    Performance: The unbeatable silent stepping motor takes care of auto-focusing, while you can also opt for direct control with the AFL button. The Optical Image Stabilizer (OS) gives up to 4 f-stops of stabilization so that your shots are always sharp and clear.

    Best for: It’s no surprise that this camera is the top pick amongst outdoor adventurers. With remarkable clarity from far distances, you’ll effortlessly capture those special moments in wildlife or sports.

    If you’re a nature photographer looking for a fantastic lens at an unbeatable value, the telephoto zoom is your ideal choice. Sigma 100-400mm provides near identical image quality with less weight and cost than its competitors!

    11. Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3

    • Price: Expert $$$
    • Dimensions: 4.39 x 12.52 in. / 111.5 x 318 mm
    • Filter size: Ø95 mm
    • Weight: 4.65 lb / 2115 g
    • Maximum aperture: f/2.8
    • Focal length: 200-600 mm
    • Image stabilization: Yes

    This superzoom telephoto lens offers photographers professional-grade features that allow them to capture breathtaking wildlife images up close.

    Build and handling: With three programmable focus-hold buttons, this device guarantees you never miss a shot! It is built with dust and moisture resistance to handle harsh conditions. Additionally, its front element features fluorine coating, and Nano AR Coating eliminates reflections, glares, or ghosting effects.

    Performance: Treat yourself to unrivaled photo quality with this lens’s optical stabilization, 11-blade circular aperture mechanism, and internal zoom. Sony’s Direct Drive SSM focusing system takes it up a notch, ensuring seamless transitions between focus points for an incomparable photography experience.

    Best for: Mounting this telephoto lens with your camera will be worth every effort. Sports, action, and wildlife photographers are especially reaping their rewards due to its unparalleled versatility. It is an unbeatable package for all kinds of photography!

    Although the Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS is a substantial and cumbersome lens, it’s worth every penny considering its advanced quality. To make your experience with this lens more comfortable, I highly suggest adding a vertical grip to improve ergonomics.

    video/Vlogging lenses

    12. Sony E 11mm F/1.8

    • Price: Budget $
    • Dimensions: 2.6 x 2.28 in. / 66 x 57.5 mm
    • Filter size: Ø55 mm
    • Weight: 6.38 oz. / 181 g
    • Maximum aperture: f/1.8
    • Focal length: 11 mm
    • Image stabilization: Yes

    With superb performance in all areas, it is ideal for shooting landscapes, architectural interiors, astrophotography, and vlogging. An excellent value for money with a reasonable price tag from Sony series lenses!

    Build and handling: Crafted with superior quality and lightweight materials, this 2.6 x 2.28 in (66mm x 57.5 mm) lens is the perfect size for portability. At just 6.38 ounces (181 g), it won’t be heavy to carry around! Furthermore, its dust and moisture-resistant design means you can have peace of mind when shooting in wet or dusty environments.

    Performance: With this E-mount lens, you get an aperture of f/1.8 and fast yet silent autofocusing due to its dual Linear Motor system and a customizable focus hold button. The Sony 11mm f/1.8 contains 12 elements in 11 groups, allowing you to enjoy superior sharpness, minimal chromatic aberration, and color fringing due to three aspherical elements and extra-low dispersion (ED) glass components.

    Best for: This lens is perfect for vloggers and video content creators who prefer to record their videos by hand while simultaneously capturing plenty of the surrounding area or within tight confines. With its impressive focal length, it allows you to achieve just that! In addition, it’s perfect for capturing stunning landscape and architecture shots with a narrow aperture.

    From f/1.8 to f/8, the lens consistently produces outstanding results with excellent quality at the center and outer image field. It may lack some features in professional lenses, but it makes up for this through its mechanical solidity and featherlight weight! Besides these advantages, what might surprise you most about this lens is undoubtedly its pocket-friendly price tag.

    13. Sony 20mm f/2.8

    • Price: Budget $
    • Dimensions: 2.46 x 0.8 in. / 62.5 x 20.3 mm
    • Filter size: Ø49 mm
    • Weight: 2.43 oz. / 69 g
    • Maximum aperture: f/2.8
    • Focal length: 20 mm
    • Image stabilization: No

    It’s incredibly lightweight and delivers an outstanding wide-angle view when connected to an APS-C sensor camera. Its unbeatable specs make it the perfect choice for all types of content creators.

    Build and handling: Measuring only 0.8 x 2.5 inches, the E 20mm f/2.8 is a compact lens that minimally extends from your camera body. It also features a plastic hood that adds an extra half inch to match the barrel diameter exactly! Unfortunately, no dust or splash protection features are provided for extra security against unintentional spills or drops while using it.

    Performance: This lens captures the most detailed and vibrant photos and videos. It features a wide angle of view and an f/2.8 aperture to ensure sufficient brightness. Both crucial elements will enable you to take stunningly clear images and Full HD recordings across the frame!

    Best for: This pocket-sized lens offers unrivaled portability and flexibility, allowing you to explore your creative side wherever you go! Whether for interior photography, landscapes, street scenes, or everyday casual moments – this convenient lens ensures that all of life’s special experiences can be effortlessly captured.

    The pancake lens is astonishingly lightweight yet captures exceptional images with an open aperture. Additionally, it allows you to take sharp photos and videos at minimal apertures for excellent results!

    prime lens

    14. Sony 28mm f/2.0

    • Price: Budget $
    • Dimensions: 2.52 x 2.36 in. / 64 x 60 mm
    • Filter size: Ø49
    • Weight: 7.05 oz. / 200 g
    • Maximum aperture: f/2.0
    • Focal length: 28 mm
    • Image stabilization: No

    Its prime features offer a remarkable aperture in addition to its small size – making it incredibly fast and reliable. With this lens, you’ll soon be on your way to becoming an accomplished photographer!

    Build and handling: This compact prime lens is incredibly lightweight and constructed from a resistant aluminum alloy body, making it the perfect choice for beginner photographers. And its improved moisture and dust resistance provide peace of mind when shooting in challenging weather conditions.

    Performance: This lens captures precious moments with extraordinary accuracy and vivid color. Its f/2.0 aperture provides unparalleled control, including low-light photography settings, while its silent autofocus motor is ready for your videos.

    Best for: Deemed by many as underrated in photography, the 28mm prime lens can still be a fantastic asset. From astounding natural details that would otherwise go unnoticed to a unique point of view for all types of photographs – landscapes and portraits alike.

    The Sony 28mm lens represents a significant enhancement to any camera configuration, offering unparalleled value for its cost and delivering superior performance alongside extraordinary image quality.

    macro lenses

    15. Sigma 105mm f/2.8 DG DN Macro ART

    • Price: Average $$
    • Dimensions: 2.9 x 5.3 in / 74 x 135.6 mm
    • Filter size: Ø62
    • Weight: 25.6 oz. / 710 g
    • Maximum aperture: f/2.8
    • Focal length: 105 mm
    • Image stabilization: No

    This macro lens for Sony cameras unlocks the mesmerizing beauty of small creatures and objects. Its exceptional quality and unbeatable price tag make it a unique product—you won’t find anything else like it!

    Build and handling: Boasting a weather-proof build and ergonomic grip, the macro lens delivers an unparalleled professional look. Its Super Multi-Layer coating is also designed to maximize image clarity and contrast with incredible accuracy by minimizing flare or ghosting effects.

    Performance: Capture every detail with superior clarity and a soft blur effect in the background, thanks to its f/2.8 aperture! The incredible hypersonic motor ensures lightning-fast focus speed without making any sound.

    Best for: Discover the revolutionary way of macro photography! With a 105mm focal length, you can frame shots without invading your subject’s private space or worrying about lens shade. Capture breathtaking images with minimal effort and take amazing photos like never before!

    This fantastic option boasts a 105mm focal length and f/2.8 aperture, making macro photography much more enjoyable. Plus, its hypersonic motor ensures that every shot captured is crystal clear with no effort on your part.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, the Sony a6000 stands out as an exceptionally versatile camera, providing a comprehensive selection of lenses to elevate your photography. From the economically priced 28mm prime lens, renowned for its sharpness in photos and videos, to the Sigma 105mm macro lens, which enables the capture of exquisite detail, the Sony a6000 lenses are distinguished by their remarkable value for money and dependable performance.


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