- 24.2MP APS-C Exmor sensor w/ advanced processing up to ISO 51.200
- Wide 425 phase detection AF points, Fast 0.05 sec. AF acquisition
- 5-axis in-body image stabilization steadies every lens. Silent Shooting. Noise Reduction :Long exposure NR: On/Off, available at shutter speeds longer than 1 sec., High ISO NR: Normal/Low/Off
What is the best video lens for Sony A6500?
DSLR and mirrorless camera have replaced most of the consumer video camera market. The Sony A6500 is part of these cameras that are perfect for video makers, if equipped with the right lens. Which lens should you buy for your video projects ? We prepared for you some tips on the best lenses to get depending on the kind of shots you want to achieve.
What to look for in a video lens ?
Even if some lenses are branded for a specific use in video, you can actually use pretty much any lens for your shootings, even some old school prime lenses. The rules of video making are only there to be transgressed. But generally, videographers may want to have fast and quiet autofocus, as it will take out the need for an expensive follow-focus on moving subjects. Having the brightest lens possible is a big plus for this sweet shallow focus. Finally, stabilized lenses, despite being more expensive, will always be better for a versatile use. As for the rest, follow our guidelines below!
The best video lens for a cinema look
When we talk about cinematic looks, we mostly refer to this classic cinema feel, with little to no distortion. Don’t look further, you need a prime 50 mm lens. This focal length gives results close to the human vision, and are widely used in the industry. Some are pretty affordable, but the stabilized ones will be a tad more expensive. If you have a consequent budget, we recommend you to have a look at anamorphic lenses, which will give you these beautiful lens flares and add to the overall feel.
The best video lens for run and gun
Run and gun is popular for vlogging, skateboard videos, or documentaries. For this setup, you need to be able to just grab your camera and start shooting. A wide angle lens is perfect for this use. 25 mm to 35 mm is good for a versatile use, but you can also go below and go for a fisheye look for these extreme distorted close-ups.
The best video lens for landscapes
Landscapes and cityscape shots are perfect to set your characters in their environment. As for pictures, you may want to invest in either a telephoto lens, or a zoom lens. 70 mm to 90 mm is usually a good range of focal length, but you may want to go beyond if you try to shoot remote locations.
The best all-rounder video lens
If you are on a budget, or want to get as much room as possible for your shots without changing lenses, zoom lenses are a solid bet. A 35-70 mm is perfect to get close-ups as well as scenery shots. Be aware that most affordable zoom lenses are not very bright, so you may need to work around their limitations or have to break your piggy bank.
Note: the product links in this article lead to Amazon.com
Must-have video lenses for filming with the Sony A6500:
Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary
Weight: 405 g
Filter size: 67 mm
Of all the lenses compatible with the Sony A6500, it’s one of the sharpest. Sigma did a crazy job designing this 16mm f/1.4: the autofocus is fast and accurate, the color rendering is superb, and the images are sharp from one corner of the photo to the other.
The 16mm focal length is wide enough to make a wide angle, and it’s also suitable for landscape or real estate photography, but also in other situations (astrophotography for example). The maximum aperture of f/1.4 gives a beautiful background blur.
It’s also well built and easy to use. A disadvantage to note: the autofocus makes a slight noise, which can be heard in the sound picked up by the camera or a microphone, which can be annoying if you plan to use it for vlogging. Apart from that, it’s a lens that offers exceptional performance.
- Compatible with Sony E mount cameras
- Perfect for nature & event photography
- Large f/1.4 aperture for superb lowlight performance
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Sony 35mm f/1.8 OSS (SEL35F18)
Weight: 154 g
Filter size: 49 mm
Both compact and lightweight, with a super fast, silent and precise autofocus system… It’s also one of the few APSC lenses from Sony which has image stabilisation. In short, it’s an excellent lens for filmmaking handheld!
Its 35mm focal length is relatively versatile and the f/1.8 aperture allows it to be used in low light situations to get nice cinematic shots… Simply one of the best video lenses for the Sony A6500 (a little expensive though – if you can live without image stabilisation, check also the Sigma 30mm f1.4).
- Compact, lightweight fixed F1.8 lens.Angle of View (APS C) 44 °
- Minimum Focus Distance : 0.99 ft (0.3 m), Maximum Magnification ratio : 0.15x, Focal Length : 1.38 in
- New optical design for excellent peripheral sharpness and contrast, Built in image stabilization
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Sony 10-18mm f/4 OSS (Wide angle)
Weight: 225 g
Filter size: 62 mm
Let’s start with the positive points: we have here a surprisingly light wide angle considering its size, compact and therefore easy to take with us on a trip, with a fixed aperture of f/4. The focal length range of 10-18mm is very useful for vlogging, especially since it’s stabilized, or for architectural photography, for example.
Let’s move on to the negative points: the most annoying thing is that some copies are bad and deliver a rather weak dive. Remember to check the sharpness of the image in the first few days of your purchase, and get another copy if it’s defective! The fault lies with Sony, which did not carry out adequate quality control. Given the high price at which it’s sold, it’s rather annoying (to be polite). Finally, a rather curious little thing, without being problematic, is that it lengthens by almost 1cm when you are at 10mm, and retracts when you go to 18mm….
- Angle of View (APS-C) - 109 ° – 76 °
- Minimum focal length of 10 mm (15 mm in 35 mm-camera equivalency)
- Minimum Focus Distance : 0.82 ft (0.25 m), Maximum Magnification ratio : 0.1x
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Sony 18-105mm f/4 OSS
Weight: 427 g
Filter size: 72 mm
The 18-105mm f/4 is far from being a lightweight, but if you want to do without several lenses when travelling, for example, it’s one of the most versatile lenses available for the Sony A6500, with a fairly wide focal range that ranges from wide angle to zoom. For the pluses: it has integrated optical stabilization and it doesn’t extend when zooming, which is convenient if you want to put your camera on a gimbal. Small reproach: when you turn off your camera, the lens goes back to 18mm and does not stay at the last focal length used.
Even if the image quality is very good, don’t expect photos to be as sharp and with a background blur as beautiful as a fixed focal length that will have a larger aperture (quite a bit of distortion at 105mm). That said, it offers great video performance and if that’s the main use you’ll make of it, for example for vlogging, you’ll be happy with it (a little heavy at arm’s length though!).
In short, if you are looking for a versatile lens for your Sony A6500, this 18-105mm is something to consider if you are aware of its limitations.
- High performance E mount lens with excellent contrast; Minimum Aperture (F): 22
- Minimum Focus Distance : 1.48 (Wide) 3.12 ft (Tele), Maximum Magnification ratio : 0.11x, Focal Length : 18 105 mm
- Versatile 27 158mm (35mm equiv.) zoom range. Angle of view (APS C): 76° 15°. Number of aperture blades are 7
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Useful accessories for video
Here is a small selection of extra tools you’ll need with your your Sony A6500 to make your video shooting easier and improve the quality of your projects:
Conclusion
If you are wondering what is the best video lens for the Sony A6500, you should think in advance about the types of videos you plan to shoot mainly: sporting events, weddings, vlogging… Think about the focal lengths you’ll need for that.
You can also go on Youtube, type in the name of the lens you want and you should find plenty of test footage made with your Sony A6500 and the specific lens you want. This will give you an idea of what equipment you will need to get.
Also, if you plan to do a lot of travel videos or travel vlogs, take into account the total weight with the camera body and the lens. If the whole thing is too heavy or bulky and lacks discretion, you won’t want to bother with it and would rather just shoot videos with your smartphone. You may also not want to risk damaging an extremely expensive lens.
And finally, perhaps the most decisive point about choosing the perfect video lens for your Sony A6500 will be if you want to have professional quality videos.
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☛ USEFUL LINKS
- For more video lenses options, check this out: The best lenses for Sony A6500
- Sony A6500 reviews round-up: should you buy it?
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