Best and Cheapest Lenses for Sony A6400: A Comprehensive Guide

The Sony A6400 is a versatile camera that performs admirably with a range of lenses, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and advanced photographers. Whether you are looking for standard zoom lenses, prime lenses, or specialized wide-angle and telephoto options, there are many affordable yet high-quality options available. In this article, we will explore some of the best and most affordable lenses for the Sony A6400.

Standard Zoom Lenses

For those who prefer the convenience of a versatile zoom, there are several excellent standard zoom lenses available. Here are some of the best options:

Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G

Price: Around $1000

Pros:

Excellent image quality Constant f/2.8 aperture Flexible zoom range

The Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G is a top performer in the standard zoom category. It offers exceptional image quality with a constant f/2.8 aperture, making it suitable for a variety of shooting scenarios. This lens is highly versatile, making it a great choice for both portraits and landscapes.

Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD

Price: Approximately $800

Pros:

Great for landscapes and vlogging Wide-angle with a fast aperture

The Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD offers excellent image quality in the wide-angle range. It is perfect for landscape photography and vlogging, with its wide-angle lens and fast f/2.8 aperture allowing for excellent low-light performance.

Prime Lenses

For those who value simplicity and high image quality, prime lenses are an excellent choice. Here are some top picks:

Sony E 35mm f/1.8 OSS

Price: About $450

Pros:

Sharp images Good in low light Versatile for street and portrait photography

The Sony E 35mm f/1.8 OSS is a popular choice among photography enthusiasts. It provides crisp, sharp images and is excellent for shooting in low-light conditions. Its versatile focal length makes it ideal for street and portrait photography.

Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN

Price: Around $300

Pros:

Excellent sharpness Great in low light Very good bokeh

The Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN is known for its exceptional sharpness, which makes it a top choice for low-light photography. Its fast f/1.4 aperture ensures that you can capture beautiful bokeh in a variety of lighting conditions.

Budget Lenses

For those on a tight budget, there are still great options available. Here are some of the most affordable lenses:

Sony E 50mm f/1.8 OSS

Price: Approximately $350

Pros:

Good for portraits Sharp images Optical stabilization

The Sony E 50mm f/1.8 OSS is a budget-friendly lens that excels in capturing sharp portraits. Its optical stabilization feature ensures that your photos are always clear and sharp, even in low-light conditions.

Meike 35mm f/1.7

Price: Around $150

Pros:

Very affordable Decent image quality Great for budget-conscious users

The Meike 35mm f/1.7 is a budget-friendly alternative that provides decent image quality. It is a great choice for those who are just starting out and looking to practice photography on a limited budget.

Wide-Angle Lenses

For photographers who enjoy shooting wide-angle scenes, there are several good options available:

Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS

Price: About $850

Pros:

Great for landscapes and architecture Optical stabilization

The Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS is a versatile wide-angle lens that offers excellent performance. It includes optical stabilization, which helps to reduce camera shake, making it ideal for shooting landscapes and architecture.

Rokinon 12mm f/2.0 NCS CS

Price: Approximately $300

Pros:

Good for astrophotography and landscapes Manual focus

The Rokinon 12mm f/2.0 NCS CS is a budget-friendly lens that excels in astrophotography and landscape photography. Its manual focus allows for precise control, making it a great choice for photographers who enjoy capturing stunning wide-angle scenes.

Telephoto Lenses

For those who need a bit more reach, there are affordable telephoto options available:

Sony E 55-210mm f/4.5-6.3 OSS

Price: Around $350

Pros:

Affordable telephoto option Good for wildlife and sports

The Sony E 55-210mm f/4.5-6.3 OSS is a great choice for those who need a longer focal length for wildlife and sports photography. While not the most expensive telephoto lens, it still provides a good balance of quality and affordability.

Summary

For a blend of quality and cost, the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN and Sony E 35mm f/1.8 OSS are excellent choices for prime lenses. If you prefer zoom lenses, the Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G is a standout performer, while the Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 offers great versatility for wide-angle shots. Always consider your specific needs, such as portrait, landscape, low light, when choosing a lens.

As a beginner or intermediate photographer, it's important to start with a few versatile lenses and build from there. Budget lenses like the Sony E 16-50mm kit lens are a good starting point, while more advanced needs can be addressed with prime lenses like the Sigma lineup. Remember, the more you practice, the more you'll appreciate the importance of a full-frame camera. However, the Sony A6400 is a fantastic camera, offering excellent performance for its price.