The Best Sony a6500 Lenses for Travel: My Personal Favorites

📸 Quick Summary: The best lenses to buy for the Sony a6500

Image	Product	Features
	🏅 Editor's Choice Best All-Around Lens Sony 16-55mm f2.8 lens	Features Great focal length for general use Produce sharp images Fast aperture	Check PriceRead Our Review
	💰 Great Value Best Value All-Around Lens Tamron 17-70mm f2.8 lens	Features Great focal length for general use Affordable Fast aperture	Check PriceLearn More
	Best Video Lens Sony 18-105 mm f4 lens	Features Internal zoom Affordable Optical Image Stabilization	Check PriceLearn More
	Best Landscape/Architecture Lens Tamron 11-20 mm f2.8 lens	Features Ultra-wide field of view Compact and lightweight Fast Aperture	Check PriceLearn More
	Best Vlogging Lens Sony 10-20 mm f4 G lens	Features Ultra-wide field of view Compact and light-weight Internal power zoom	Check PriceLearn More
	Best Astro Lens Sony E 11mm F1.8	Features Ultra-wide field of view Fast aperture Small & Compact	Check PriceLearn More
	🏅 Editor's Choice Best Portrait Lens Sigma 56mm f1.4	Features Beautiful bokeh Light-weight and compact Great image quality	Check PriceRead Our Review
	Best Street Lens Sony 35mm f1.8	Features Affordable Light-weight and compact Nice Bokeh	Check PriceLearn More
	🏅 Editor's Choice Best Wildlife Lens Sony 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 lens	Features Amazing super-telephoto range Relatively compact Optical image stabilization	Check PriceRead Our Review
	Best Value Wildlife Lens Tamron 70-300mm F4.5-6.3 Lens	Features Very Cheap Lightest telephoto lens Great Image Quality	Check PriceRead Our Review

👍 What Makes for a Good Travel Lens for Sony a6500?

For me, what makes a good travel lens is the lens that strikes the perfect balance between high-quality glass, weight, and features that will help me take great photos in any situation in which I might find myself without hindering my ability to travel effectively.

I'll be including lenses for different travel situations and shooting styles that reflect the type of traveler you are, such as street photography, wildlife, and general purpose. I will also provide budget alternatives that will help your Sony a6500 reach its full potential.

Of course, feel free to mix and match and see which travel lenses fit your needs the most. Let's begin with the most important travel lens of all - the best all-around general-purpose lens that every travel photographer should have in their kit.

🌎 Best All-Around Travel Lens

Sony 16-55mm f2.8 lens: This is by far the best travel lens to buy for the Sony a6500, and it is the one lens I use most on my Sony a6500. The lens comes with a constant aperture of f2.8, is sharp edge-to-edge at all focal lengths, produces creamier bokeh, and yet, it is still relatively compact in size.

It may not be as compact or affordable as other lenses like the Sony 16-70mm F4 Zeiss Lens or as cheap as the Tamron 17-70mm f2.8 lens, but when it comes to image quality, no other lens can beat the Sony 16-55mm F2.8 lens.

I have been using this lens for more than a year, and it is, by far, my most used lens for most types of travel situations I often find myself in. The 16mm focal length is wide enough for landscape photography, while the 70mm and a fast F2.8 aperture make it great for portraiture as well.

It is an all-in-one lens, and if you are looking for a replacement for your kit lens that will give you the same flexibility and zoom range but better image quality, the Sony 16-55mm F2.8 lens is perfect for you. For the price, you can check with the link below:

🌎 Best Value All-Around Travel Lens

Tamron 17-70mm f2.8 lens: The Sony 16-55mm F2.8 is not cheap, though if the price of that lens is out of your budget range, the Tamron 17-70mm F2.8 lens is the next best lens to get.

It produces exceptionally sharp images, has internal optical stabilization, is excellent in low-light, and best of all, it is half the price of the Sony 16-55mm F2.8 lens! Even though the lens may not be as tack sharp as the Sony 16-55mm, it definitely comes very close at half the price.

If you are looking for a cheaper, all-around travel lens and don't mind the compromises, get the Tamron lens instead of the Sony. For the price, you can check with the link below:

🎥 Best Video Lens

Sony 18-105mm f4 lens: This may be an old lens, but it is still one of the best video lenses to buy for your Sony a6500. It comes with all the features you expect from a lens for videos, like optical image stabilization, flexible range, and best of all, it has an internal zoom barrel that doesn't extend out when you zoom in or out, which makes it great for gimbal use.

The lens may not be as sharp as the other zoom lenses. However, when it comes to videos, it is unlikely that you will see any difference. Additionally, all the features that come with the lens will greatly benefit you more than having a slightly sharper lens. Plus, it is very affordable.

All in all, if you are looking for a video lens for your Sony a6500, there is no better deal than this lens. Click the link below to see the recently discounted price for the lens.

🏔️ Best Landscape & Architecture Lens

Tamron 11-20mm f2.8 lens: For the best landscape/architecture lens for your Sony APS-C camera, you just can't beat the newly released Tamron 11-20mm f2.8 lens.

For one, this is the only available ultra-wide APS-C lens that has a fast aperture of f/2.8, making it the best choice among all the other ultra-wide lenses. The f/2.8 aperture makes this lens great for shooting in low light as well as allows you to create a nice bokeh effect, provided that you are close enough to the subject.

With the focal range of 11-20mm, you will be able to capture a super-wide-angle field of view, such as an expansive landscape or a large piece of architecture, in all its glory in one frame.

The zoom range of 20mm will also allow you to be flexible and frame your shot the way you like without having to crop it later in post-processing, which is extremely useful for travel photography.

Tamron lenses are also known for being sharp edge-to-edge, and this is also the case for this lens as well. It weighs only 330 grams, comes in this well-built and weather-sealed body, and the autofocus works great, making it one of the best lenses you can get for travel. Hit the link below to check the price.

🤳 Best Vlogging Lens

Sony 10-20 mm f4 G lens: Now, if you are looking for a great lens to vlog with, I highly recommend getting the new Sony 10-20mm F4 G lens instead of the Tamron 11-20mm F2.8 lens, as I previously recommended.

Yes, the Tamron lens is great and all, but it isn't exactly compact and lightweight like the Sony 10-20mm F4 G lens. It also doesn't come with an internal power zoom feature. However, when combined with the Sony dedicated Bluetooth vlogging grip, the GP-VPT2BT, it can be extremely useful as you can zoom in and out electronically right on the grip without having to do it manually.

Plus, the 10-20mm focal length is great for vlogging as it is wide enough for you to hold your camera out and capture both you and the environment in one frame, all the while giving you the flexibility to zoom to 20mm and adapt to whatever situation you might need your camera for. It is the ultimate vlogging lens you are looking for, and you can check the recent price with the link below.

⭐️ Best Astrophotography Lens

Sony E 11mm F1.8: For the best astrophotography lens, the new Sony E 11mm F1.8 is the best option available. It is extremely well-built and compact, making it a great lens for travel.

With the 11mm focal length, you will be able to capture the expansiveness of the night sky as well as allowing you to use the landscape as a foreground subject to give your night sky photo an epic scale.

The fast F1.8 aperture will also allow you to let in more light, which in turn lowers your ISO and ultimately produces sharper images. If you are looking for a great astrophotography lens that isn't too expensive, you can't go wrong with the Sony E 11mm F1.8 lens. Hit the link below to see the recent price.

😃 Best Portrait Lens

Sigma 56mm f1.4: With all the affordable, high-quality lenses Sigma has released in the past couple of years for Sony APS-C cameras, Sony is no longer the only game in town, and they have really given Sony a run for its money.

The Sigma 56mm f1.4 has a 56mm focal length, which allows you to bring the background closer, making it great for portraits. It also has a much faster aperture with excellent low-light capability. Additionally, it comes with all the features you would expect from a native Sony lens, all at a much more affordable price point.

Plus, this lens produces one of the prettiest bokeh effects I have ever seen on an APS-C camera, and if you are looking for that kind of blurry background effect, this lens won't disappoint. To see how much it is right now, click the link below:

I have written a comprehensive review of this lens so be sure to check it out:The Sigma 56mm F1.4 is the Best Street/Portrait Travel Lens For Sony APS-C Cameras

🚶‍♂️ Best Street Photography Lens

Sony 35mm f1.8: If you want a compact lens for street photography, the Sony 35mm f1.8 is a great option for you. The 35mm focal length, which is equivalent to 52mm on a full-frame camera, falls into the nifty-fifty category, which is considered to be the most useful focal length for photography.

It has a fast aperture of F1.8, making it great at subject separation, shooting in low light, and producing one hell of a stunning bokeh effect without zooming in too much like the Sigma 56mm F1.4 lens.

Also, since the lens is so small and lightweight, it pairs really well with the small Sony a6500 body. It is easy to carry around as a backup lens for when you want to take your camera to places that require you to be more discreet, like a restaurant or a club at night.

It is also very affordable, and if you are looking for another lens to go with your all-around zoom lens, the Sony 35mm F1.8 should be a great addition to your camera gear arsenal. For the most recent price, you can check with the link below:

🔎 Best Telephoto Lens

Sony 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 Super telephoto lens: If you are looking for a telephoto lens to take close-up shots of animals, I highly recommend getting the Sony 70-350mm super-telephoto lens, which should cover the telephoto focal range you will need for wildlife photography.

With its relatively compact size and its incredible reach of 350mm or a whopping 525mm equivalent on a full-frame format, this lens will allow you to capture your subject when you are unable to do so yourself, such as in a zoo or on a safari.

Not to mention, it also comes with optical image stabilization, which is extremely useful at keeping your shot stabilized while at the 350mm range. For the most recent price, be sure to hit the link below and check on Amazon.

Here is a complete review of the Sony E 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 Lens:A Traveler's Review: The Sony E 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 Lens

🔎 Best Value Telephoto Lens

Tamron 70-300mm F4.5-6.3 Lens: Technically speaking, this lens is made for a full-frame camera, but due to how lightweight and compact it is, when you pair it with a compact camera body like the Sony a6500, you have one hell of a highly capable and lightweight wildlife setup.

Despite it being designed for a full-frame camera, Tamron has managed to make the lens even lighter and more affordable than the Sony APS-C lens, which is pretty mind-boggling.

The lens has a focal range of 70-300mm, which is great for most wildlife shots. That said, it doesn't come with optical image stabilization like the Sony lens, which is what you have to sacrifice if you want an affordable and lightweight telephoto lens.

This Tamron lens is also known to produce tack-sharp images. So, if you like the reach of a super-telephoto lens and do not have the budget for the Sony lens, the Tamron 70-300mm lens is the way to go. For the latest price, you can check with the link below:

Want to take your photography game to the next level? Here are some resources to help you upgrade your work and photography gear:

Lightroom Presets: If you are looking for a quick way to make your travel photos look like mine, you should check out my newly released Lightroom Preset Collections.

Camera: Sony a7R V, the highest resolution full-frame camera out there, is my go-to camera when I travel. All of my recent photos and videos are all from this beast.

All-Around Travel Lens: Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens is the lens I mounted on my camera the most. The lens covers most of the ranges I need for travel from wide to telephoto. If I have to take only one lens with me on my travel, it would be this lens.

Ultra-Wide Lens: Sony 16-35mm F2.8 GM II Lnes: An ultra-wide lens I often use to shoot expansive landscapes and capture massive architecture I stumble upon while traveling.

Telephoto Lens: Sony 70-200mm F2.8 GM II lens is one of the most versatile lenses to have. It is great for picking out details in landscapes and capturing wildlife when combined with the Sony FE 2x teleconverter.

Portrait Lens: Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG DN Lens is the most compact and lightweight 85mm F1.4 lens out there. It's sharp and produces stunning bokeh for subject separation, perfect for portraits and street photography.

Drone: DJI Mavic Mini 2, a perfect drone for those who travel light. It weighs less than 250g and smaller than an iPhone when folded and can capture 4K video as well as 12 megapixels RAW photos. More than enough for its size.

Bag: Langly Alpha Globetrotter is a camera bag I use to carry all these lenses as well as other essentials when I'm traveling.

Further Reading for Photography

Looking for more photography articles like this? Here are a collection of articles you might like:

• For a complete list of travel lenses to buy for Sony APS-C cameras, check out: The Best Travel Lenses for Sony APS-C Cameras
• Recently bought the Sony ZV-E10 camera to start travel vlogging and looking for the right lens to do so? Check out: 8 Best Sony ZV-E10 Lenses for Travel
• Recently bought the new Sony a6700 and looking for travel lenses to pair it with? Look no further. Check out: 10 Best Sony a6700 Lenses for Travel to Buy.
• Looking for great content creation lens for the Sony FX30? Check out: 9 BEST Sony FX30 Lenses to Buy.
• Just bought the Sony a6600 camera and looking for a new lens to buy? Check out: 10 Best Sony a6600 Lenses for Travel
• One of the most popular travel cameras, the Sony a6400, has proven to be both capable and highly adaptable. In order to utilize it to its full potential, you are going to need a good lens for it. For the best lenses to buy, here are the 8 Best Sony a6400 Lenses for Travel.
• Own the Sony a6300 and want to breathe new life into your camera? Buying a new lens will allow you to unlock the camera's full potential that you never knew it had. Here are the 8 Best Sony a6300 Lenses for Travel.
• Despite it being one of the oldest Sony cameras out there, many people still own the Sony a6000. If you are one of those people and are looking for a new lens to breathe new life into your beloved camera, here are the 8 Best Sony a6000 Lenses for Travel.
• For APS-C camera owners out there, check out: What's In My Camera Bag? - A Gear Guide to Sony APS-C Cameras
• Bought a new camera and not sure what camera accessories to buy? Check out: 14 BEST Sony Camera Accessories You Should Buy.
• Want to start a YouTube channel and looking to buy new cameras for travel vlogging? Check out: 8 Best Cameras For Travel Vlogging to Buy.
• If you want to carry just one lens when you travel, here is why the Sony 16-55mm F2.8 is the best travel lens to get for your Sony a6600 or a6500.
• This is the one lens I never knew I needed, but now that I have it, I can't travel without it! A Traveler's Review: The Sony E 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 Lens.
• An ultra-wide lens is perfect for travel, and there is no better lens than the Sony 10-18mm F4 lens. Here is why: Traveler's Review: Sony 10-18mm F4 lens.
• Full-frame or APS-C Cameras? Here’s my take on which camera format to pick for travel: 5 Reasons Why I'm Sticking With a Sony APS-C Camera
• Looking for a compact and lightweight travel telephoto lens for wildlife and landscapes? You are going to love this lens. Here is A Traveler's Review of the Tamron 70-300mm F4.5-6.3 lens.
• The king of travel lenses has arrived. The Sony 24-70mm F2.8 GM II lens is hands down the best travel all-purpose zoom lens I have ever owned. Here's why: A Traveler's Review: Sony 24-70mm F2.8 GM II Lens.
• Sony 70-200mm F2.8 GM II OSS lens is, hands down, the best telephoto lens to get for your Sony cameras, but it comes with an extremely high price tag. Here is a complete traveler's review of the lens: A Traveler's Review: Sony 70-200mm F2.8 GM II OSS Lens.
• Looking for a lightweight and affordable landscape/architecture travel lens that is also extremely capable? Here is A Traveler's Review of the Sigma 16-28mm F2.8 DG DN Lens.
• Looking for the best travel portrait lens to buy for your next trip? You can't beat the Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG DN lens. Here is A Traveler's Review of the Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens.
• Picking a camera body is one thing, but picking the lenses is a whole different game. Here is the ultimate guide to the best travel lenses for the Sony a6500.
• Looking for the best street and travel photography lens? Here is why Sigma 56mm F1.4 is the best travel photography lens for Sony APS-C.
• Want to learn how I was able to take so many good pictures of myself while traveling solo? Check out: How To Take Great Pictures of Yourself.
• For more photography resources like this, visit my Photography page.