Best Lenses For Sony A6500 [2024 Review]

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The Sony A6500 is one of the best cameras you can get your hands on right now. It is incredibly capable of taking excellent pictures. However, to use it at its full potential, there is a dire need to invest in good quality lenses. Lenses are a very important part of your photography equipment and needs to be chosen very carefully according to the needs you may have from the product, which will differ from person to person.

Investing in a quality lens is important, however, it can be daunting to look for the perfect one as there are so many variations and options available to one.

Thus, we have the complete round-up of the best lenses for your Sony A6500. This includes all you need to know about the lenses and some relevant product options to consider. 

Review of the Best Sony A6500 Lenses

There are plenty of products out there on the market, which makes it really difficult for one to decide and invest in a single unit. This is precisely why we have compiled a list of some of the best units out there on the market, so the process is somewhat easy for you. All of these products are of great quality and highly reliable.

Brand
Sigma 16mm F/1.4 DC
Sony - E 50mm F1.8 OSS
Sony SEL-20F28 E-Mount 20mm
Product
Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens for Sony...
Sony - E 50mm F1.8 OSS Portrait Lens (SEL50F18/B),...
Sony FE 70-300mm SEL70300G F4.5-5.6 G OSS Lens
Focal length
16 mm
50 mm
20 mm
Maximum aperture
F1.4
F1.8
F2.8
Brand
Sigma 16mm F/1.4 DC
Product
Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens for Sony...
Focal length
16 mm
Maximum aperture
F1.4
Brand
Sony - E 50mm F1.8 OSS
Product
Sony - E 50mm F1.8 OSS Portrait Lens (SEL50F18/B),...
Focal length
50 mm
Maximum aperture
F1.8
Brand
Sony SEL-20F28 E-Mount 20mm
Product
Sony FE 70-300mm SEL70300G F4.5-5.6 G OSS Lens
Focal length
20 mm
Maximum aperture
F2.8

Best Overall: Sigma 16mm F/1.4 DC

Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens for Sony...

PROS

  • Features a 7-blade circular aperture for incredible de-focus effects
  • Incredibly responsive and has fast auto-focusing for smooth operation
  • Built-in optical ready image stabilization for better photography results
  • This unit is compact and lightweight which enables it to be easy to carry
  • Elegant yet sturdy premium aluminum alloy exterior makes it stunning and durable

CONS

  • Some buyers found the focus to be a bit slow

What Recent Buyers Report

Buyers are very fond of this Sigma 16mm F/1.4 DC lens for multiple reasons. Firstly, they find it to be incredibly reliable for taking stunning portraits. It works wonderfully well for both beginners and professionals. However, some consumers did complain of a slow focus, but it isn’t a deal-breaker in any way. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

It caught our attention with its stylish design, but the unit is more than just looks. It has a built-in optical image stabilization, which allows you to create smooth and sharp images. Furthermore, it is easy to travel with, as well. The product has a quiet and smooth operation that makes it convenient. 

Who Will Use This Most

This product is excellent for portraits. If you have been looking for a great lens to create beautiful portraits and bokeh out of, this unit proves its excellence wonderfully. It is pretty compact and lightweight, which enables it to be easy to travel with. Thus, this product is very convenient, as well. 

Bottom Line

Overall, this is a pretty solid product. It has been created wonderfully well and features an exceptionally stylish and sturdy design. This unit is highly functional and features multiple specs that enhance the performance and makes it reliable. Thus, it truly is worthy of investment. One should definitely check it out. 

Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens for Sony...
  • Compatible with Sony E mount cameras
  • Perfect for nature & event photography
  • Large f/1.4 aperture for superb lowlight performance

Runner-up: Sony – E 50mm F1.8 OSS

Sony - E 50mm F1.8 OSS Portrait Lens (SEL50F18/B),...

PROS

  • This unit has a compact and travel-friendly size
  • It is great for events as well as nature photography
  • Can capture beautiful videos and low light pictures
  • Capable of accommodating fully automatic hybrid auto-focus
  • Design is splash-proof and dust-proof which makes it weather-proof

CONS

  • Some buyers notice a slight chromatic distortion

What Recent Buyers Report

The Sony E-50mm lens seems to have really impressed the consumers with its overall performance and incredible design. It is compact and lightweight, which makes it travel-friendly. In addition, it’s highly versatile and can achieve a number of different effects and works well under multiple shooting conditions. Thus, it is a consumer favorite product. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

This Sony - E 50mm F1.8 OSS lens caught our attention with its small and compact design. However, one must not be fooled by that as it packs a punch. This unit is incredibly well-designed and comes with a multitude of features that make its performance worthwhile. Furthermore, it produces excellent quality images. 

Who Will Use This Most

This unit is perhaps one of the most versatile products you can lay your hands on and for a good reason. It can be used not just for portraits and low light photography but also for events, nature, and telephoto photography as well. It’s truly amazing to realize one lens could do so much. Plus, it’s easy to travel with!

Bottom Line

All in all, this unit is a gem, one you should not miss out on. It is one of the most well-received products by the masses and for a good reason. Be it its performance or the design, it truly is phenomenal. The result it gives is worthy of praise, and the product truly is of great quality. All of this makes it worthy of investment. 

Sony - E 50mm F1.8 OSS Portrait Lens (SEL50F18/B),...
  • Built-in Optical SteadyShot image stabilization and 7-blade circular aperture for beautiful defocus...
  • Minimum Focus Distance : 1.28 ft (0.39 m), Maximum Magnification ratio : 0.16x, Focal-Length : 50 mm...
  • Large F1.8 maximum aperture enables beautiful defocusing effects. Angle of View (APS-C) : 32°

Best for the Money: Sony SEL-20F28 E-Mount 20mm

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

PROS

  • F2.8 aperture enables it to work well in low light conditions as well 
  •  Incredible image accuracy and reduced distortion for great quality pictures
  • Aspherical optical design for reduced aberrations as well as size and weight
  • Circular aperture blades which enhance the bokeh effect for stunning portraits
  • Features a compact and lightweight design which allows it to be convenient to travel with

CONS

  • Some buyers find this unit to be a bit overpriced

What Recent Buyers Report

This Sony SEL-20F28 E-Mount 20mm lens is one of the best ones on the market due to many reasons. Firstly, it is incredibly well-designed and caters to the convenience of the user. It is lightweight and compact to travel with, which makes the product worthy of investment. All of this makes it a consumer favorite and friendly product. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

This unit caught our attention with its incredible design and performance capabilities. It performs incredibly well and looks great too. It is lightweight and compact, thus easy to travel with. Furthermore, it has an aspherical optical design, which reduces aberrations and thus provides a clearer and more accurate image.

Who Will Use This Most

This unit is for those of you who have experienced distortion and lack of sharpness in their images and need a good fix for that. This product carries an aspherical optical design that delivers the best quality, high contrast pictures. Furthermore, it has the capability of taking excellent portraits. 

Bottom Line

All in all, this product is one of the best ones on the market for many reasons. It is incredibly well-designed and manufactured. It carries multiple features that enhance the performance of the product and enable it to work wonderfully well. All of this combined makes the product worthy of investment.

Sony SEL-20F28 E-Mount 20mm F2.8 Prime Fixed Lens
  • Superior Image Quality
  • Minimum Focus Distance : 0.66 feet (0.2 m), Maximum Magnification ratio : 0.12x
  • Focal Length- 20 mm, Compact Length; Lens not Zoomable

Best Travel Lens for Sony A6500: Sony SELP18105G E PZ 18-105mm

Sony SELP18105G E PZ 18-105mm F4 G OSS , Black

PROS

  • It is lightweight and compact, enabling it to be easy to travel with
  • Lens-based optical image stabilization to counteract any image blur occurring
  • ED glass elements help counteract chromatic aberrations and create sharper images
  • Features circular aperture blades to enhance the bokeh effect resulting in stunning portraits
  • Aspherical lens elements, as well as, reduce spherical aberration and the lens size and weight as well

CONS

  • Significant pincushion distortion
  • Some buyers aren’t very impressed with the video performance of this product

What Recent Buyers Report

Buyers are very happy with the functioning of this Sony SELP18105G E PZ 18-105mm lens. They find it to be reliable in multiple situations. They are particularly happy with the incredible portraits they are able to get out of it. However, some are somewhat disappointed with the video performance, but that problem is easily fixable. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

This product stands out to us for many reasons. It is incredibly well-constructed and features a design that is impeccably innovative. It features circular aperture blades to enhance the stunning bokeh effect, which is precisely what enables the excellent portraits it can take. 

Who Will Use This Most

This unit is one of the best ones on the market. It is incredibly well-constructed and easy to travel with due to its compact size and weight. Thus, you won’t be feeling any physical strain while using the product. It is great for beginners as well, given its incredible auto-focus and image stabilization capabilities. 

Bottom Line

To conclude, this unit is a true gem. It is one of the most sophisticated and well-constructed units on the market. It is highly reliable and features a very convenient design, which is one of the reasons why it is such a great product to invest in. Furthermore, it carries multiple features that enhance its result and functionality.

Sony SELP18105G E PZ 18-105mm F4 G OSS , Black
  • High performance E mount lens with excellent contrast; Minimum Aperture (F): 22
  • Minimum Focus Distance : 1.48 (Wide) 3.12 ft (Tele), Maximum Magnification ratio : 0.11x, Focal...
  • Versatile 27 158mm (35mm equiv.) zoom range. Angle of view (APS C): 76° 15°. Number of aperture...

Best Zoom Lens for Sony A6500: Sony 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 OSS

Sony 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 OSS APS-C E-Mount Zoom Lens

PROS

  • Optical steady shot image stabilization promises sharper stills
  • Features quiet and precise auto-focus for high-speed stills and videos
  • It has an advanced aspherical optical design that helps suppress aberrations
  • 7-blade circular aperture which allows for beautiful bokeh for incredible portraits
  • Two ED glass elements which reduce chromatic aberration for excellent sharpness

CONS

  • A bit on the pricier end of the spectrum for some
  • Some buyers find that the product at times performs poorly in low lighting conditions 

What Recent Buyers Report

Buyers find Sony 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 OSS lens to be well constructed and well designed. It is equipped with two ED glass elements to counter chromatic aberration and features an aspherical optical design, which helps suppress aberrations. Furthermore, it is great with image stabilization as well. Thus, people are very fond of this product. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

This product carries two ED glass elements, which dramatically helps reduce chromatic aberration. It features an optical steady shot image stabilization for sharper stills and excellent sharpness. Furthermore, it features quiet and precise auto-focus, which enables one to capture fast and good quality stills and videos. 

Who Will Use This Most

This product is on the pricier end of the spectrum, thus, it isn’t accessible to everyone. If you are someone with a flexible budget, though, this would be a great option. Furthermore, it is equipped with image stabilization and autofocus, which enables it to be beginner-friendly as well. 

Bottom Line

This is one of the finest products you can get your hands on. It is well-built, innovative, as well as, gives a reliable and consistent performance. It carries multiple features which contribute to the overall enhancement of the image quality and the result you get. All of this makes it a great product to look out for. 

Sony 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 OSS APS-C E-Mount Zoom Lens
  • 7.5x high magnification zoom/ 27-202.5mm (35mm equiv.) focal length. Lens Groups / Elements : 12-16
  • Outstanding sharpness from 1x aspherical and 2x ED glass elements
  • 7-blade circular aperture contributes to beautiful bokeh. Hood Type:Petal shape, bayonet type....

Best Macro Lens for Sony A6500: Venus Optics Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra-Macro

Venus Optics Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra-Macro...

PROS

  • Is incredibly reasonable and great for macro photography 
  • Offers manual focus that allows precise control over focusing distance
  • It features a wide-angle design with magnification range from 2.5x to 5.0x
  • Lightweight and compact which enables it to be highly convenient to travel with
  • ED lens elements for reduced chromatic aberration and enhance corner to corner sharpness

CONS

  • Some buyers found the product slightly hard to use and work with

What Recent Buyers Report

Buyers are very happy with Venus Optics Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra-Macro lens. They find it to be well-designed and incredibly sturdy and durable. It looks stylish and worthy of investment, given its incredible operation and high functionality capabilities. All of these incredible features are what combine to make it a consumer favorite product. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

This unit stood out to us for having a very innovative design. It features ED lens elements to reduce chromatic aberration and enhance corner to corner sharpness. It allows you to have very precise control over the focusing distance with the manual focus as well. 

Who Will Use This Most

This unit is great for macro photography, which is rare to find a product suited for macro photography at this price range. It is budget-friendly which makes it accessible to a higher audience. Furthermore, it is easy to travel with as well with its compact and convenient construction.

Bottom Line

All in all, this unit is a well-designed product equipped with all the right features that enhance the performance of the product. It carries features to enhance the optical performance of the product, plus it is impeccably easy and convenient to carry. Thus, it proves to be a great investment.

Venus Optics Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra-Macro...
  • Macro Shooting: The compact, lightweight, and versatile high magnification Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5x...
  • Close-Up Imaging: Dedicated to extreme close-up imaging, this lens is a specialized macro lens for...
  • Magnification: Wide-angle design with magnification range from 2.5 to 5X benefits the high...

Best Wide-Angle Lens for Sony A6500: Sony – E 10-18mm F4 OSS

Sony - E 10-18mm F4 OSS Wide-Angle Zoom Lens...

PROS

  • A circular aperture enhances the bokeh effect for stunning portraits
  • It features distance encoder which plays an integral part in a high precision flash
  • ED glass to dramatically reduce chromatic aberration and provide superior contrast
  • Lens-based optical image stabilization which allows it to counteract any image blurring
  • Aspherical lens elements that reduce spherical aberration as well as lens size and weight

CONS

  • Some buyers complain about the lack of weather resistance in the unit

What Recent Buyers Report

Seeing the recent reports, it is clear that this Sony - E 10-18mm F4 OSS lens has seemed to really impress the buyers with its incredible performance. It features ED glass to reduce chromatic aberration and aspherical lenses to reduce spherical aberration. It is incredibly reliable and stylish. It is even durable. However, it is slightly on the pricier end of the spectrum but certainly worth the splurge. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

This product stood out to us because of its impeccable design and stunning outlook. It is incredibly stylish, yet convenient. It works great as a walk around lens and has a smooth and quiet operation. People are very fond of its low-light performance, and it is capable of reducing chromatic and spherical aberration dramatically as well. 

Who Will Use This Most

We find this product to be great under multiple conditions and circumstances. It has an incredible image stabilization, which allows it to be used without tripods for stunning shots. Furthermore, the product has a circular aperture for stunning portraits. The unit is great in low light photography as well. 

Bottom Line

Last but certainly not least, this product is truly worth investing in. There are many products out there on the market, however, few prove to be such a complete package. This unit has both looks and excellent performance. You can expect reliability and durability with it. 

Sony - E 10-18mm F4 OSS Wide-Angle Zoom Lens...
  • Angle of View (APS-C) - 109 ° – 76 °
  • Minimum focal length of 10 mm (15 mm in 35 mm-camera equivalency)
  • Minimum Focus Distance : 0.82 ft (0.25 m), Maximum Magnification ratio : 0.1x

Comparison of the Best Sony A6500 Lenses

Are All A6500 Lenses The Same?

All lenses aren’t the same at all. There are multiple variations and options available for your Sony A6500. They are roughly all discriminated on the basis of what your photography needs are, which will differ from person to person and photography style to photography style. Depending upon what you require the product for, the lens will be equipped with specs to enhance that particular type of photography. Let’s take a look at some of the different variations of the product to help you better grasp the concept:

Wide-Angle Lens

If you are someone who intends to capture wide landscapes and architectures in their truest form on film, then a wide-angle lens will allow you to achieve that beautifully. It is developed with specs catered to wide-angle photography and thus enables one to capture larger scenes. 

Telephoto Lens

If you are more interested in sports or action photography or perhaps even want to create stunning portraits, then a telephoto lens is a great option to consider. A telephoto zoom range of short to medium and a consistent wide aperture will allow you to create wonders with this product in multiple conditions. 

Man installing the new the Sony A6500 camera lens.

Sony A6500 (Source)

Macro Lens

If capturing pictures of images from a near distance, which is otherwise referred to as macro photography is your thing, then a macro photography lens is what you need. 

Zoom Lens

If you are looking for a more versatile unit capable of achieving more than just a single type of photography, then a zoom lens with a varying focal length range is a great option to consider. 

How to Choose a Sony A6500 Lens

If you are on a quest to find a good camera lens to invest in, you may wonder what exactly it is about a good lens that makes it worthy of investment? Well, there are certain features and aspects that need consideration. These are what essentially make a product worthy of investing in. 

Design

The overall design of the product has grave importance in how the unit performs. Thus, it’s important to opt for a unit that is well-manufactured and carries an innovative design. It should be easy to travel with it durable enough to last a long time. Furthermore, it should have features that enhance the functionality of the product. 

Budget

A very important consideration to make when one is buying a unit is to set a budget for yourself. It is already established that there are a plethora of products on the market, which, even though it gives you options but also further complicates the process. Thus, by setting a budget, you will have a parameter to take care of, and that would help you narrow down your options, which is very important for saving your time. 

Performance

The common perspective is that the higher the price will be of the unit, the better it will perform, but that isn’t true. At times, lenses with a cheaper price range work better. It is all about figuring out the specs a unit offers and making a fair comparison in terms of the overall value to add to the performance of the product. 

Advantages of Investing in a Quality Sony A6500 Lens

Are you still wondering what exactly is it about a quality lens that allows it to be worthy of purchase? Well, let’s take a look at some of the advantages that investing in a quality lens carries to help you decide if you feel like you’re on the fence about it currently:

Accessibility

Good quality lenses have become incredibly accessible to people. You don’t have to spend a fortune to get one. In fact, you can now get a good quality lens in any realistic budget. 

Versatility

Good quality lenses work well under multiple conditions. They are capable of taking excellent quality photos that are of high contrast and have image resolution that, too, not just in a single lighting or environmental condition. This is precisely what makes them reliable and versatile. 

Durability

Good quality Sony A6500 lenses are incredibly well constructed. They are often weatherproof and carry a warranty that enables the product to be durable and thus a good investment in the long run. 

Conclusion

There is a multitude of options available on the market. You will be able to get so many different options and variations of a product suited to your specific needs that buying a lens has become much more complex. There is a lot of consideration that goes into the process, and it requires a certain amount of knowledge. 

Thus, with this post, we aim to make it a bit easier for the regular consumer who might not be well-versed with the high-tech lingo of camera paraphernalia and needs assistance in deciding which product to invest in. We gave you all the information you needed to make a smart purchase and recommended some excellent products to consider. Hopefully, by the time you reach this portion of the post, you’ll have a better understanding of what you are looking for.