Sony a6000 lens reco: Just bought the Sony as a walk-around camera and because my walking-around is limited due to needing a cane for balance. I used it with the kit 16-50 at my wife’s...

cdayton

Just bought the Sony as a walk-around camera and because my walking-around is limited due to needing a cane for balance. I used it with the kit 16-50 at my wife’s recent art show opening and, although it was fine (actually, really good) inside, realized I need more reach for more general use. If I go out for a shoot, I throw the D300, D5200 and P900 into the car along with a monopod. But I like to always carry (have available) a camera more serious than my iPhone SE. Definitely don’t want to change lens while using the Sony so what would work? Remember, I bought the Sony because it packs such a big punch in such a small package.

Dun1 Loc: Atlanta, GA

You might take a look at 55-210 lens, if you find you might need a lens with a longer reach, the 55-210 lens is not a heavy lens

morkie1891

Also look at the Sony 18-135mm f3.5-6.3 -$500.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

cdayton wrote:

Just bought the Sony as a walk-around camera and b... (show quote)

Whatever lens you consider, also consider using the in camera 1.1-2X Clear Image Zoom - if you can tear yourself away from using raw and shoot JPEG instead ! This will give you more "reach" with no pixel loss.

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lamontcranston

This is what you're looking for: Sony E PZ 18-105mm f/4 G OSS Lens

Compact, versatile, adequate reach for a walk-around lens, and excellent reviews. I keep this lens on one of my A6000's and find it to be a very capable. It should meet your requirements for a walk-around lens that " ...packs a big punch in a small package."

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1001011-REG/sony_selp18105g_18_105mm_f_4_g_lens.html

rwilson1942 Loc: Houston, TX

The 55-210mm is an inexpensive option but keep in mind it is basically a 'kit' lens.
I have the 18-105 f4 and really like it. I see them offered used for $475-$500.
The 18-135 seems to be getting good reviews but I don't have any personal experience with it.

cdayton

imagemeister wrote:

Whatever lens you consider, also consider using the in camera 1.1-2X Clear Image Zoom - if you can tear yourself away from using raw and shoot JPEG instead ! This will give you more "reach" with no pixel loss.

..

Interesting. Somehow I missed that feature in the plethora of menus. Thanks, I’ll give it a try before looking at lenses.

morkie Loc: Simi Valley CA

I had the 18-105 and returned it for the 18-135. Purely subjective, but I think the 18-135 is a bit sharper and i find the slight increase in reach beneficial.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

cdayton wrote:

Interesting. Somehow I missed that feature in the plethora of menus. Thanks, I’ll give it a try before looking at lenses.

You MUST be in JPEG to have the menu option .....

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le boecere

Dun1 wrote:

You might take a look at 55-210 lens, if you find you might need a lens with a longer reach, the 55-210 lens is not a heavy lens

And, a 55-210mm just came up for sale on UHH, at a bargain price. Topic: Sony bargains

ggenova64

Congratulations on the Sony! The Sony FE 2.8/24-70 GM is a great walk around lens. My friend Joe who has an issue hand held with his left hand finds this lens very compatible.

sitka_rn

Sony SEL85F18 85mm F/1.8-22 Medium-Telephoto Fixed Prime Camera Lens, is one of the nicest lenses I have come across for my A6500... Prime but has the extra reach that my Sigma 60mm doesn't have. Resolution is so good on these cameras... just get a prime and practice ..practice.. practice. Leave the big Nikon for those tripod pics and monster telephotos

TedC

My answer to this was to get the Sony Vario Tessar 16-70 to go with my a6300. The idea was to get a high quality lens for walk-around and I can use the CIZ in a pinch when I need the reach. My idea was like yours - it has to be light and compact. With maximum zoom using CIZ (70mm * 1.5 (crop) * 2 (CIZ))it's 210 mm (full frame) equivalent, so I can get a bird in a park if desired. But my thinking was that this camera would be for trips not dedicated to landscape or wildlife photography, so more of a travel camera where 16-70 is about right. Just returned from 2 weeks in Europe and this worked well for me. I was happy with the 5-shot bracketing that is easy to use and I used the CIZ whenever I wanted something close-up. With the kit lens, I can fit this in a fanny pack and take it out for dinner with minimal baggage.

SonyBug

lamontcranston wrote:

This is what you're looking for: Sony E PZ 18-105mm f/4 G OSS Lens

Compact, versatile, adequate reach for a walk-around lens, and excellent reviews. I keep this lens on one of my A6000's and find it to be a very capable. It should meet your requirements for a walk-around lens that " ...packs a big punch in a small package."

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1001011-REG/sony_selp18105g_18_105mm_f_4_g_lens.html

I just got back from a 3 week trip to China. All over and saw 7 of the 10 biggest attractions. I took a a7 III and the 18-105 and no other lenses. I did everything I could ask for and am very satisfied. One big feature is that the lens has internal zoom, so no extended snout when zooming in. I met a guy with the new 24-105 and it is a tad sharper, but I really don't like the extended front end.

ole sarg Loc: south florida

OMG not a kit lens!

rwilson1942 wrote:

The 55-210mm is an inexpensive option but keep in mind it is basically a 'kit' lens.
I have the 18-105 f4 and really like it. I see them offered used for $475-$500.
The 18-135 seems to be getting good reviews but I don't have any personal experience with it.