We have previously talked about the best lenses for the Sony A6000 and the Sony A6300.
Now it’s time to feature the best lenses for the Sony A6500, which is Sony’s top-tier mirrorless camera that boasts a touchscreen and built-in stabilisation.
The fact that it's mirrorless makes it a great travel camera, whereas the tilting rear touchscreen is useful for vlogs.
Of course, it’s an excellent blogging camera and a must-have for beginners and professionals alike.
While the camera already comes with a brilliant kit lens, you might want to look for a new lens to improve your photography even more.
Today, we’ll talk about some of the top contenders in every imaginable lens category, from standard prime and zoom, to macro, telephoto, astro, and even portrait lens!
Need a quick answer? We recommend the Sony E 24mm f/1.8.
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When you’re buying a camera lens, it’s important to know the factors that make for a good lens.
The first one is the aperture, which is represented by the letter “F” and a number. The higher the number, the narrower the aperture is and the less it is able to handle low light conditions. This also refers to how much light the lens sensor can let through.
On the other hand, a lower number means that the aperture is wide and capable of shooting sharp, blur-free photos even in dark environments. Of course, lenses with a wider aperture often cost more.
Another technical aspect of the lens that’s just as important is the focal length. This is measured in millimetres and indicates the magnification of the lens, aka how much of a scene it can capture.
A shorter focal length means it has a wider angle of view and can be used for landscape photography. Meanwhile, a longer lens lets you capture in a more close-up style, which can be great for shooting faraway subjects.
One of our favourite things about the Sony A6500 that most of its predecessors lack is the 5-axis in-body image stabilisation. Combining the IBIS with any in-lens stabilisation that you might get is the key to smooth stills and stable videos, even without a tripod or gimbal!
Don’t forget to consider the size and weight of your camera lens. Remember that you’ll have to carry it in addition to the camera body itself, so be mindful especially if you plan to travel a lot.
For example, a telephoto lens will definitely be larger and heavier than a standard prime lens, as will a heavy-duty macro lens.
Your lens’ build quality also matters, including how the lens feels when in use and its sturdiness. A well-constructed lens can last you longer, which in turn gives it a higher value for money. You may also want to look for features like weather-sealing for outdoor shoots.
Price is also a determining factor when it comes to choosing the best lens for you. For instance, you may be willing to spend more if your career or job depends on your photography. But a budget can be important if you have only started out and just want something quick to explore your new hobby.
Last but not least, it’s time to think about the type of lens that you want to buy. From a wide-angle or macro lens, to a telephoto or portrait lens, these are some of the most popular lens types you’ll find for the Sony A6500.
We will discuss this in the next section, but it can be helpful to first think about what you’re planning to use your camera for. Are you going to shoot lots of portraits and close-ups, or faraway subjects like wildlife?
There are several types of lenses for the Sony A6500, including:
A prime lens is what you call a lens with a fixed focal length. In other words, you cannot zoom in or out and have to physically move in order to produce a closer or wider shot of your subject.
It may feel less versatile, but prime lenses are actually sharper and faster compared to zoom lenses. This is a great type of lens to choose if you have a specific type of interest, especially portrait.
In contrast, a zoom lens features a focal range that allows you to zoom in and out. This means you can reframe a scene without moving at all. With that said, a zoom lens can be much more versatile and suitable for a wider range of photography types.
Moving on, we have a wide-angle lens. It’s the lens to go for if you want to capture plenty of landscapes and architecture, or even group photos and interiors. The wide angle of this lens type lets you fit more of a scene even without moving farther away from it.
An ultra-wide-angle lens, which is just a lens with a super wide angle of view, is especially great for astrophotography. This is for you who enjoy taking shots of the night sky and the stars!
There is also the macro lens with its 1:1 magnification, which is what you need for macro photography. We;re talking about extreme close-ups of a subject like bugs, flowers, tree barks, and various textures.
A macro lens itself can be a short, mid-range, or long variety. This affects how close you will be able to shoot an object while still remaining in sharp focus.
Last but not least is the telephoto lens. This last type of lens is perhaps the largest and heaviest of them all, just because it has the long-range capability to capture subjects that are far away. It’s great to have for shooting wildlife, sports events, concerts, or even weddings.
With that said, a good quality telephoto lens can be pretty costly, which may be something to consider if you’re not doing professional photography.
It’s true that any of the lenses we’ve mentioned above can be used for portrait photography. However, certain configurations and combos of focal length and aperture can give you the most stunning portraits.
This includes a faster aperture and a focal length in the 50mm range. A prime lens is often the way to go too!
Minimum focusing distance: 0.16 m
Focal length range: 24 mm
Maximum aperture: f/1.8
Filter size: 49 mm
Weight: 225 g
Size (diameter x length): 63 x 65.5 mm
Similar to its predecessor, the Sony A6300, we’ve also chosen the Sony E 24mm f/1.8 as the best all-round lens for the Sony A6500.
It’s an amazing prime lens that offers an impressive performance in low light, while the versatile focal length can be used for everything, from landscape and architecture, all the way to portraits and street shots.
There is an internal drive motor that ensures smooth and silent autofocus, which can be useful if you’re using the lens for filming videos.
Not to mention the 0.25x max magnification and 1:4 close-up so you can create stunning bokeh, plus excellent contrast and sharpness.
We also love that the ZEISS T anti-reflective coating reduces flare and produces exquisite rendering. And the fact that the minimum focus distance is only 16 cm so you can still capture close-up shots!
The Sony E 24mm f/1.8 is truly a great all-rounder and the only lens you’ll need for your everyday photography needs.
In fact, considering its light weight and compact design, we’d recommend it for all the travellers out there!
Minimum focusing distance: 0.35 m
Focal length range: 16-70 mm
Maximum aperture: f/4
Filter size: 55 mm
Weight: 309 g
Size (diameter x length): 67 x 76.2 mm
While our top pick may be a pretty versatile lens in itself, you can’t get better than a zoom lens for the ultimate multi-purpose tool.
The Sony 16-70mm f/4 Zeiss is our favourite zoom lens for the Sony A6500 as it’s a great mid-range zoom lens that you can use for whatever type of shots you want.
The shorter range is perfect for wide-angled images like landscape and architecture, while the longer end is super ideal for portraits and other close-ups.
Meanwhile, this lens also features a constant f/4 aperture that’s consistent through the entire zoom range, which ensures constant exposure and lighting. It’s definitely a useful feature for when you’re using manual mode.
For those who love travelling and prefer a compact lens, this lens won’t disappoint either! It's surprisingly lightweight for a zoom lens, and has a small design that you can fit even in a small camera backpack.
Minimum focusing distance: 0.45 m
Focal length range: 18-105 mm
Maximum aperture: f/4
Filter size: 72 mm
Weight: 427 g
Size (diameter x length): 78 x 110 mm
The Sony 18-105mm f/4 G OSS offers the best value for money in a zoom lens, thanks to its incredibly versatile focal range that you can use for virtually any type of shot.
It’s also more affordable than the previously mentioned Sony 16-70mm f/4.
Likewise, it does have a constant f/4 aperture which although isn’t the best for low light, offers consistent exposure throughout the focal range for high quality results.
Another excellent feature about this Sony lens is its pro-level Sony Handycam® technology.
This internal zoom functionality, which means that the lens won’t extend outwards when you zoom. This makes a smooth transition for videos, especially if you also use a gimbal for DSLR cameras.
Additionally, the built-in Optical SteadyShot (OSS) stabilisation is a real game changer for handheld shooting. Combine this with the Sony A6500’s IBIS and you’ll always get the perfect blur-free shot.
Minimum focusing distance: 0.3 m
Focal length range: 35 mm
Maximum aperture: f/1.8
Filter size: 49 mm
Weight: 156 g
Size (diameter x length): 63.5 x 46 mm
If you’re looking for a prime lens, then the Sony 35mm f/1.8 offers the best value there is.
You can achieve extremely cinematic and beautiful close-ups with this 35mm lens and impressive f/1.8 aperture, as well as blur-free photos even in low light.
With a refined optical performance that is always ready to produce clean and crisp shots, this lens also guarantees smooth and silent autofocus.
It features built-in Optical SteadyShot to stabilise your video footage and ensures sharp stills even when you’re shooting handheld at slow shutter speeds.
Plus, we also love the fact that this multi-purpose lens is super lightweight and small. It’s a truly amazing companion when packing for any trip you might have planned!
Minimum focusing distance: 0.15 m
Focal length range: 11-20 mm
Maximum aperture: f/2.8
Filter size: 67 mm
Weight: 335 g
Size (diameter x length): 73 x 86.2 mm
If you’re looking for the best wide-angle lens for your Sony A6500, we highly recommend the Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 DI III-A RXD.
This is an excellent wide-angle lens that you can use for things like landscapes, architecture, and interiors.
It’s actually the world’s first 11-20mm F/2.8 lens, which means its optical abilities will let you explore new unique perspectives and viewing angles.
This wide aperture also means you can use this lens even in dark situations, which includes the night sky. Yes, this Tamron lens is great for astrophotography.
We also love that the minimum focusing distance is only 0.15m, so that you can take photos of your subjects from a closer distance and still be in sharp focus.
Unfortunately, the one downside is that the lens doesn’t come with stabilisation, so you might want to use a gimbal for any video purposes.
Minimum focusing distance: 0.25 m
Focal length range: 10-18 mm
Maximum aperture: f/4
Filter size: 62 mm
Weight: 225 g
Size (diameter x length): 64 x 70 mm
When it comes to wide-angle lenses, some of them are best suited for landscapes, such as the Sony 10-18mm f/4.
It’s super lightweight and travel-friendly while still offering an excellent performance, so you can capture shots like landscapes, interiors, and architecture.
We’d recommend taking this lens with you to picturesque destinations like Sri Lanka.
Not only that, the Optical SteadyShot is a handy feature that can give you crisp photos without any blur, even when shooting handheld.
Moreover, the super ED glass minimises any distortion and the F/4 aperture, albeit quite narrow compared to other lenses, is still good for astrophotography!
You might need to use a tripod for blur and noise-free results, but the night skies you capture are guaranteed to be pretty breathtaking.
Minimum focusing distance: 0.2 m
Focal length: 12 mm
Max aperture: f/2
Filter diameter: 67 mm
Weight: 245 g
Size (diameter x length): 72.5 x 59 mm
Speaking of wide-angle lens and astrophotography, you won’t find a better astro lens for the Sony A6500 than the Rokinon 12mm f/2 AF.
This ultra-wide-angle is lightweight and compact, making it yet another great choice for your travels. Especially for a country like Ireland that has endless stretches of beautiful skies at night!
It’s mid-range in terms of price and offers excellent value.
The f/2 aperture is wide enough for shooting in low light, which means you can get stunning shots of various interiors.
It also has 2 extra-low dispersion elements and 2 aspherical elements that deliver impressive sharpness and virtually no distortion.
In addition, its advanced Nano Coating System (NCS) ensures minimal reflection, flare, and ghosting.
All in all, we adore the high-contrast images that this Rokinon produces!
Minimum focusing distance: 0.26 m
Focal length range: 70 mm
Maximum aperture: f/2.8
Filter size: 49 mm
Weight: 517 g
Size (diameter x length): 70.8 x 105.8 mm
The Sigma 70mm F2.8 Art DG Macro is an extraordinary macro lens that’s part of the Art line of Sigma's Global Vision series.
With fantastic optics to accommodate the most artistic imaginations, this short-telephoto lens features 2 F Low Dispersion (FLD) elements, 2 Special Low Dispersion (SLD) elements, and one anomalous partial dispersion element for the ultimate performance.
These lens elements minimise colour fringing while improving accuracy and clarity.
Moreover, this lens flaunts a true macro design with life-sized or 1:1 magnification that allows you to get up close with your subject.
The Super Multi-Layer Coating is also a plus point as it eliminates ghosting and flare, while providing high-contrast results even when your subject is backlit.
On the downside, this lens does extend when you’re focusing, which may slow down its performance.
It also lacks optical stabilisation, although the Sony A6500’s IBIS should be good enough for stabilising your handheld shooting sessions.
Minimum focusing distance: 0.19 m
Focal length range: 70-200 mm
Maximum aperture: f/4
Filter size: 67 mm
Weight: 842 g
Size (diameter x length): 82.6 x 177.8 mm
We will always recommend the Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G when talking about telephoto lenses, as it’s a brilliant zoom lens that maintains excellent sharpness throughout the entire focal range.
It comes with Sony’s trademark Optical SteadyShot for the ultimate stabilisation, while the Nano AR Coating reduces flare and ghosting to ensure high-quality photos.
Perfect for your long-range photography needs, this is the lens that can capture high-resolution shots in a concert, sports event, or even in the wilderness!
In addition to a dust and moisture-resistant coating, this lens comes with a circular 9-blade aperture which gives you gorgeous bokeh.
The one drawback to this lens is that it’s pretty heavy and large, so shooting handheld can be challenging. But this is to be expected from a telephoto lens, and it does feature a tripod collar.
Minimum focusing distance: 1.1 m
Focal length range: 70-350 mm
Maximum aperture: f/4.5
Filter size: 67 mm
Weight: 625 g
Size (diameter x length): 77 x 142 mm
If you want an extremely powerful telephoto lens, you will love the Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS with its high quality and shape photos.
This brilliant G Lens features an impressive 5x magnification range as well as the fastest and most precise autofocus, which is also low-vibration thanks to its XD Linear Motor.
The Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS has one aspherical element and three ED glasses, as well as Optical SteadyShot stabilisation to aid handheld shots.
Plus, this lens has a dust and moisture-resistant design, which means it can withstand minor weather elements when you are shooting outdoors.
Although, remember that this is a super-telephoto lens with a minimum focus distance of 1.1m. You can’t really use it for close-ups and the hefty weight might make it less ideal for everyday street photography.
Minimum focus distance: 0.39 m
Focal length: 50 mm
Max aperture: f/1.8
Filter diameter: 49 mm
Weight: 202 g
Size (diameter x length): 62 x 62 mm
It’s time to talk about one of the most popular types of photography: portraits. If you want to step up your portrait photography, you might love the Sony 50mm f/1.8.
This lens is so superb and well-made that it has made our top pick as the best portrait lens for both the Sony A6000 and Sony A6300! Impressive, right?
Not to mention its affordable price tag, fantastic optics, and lightweight design of only 202g.
Its fast aperture and precise autofocus are great at ensuring that you’ll produce sharp and blur-free portraits each time. That includes when shooting in dark environments!
Bokeh is also important in portraiture, which is why we love the 7-blade circular aperture that helps create a beautiful background blur.
Furthermore, this Sony lens has SteadyShot image stabilisation, which can be especially useful for video purposes.
We also love the stylish build that gives this lens an expensive and classy exterior.
Minimum focusing distance: 0.5 m
Focal length range: 56 mm
Maximum aperture: f/1.4
Filter size: 55 mm
Weight: 280 g
Size (diameter x length): 66.5 × 59.5 mm
The Sigma 56mm f/1.4 has to be our favourite street lens. It’s a prime lens that is also great for portraits, while the versatile focal range makes it suitable for other general shots too.
Of course, its multi-purpose functionality makes this such a versatile option. It’s also super affordable, and a good lens to start with for any amateur photographer.
In terms of size and weight, this lens is pretty light and compact too. It’s travel-friendly and perfect to bring along to countries with a vibrant street life, such as Thailand.
Not to mention the smooth AF tracking with face recognition and a quiet stepping motor, which optimises this lens for videos!
Lastly, its 9-blade rounded diaphragm ensures a stunning blur in out-of-focus areas for the ultimate bokeh effect. This is useful for both portraits and general photography.
Minimum focusing distance: 0.19 m
Focal length range: 17-70 mm
Maximum aperture: f/2.8
Filter size: 67 mm
Weight: 68 g
Size (diameter x length): 63.5 x 20.3 mm
If you’re looking for a small and tiny pancake lens to handle everyday photography with your Sony A6500, the Sony 20mm f/2.8 is the lens to go for.
It is super slim and light, weighing just 68g and measuring only 20mm long!
This Sony lens is perhaps one of the lightest lenses you can get for a mirrorless, period.
It comes with a smooth, accurate, and quiet autofocus - the perfect combination for when you’re shooting in a silent area like temples and other religious sites.
With aspherical lens elements that eliminates distortion and chromatic aberration, whereas the circular aperture creates beautiful defocusing or bokeh.
Additionally, this lens also comes with a smooth and silent autofocus, which can be great for when you’re shooting in temples and other quiet destinations.
And you can also use fisheye and wide-angle converters on this lens, which lets you experiment with more creative shots.
There’s no one right answer, as the best lens for you to get depends on your individual needs. Although for the Sony A6500, we will easily say that the Sony E 24mm f/1.8 is a fantastic all-rounder that you can use for a variety of photography types. From capturing portraits and landscape, to anything in between!
Yes, the Sony A6500 is good for photography. You can customize your camera with the right lens that fits what you’re looking for. Although, note that its sensor dynamic range performance may not be as good as the Sony A7R II.
For those looking to improve their skills, why not invest in an online photography course?
The Sony A6500 may not be a filmmaker’s first choice when it comes to Sony cameras, but it is a pretty decent model that has got everything you need for stunning videos. This includes a 5-axis in-body image stabilisation and a huge range of picture profiles to suit the shooting condition.
The Sony A6500 uses the Sony E-Mount. It’s probably simplest to go with Sony lenses, although we have featured a number of third-party brands that will also work with your camera. For example, the Rokinon 12mm f/2 AF and Sigma 56mm f/1.4.
There are tons of lenses you can buy for your Sony A6500.
However, not all of them may be the most suitable choice for you, depending on the type of photography that you’re into.
We have featured only the best lenses in each category or type, including standard zoom, portrait, astro, and telephoto, among others.
We tried to be as comprehensive as possible, but we may have missed a few other good lenses.
Leave a comment below if you think there’s a lens we should have included!
And which of these lenses are you getting?
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