If you want to find the best lenses for the Sony Alpha a6000 camera, you’ve come to the right place!
Our pick for the best lens for the Sony a6000 is the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art lens. It’s got everything you’d expect in a pro-level Sony lens, but at a cost, anyone can afford. What’s not to love?
Introducing the Top 5 Lenses For Sony a6000 Cameras!
However, maybe you’re after something a little more specialized? We’ve got the 7 best lenses for the Sony E mount right here!
1. Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens: Best Multipurpose Lens For Sony a6000
Our pic for the best all-rounder lens for Sony a6000 cameras is the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art lens. It’s got everything you need no matter what style of photography you’re into. Let’s check out what makes this lens so good.
The best all-around lens for Sony a6000 cameras comes packed with features.
Sigma put their all into their Art lenses. This means that this lens has dust and is weather-sealed just like you’d expect from a high-end Sony lens.
It’s also got multiple optical elements which will help to remove distortion, chromatic aberrations, and other problems in your photographs.
The focal length of this lens is also ideal for pretty much every style. Pull things back to the widest angle for landscape and astrophotography or get nice and tight for your basic wildlife and sports photography. This lens from Sigma really does have it all.
There are also features here that plenty of Sony lenses would be jealous of. The lens has an 11-bladed diaphragm which is outstanding for delivering buttery-smooth bokeh.
Sigma also decided to add several coatings to this lens to make sure that it can stand up to regular use. These will help protect the glass elements as well as keep the lens safer from dust and light scratches.
Of course, our pick for the best third-party lens for Sony a6000 cameras does have a few flaws, but they might not be what you’d expect.
The first drawback to this lens is that this lens does not come from the Sony brand. This means it’s going to look and operate a little differently than the lenses you might be used to.
This could be a deal-breaker for die-hard Sony fans as well as people who rely on using one style of lens for the similar button layout, and tactile controls, and those who don’t want to learn a different system.
There’s also the budget factor to consider here. While this definitely isn’t a budget option, it is way cheaper than the Sony brand. However, if you have the extra money to invest in a lens why not get the Sony equivalent?
Pros
- On par with Sony’s best lenses and half the price
- 36-105mm equivalent focal length
- Eight distortion-correcting elements
- 11-bladed diaphragm
- Great for nearly all photography styles
Cons
- Off-brand looks might not be right for everyone
- If you have the extra cash, you might be better of with the Sony GM equivalent
2. Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 Lens: Best Lens For Sony a6000 For Video
If you want the best vlogging lens for the Sony a6000, then the Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 is exactly what you’ve been looking for!
We’re going to take a closer look at what makes this the best choice for videography on the Sony A6000.
This lens has all of the basic features you’ll want when it comes to shooting video on a Sony mirrorless camera. Yes, the crop sensor means that the affected focal length of this lens is going to be a little tighter, but it’s still going to be wide enough to handle shooting in most situations.
It’s also got Optical Steadyshot image stabilization, internal focus, and more than enough lens coatings and optical elements to overcome distortion and chromatic aberration.
This means you’ll be getting the best possible video every time you shoot. This is a very forgiving lens when it comes to beginner videographers who are looking to jump into this unique niche.
This lens is more than capable of delivering on professional results if you’re up to the job. This means that this lens can stick with you as you upgrade beyond the Sony a6000 and into their more professional line of cameras.
We talked a lot about video, but this is also a great lens when it comes to good old fashion photography. The 9-bladed diaphragm delivers on great bokeh and a wide range of focal length options meaning you’ll be able to do everything from landscape to portraiture using this lens.
Then again, there are a few drawbacks that we need to consider when we’re looking at this particular video lens. These could be minor cons, but they could also be serious setbacks that make or break this lens.
This is a great choice for general video. It’s wide enough to handle vlogging in your apartment, but also lets you get some title shots in as you expand and build your video skills.
However, you’ll ultimately want to move into some more specialized lenses as you develop your skills as a videographer. If you already know where you want to start, you might be better off picking a more specialized lens than this option.
This lens also has a few problems when it comes to low-light performance. It can definitely handle low-light filming conditions, but you’re going to need to lean harder on your skills as a photographer than you would with a higher-end lens.
Pros
- Optical Steady Shot Image Stabilization
- Internal focus for easy transportation and use
- Fluorine coating for durability
- 4 Aspherical elements
- 3 ED elements
- 9-blade diaphragm
Cons
- A general rather than specialized video lens
- You’ll have to pick between different styles
3. Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD: Best Telephoto Lenses for Sony a6000
If you want the best budget zoom lens for the Sony a6000, you’re going to need to look outside of the Sony brand. The Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD is not only one of the best zoom lenses for Sony a6000, and it’s also one of the most affordable.
There’s very little to dislike when it comes to this telephoto lens. It’s perfect for using on the crop sensor camera and it delivers an extra punch when it comes to telephoto photography.
This lens is a great choice if you’re looking to take pictures of sports games or you’re looking to venture outdoors.
This could also be the best wildlife lens for Sony a6000 cameras—especially on the crop sensor. This means you can explore the potential of taking stellar pics of your local birds to the wildlife on your next safari vacation.
Tamron makes some of the best third-party lenses out there. You’ll find all over the optical coatings, elements, and features you’d expect on Sony’s GM line of lenses.
Not everything is perfect when it comes to our pick for one of the best telephoto lenses for the Sony a6000.
The first thing that we need to deal with is a recurring problem when you shoot on a crop sensor camera. The crop sensor format naturally magnifies the focal length of any lens you use. This means that things are going to be much more zoomed-in than they would be on a full-sized sensor.
This could actually be a benefit when we’re doing telephoto work. This means that you get zoomed in even further than you would be able to on a higher-end camera.
However, this also means that you can’t zoom out nearly as far as that 70 mm focal length suggests you could. It’s actually about a 105 mm focal length equivalent which leaves 35 mm of a gap.
This just means you need to think carefully about the types of photography you’ll be using this lens for. It’s going to be even better when it comes to wildlife and sports but might struggle a little if you’re looking for an all-around lens you can carry every day.
Another thing to look at is that this is a third-party lens. This means it’s not going to offer the same kind of support that you would expect from a Sony lens. It also has a different style and a different controller configuration which could be a bit of a hassle for people used to the house brand.
Pros
- 105-270mm equivalent focal length
- Great aperture range of f/2.8 to f/22
- Multiple coatings and elements
- Dual VXD Linear AF Motors
- Weather sealed
Cons
- Focal length range is a bit odd with the crop factor
- Third-party lenses aren’t for everyone
4. Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM Lens: Best 35mm Lens for Sony a6000
There’s hardly anything to dislike about the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM. It’s one of the best lenses for Sony a6000 and it’s easily the best 35mm prime for this camera.
The Sony FE 35 mm lens is just about perfect when it comes to a 35 mm prime lens for a mirrorless camera system. Really, we scratched our heads to find problems with this lens and it was hard to come up with a few that we did.
This is also the best lens for Sony a6000 for night photography. That at one point forward aperture is going to be bright enough to handle just about anything that you can throw at it.
You are safe as can be taking this lens to a wedding, a party, or even trying your hand at some interesting astrophotography. There is essentially no dimly-lit situation that can’t be overcome with this bright of an aperture.
That aperture is also going to give you some great bokeh. People don’t tend to think about 35 mm lenses as a good option for portraits, but they really are. You’ll get some classic, cinematic-looking portraits with his lens.
This also means it’s a great lens for video. As long as you’re okay with always shooting wide or having to zoom with your feet, this lens gives you some pretty strong choices when it comes to video.
We should talk about the two big claws when it comes to the Sony FE 35mm lens.
The first thing that you’re going to notice about this once the price tag. It’s usually more expensive than the Sony a6000 camera and you’re definitely going to feel that cost. There are budget alternatives to this lens, but you start rapidly trading away all of the features that make it such a good lens in the first place.
Then again, that budget isn’t a problem at all if you plan on eventually upgrading out of the a6000 product line. If your ultimate goal is to work your way up to a professional-grade camera, then there’s no harm in starting with a professional-grade lens.
We should also spend a minute talking about the limitations of 35 mm. This is a very natural focal length, but it doesn’t offer much in the way of a telephoto zoom or extreme wide angle.
Ultimately, this is one of the best ones that you can get for any Sony camera. You just need to make sure that 35 mm is where you want to be.
Pros
- Ultra bright f/1.4 aperture
- 11-bladed diaphragm
- Physical aperture ring with a “De-Click” Switch
- an AR II and Fluorine coatings
- Dual XD Linear AF Motors
Cons
- Expensive compared to the A6000
- 35mm prime has some restrictions
5. Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM Lens: Best 50mm Lens for Sony a6000
The Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM is the best prime lens for Sony a6000 hands down. It’s got everything you’d ever want in a prime lens for a mirrorless camera. Here’s what makes it so great.
50 mm is arguably the ideal focal length for a prime lens. Many photographers consider this to be the same focal length shared by the human eye. Your photos will look natural. The styles you can use with this lens are very versatile.
Because it mimics the human eye, this lens is great for wildlife photography, landscapes, and portraits. It’s a very balanced option that delivers a comfortable result.
This particular lens is weather sealed, has an 11-bladed diaphragm, and even has a focus hold button. Whether you’re a beginner or a working professional, it’s hard to spot any problems with this lens.
That aperture is also outstanding. That f/1.2 means that you’re never going to encounter any problems shooting at night. If you ever run into a situation that’s too dark to photograph, it will be because your camera can’t keep up and not your lens.
There are very few drawbacks when it comes to this 50 mm lens, but we do have to look closely at some serious considerations.
The first thing we need to look at is this lens is way more expensive than the Sony a6000 itself. Of course, this isn’t a problem if it’s not for your budget, but it is worth looking at closely.
One of the best things about 50 mm prime lenses is that you can get them very cheaply. This focal length has a reputation for delivering even on budget models. There were professional photographers out there working every day using 50 mm lenses that hardly cost anything and still getting amazing results.
We’re not saying that this price point is bad for this specific lens, but we are saying that you can definitely get pro-level results with budget prime lenses.
There are a bunch of options that are also readily available. They are all over the market both in Sony’s own brand as well as other brands of camera lens options. You can even get a lens converter kit to use your favorite 50 mm lens that uses a different mounting system.
You’ve got plenty of options out there when it comes to finding a great 50-millimeter prime lens for the Sony a6000. This is the best of the best—so long as you have the budget.
Pros
- Focus hold button
- AF/MF switch
- Nano AR II and Fluorine coatings
- Four XD Linear AF Motors
- Weather-sealed build
- 11-bladed diaphragm
- Multiple elements
- G Master lens
Cons
- High cost
- Budget alternatives are readily available
6. Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 Lens: Best 85mm Lens for Sony a6000
The Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 is one of the best Sony lenses for portraits and the best 85mm lens available for this camera.
It’s honestly incredibly easy to go through all the positives of this lens. If taking portraits is one of your favorite activities, this is the lens that you’ve been waiting for.
The first thing we need to do is to look inside this lens and see what makes it so good for portraits. The double linear AF motor allows it to quickly and silently snap into focus. This is almost mandatory when you’re working with portraiture models who don’t need to be disturbed by the sound of a lens focusing.
This lens also has a 9-blade diaphragm and plenty of coatings and optical elements to reduce any distortion. This is especially important when it comes to portraits because you want to take the cleanest pictures possible.
This lens is also weather sealed. Honestly, being weather sealed is one of the most important things that you can have for a portrait lens. This means that you can get outdoors with your portraits without worrying so much about your lens taking damaged by dust or light rain.
This is also the best macro lens for Sony a6000 cameras, but you need to get a little crafty. You’ll either need a macro extension or just a quick trick.
You can actually turn any lens into a macro lens by flipping the lens around. You can find adapters that will mount it in place or you can just physically hold it there while you try your hand at macro photography.
The 85mm lens is already a great choice for macro. It’s got powerful magnification and tight features.
This also gets us into some of the flaws with this lens.
This isn’t expected critique at this point, but this is an incredibly expensive lens for the Sony a6000 camera. We’re essentially equipping a high-end professional lens with an entry-level camera. Yes, you can find budget alternatives to this Sony 85 mm lens, but they’re just not going to deliver on the same features.
85 mm is also considered a specialty focal length. It’s really good for portraits but doesn’t stand out when it comes to other styles of photography.
You can compare this to another prime lens like the 50 mm. That’s great for portraits, but it’s also good for street photography and taking it with you for travel photography.
85 mm isn’t a bad focal length, but it does restrict your photography to portraits and if you related styles like product photography.
This means that it might not be the best first lens for someone looking to get into photography in general. However, if you already know the styles are after, this 85 mm lens from Sony is going to be your best choice for the Sony a6000.
Pros
- Double Linear AF Motor
- Weather sealed
- 9-bladed diaphragm
- One Extra-Low Dispersion element
- Outstanding aperture
- Perfect for portraits
Cons
- Expensive prime lens
- Not a good multitasker
7. Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM Lens: Best Wide Lens for Sony a6000
The best landscape lens for Sony alpha a6000 is easily the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM lens. Here’s why.
Wide-angle photography is becoming increasingly popular. You can access such fantastic photography styles as landscape, astrophotography, and even interior and Architectural photography. The sky, quite literally, is the limit when it comes to wide-angle photography.
The Sony FE 16 to 35 mm lens is going to open up all of those styles for you. This lens has a few tricks up its sleeve.
When you pair this lens with the Sony a6000, the 11-bladed diaphragm of this lens actually makes it a powerful portrait lens. If you stick to the 35 mm top end, this lens is also great for videography and street photography.
That’s a lot of versatility packed into a single lens. Yes, you won’t be able to zoom in to do Wildlife photography or sports photography, but you will have access to the vast majority of styles in a single package.
This also comes from Sony’s high-end lenses. These are the best of the best when it comes to shooting on mirrorless.
This means that this is a weather-sealed lens. It can stand up to shooting in the outdoors which is great if you’re interested in landscapes and nature, to begin with.
Set direct-drive supersonic wave autofocus motor is all so incredible to use on this lens. It’s got smooth, fast, responsive autofocus that’s perfect when you’re working out in nature and you don’t want to disturb the natural environment. You’ll just have to get used to saying “Direct Drive Super Sonic Wave AF Motors.”
Now let’s get into a few of the things that are holding this lens back.
One of the first things that we need to talk about is that a prime lens might be better when it comes to wide-angle photography. It really all depends on what you were going after.
Prime lenses have fewer mechanical problems. They also deliver on clear images. This is vital when it comes to certain wide-angle styles like astrophotography. If you’re taking really long exposures, you don’t want to risk having any visual distortions spoiling your image.
Zoom lenses also have more moving parts than prime lenses. This means that you have more to look out for as well as higher future repair budgets in case anything goes wrong.
Another issue with this lens has more to do with the Sony a6000 than it does with this lens itself. That crop sensor in the Sony a6000 is going to magnify the focal length of his lens. This means it won’t be nearly as wide as 16 mm to 35 mm.
Unfortunately, you can’t get much wider than this on a crop sensor to begin with. That’s just something that crop sensor camera owners are going to have to balance while they consider upgrading to a full-frame camera.
Pros
- Weather sealed
- Direct Drive Super Sonic Wave AF Motors
- Outstanding aperture
- Perfect focal length range
- 11-bladed diaphragm
- Focus hold button
Cons
- A wide-angle prime might be better
- The crop sensor on the A6000 makes this actually a bit tighter
Conclusion – Which lens should I buy for my Sony a6000
The best overall lens for Sony a6000 has to be the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens. However, we also picked the Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 lens as the best lens for Sony a6000 for video and the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD lens for your zoom and telephoto needs!
Which one of these lenses are you taking out for your next photoshoot?
Don’t forget to check out our other articles on the best Sony lenses.