Review of the 10 Best Lenses for the Sony a6500

Short on time? The best lens for the Sony a6500 is the Sony 35mm Prime lens.

The Sony a6500 is my all-time favorite mirrorless camera. I have an earlier model of the same camera (the a6000), and use it all the time. Now, speak of lenses – lenses actually make or break your ability to use your camera to the top of its capabilities. This post will review the 10 best lenses for the Sony a6500, so that you can make an informed decision when purchasing your next big camera buy. 

Lenses that Work with the Sony a6500

When looking for any lenses that work with the Sony a6500, your option includes lenses that fall under the APS-C E-mount lens family. Please note, that Sony does make another type of E-mount lens, the Full-Frame E-mount lens, which are lenses designed for full-frame cameras (like the name suggests). You can use both types of E-mount lenses on either type of camera, but you’ll have to adjust camera setting accordingly. All lenses on this list (save one) are specifically for the APS-C E-mount lenses, which are made for the a6500.

The Best Prime Lenses for the Sony a6500

What is a Prime Lens?

Just in case this terminology is new to you, a prime lens is one that comes with a fixed length photographic lens. And usually the aperture maxes out from f/2.8 to f/1.2. We’ll talk about this more below, but it is opposite to the zoom lens as you cannot change focal length (unless you move closer or farther from the subject).

1 | Zeiss Touit 12mm Lens

The Zeiss Touit 12mm is a prime wide-angle lens that offers an 18mm equivalent view. It features design elements that help reduce things like distortions and color flaring so that you get the sharpest image possible. To suppress glare and “ghosting”, this lens also comes with an anti-reflective coating. This lens has a DC autofocus motor that enables fast and precise performance as well. 

Key Features

• A floating elements system that helps maintains image quality from 7.1” to infinity
• f/2.8 aperture that allows for a lot of light, even supporting astrophotography use
• The distagonal optical concept supports a sharp and well-corrected image quality and low field curvature 

Dimensions

• 3.19 x 3.46 x 3.46 inches 
• 9.2 ounces 
• Wide-Angle lens

Where to Use It

This lens is best suited for use in landscape, architecture, and interior shooting. 

2 | Sony SEL-20F28 E-Mount 20mm F2.8 Prime Fixed Lens

The Sony 20mm is a pancake lens is compact and easy to carry along with your standard lens. It comes with a circular aperture, allowing you to produce a nice “bokeh” effect and supporting smoother and more natural defocusing. This lens features a manual focus, giving you optimal control over the shots you capture with this lens. 

Key Features

• Built to fix image distortion and provide a clear picture from edge-to-edge
• Easy manual focusing means you get to select if you want your subject in clear focus or blurred against the background 

Dimensions and Lens Type

• 0.79 x 2.48 x 2.48 inches 
• 2.43 ounces
• Wide-Angle Lens

Where to Use It

This lens is great for street photography, dusk shots, and portraits. 

3 | Sigma 30mm F1.4 Contemporary DC DN Lens

The Sigma 30mm is a prime lens that works well in low light conditions and provides extensive control over depth of field for certain focus techniques. Like other lenses on this list, this one features aspherical elements as well as a high-refractive index element to reduce image aberrations and for increased clarity and very sharp images. 

Key Features

• Bright f/1.4 maximum aperture for high function in low light conditions 
• Super Multi-Layer coating applied to minimize lens flare and ghosting. In addition, this provides contrast-rich and color-neutral imagery
• Normal length prime that provides a 45mm equivalent focal length 
• Nice bokeh effect enabled by a rounded nine-blade diaphragm 

Dimensions and Lens Type

• 9.8 x 8.1 x 6.6 inches 
• 8 ounces
• Standard Lens

When to Use It

Great for street photography and also does a good job at portraits as well. 

4 | Sony SEL35F18 35mm f/1.8 Prime Fixed Lens

So if you’re going to have one lens, and want one that’s best all around, I highly recommend the Sony 35 mm Prime lens. This is my personal FAVORITE and what is typically on my older model Sony a6000. It’s a versatile and lightweight option that fits many shooting scenarios. This lens works well in low light, and creates sharp images with a shallow depth of field. 

Key Features

• Aspherical elements help reduce astigmatism, field curvature, and other photo aberrations
• Aperture of f/1.8 provides for great ability to capture low-light images
• Internal focus mechanism that contributes to fast and responsive autofocus
• Optical SteadyShot stabilization minimizes the appearance of of the camera for sharper imagery to support shooting with slower shutter speeds

Dimensions and Lens Type

• 2.44 x 2.44 x 2.44 inches
• 7.13 ounces
• Wide-Angle Lens

When to Use It

The best part about this camera is that you can use it to shoot nearly everything, including landscapes, street shots, portraits, and night shots. 

5 | Sony – E 50mm F1.8 OSS Portrait Lens (SEL50F18/B), Black

If I had to choose a second favorite lens, I would certainly be the Sony 50mm Lens. You get great depth of field provided by this lens, and very fast f/1.8 aperture. These features make this lens great for capturing excellent close up shots. This lens provides a really nice balance between ease of handling and excellent image quality. 

Key Features

• DC actuator offer fast autofocus capabilities for this lens
• Double glass configuration offers a reduction in field curvature and prevents curvature so that you get clear images from edge to edge
• Quality bokeh due to the seven rounded seven blade diaphragm 
• Aspherical elements to reduce astigmatism, coma, and other image aberrations 

Dimensions and Lens Type

• 2.44 x 2.44 x 2.44 inches
• 7.13 ounces
• Telephoto Lens

When to Use It

This lens is best used for portraits as well as macro shots. I consider this a must have if you take portraits with any frequency.

6 | Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS Lens

The Sony 90mm Macro lens provides a 1:1 magnification ratio so that you can take an ultimately zoomed in photo. Note, that unlike other lenses on this list, this one is made for the Sony a7 series, but will fit the Sony a6500 too. As macro photography requires very accurate focusing, this lens is equipped with the fast Direct Drive Super Sonic wave motor. This is a G-series lens, which means that it provides a balance between sharpness and bokeh through various specialized elements. 

Key Features

• The f/2.8 aperture supports depth of field control and as well as working in lower light conditions
• Lens is coated with AR Coating to reduce glare, surface reflections, and ghosting
• Focus range limiter that allows you to constrain the usable focus range 
• Excellent bokeh quality provided by the rounded nine-blade diaphragm 

Dimensions and Lens Type

• 5.16 x 3.11 x 3.11 inches
• 1.33 lbs
• Telephoto Lens

When to Use It

This lens is meant purely for macro-type photography, and is best for shooting close ups of inanimate objects.

The Best Zoom Lenses for the Sony a6500

What is a Zoom Lens?

A zoom lens consists of mechanical elements that allow the lens to vary the focal length and angle of view. Real zoom lenses also maintain the ability to keep focus as the focal length changes (these are also known as parafocal lenses). One thing to keep in mind is that performance is typically not consistent at every focal length – most lose some image resolution at their highest aperture.

7 | Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS Lens

Whether you want to shoot ultra wide frames or tight interiors, the Sony E10-18mm Lens will suit your needs. This lens features extra-low dispersion (ED) glass that reduces chromatic aberration, even at telephoto lengths. This lens also offers constant f/4 aperture, enabling production of high-quality images in a variety of challenging photo situations. 

Key Features

• Incorporates three aspherical elements to reduce astigmatism, field curvature, and other aberrations
• Internal autofocus mechanism that delivers fast and responsive autofocus, with a minimum distance of 9.8”
• Ease of handling as lens does not change in length as the the focus changes
• Optical SteadyShot for superior image stabilization

Dimensions and Lens Type

• 2.52 x 2.76 x 2.76 inches
• 7.94 ounces
• Wide Angle

When to Use It

This lens is great for taking superb landscape shots as well as close up photos. 

8 | Sony Vario-Tessar E 16 – 70mm OSS Lens

The Sony Vario-Tessar E 16-70mm Lens is a great all-around zoom lens and like the lens above, it offers consistent f/4 aperture so that photo quality stays consistent while you change the focal length. In addition, this lens features Zeiss T* anti-reflective coating, which reduces any trace of glare, ghosting, or reflections.

Key Features

• Four aspherical elements combine to reduce astigmatism, coma, and field curvature
• Inclusive of one extra-low dispersion glass element to reduce chromatic aberrations and color fringing
• Linear autofocus motor that enables quick and precise autofocus capabilities 
• Get a nice bokeh effect, which is enabled by the rounded seven-blade diaphragm 

Dimensions and Lens Type

• 2.95 x 2.62 x 2.62 inches
• 0.68 lbs
• Telephoto

When to Use It

This is a great all around lens, used for street shots as well as landscape photography.

9 | Sony E 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS Lens

The range on the Sony E 18-200mm Lens is incredible, allowing you to use this lens for both telephoto and wide angle shots. You can pretty much use this lens for almost any type of shot – no need to swap out lenses with this option! 

Key Features

• Variable f/3.5-6.3 aperture, allowing the lens to stay compact
• Extra-low dispersion glass to reduce color fringing and chromatic aberration
• Zoom lock switch to keep the lens from being altered when not in use
• Fast and responsive autofocus, with a minimum focus distance of 11.8” 
• Rounded seven-blade diaphragm that contributes to a nice bokeh effect, depending on how you use the focus feature

Dimensions

• 3.90 x 3.66 x 3.66 inches
• 1.43 lbs
• Both Wide Angle & Telephoto Lens 

When to Use It

This can be used for nearly any shooting scenario! Just note that the bokeh effect or ability to control the light in your shot may be limited.

10 | Sony Alpha 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 G OSS Super-Telephoto APS-C Lens

If you are really looking for a zoom lens with excellent telephoto capabilities, the Sony Alpha 70-350mm is your best bet. The 350mm end of range allows for super-telephoto capabilities, allowing for macro shooting at its finest.

Key Features

• Customizable focus hold buttons and zoom lock, so that you get the focal length just where you want it
• XD Linear Motor system for fast and quiet autofocus capabilities
• Optical SteadyShot for superior image stabilization, particularly useful for slower shutter speeds
• Aspherical elements to help with image distortion problems and extra-low dispersion elements to support enhanced image color and clarity

Dimensions

• 8.27 x 3.98 x 4.53 inches 
• 1.9 pounds 
• Telephoto lens

When to Use It

This lens is excellent for capturing landscapes, wildlife, and sports. If you are planning to go on a safari, you may just want to take this one along with you. 

Prime vs. Zoom Lenses

In the sections above, we covered what the differences are between prime and zoom lenses. Your question now may be: How do I know which is the best one for me? I think this comes down to a matter of preference. 

Before I got into cameras, I had only ever used point and shoot cameras, and they all came with zoom lenses, so that’s what I expected to like the most. After learning more about photography and playing with differently lenses, I’ve learned that I prefer prime lenses, and here are the reasons why:

• Cost – Prime lenses generally cost less since the mechanics that go into them are simpler
• Size – Prime lenses are almost always smaller, reducing the weight of camera accessories that you need to carry with you
• Bokeh – The bokeh affect and control over depth of field in prime lenses is just better, and more important if you tend to take more portrait shots (which I do)

Now, in case you’re wondering why you might consider zoom lenses instead, here are a few options:

• Portability – You can get a zoom lens to replace 2 or more prime lenses; particularly if you shoot more landscape photography
• Versatility – It’s true, with prime lenses you will miss the option to be able to zoom in when necessary  

Over time, you can continue to build out your collection of lenses, so I recommend starting with one you know that you’ll use a lot. Then you can just gradually build from there. 

How to Select the Best Lens for the Sony a6000 series cameras 

To build on the section above, let’s talk about what you should consider when buying a lens for your Sony a6500. Here are the most important things that you need to keep in mind for your purchase:

• Aperture: A lower number correlates to a higher max aperture. So an aperture of f/2.8 is higher than an aperture of f/22. The higher the max aperture the more light you are able to let into the photo (and the shallower the depth of field). 
• Focal Length: The higher the focal length number, the closer up the shot you’ll be able to take. For example, an 18mm takes a very zoomed out shot while a 200mm length would result in a very close up shot. 
• Lens Type: There are a few different lens types, so let’s break those down quickly:
  • Ultra-Wide: They take shots wider than typical, and have lens length of less than 24mm typically
  • Wide Angle: Wider shots than typical, but have less distortion than the ultra-wides; length is typically 24mm – 35mm
  • Standard Lens: Typically what comes with your camera’s kit lens; focal range is around 35-70mm usually
  • Telephoto Lens: Built to bring far away images close; focal range is usually 70mm+
• Lens Size: Most of us want the most compact lens possible, so please consider the lens dimensions and weight before your purchase
• Stabilization: The a6500 does come equipped with stabilization features, but it’s always helpful to have some additional support from the lens itself

There are other things to consider in your purchase, such as lens coating, focus motor, diaphragm, etc. so use the details in this post to help you see what options are out there. 

Sony a6500 Overview

The Sony a6500 (or any lenses from the a6000 series) are well known for being the best in class for mirrorless cameras on the market today. What makes the camera stand out are its compact size, quick shutter speed, touch screen, and the 24.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS Sensor. I own an earlier version of this model (the a6000) and love the images that I can capture with this camera – honestly one of the best more expensive lens purchases that I have ever made. 

Just in case you came to this post and don’t own the camera yet, here is a list of all the models that are available: 

1. Sony a6000 
2. Sony a6100
3. Sony a6300 
4. Sony a6400
5. Sony a6500
6. Sony a6600

The main differences between each model is that the features do slightly increase from model to model, but so does the price. So it’s a good idea to do a comparison to see what works best for your price point and the features you desire. 

If you have no idea where to start and are more of a beginner when it comes to photography, I recommend that you start with the a6000. I mentioned earlier that I have this camera, and even got it as a refurbished model to save money. I could NOT be happier with my purchase. The only downfall of this model is that it doesn not offer 4K video, so if that’s important to you, you may want to go one model up.

In Summary | The Best 10 Lenses for the Sony a6500

There are a variety of options for the best Sony a6500 lenses, but my top recommendation is the Sony 35mm prime lens. This one is great for a variety of image types and is pretty affordable. Here are a few other options based on your need:

• Best Lens for Portraits: Sony 50mm Prime Lens
• Best Lens for Landscapes: Zeiss Tout 12mm Prime Lens
• Best Zoom Lens: Sony E 18-200mm

I hope you found this post helpful! Any questions / other suggestions? Let me know in the comments!

Related Posts:

• Best Sony a6000 Accessories

Last update on 2024-05-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API