Best Lenses for Sony a6600 in 2024

Looking for the best lenses for Sony a6600? Here are our top recommended E-mount lenses for Sony a6600 mirrorless camera.

Designed to address the needs of the most demanding photographers and videographers, the extremely versatile Sony a6600 (B&H, Adorama) sports a revised 24.2MP CMOS sensor, the latest BIONZ X image processor, and a front-end LSI implemented in Sony’s full-frame cameras. This powerful trio combine to deliver all-around enhancements in image quality and performance across all areas of photo and video capture. The Sony a6600 offers a lightning-fast autofocus acquisition time of 0.02 seconds, 4D FOCUS system, up to 11fps continuous shooting, ISO 100-32000, 5-axis image stabilization, along with Real-time Eye AF for both photo and video, and it is capable of producing high-resolution photos and up to UHD 4K video with no recording time limit, more efficient processing, and faster focusing. Simply put, with an emphasis on speed and versatility, the Sony a6600 is a sleek-yet-fully-featured APS-C-format mirrorless camera well-suited for both stills and video.

So, in order to help you get a professional-like shot with your Sony a6600 camera, here we list the top recommended and most suitable native E-Mount lenses for Sony a6600 mirrorless camera including leading prime and zoom options from wide-angle to telephoto, which helps you choosing the exact lens of your demanding situation. You can just choose the one you need!

Best Lenses for Sony a6600

If you’re pressed for time and seeking a quick answer regarding lens selection for your Sony a6600 mirrorless camera, Here we have listed the top recommended lenses for Sony a6600 mirrorless camera:


Best All-In-One Lenses for Sony a6600

Tamron 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD Lens

Tamron 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Sony E
  • Lens Format Coverage: APS-C
  • Focal Length: 18-300mm (27-450mm equivalent)
  • Image Stabilization: Yes
  • Maximum Aperture: f/3.5-6.3
  • Minimum Aperture: f/22-40
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 5.9″ (0.15m) (Wide)/39″ (0.99m) (Tele)
  • Maximum Magnification: 1:2 (Wide)/1:4 (Tele)
  • Optical Design: 19 Elements in 5 Groups
  • Diaphragm Blades: 7
  • Filter Size: 67 mm (Front)
  • Dimensions: 3 x 4.9″ / 75.5 x 125.6 mm
  • Weight: 21.9 oz / 620 g
  • at B&H, Adorama.

Pros:

  • Stunning 16.6x zoom range covers wide to extreme telephoto
  • Advanced weather sealing with 9 seal points
  • Quick, quiet autofocus
  • Very little focus breathing
  • Optical stabilization
  • Low vignette
  • Low distortion outside of 18mm
  • Fluorine coating
  • Powerful VXD focus motor

Cons:

  • Narrow aperture limits low-light use
  • Raw photos require some correction

The Tamron 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD Lens is a versatile superzoom that caters to photographers seeking a do-it-all lens for various shooting situations. With a 16.6x zoom ratio and a minimum focus distance of only 5.9 inches, this lens brings Tamron’s “all-in-one” philosophy to the Sony E-mount audience. Its standout feature is the VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) linear motor, which offers fast and precise autofocus performance, making it one of the top performers in its class. The lens is also equipped with Tamron’s Vibration Compensation system, which effectively minimizes camera shake even at ultra-telephoto focal lengths.

Designed specifically for APS-C-format Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras, the Tamron 18-300mm lens provides a focal length range equivalent to 27-450mm, allowing photographers to tackle a wide range of subjects. The lens incorporates Tamron’s Vibration Compensation technology, utilizing gyroscopic sensors to detect and counteract vibrations, resulting in sharper images even when shooting handheld.

The lens features two VXD linear motors that deliver exceptional autofocus performance. Whether shooting stills or videos, the focusing system operates quickly, quietly, and with impressive precision. It offers a minimum focusing distance of 5.9 feet at the telephoto end and a 1:2 maximum magnification ratio at the wide end, making it suitable for close-up photography.

Additionally, the Tamron 18-300mm lens boasts a weather-sealed construction, providing durability and allowing photographers to shoot in various weather conditions without worrying about damage to the lens.

In terms of image quality, the lens delivers crisp photos with the ability to create pleasing background blur when shooting at wider apertures. However, due to its variable aperture range of f/3.5-6.3, it is better suited for shooting in well-lit conditions. In low-light situations, using a wider aperture lens would yield better results.

Overall, the Tamron 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD Lens is an excellent all-in-one zoom lens that offers photographers the convenience of covering a wide focal length range without the need to carry multiple lenses. Its impressive autofocus performance, Vibration Compensation system, and weather-sealed construction make it a versatile and reliable choice for travel, outdoor, and everyday photography.

Tamron 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD Lens for Sony E at B&H, Adorama.


Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Lens

A great long-zoom standard lens for travel photography and day-to-day shooting

Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Sony E
  • Lens Format Coverage: APS-C
  • Focal Length: 18-135mm (27-202.5mm equivalent)
  • Image Stabilization: Yes
  • Maximum Aperture: f/3.5-5.6
  • Minimum Aperture: f/22-36
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 1.48′ / 45 cm
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.29x
  • Optical Design: 16 Elements in 12 Groups
  • Diaphragm Blades: 7, Rounded
  • Filter Size: 55 mm (Front)
  • Dimensions: 2.65 x 3.46″ / 67.2 x 88 mm
  • Weight: 11.5 oz / 326 g
  • at B&H, Adorama.

Pros:

  • Versatile zoom range
  • Optical image stabilization
  • Excellent central sharpness at wider apertures
  • Low central CA
  • Lovely bokeh
  • Fast AF
  • Low distortion
  • Bright, colourful images
  • Compact and light

Cons:

  • High edge CA
  • No weather resistance
  • Soft at small apertures
  • Poor edges at 135mm

The Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Lens is a lightweight and versatile zoom lens designed for APS-C-format E-mount mirrorless cameras. With its wide-angle to medium telephoto range, equivalent to 27-202.5mm, this lens is well-suited for a variety of situations, making it an excellent choice for travel photography. The built-in image stabilization helps minimize camera shake, ensuring sharper images when shooting handheld.

The lens offers a broad zoom range, covering subjects and scenarios from wide-angle to telephoto. Despite its compact and lightweight design, weighing just 326g, it qualifies as a ‘superzoom’ lens, providing the same focal length range as a 28-200mm lens on a full-frame camera. This makes it ideal for everyday shooting and travel, offering versatility without the need to carry multiple lenses.

The Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS lens performs well across various photography genres. It excels in close-up photography, with a minimum focusing distance of 0.45m and a maximum magnification of 0.29x, allowing for detailed shots of small subjects. The lens delivers good wide-angle coverage for architecture and landscapes and maintains image quality even at close distances.

While the lens generally performs well, it has some limitations. At small apertures beyond f/16, detail can be lost, and the edges may exhibit lower sharpness when using longer focal lengths. However, these characteristics can be creatively used for portraiture and close-up photography.

The lens features a high zoom ratio, offering a versatile focal length range suitable for various subjects and situations. Its optical design, including one aspherical element and two extra-low dispersion elements, ensures high resolution and suppresses chromatic aberration. The built-in optical image stabilization enables handheld shooting in low-light conditions, reducing the risk of blur. Additionally, the lens’s close focusing distance allows for captivating close-up shots with beautiful background bokeh.

Overall, the Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Lens is a smart choice for APS-C mirrorless camera users seeking a lightweight and versatile travel lens. It delivers good image quality, performs well in various shooting scenarios, and offers convenience as an all-purpose lens.

Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Lens at B&H, Adorama.


Best Wide-Angle Zoom Lens / Vlogging Lens for Sony a6600

Sony E 10-20mm f/4 PZ G Lens

An ideal lens for for vlogging and content creation

Sony E 10-20mm f/4 PZ G Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Sony E
  • Lens Format Coverage: APS-C
  • Focal Length: 10-20mm (15-30mm equivalent)
  • Image Stabilization: No
  • Maximum Aperture: f/4
  • Minimum Aperture: f/22
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 0.2m (AF), 0.13-0.17m (MF)
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.14x (AF), 0.18x (MF)
  • Optical Design: 11 Elements in 8 Groups
  • Diaphragm Blades: 7, Rounded
  • Filter Size: 62 mm (Front)
  • Dimensions: 2.7 x 2.2″ (69.8 x 55 mm)
  • Weight: 6.3 oz (178 g)
  • at B&H, Adorama.

Pros:

  • Ultra-wide angle of view (15-35mm equivalent)
  • Constant f/4 maximum aperture
  • Great image quality and handling
  • Consistently excellent sharpness and contrast
  • Power zoom mechanism
  • Quality degree of weather sealing
  • Low focus breathing
  • Good flare resistance
  • Good bokeh rendering
  • Good control of chromatic aberrations
  • Extremely compact size

Cons:

  • No image stabilization
  • Focus and zoom rings too close and too similar
  • Strong barrel distortion at 10mm
  • Quite expensive

The Sony E 10-20mm f/4 PZ G is a lightweight and versatile ultra-wide-angle APS-C zoom lens designed with the needs of vloggers and content creators in mind. It features Power Zoom, intuitive handling, and advanced optics, making it an ideal choice for daily shooting and video production. This lens is optimized for video and vlogging, offering smooth zooming capabilities through its electronically controlled internal Power Zoom mechanism. The internal zoom and focus design ensure the lens maintains its length during operation, making it suitable for use with gimbals. The linear autofocus system is fast, quiet, and accurate, while the Smooth Motion Optics suppress focus breathing for improved compositional accuracy.

In terms of optical performance, the Sony E 10-20mm f/4 PZ G delivers excellent image quality. It boasts G Series optics, including three aspherical elements and two ED elements, which reduce distortion, spherical aberrations, and chromatic aberrations. The lens also features a constant f/4 maximum aperture, offering consistency throughout the zoom range. With its versatile 15-30mm equivalent focal length range, it strikes a balance between wide-angle vlogging and everyday recording. The circular diaphragm contributes to smooth and natural bokeh rendering.

Despite its compact and lightweight design, the lens is weather-sealed, ensuring durability and usability in various conditions. It offers intuitive handling with an integrated Power Zoom lever and a dedicated zoom ring. Remote zoom control is possible with the optional GP-VPT2BT Wireless Shooting Grip or a linked smartphone. However, it’s worth noting that the focus and zoom rings are close and similar, which can be a minor inconvenience.

While the Sony E 10-20mm f/4 PZ G has many strengths, it does have a few drawbacks. It lacks image stabilization, which may require the use of external stabilizers for handheld footage. At the widest focal length of 10mm, there is noticeable barrel distortion. Additionally, the lens falls on the higher end of the price spectrum.

Overall, the Sony E 10-20mm f/4 PZ G is a solid choice for APS-C shooters, particularly those engaged in video and vlogging. Its lightweight design, intuitive handling, and impressive optical performance make it a versatile and reliable wide-angle lens. Despite a few minor drawbacks, this lens is a worthwhile investment for hybrid shooters and content creators seeking high-quality results.

Sony E 10-20mm f/4 PZ G Lens at B&H, Adorama.


Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD Lens

Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Sony E
  • Lens Format Coverage: APS-C
  • Focal Length: 11-20mm (16.5-30mm equivalent)
  • Image Stabilization: No
  • Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
  • Minimum Aperture: f/16
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 5.9″ / 15 cm
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.25x
  • Macro Reproduction Ratio: 1:4
  • Optical Design: 12 Elements in 10 Groups
  • Diaphragm Blades: 7, Rounded
  • Filter Size: 67 mm (Front)
  • Dimensions: 2.9 x 3.4″ / 73 x 86.2 mm
  • Weight: 11.8 oz / 335 g
  • at B&H, Adorama.

Pros:

  • Great wide angle zoom range
  • Fast and constant f/2.8 aperture
  • Relatively compact and lightweight
  • Fast, quiet, and accurate autofocus
  • Good coma control
  • Strong aberration control
  • Great build with weather sealing

Cons:

  • Some flare issues
  • No optical stabilizer

The Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD Lens is a game-changer for Sony E-mount APS-C mirrorless cameras, offering a fast-aperture ultra wide-angle zoom that will expand your creative possibilities. With its constant f/2.8 maximum aperture, this lens ensures consistent brightness throughout the zoom range while providing enhanced control over depth of field. Its compact and lightweight design makes it a versatile companion for various photography genres, especially landscape, astrophotography, and architectural shooting.

What sets the Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 apart is its exceptional optical performance. The lens incorporates one XLD element, two LD elements, and two glass-molded aspherical elements, resulting in highly corrected images with reduced chromatic aberrations and color fringing. Tamron’s BBAR coating suppresses flare and ghosting, ensuring greater contrast, even in challenging lighting conditions. The lens produces impressive clarity and color accuracy, making your images stand out.

Autofocus performance is another highlight of this lens. Thanks to the responsive RXD stepping drive motor, autofocus is quick, near silent, and precise, catering to both stills and video applications. It allows you to capture sharp and focused shots effortlessly, ensuring you never miss a moment.

One of the standout features of the Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 is its close focusing capability. With a minimum object distance of just 5.9″ at the widest end of the zoom range, it opens up exciting opportunities for wide-angle macro photography. You can capture unique perspectives that make close objects appear larger and distant objects smaller. The f/2.8 maximum aperture also produces a shallow depth of field with pleasing bokeh, adding a touch of artistry to your images.

Built with moisture-resistant construction and a fluorine coating on the front lens element, the Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 ensures durability and protection against the elements, allowing you to shoot in various weather conditions without worry.

In conclusion, the Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD Lens offers outstanding performance, portability, and versatility. Its impressive optical quality, fast aperture, close focusing capability, and reliable autofocus make it a reliable tool for capturing breathtaking wide-angle shots. While some flare issues and the lack of optical stabilization are minor drawbacks, the overall package makes this lens a worthwhile investment for photographers seeking exceptional results in their ultra wide-angle photography.

Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD Lens for Sony E at B&H, Adorama.


Best Wide-Angle Prime Lenses for Sony a6600

Sony E 15mm f/1.4 G Lens

Sony E 15mm f/1.4 G Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Sony E
  • Lens Format Coverage: APS-C
  • Focal Length: 15mm (22.5mm equivalent)
  • Image Stabilization: No
  • Maximum Aperture: f/1.4
  • Minimum Aperture: f/16
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 6.7″ (17cm)
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.15x
  • Optical Design: 13 Elements in 12 Groups
  • Diaphragm Blades: 7, Rounded
  • Filter Size: 55 mm (Front)
  • Dimensions: 2.6 x 2.7″ (66.6 x 69.5mm)
  • Weight: 7.7 oz (219 g)
  • at B&H, Adorama.

Pros:

  • f/1.4 maximum aperture
  • Superb image quality
  • Consistently excellent sharpness and contrast
  • Fast, quiet focus
  • Low focus breathing
  • Excellent flare resistance
  • Dust and splash protection
  • Nicely built lens with great handling
  • Compact and lightweight

Cons:

  • Slightly expensive
  • Heavy barrel distortion
  • No stabilizer

The Sony E 15mm f/1.4 G Lens is a highly desirable wide-angle prime lens that offers exceptional performance for both still photography and vlogging. With its fast f/1.4 maximum aperture, this lens is perfect for achieving shallow depth of field and selective focusing techniques, as well as excelling in low-light conditions.

Featuring advanced G Series optics, the Sony E 15mm f/1.4 G Lens incorporates three aspherical elements that ensure high sharpness and suppress distortion and spherical aberrations. Additionally, one Super ED and two ED elements contribute to greater clarity and color accuracy by reducing chromatic aberrations. The rounded 7-blade diaphragm produces a smooth and natural bokeh quality, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of your images.

This lens offers a 22.5mm equivalent focal length, making it versatile for various shooting scenarios, including street, landscape, travel, and vlogging. Its compact and lightweight design complements Sony’s APS-C format mirrorless camera bodies, providing a perfect balance for on-the-go photography.

The build quality of the Sony E 15mm f/1.4 G Lens is excellent, with full weather-sealing to withstand challenging shooting conditions. The lens features an aperture control ring and a linear manual focusing ring, both of which enhance the handling experience. The aperture ring can be de-clicked for smooth and silent aperture switching during video applications. The lens also includes a customizable focus hold button for quick access to settings.

In terms of performance, the lens offers fast, reliable, and virtually silent autofocus. The center sharpness is very high throughout all aperture ranges, while chromatic aberrations are almost absent. Vignetting is well-controlled, and flare is minimized even when shooting directly into the sun. The only notable optical issue is some barrel distortion in the RAW files, which can be corrected in-camera for JPEG files.

Despite its higher price compared to its competitors, the Sony E 15mm f/1.4 G Lens justifies its cost with its exceptional optics, quick focus motors, and strong weather protection. It is highly recommended for both still photography and vlogging, offering superb image quality and versatility.

Sony E 15mm f/1.4 G Lens at B&H, Adorama.


Sony E 11mm f/1.8 Lens

Sony E 11mm f/1.8 Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Sony E
  • Lens Format Coverage: APS-C
  • Focal Length: 11mm (16.5mm equivalent)
  • Image Stabilization: No
  • Maximum Aperture: f/1.8
  • Minimum Aperture: f/16
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 4.7″ (12cm)
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.2x
  • Optical Design: 12 Elements in 11 Groups
  • Diaphragm Blades: 7, Rounded
  • Filter Size: 55 mm (Front)
  • Dimensions: 2.6 x 2.3″ (66 x 57.5mm)
  • Weight: 6.4 oz (181 g)
  • at B&H, Adorama.

Pros:

  • Lightweight and extremely compact
  • Wide-angle view
  • Quick, quiet autofocus
  • Consistently excellent sharpness and contrast
  • Quality degree of weather sealing (8 seal points)
  • Almost no focus breathing
  • On-lens function button
  • Excellent flare resistance
  • Good bokeh rendering
  • Good control of chromatic aberrations
  • Affordable price tag

Cons:

  • Strong barrel distortion
  • Fairly heavy vignette
  • No aperture control ring
  • No image stabilization

The Sony E 11mm f/1.8 lens is an impressive addition to Sony’s lineup of APS-C lenses. With its sleek and lightweight design, it is perfect for various photography and videography applications. The lens offers a 16.5mm equivalent focal length, making it ideal for landscape, architectural, and astrophotography, as well as vlogging.

In terms of image quality, the lens delivers sharp and lively results, whether for stills or videography. It performs well even at close distances, allowing for new and dramatic perspectives. The lens also controls distortion effectively, making it particularly suited for architectural photography where straight lines are important.

The Sony E 11mm f/1.8 lens is versatile and offers excellent value for the money. It is reasonably priced compared to other Sony lenses, making it an attractive choice for both enthusiasts and professionals. Its wide aperture and close-focusing capability make it suitable for a range of subjects, including macro-type shots and low-light conditions.

Whether you’re a vlogger, landscape photographer, or someone looking to expand their lens collection, the Sony E 11mm f/1.8 is a highly recommended option. It performs admirably in terms of image quality, autofocus speed, and handling. Its compact and lightweight design adds to its appeal, making it a great choice for travel and walkaround recording.

While the lens may not be perfect, with some barrel distortion and vignetting, it still offers exceptional value and performance. Its fast maximum aperture, reliable autofocus, and weather-sealed construction make it a solid investment for Sony APS-C camera users.

Overall, the Sony E 11mm f/1.8 lens is a fantastic choice for those seeking a wide-angle prime lens with excellent image quality and versatile capabilities. Whether you’re shooting stills or videos, this lens delivers impressive results and is highly recommended for its performance, affordability, and compact design.

Sony E 11mm f/1.8 Lens at B&H, Adorama.


Laowa 10mm f/4 Cookie Lens

A great wide-angle lens for travel photography and vlogging

Laowa 10mm f/4 Cookie Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Sony E
  • Lens Format Coverage: APS-C
  • Focal Length: 10mm (15mm equivalent)
  • Image Stabilization: No
  • Maximum Aperture: f/4
  • Minimum Aperture: f/22
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 3.9″ / 10 cm
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.15x
  • Optical Design: 12 Elements in 8 Groups
  • Diaphragm Blades: 5
  • Focus Type: Manual Focus
  • Filter Size: 37 mm (Front)
  • Dimensions: 2.4 x 1″ / 59.8 x 25 mm
  • Weight: 4.6 oz / 130 g
  • at B&H, Adorama.

Pros:

  • Tiny size and light weight
  • Affordable price
  • Stylish aesthetic
  • Excellent center and mid-frame sharpness
  • Focus and aperture rings move smoothly
  • Very low distortion
  • Great flare resistance overall
  • Good magnification and close focus performance

Cons:

  • Strong vignetting and poor edge sharpness
  • No weather sealing
  • No electronics
  • Manual focus ring can be a little hard to find by feel

The Laowa 10mm f/4 Cookie Lens is a unique pancake-style wide-angle prime lens designed for Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras with APS-C sensors. Its compact size and lightweight construction make it an ideal companion for travel photography and vlogging, weighing only 130g and measuring 25mm in length. With a 35mm-equivalent focal length of 15mm and a broad 109.3° angle of view, this lens is particularly well-suited for capturing architectural and landscape images, as well as everyday photography.

One of the standout features of this lens is its ability to focus as close as 4 inches, allowing for wide-angle macro shots. Additionally, the lens’s five-blade aperture creates beautiful 10-point sun stars when shooting towards bright light sources. The optical design includes four extra-low dispersion glass elements and two aspherical glass elements, which work together to minimize chromatic aberrations and distortions, resulting in sharper images.

While the Laowa 10mm f/4 Cookie Lens delivers excellent center and mid-frame sharpness, it does suffer from some optical flaws such as vignetting and poor edge sharpness. The lens’s manual focus ring may also pose a challenge to some users, but its short focal length provides a generous depth of field, making zone focusing a viable option. Furthermore, the lens’s lack of autofocus and weather sealing may be limitations to consider for some photographers.

Despite its drawbacks, the Laowa 10mm f/4 Cookie Lens offers a distinct retro aesthetic and a wide-angle perspective that sets it apart from other lenses. It provides an affordable and fun option for photographers looking to experiment with an ultra-wide manual focus prime lens. Its compact size and attractive price point make it an appealing choice, especially for APS-C camera users who have limited options for crop-sensor lenses with similar characteristics.

In conclusion, the Laowa 10mm f/4 Cookie Lens may not excel in every aspect, but its performance and image quality are commendable. It appeals to photographers who prioritize creativity and are willing to work with its manual focus and aperture adjustments. With its affordability and compact design, this lens can be a valuable addition to any camera bag, particularly for those interested in capturing landscapes, architecture, and unique perspectives.

Laowa 10mm f/4 Cookie Lens for Sony E at B&H, Adorama.


Best Standard Zoom Lenses for Sony a6600

Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary Lens

A small, light, and bright standard zoom for landscapes, portraits, street photography, architecture, and events

Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Sony E
  • Lens Format Coverage: APS-C
  • Focal Length: 18-50mm (27-75mm equivalent)
  • Image Stabilization: No
  • Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
  • Minimum Aperture: f/22
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 0.12m (W) 0.3m (T)
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.36x (W) 0.2x (T)
  • Macro Reproduction Ratio: 1:2.8
  • Optical Design: 13 Elements in 10 Groups
  • Diaphragm Blades: 7, Rounded
  • Filter Size: 55 mm (Front)
  • Dimensions: 2.5 x 2.9″ / 64.5 x 74.5 mm
  • Weight: 10.2 oz / 290 g
  • at B&H, Adorama.

Pros:

  • Compact size and light weight
  • Useful focal range with constant F2.8 aperture
  • Close focus for 1:2.8 macro
  • Quick, quiet autofocus
  • Minimal focus breathing
  • Low amounts of chromatic aberrations
  • Good sharpness across zoom range
  • Nice bokeh in most situations
  • Fairly good coma performance
  • Nicely made with a weather sealing gasket
  • Reasonably priced

Cons:

  • No optical stabilization
  • Fairly strong barrel distortion at 18mm

The Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary Lens is a versatile and highly capable standard zoom lens designed for crop-sensor mirrorless cameras. With a focal length range equivalent to 27-75mm on a full-frame camera and a wide constant aperture of f/2.8, this lens is well-suited for a wide range of photo and video applications, including landscapes, portraits, street photography, architecture, and events.

One of the standout features of this lens is its compact and lightweight design. Measuring less than 3 inches in length and weighing just over 10 ounces, it is the smallest and lightest f/2.8 standard zoom available for crop-sensor mirrorless cameras. This makes it ideal for travel and day-to-day shooting, as it won’t weigh you down or take up much space in your camera bag.

Optically, the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN delivers impressive image quality. It features three high-precision glass-molded aspherical elements and a special low dispersion element, which help to minimize distortion, spherical aberrations, and chromatic aberrations, resulting in sharp and accurate images. The lens also benefits from a Super Multi-Layer Coating that reduces flare and ghosting, ensuring good contrast and color accuracy even in challenging lighting conditions.

Autofocus performance is exceptional, thanks to the lens’s stepping motor. It is fast, quiet, and reliable, making it well-suited for both photography and videography. The lens has a minimum focusing distance of just 4.8 inches, allowing for macro-style close-up photography.

The Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary Lens features a rounded seven-blade diaphragm, which produces a pleasing bokeh quality, adding a nice background blur to your images. However, it should be noted that there may be some vignetting and barrel distortion at certain focal lengths, which can be corrected in post-processing.

In terms of alternatives, the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 is mentioned as another option, offering image stabilization and extra reach at both ends of the range. However, it is larger, heavier, and more expensive than the Sigma lens.

Overall, the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary Lens offers a compelling combination of excellent optical quality, a wide aperture, compact size, and affordability. It is a great choice for beginner photographers or those looking to upgrade from a kit lens. While it may not have full weather sealing or a fluorine coating, its performance and features make it a standout option for Sony APS-C photographers who value portability and budget-friendly options.

Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary Lens for Sony E at B&H, Adorama.


Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Lens

Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Sony E
  • Lens Format Coverage: APS-C
  • Focal Length: 17-70mm (25.5-105mm equivalent)
  • Image Stabilization: Yes
  • Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
  • Minimum Aperture: f/16
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 7.5″ / 19 cm
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.21x
  • Optical Design: 16 Elements in 12 Groups
  • Diaphragm Blades: 9, Rounded
  • Filter Size: 67 mm (Front)
  • Dimensions: 2.9 x 4.7″ / 74.6 x 119.3 mm
  • Weight: 1.2 lb / 525 g
  • at B&H, Adorama.

Pros:

  • Great zoom range
  • Maintains F2.8 aperture
  • Pleasing image quality
  • Excellent image stabilization (VC)
  • Fast, quiet, and accurate autofocus
  • Good flare resistance
  • Strong aberration control
  • Good build with weather sealing
  • Excellent price

Cons:

  • Largest and heaviest lens in the class, a little bulky
  • Sharpness could be better at some settings
  • Noticeable distortions when uncorrected

The Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD lens is a versatile and high-performing option for Sony E-mount APS-C-format mirrorless cameras. With its wide to short-tele zoom range and bright f/2.8 constant maximum aperture, this lens is well-suited for everyday shooting, even in challenging lighting conditions. The lens features specialized optics, including aspherical and low dispersion elements, which contribute to excellent image quality with sharpness, clarity, and accurate color reproduction. The BBAR coating reduces flare and ghosting, resulting in improved contrast, particularly in backlit and harsh lighting situations.

One of the standout features of the lens is the Vibration Compensation image stabilization system, which effectively minimizes the appearance of camera shake, allowing for steadier photo and video recording, especially in low-light conditions. The lens also boasts a quiet and fast RXD stepping motor for autofocus, enabling quick and precise focusing performance. It offers full-time manual focus override and a minimum focusing distance of 7.5 inches, allowing for close-up shots.

Built for durability, the lens features a moisture-resistant construction and a fluorine-coated front element, protecting against fingerprints and smudging. It offers a good balance of size and weight, making it suitable for travel and everyday use.

The Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD lens delivers a wide range of focal lengths, from wide-angle to short telephoto, making it versatile for various genres of photography, such as portraits, landscapes, and street photography. It is also suitable for videographers, with improved image stabilization performance when shooting videos.

While the lens offers many positive attributes, there are some areas for improvement. It is the largest and heaviest lens in its class, which may be a concern for those seeking a more compact setup. Additionally, sharpness could be better at certain settings, and there may be noticeable distortions when uncorrected.

Overall, the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD lens is a fantastic option for photographers and videographers looking for a versatile, high-quality, and reasonably priced lens for their APS-C-format Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras.

Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Lens for Sony E at B&H, Adorama.


Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G Lens

Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Sony E
  • Lens Format Coverage: APS-C
  • Focal Length: 16-55mm (24-82.5mm equivalent)
  • Image Stabilization: No
  • Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
  • Minimum Aperture: f/22
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 1.08′ / 33 cm
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.2x
  • Optical Design: 17 Elements in 12 Groups
  • Diaphragm Blades: 9, Rounded
  • Filter Size: 67 mm (Front)
  • Dimensions: 2.87 x 3.94″ / 73 x 100 mm
  • Weight: 1.09 lb / 494 g
  • at B&H, Adorama.

Pros:

  • Excellent build quality
  • Fast and constant f/2.8 aperture
  • Excellent image quality
  • Quick, quiet autofocus
  • Dust and splash protection
  • Fluorine coating
  • Lightweight and travel-friendly
  • High-end, weather-sealed construction

Cons:

  • Pricey
  • No image stabilization
  • Fair amount of distortion without corrections

The Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G lens is a highly versatile and compact standard zoom lens designed for APS-C mirrorless cameras. With its wide-angle to portrait-length zoom range and constant f/2.8 maximum aperture, it covers a wide variety of subjects, making it a go-to lens for everyday shooting.

The image quality delivered by the 16-55mm f/2.8 G lens is exceptional, boasting excellent sharpness and contrast throughout the zoom range. The lens also produces beautiful bokeh when needed, thanks to its nine-blade aperture. Autofocus is super-fast, accurate, and almost silent, making it suitable for both still photography and video.

The lens features a solid build quality and is weather-sealed, offering durability and protection against the elements. It includes a customizable focus hold button for added convenience. However, it’s worth noting that the lens lacks built-in optical stabilization, which may be a drawback for some users, especially those using cameras without in-body image stabilization.

The 16-55mm f/2.8 G lens incorporates advanced optics, including aspherical and extra-low dispersion elements, to minimize distortion and chromatic aberrations, resulting in sharp and accurate image rendering. A Nano AR Coating reduces surface reflections, flare, and ghosting, enhancing contrast and color rendition, even in challenging lighting conditions.

While the lens carries a professional-level price tag, it delivers professional-level performance. It is a welcome addition to Sony’s APS-C lens lineup and is well-suited for professional stills and video shooting.

In summary, the Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G lens is an Editors’ Choice pick, offering outstanding optical performance, strong build quality, and compact size. It is an excellent choice for photographers who require a high-quality standard zoom lens for their APS-C mirrorless cameras.

Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G Lens at B&H, Adorama.


Best Portrait Lenses for Sony a6600

Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens

Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Sony E
  • Lens Format Coverage: APS-C
  • Focal Length: 56mm (84mm equivalent)
  • Image Stabilization: No
  • Maximum Aperture: f/1.4
  • Minimum Aperture: f/16
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 1.6′ / 50 cm
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.14x
  • Optical Design: 10 Elements in 6 Groups
  • Diaphragm Blades: 9, Rounded
  • Filter Size: 55 mm (Front)
  • Dimensions: 2.62 x 2.34″ / 66.5 x 59.5 mm
  • Weight: 9.88 oz / 280 g
  • at B&H, Adorama.

Pros:

  • Compact and lightweight
  • Beautifully built lens with some weather sealing
  • Large, bright maximum aperture.
  • Exceptional sharpness across the frame
  • Fast, silent autofocus
  • Very high contrast
  • Good color rendition
  • Excellent flare resistance
  • Excellent focus accuracy (including with Eye AF)
  • Very reasonably priced

Cons:

  • Pronounced pincushion distortion
  • The bokeh is a little busy

The Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens is a remarkable lens that delivers outstanding performance and image quality at an affordable price. Its compact and lightweight design makes it a perfect companion for mirrorless cameras, and the lens construction is solid with weather sealing, providing durability and protection in various shooting conditions.

The lens excels in producing sharp images, particularly from f/2 onwards, and the f/1.4 maximum aperture allows for excellent control over depth of field, making it ideal for portraits and achieving selective focus effects. The bokeh rendered by this lens is beautiful, with nicely rendered out-of-focus highlights and smooth transitions in focus areas. The lens’s optical design, incorporating two aspherical elements and one special low dispersion (SLD) element, minimizes chromatic aberrations and ensures greater clarity and color accuracy.

While the lens exhibits some distortion, this can be easily corrected in post-processing, and the overall image quality is still impressive. The lens’s autofocus system is fast, accurate, and virtually silent, suitable for both photography and videography. It also offers manual focus override, providing flexibility and control for different shooting scenarios.

Despite a few minor downsides, such as the fiddly nature of some mirrorless camera menus and the slightly busy bokeh, the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens remains a highly recommended choice. Its exceptional sharpness, beautiful bokeh, compact size, and affordable price make it a standout option for photographers seeking a fast short telephoto lens for their APS-C-format Sony E-mount cameras. Whether you’re a professional or a casual user, this lens delivers great value for the money and is a worthy addition to any camera bag.

Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens for Sony E at B&H, Adorama.


Sony E 50mm f/1.8 OSS Lens

Sony E 50mm f/1.8 OSS Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Sony E
  • Lens Format Coverage: APS-C
  • Focal Length: 50mm (75mm equivalent)
  • Image Stabilization: Yes
  • Maximum Aperture: f/1.8
  • Minimum Aperture: f/22
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 1.28′ / 39 cm
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.16x
  • Optical Design: 9 Elements in 8 Groups
  • Diaphragm Blades: 7, Rounded
  • Filter Size: 49 mm (Front)
  • Dimensions: 2.44 x 2.44″ / 61.98 x 61.98 mm
  • Weight: 7.13 oz / 202 g
  • at B&H, Adorama.

Pros:

  • Wide f/1.8 aperture
  • Affordable and portable
  • Image stabilization
  • Minimal distortion
  • Crisp optics
  • Excellent build quality
  • Near silent super smooth autofocus

Cons:

  • Some softness
  • Omits weather sealing
  • Image quality not as good as Sony’s high-end lenses

The Sony E 50mm f/1.8 OSS Lens is a highly capable short telephoto prime lens designed for Sony’s APS-C mirrorless cameras. With its effective focal length of 75mm, it is an ideal choice for portraiture, offering a flattering perspective and the ability to capture minute details. The fast f/1.8 aperture is perfect for low-light situations and achieving shallow depth-of-field effects.

The lens’s optical performance is excellent, delivering sharp images, and the inclusion of Sony’s OSS optical image stabilization ensures shake-free results, particularly useful for general photography. However, it is worth noting that the exterior of this lens is prone to scuffs and scratches due to its silver finish.

With its wide aperture and optical stabilization, the Sony E 50mm f/1.8 OSS Lens is a standout choice for portrait photographers, offering a compelling combination of focal length, performance, and affordability. Its real-world sample photos demonstrate its quality, making it an easy recommendation.

The build quality of the lens is impressive, featuring a metal body and a sturdy focus ring. The lens also benefits from an internal focus mechanism, resulting in faster autofocus and a minimum focus distance of 1.3 feet. Additionally, the lens incorporates a seven-blade diaphragm, producing pleasing bokeh when using selective focus techniques.

Despite some slight flaws, such as soft corners at large apertures and noticeable vignetting at f/1.8, the Sony E 50mm f/1.8 OSS Lens delivers impressive image quality, particularly when stopped down to f/4-f/8. The lens exhibits minimal lateral chromatic aberrations, and its standout feature is the excellent quality of the bokeh, making it highly appealing for portrait photographers.

Priced just around $300, the Sony E 50mm f/1.8 OSS Lens offers good value for its features, especially considering the inclusion of optical image stabilization. Overall, it is a highly desirable lens that is likely to be popular among photographers looking for a high-quality portrait lens for their APS-C E-mount cameras.

Sony E 50mm f/1.8 OSS Lens at B&H, Adorama.

If you have a preference for Sony lenses or are considering a future transition to a full-frame system, the FE 50mm f/1.8 is a suitable choice.

Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 Lens at B&H, Adorama.


Best Macro Lenses for Sony a6600

ZEISS Touit 50mm f/2.8M Macro Lens

ZEISS Touit 50mm f/2.8M Macro Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Sony E
  • Lens Format Coverage: APS-C
  • Focal Length: 50mm (75mm equivalent)
  • Image Stabilization: No
  • Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
  • Minimum Aperture: f/22
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 5.91″ / 15 cm
  • Maximum Magnification: 1x
  • Macro Reproduction Ratio: 1:1
  • Optical Design: 14 Elements in 11 Groups
  • Diaphragm Blades: 9, Rounded
  • Filter Size: 52 mm (Front)
  • Dimensions: 2.95 x 3.58″ / 75 x 91 mm
  • Weight: 10.23 oz / 290 g
  • at B&H, Adorama.

Pros:

  • Fantastic Image quality
  • Extremely well-built and solid lens made of solid metal and rubber
  • Extremely fun and easy to use
  • Very nice and smooth bokeh at close focusing distances
  • Resists flare and controls vignetting well
  • Focuses down to 1:1 magnification for true macro shooting

Cons:

  • No manual MF/AF or focus limiter switches
  • Slow focusing when in the macro range
  • Working distance at 1:1 is extremely short
  • Noisy autofocus if trying to use for video

The ZEISS Touit 50mm f/2.8M Macro Lens is a versatile and high-quality lens suitable for both portraiture and close-up shooting. With its moderate telephoto focal length of 75mm (35mm-equivalent), it delivers fantastic image quality and is designed specifically for APS-C format Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras. The lens features a life-size 1:1 maximum magnification ratio and a minimum focusing distance of 5.9 inches, making it perfect for macro photography.

The optical design of the ZEISS Touit 50mm f/2.8M includes two aspherical elements and two anomalous partial dispersion elements, which effectively control various aberrations, distortion, and color fringing, resulting in sharp and well-corrected images. The lens also benefits from a ZEISS T* anti-reflective coating, minimizing flare and ghosting and ensuring excellent contrast and color accuracy, even in challenging lighting conditions.

While the lens offers fantastic image quality, it also has some limitations. There are no manual focus/auto focus or focus limiter switches, which can be a downside for those who prefer manual control. In addition, the autofocus can be slow, particularly when working in the macro range, and it may produce some noise, making it less ideal for video applications.

Despite these drawbacks, the ZEISS Touit 50mm f/2.8M Macro Lens remains an excellent choice for photographers seeking superb image quality and versatile shooting capabilities. Its solid metal and rubber construction provides durability, and its smooth bokeh and effective flare resistance make it a reliable lens for various applications. With its ability to focus down to 1:1 magnification, it offers true macro shooting capabilities.

ZEISS Touit 50mm f/2.8M Macro Lens for Sony E at B&H, Adorama.


Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO Lens

Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Sony E
  • Lens Format Coverage: APS-C
  • Focal Length: 65mm (97.5mm equivalent)
  • Image Stabilization: No
  • Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
  • Minimum Aperture: f/22
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 6.69″ / 17 cm
  • Maximum Magnification: 2x
  • Macro Reproduction Ratio: 2:1
  • Optical Design: 14 Elements in 10 Groups
  • Diaphragm Blades: 9
  • Focus Type: Manual Focus
  • Filter Size: 52 mm (Front)
  • Dimensions: 2.24 x 3.94″ / 57 x 100 mm
  • Weight: 11.82 oz / 335 g
  • at B&H, Adorama.

Pros:

  • Relatively small and lightweight
  • Sharp as a Savile Row suit
  • Focuses to infinity
  • 2x magnification
  • Amazing microcontrast
  • Excellent image quality
  • APO design delivers stunningly good optical performance
  • Nice bokeh
  • Low distortion and vignette
  • Robust construction
  • Fantastic price-to-performance ratio

Cons:

  • No automatic /preset aperture
  • No electronic contacts / EXIF
  • No stabilization
  • No weather-sealing

The Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO Lens by Venus Optics is a remarkable lens that offers exceptional macro capabilities at an affordable price. Designed for APS-C-format Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras, this manual focus lens provides a 97.5mm equivalent focal length and an impressive 2:1 maximum magnification ratio. With a minimum focusing distance of 6.7 inches, it allows for stunning close-up shots with incredible detail.

The lens’s optical design incorporates three extra-low dispersion elements, which effectively minimize chromatic aberrations and color fringing, resulting in high clarity and accurate rendering. The images produced are sharp, with excellent resolution and contrast from center to corner. The lens’s apochromatic design further enhances its optical performance by reducing both lateral and longitudinal chromatic aberrations.

Despite its incredible macro capabilities, the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO lens remains compact and lightweight, making it convenient to carry and handle. The build quality is solid, with a robust construction that instills confidence. However, it lacks automatic/preset aperture control, electronic contacts for EXIF data, image stabilization, and weather sealing.

Overall, this lens delivers outstanding image quality, excellent sharpness, and impressive microcontrast. It is an ideal choice for macro photography enthusiasts looking to explore the world of close-up subjects. While it may lack certain convenience features, its affordable price-to-performance ratio and stunning optical performance make it a compelling option for both amateur and professional photographers.

Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO Lens for Sony E at B&H, Adorama.


Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro Lens

Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Sony E
  • Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
  • Focal Length: 50mm (75mm equivalent on APS-C cameras)
  • Image Stabilization: No
  • Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
  • Minimum Aperture: f/16
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 6.3″ / 16 cm
  • Maximum Magnification: 1x
  • Macro Reproduction Ratio: 1:1
  • Optical Design: 8 Elements in 7 Groups
  • Diaphragm Blades: 7
  • Filter Size: 55 mm (Front)
  • Dimensions: 2.79 x 2.8″ / 70.8 x 71 mm
  • Weight: 8.32 oz / 236 g
  • at B&H, Adorama.

Pros:

  • Excellent edge to edge sharpness
  • Minimal distortion
  • 1:1 magnification
  • Very low central CA
  • Resistant to flare
  • Weather-sealed design
  • Focus limiter function
  • Light and compact

Cons:

  • Fairly slow AF
  • Omits optical stabilization
  • Short working distance

The Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro Lens is a versatile and high-performing optic that excels in both macro and general photography. With its 1:1 magnification ratio and 6.3″ minimum focusing distance, it offers true macro capabilities, allowing for detailed close-up shots. The lens delivers excellent edge-to-edge sharpness, minimal distortion, and low central chromatic aberration, resulting in high-quality images.

Despite its compact and lightweight design, the Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro Lens offers outstanding optical performance. It features an extra-low dispersion element to reduce chromatic aberrations, as well as an aspherical element to correct other monochromatic aberrations. The lens’s rounded seven-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing bokeh quality when using selective focus techniques.

The lens’s build quality is commendable, with dust and moisture sealing for increased durability and the ability to work in various weather conditions. The inclusion of a focus range limiter switch and a focus hold button enhances user control and convenience. However, the autofocus speed is relatively slow, which may not be ideal for fast-moving subjects.

The Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro Lens lacks optical stabilization, which could be a drawback for handheld shooting in low-light conditions. Additionally, the short working distance may limit the ability to capture subjects that require more distance.

Overall, the Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro Lens is an excellent performer and offers great value for its price. It provides outstanding image quality, a true macro capability, and a compact form factor, making it a versatile option for photographers who want a high-quality macro lens with the ability to capture a variety of subjects.

Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro Lens at B&H, Adorama.


Best Telephoto Zoom Lenses for Sony a6600

Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS Lens

A great telephoto zoom for sports, wildlife, and landscape photography

Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Sony E
  • Lens Format Coverage: APS-C
  • Focal Length: 70-350mm (105-525mm equivalent)
  • Image Stabilization: Yes
  • Maximum Aperture: f/4.5-6.3
  • Minimum Aperture: f/22-32
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 3.61′ / 1.1 m
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.23x
  • Optical Design: 19 Elements in 13 Groups
  • Diaphragm Blades: 7
  • Filter Size: 67 mm (Front)
  • Dimensions: 3.03 x 5.59″ / 77 x 142 mm
  • Weight: 1.38 lb / 625 g
  • at B&H, Adorama.

Pros:

  • Excellent Weather-Sealed Build Quality
  • Compact size and weight for the zoom range
  • Consistently excellent sharpness and contrast
  • Sharp across frame and across zoom range
  • Extremely fast and quiet autofocus
  • Built-in optical stabilization
  • Good tracking capabilities
  • Great bokeh rendering
  • Excellent control of chromatic aberrations
  • Low vignette

Cons:

  • Slightly expensive
  • Flare prone
  • Some pincushion distortion
  • Not compatible with teleconverters

The Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS Lens is a highly versatile telephoto zoom lens designed for Sony APS-C mirrorless cameras. With a focal length range of 70-350mm (105-525mm equivalent), it is well-suited for sports, action, wildlife, and landscape photography. The lens features a compact and lightweight design, making it portable and easy to carry around, even with its 5x zoom capability.

One standout feature of the lens is its excellent image quality. The optimized optical and mechanical design ensures high-resolution images throughout the entire zoom range, delivering sharp and detailed results. The lens incorporates one aspherical element to minimize distortion and spherical aberrations, while three extra-low dispersion elements reduce color fringing and chromatic aberrations, resulting in improved clarity and color accuracy.

The lens is equipped with built-in Optical SteadyShot image stabilization, which effectively reduces camera shake, allowing for sharper handheld shooting. This is particularly useful when using the lens at longer focal lengths or in low-light conditions. The fast and reliable autofocus system, powered by the XD Linear Motor, ensures quick and precise focusing, making it suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects.

The build quality of the lens is commendable, featuring a sturdy and weather-resistant construction. It is designed to withstand various shooting conditions, providing added durability and peace of mind. The lens also includes useful features such as customizable focus hold buttons and a zoom lock switch.

While the lens may have a relatively modest aperture rating of f/4.5-6.3, it still delivers impressive results, allowing for attractive background bokeh and the ability to achieve sharp handheld shots even at slower shutter speeds.

Although there are some minor drawbacks, such as the presence of pincushion distortion and the lens being flare-prone, overall, the Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS Lens offers excellent performance and versatility. Its compact size, lightweight design, and affordable price make it an attractive option for photographers looking for a high-quality telephoto zoom lens for their Sony APS-C mirrorless camera system.

Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS Lens at B&H, Adorama.


Sony E PZ 18-105mm f/4 G OSS Lens

Sony E PZ 18-105mm f/4 G OSS Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Sony E
  • Lens Format Coverage: APS-C
  • Focal Length: 18-105mm (27-157.5mm equivalent)
  • Image Stabilization: Yes
  • Maximum Aperture: f/4
  • Minimum Aperture: f/22
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 1.48′ / 45 cm
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.11x
  • Optical Design: 16 Elements in 12 Groups
  • Diaphragm Blades: 7, Rounded
  • Filter Size: 72 mm (Front)
  • Dimensions: 3.1 x 4.3″ / 78 x 110 mm
  • Weight: 15.1 oz / 427 g
  • at B&H, Adorama.

Pros:

  • Excellent build quality
  • Excellent sharpness in the centre of the frame
  • Relatively lightweight
  • Effective optical stabilisation

Cons:

  • Lack of sharpness towards the edges of the frame at 105mm
  • High CA levels
  • Wild distortion at 105mm

The Sony E PZ 18-105mm f/4 G OSS Lens is a versatile zoom lens designed for APS-C-format E-mount cameras. It covers a wide focal length range of 18-105mm (27-157.5mm equivalent) and features a constant f/4 aperture, making it suitable for a variety of photography genres.

This lens is particularly well-suited for video shooting, thanks to its power zoom mechanism and Handycam technology, which enable smooth and quiet zooming and focusing. The internal focus design ensures that the overall length of the lens remains unchanged during focusing.

Optical performance is enhanced by the inclusion of two extra-low dispersion elements and three aspherical elements, which work together to minimize aberrations and deliver sharp, clean images. The lens also features Optical SteadyShot image stabilization, which helps reduce the effects of camera shake, especially at longer focal lengths.

While the lens performs admirably for video, there are some compromises when it comes to still photography. Edge softness is noticeable at the widest angle and telephoto extremes, and distortion can be pronounced at the telephoto end. However, these issues are less prominent when shooting in JPEG or working with Raw files in Lightroom.

The build quality of the Sony E PZ 18-105mm f/4 G OSS Lens is excellent, and its relatively lightweight design makes it a convenient option for everyday use. The lens also features effective optical stabilization, which further enhances image quality.

In conclusion, the Sony E PZ 18-105mm f/4 G OSS Lens offers a wide zoom range, a constant aperture, and smooth power zoom functionality, making it a great choice for video shooters. While there are some optical compromises for still photography, it remains a solid option, particularly when shooting in JPEG or for those who prioritize video capabilities.

Sony E PZ 18-105mm f/4 G OSS Lens at B&H, Adorama.


Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Lens

Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Lens Specifications:

  • Mount: Sony E
  • Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
  • Focal Length: 70-180mm (105-270mm equivalent on APS-C models)
  • Image Stabilization: No
  • Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
  • Minimum Aperture: f/22
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 10.63″ / 27 cm
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.5x
  • Macro Reproduction Ratio: 1:2
  • Optical Design: 19 Elements in 14 Groups
  • Diaphragm Blades: 9, Rounded
  • Filter Size: 67 mm (Front)
  • Dimensions: 3.19 x 5.87″ / 81 x 149 mm
  • Weight: 1.78 lb / 810 g
  • at B&H, Adorama.

Pros:

  • Light, comparatively compact
  • Smaller filter size than the competition
  • Bright f/2.8 aperture
  • Excellent sharpness and uniformity at all apertures and focal lengths
  • Very good resolution
  • Nice Bokeh
  • Reliable and fast AF tracking, extremely fast static AF
  • Low vignetting and minimal distortions
  • Very usable close-up performance at 180mm focal length
  • Extensive weather sealing plus fluorine coating against moist and dust
  • Low price when compared with other F2.8 options

Cons:

  • Significant flare and ghosting except at 180mm
  • No internal zooming
  • Some distortion at longer focal lengths
  • No AF/MF switch, relies on camera menu
  • Incompatible with teleconverters

The Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Lens is a versatile telephoto zoom lens designed for Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras. Its compact and lightweight design, combined with a constant f/2.8 aperture, makes it a compelling alternative to Sony’s more expensive options. With a focal length range of 70-180mm (105-270mm equivalent on APS-C models), this lens offers flexibility for various shooting scenarios.

The lens’s optical performance is impressive, with six low dispersion elements and three aspherical elements that effectively reduce chromatic aberrations and distortion, resulting in excellent clarity and color accuracy. The BBAR-G2 coating further minimizes flare and ghosting, enhancing contrast and color fidelity in challenging lighting conditions.

The Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 is equipped with two VXD linear motors, offering fast, accurate, and quiet autofocus performance. It also features full-time manual focus override, allowing photographers to fine-tune focus manually if needed. The minimum focusing distance of 2.8′ at all focal lengths and a maximum magnification of 1:4.6 at 180mm make it suitable for close-up photography.

Despite its compact size, the lens is weather-sealed, providing protection against moisture and dust. The fluorine coating on the front lens element helps repel fingerprints and smudges. Additionally, the zoom lock switch prevents unwanted barrel extension during transportation.

In terms of image quality, the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 delivers excellent sharpness and uniformity at all apertures and focal lengths. The bokeh is soft and pleasing, adding a nice depth-of-field effect to images. However, flare and ghosting can be significant, particularly at longer focal lengths.

The lens does have a few limitations, such as the lack of internal zooming and incompatibility with teleconverters. It also relies on the camera’s menu for switching between autofocus and manual focus. However, these drawbacks are outweighed by the lens’s overall performance and its competitive price compared to other f/2.8 options.

In conclusion, the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Lens is a compelling choice for photographers seeking a compact, lightweight, and affordable telephoto zoom lens. With its excellent image quality, fast autofocus, and weather-sealed construction, it offers a versatile solution for various photography genres, including portraits, wildlife, and sports.

Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Lens for Sony E at B&H, Adorama.


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