If you happen to conduct research right now, you will most likely discover that the Sony A6000 is the most selling camera, we’ll discuss the best portrait lens for Sony A6000. The research findings might leave you with questions such as “Why are Sony A6000 cameras outshining their top rivals? Or what additional features do they offer that other cameras don’t?
Well, many things set these cameras aside. For example, they come featuring superior-quality lenses that significantly impact the quality of the final image.
Unfortunately, these camera lenses don’t last forever – at some point or the other, you might start experiencing blurring images, misalignment of colors decreased image brightness, or reduced contrast.
You should consider replacing the camera lens if you must continue capturing superior photo quality in such situations.
But assuming you never bought the best portrait lens for Sony A6000 before, you might have a hard time finding the best. If this is your concern, our post today is tailored to meet your needs.
Here we will focus on the best portrait lens for Sony A6000 and also tell you what you should focus on when purchasing.
Our Favorite Portrait Lens
Top 7 Best lens for Sony A6000- Buying Guide
1. Sony – E 50mm F1.8 OSS
Of all the best portrait lenses for Sony A6000 cameras you’ve come across in the market, not many can win the battle against Sony – E 50mm F1.8 OSS lens. First and foremost, the lens features one of the best apertures making it a great option for various photographic scenarios. The aperture (which is f1.8) is excellent enough to defocus/blur the background from a significant distance and concentrate on the main subject.
Those who use the camera lens like it can capture great images even when the surrounding is not properly lit. Besides, it comes compact and lightweight, meaning it will not add any notable weight to your camera.
The lens lets you choose between autofocus and manual focus. Although both work great, the autofocus mode is likely to give you the sharpest images. On the other hand, manual focus gives you more control over the images you are capturing.
The lens ring turns freely and effortlessly, thus giving you the best focusing experience. However, you should note that it can be challenging to determine the direction or the speed at which you should turn the ring to achieve the right focus for the shots.
Specifications
- Maximum focal length: 50 mm
- Lens Type: Telephoto
- Camera lens description: 7
- Compatible mounting: Sony E
Pros
- Wide aperture
- Crisp optics
- Optical stabilization
- Minimal distortion
- Compact and lightweight
Cons
- Electronic manual focus
- Dim corners
- Omits weather sealing
2. Sony FE 70-300mm
If you are planning to observe subjects at a distance, then Sony FE 70-300mm Telephoto lens could be the next best option to go for. Although the lens was initially meant for “full-frame Sony Cameras”, it will capture superior image qualities when used on your Sony A6000.
If you have shaky hands, you might end up causing motion blur on the images. Fortunately, Sony FE 70-300mm manufacturer understands this and that’s why they’ve designed it with “Optical Steady Shot Technology” to ensure you don’t cause motion blur.
Considering how the lens is built and its amazing wide zoom range, we can agree that its price-quality ratio is justifiable. Its optical design features an “aspherical element” and 3 extra-low dispersion elements which all work together to give you superior quality images. Additionally, all the controls also come customizable to enhance your experience while using the lens.
Specifications
- Maximum focal length: 300 mm
- Compatible mountings: Telephoto
- Camera lens description: 300
- Lens type: Sony FE
Pros
- Great for capturing close-up images
- Superior image quality
- You can use it with a tripod
- Lightweight
- Great for observing subjects at a distance
Cons
- Not ideal for capturing images particularly in the afternoon
- It may not be affordable to all
3. Sony 16-55mm SEL1655G Alpha F2.8 G
Regardless of what you aim to achieve using your Sony A6000 camera, the Sony Alpha 16-55mm lens will help get the job done. For one, the lens comes with a wide focal range that suits a wide range of applications.
It boasts an optical design meant to deliver superior ‘corner-to-corner resolution and a fascinating bokeh whenever needed. In addition, it comes compact, lightweight, and is ideal for a broad range of subjects.
You will appreciate something else when you buy this lens because it can be used on other Sony cameras such as A6100, A6500, A6600, and A6300. This is an added benefit as it means you don’t need to incur extra costs on the additional lens if you have these cameras.
According to Amazon posted by previous buyers/users, the camera is supposedly the best for capturing moving subjects. So if you are planning to observe things such as wildlife, go for this lens.
Specifications
- Compatible mountings: Sony E
- Maximum focal length: 55
- Camera lens description: 55mm
- Lens Type: Standard
Pros
- Constant aperture rating
- Superb image quality
- Relatively affordable
- Wide range of use
- Lightweight and hence easy to handle
Cons
- Lacks optical stabilization
- Can be pricey
4. Rokinon 85M-E 85mm F1.4
If you are on a budget and still looking to purchase the best portrait lens for Sony A6000 with a wide aperture, Rokinon 85M-E 85mm F1.4 is supposedly the best choice to consider. With a focal length of up to 85 mm, the camera lens is said to be one of the best portrait lenses for Sony A6000 options particularly for capturing portrait images.
Assuming you are shooting outdoors and have some space to maneuver, the lens will give you proper working distance for anything from a headshot to a full-body photo of a small group. Its telephoto length allows room for flattering the compression of the subject. The fast aperture prime gives room for adorable background separation and/or bokeh.
When buying Rokinon 85M-E 85mm F1.4 lens, it’s worth noting that there are not many additional features on its body. For example, there is no AF/MF switch, focus hold button, or aperture ring. All the lens operations are 100% operated from your camera’s body.
Specifications
- Maximum focal length: 85 mm
- Camera lens description: 85
- Lens Type: Telephoto
- Compatible mountings: Other
Pros
- Great for capturing moving subjects
- Available for multiple systems
- Minimal distortion
- Even illumination across the entire frame
- Affordable
Pros
- Omits optical stabilization
- A bit soft at f/1.4
5. Sony 85mm F/1.8-22
Supposing you considered all the above options but none of them seem to impress you, it could be the right time you go for Sony 85mm F/1.8-22. First things first, the lens comes well sealed against moisture and dust. Consequently, it can last for as long as possible thus saving you greatly on cost.
To enhance your experience when using it, the manufacturer has designed the macro lens for Sony A6000 in such a way that it is super small and lightweight. You will therefore not have stress when handling your system.
You will like the lens the most especially when you consider its price and the quality it offers. Previous users have it that the lens is ideal for silent operations, great bokeh, and silent autofocus.
With an f1.8 aperture, the lens can defocus the background and focus on the subject. This ensures superior quality images.
Specifications
- Mount: Sony E
- Lens Type: Telephoto
- Camera lens description: 85 mm
- Maximum focal length: 85mm
Pros
- Smooth bokeh
- Fast & silent autofocus
- Exceptional sharpness
- Dust & moisture resistant
- Small and lightweight
Cons
- Some vignetting
- No image stabilization
6. Meike 35mm F1.7
Compared to some modern moderns, Meike 35mm F1.7 has extra characters. For one, it comes completely manual in all aspects and this means you will need to be careful when using it to achieve great results.
For maximum durability, the Meike 35mm F1.7 is constructed with full metal, and contrary to what you’d expect, it’s more lightweight than even some models made of plastics. All of its movable rings come solidly however they are easy to turn.
With Meike 35mm F1.7lens, the sharpness level is highly concentrated at the center at f/1.7. Also, the frame edge displays softness at f/1.7 and the entire frame sharpens up by f/1.7. It achieves the sharpest photos at around f/8 however diffraction starts to show up after f/11.
While using the Meike 35mm F1.7 lens, it is worth noting that it’s vulnerable to flaring, so be watchful on sunny days.
Specifications
- Compatible mountings: Sony E
- Maximum focal length: 35 mm
- Camera lens description: 35
- Lens type: Prime lens
Pros
- Lightweight
- Compact
- Affordable
- Durable
- Sharp images
Cons
- Vulnerable to flaring
- It may be overrated
7. Sony E Lens 6.5mm f/2.0
Although there are very many lenses to choose from when buying the best portrait lens for Sony A6000, most professional photographers recommend Lens 6.5mm f/2.0. it’s considered to be a great option as it offers images with up to 190° view angle. Also, it is fully manual and as such allows more control over the pics you are capturing.
Most people prefer buying the lens as it can be used on other cameras such as APS-C A5100, A6400, A6600, A6100, and A5000. It can also mount perfectly on A7Rii, A7iii, A9, A7S, etc.
Unlike some other lenses (e.g., number 6 on our list) Sony E Lens 6.5mm f/2.0 has multiple coating layers that help to suppress the effect of flare on sunny days. This goes a long way to ensuring that the captured images have accurate colors whether in bright or dim light.
Sony E Lens 6.5mm f/2.0 comes featuring a lens cap meant to shield it from the effects of moisture and dust. This coupled with its custom hardshell outer casing guarantees that your lens will be safe and secure for maximum durability.
You should have confidence when purchasing as the manufacturer extends the warranty duration of 90 days.
Specifications
- Maximum focal length: 6.5 mm
- Camera lens description: 7
- Compatible mounting: Sony E
- Lens Type: Fixed non-zoom
Pros
- Comes with a protective lens cap
- No flaring
- Compact design
- Versatile
- User satisfaction guarantee
Cons
- You may have a hard time claiming the warranty
- No free shipping
The Best Portrait lens for Sony A6000 Buying Guide
While shopping for the best Sony camera lens, you will notice that there are countless options to choose from; however, they all don’t compare. Some will suit your needs the best while others won’t have the desired impact. For that reason, you are advised to consider several things before making your decision. Some of these include:
1. The cost
One of the key things you should pay attention to when purchasing the best camera lens is the amount of cash you need to buy it. Start by asking yourself the question “can I manage to fund the mount lenses for the Sony A6000 without incurring debts or emptying my pockets?” If your answer to this question is affirmative, then go on and purchase the lens.
But if your answer is negative (meaning that you can afford to buy the product without emptying your pocket or entering into debts), then you’d better refrain from the deal.
2. Read Online Feedback
Getting to know what other customers who purchased a similar product in the past have to say can greatly give you a clue of what to go for. If the previous buyers post that they had a great experience with the lenses they bought, then you can go for the same. But if they post that they were not happy with the product, you should avoid it.
The assumption here is that their needs were similar to yours. If the needs are different, then their experience might not matter to you.
3. Seek Recommendation
The process of finding a wide lens for the Sony A6000 can be a bit simple if you consider reaching out to your friends (specifically those who bought the camera lenses before). They will offer you handy information such as where they bought their lenses, whether they are happy with them, how much they paid, and whether they can recommend the same to you.
Having answers to such questions will give you a clue of what to go for and what to expect should you buy it.
4. Size and Weight
This is one of the things that people tend to overlook when buying the best portrait lens for Sony A60000. At a glance, one tends to think that the size and weight of the lens do not matter, however, it does not take too long to realize that it matters.
Most people will note this when they begin carrying their cameras around for the whole day – don’t be part of them. Make sure you check out these specifications.
5. The Lens Aperture
You can think of a lens aperture as a “hole” through which light passes to the camera when capturing an image. If the lens aperture is big, more lights pass in but if it’s small, less light passes through. This goes along to affect the quality of the image captured.
For example, a lens with a smaller aperture will not capture sharp images in a darker environment than a lens with a wider aperture.
6. What You Wish to Photograph
When deciding on the best portrait lens for Sony A6000, think of what you wish to photograph first. Are you intending to take travel and landscape photos or you are going on a safari and want to capture a video? If any of these is the case, then you will want a camera lens that lets you zoom as desired.
How to use a portrait lens
For your Sony A6000 to deliver amazing quality, you must ensure you know how to use your zoom lenses for Sony A6000 correctly. Assume you don’t, observe the following:
- Begin by choosing the light lens for a portrait – The most popular lens for a portrait is the one that has a focal length of 85mm.
- Set the White Balance – make sure that you set the white balance per the lighting conditions of your scene. If you are a poorly lit place, set ‘WB’ to ‘Incandescent’. And if you are scene has mixed-light, customize a preset
- Metering – make sure the subject lies in the middle of the flame
- Focusing – Make sure your camera is set to Single Area AF. This will ensure you achieve a sharp focus
- Alter the Aperture – Altering the lens aperture will help center the camera focus on the subject and help you capture amazing shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Sony lens is best for portraits?
Although none of the Sony A6000 lenses highlighted on our list is inferior, the best answer to the above question would be Rokinon 85M-E 85mm F1.4. It is said to be the best for portraits due to its reasonable focal length of 85mm.
Is Sony A6000 good for portraits?
If you are also asking the above question, the straightforward answer is YES. Sony A6000 is with no doubt a great option for a portrait. This holds considering that it comes with autofocus features and a face detection system that works together with its large sensor, viewfinders, and other inbuilt features to capture amazing and superior quality images. However, it’s not the best option to go for especially if you are among pro photographers.
How do you take portrait pictures with Sony A6000?
To capture amazing portrait pictures with your Sony A6000, observe the following setting
- Select Aperture Priority Mode (A)
- Set the lowest available “f”/number
- ISO to auto mode
- Set metering to multi
- For outdoor, set “White Balance” to auto. Otherwise set the WB preset depending on the light conditions of the surrounding.
- Set the focus mode to “AF-C”
- Set the focus area to wide
- Finally, enable the “Face/Smile Detection
Is the Sony a6000 good in low light?
Your Sony A6000 will perform greatly even when the surroundings are not fully lit. However for this to happen, you will want to manipulate the settings. For example,
- Make sure the ISO setting (light sensitivity) says, 1600 or set it according to your liking (note: whereas a higher ISO will give your bright photos, it will introduce significant image noise)
- Set the exposure in a range of, say, 20 – 25 seconds
- Aperture: depending on the light conditions, set to 2.8f or widest available (i.e. lowest number)
- Set your Sony Camera on 2-seconds delay/self-timer. That way you will not need to press the “shooting button” and will thereby escape causing motion blur on the captured images.
- Don’t Zoom – zooming can make photos captured under low light conditions appear darker
Is Sony A6000 worth it?
Although the camera was launched in 2014, it’s still one of the best-selling cameras on the market. Those who bought it before have expressed their satisfaction as they claim that Sony A6000 reacts essentially instantly to whatever change or setting you make. Unlike some other options, this one will not keep you waiting for it to execute the requested tasks. Consequently, it’s a great option for both professionals and newbies.
The Bottom Line
Only experienced photographers know how hard it can be to find the best portrait lens for Sony A6000. The process might appear simple to newbies, however, it’s not. You have to know a lot of things and do a lot of comparisons before telling what is good for you. Luckily we have done that on your behalf and we now hope you will have an easy time and peace of mind when shopping for the best lens for your Sony A6000 camera.