Best Value Lenses for Sony A6700

If you’ve just spent $1,400 on a Sony A6700 body and now you’re stuck choosing a lens, don’t worry. You’re not alone. I’ve been in your shoes, reading endless posts about Sony, Sigma, Tamron, Viltrox and wondering where to start. This guide will help you cut through the noise and get the best value for your money — especially if you’re into portraits, people photography, and light travel.

These are my top 3 lens recommendations based on real-world use, affordability, and how well they work with the A6700’s APS-C sensor.

1. Sigma 18–50mm f2.8 DC DN Contemporary

Sigma 18–50mm f2.8 DC DN Contemporary

Best Everyday Zoom for Sharp Portraits and Travel

This lens is small, light, and extremely sharp — exactly what you want on a trip or shooting casual portraits. With a constant f2.8 aperture, you can get beautiful background blur (bokeh) and great low-light performance.

Why it’s great: • Lightweight (only 290g) • Constant f2.8 aperture • Silent autofocus (ideal for photo and video) • Razor-sharp images

Downsides: • No built-in stabilization (but A6700 has IBIS)

Ideal for: Beginners who want a reliable, sharp, and fast everyday lens. Price: ~$550 — check on Amazon

✅ Recommended as your first lens if you don’t want to keep switching.

2. Tamron 17–70mm f2.8 Di III-A VC RXD

Tamron 17–70mm f2.8 Di III-A VC RXD

Best All-Around Lens with More Zoom and Stabilization

If you want more reach and built-in stabilization, this Tamron is a workhorse. It offers a constant f2.8 aperture across a wider zoom range and includes vibration control — helpful for both photos and handheld video.

Why it’s great: • Covers more range (17 to 70mm) • Constant f2.8 • Built-in image stabilization • Great image quality across focal lengths

Downsides: • Larger and heavier than the Sigma • More expensive

Ideal for: Anyone looking for a one-lens solution that handles portraits, landscapes, and everyday use. Price: ~$700 - **check on Amazon**

✅ Perfect for creators who want flexibility and don’t mind a little extra weight.

3. Sigma 56mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary

Sigma 56mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary

Best Portrait Prime for Beginners on a Budget

This prime lens is made for beautiful portraits. The f1.4 aperture creates dreamy background blur and lets in tons of light, making it perfect for indoor shoots or golden hour portraits.

Why it’s great: • Stunning bokeh • Ultra-sharp • Fast, accurate autofocus • Lightweight and compact

Downsides: • Fixed focal length — no zoom • Less versatile than a zoom lens

Ideal for: Those who want pro-looking portraits without spending a fortune. Price: ~$430 — **check on Amazon**

✅ Great as your second lens after a zoom. It gives that wow effect for people shots.

Bonus Option: Tamron 18–300mm f3.5–6.3

Best Travel Superzoom If you prefer convenience over performance, this lens covers wide to telephoto in one body. It’s great for travel and casual wildlife or event shooting, but image quality is lower in low light and at long zoom. Price: ~$650