What is the better all purpose walk around photography zoom lens for the A6600? The Sigma 18-50mm 2.8 or the Tamron 17-70 2.8?
March 29, 2023
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Because of the size: The Sigma. 1mm on WA end and 20mm on the long end don't make that much of a difference. The Sigma is also very good optically (though it does have a fair share of color fringing).
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Sigma for the size, if you don't mind that the zoom ring rotates in the wrong direction as in Sony and Tamron.
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my choice was the sony 18 135. great lens exceptionally sharp as well.
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The Tamron would better better with the 17-70 range. Would it be more practical and ultimately used as much? Probably not.
The sony 16-55 f2.8 might be a good compromise in terms of weight and range. The 18-135 also seems optically decent but it's more of an extended kit lens.
To get this forum started, I opted for the 1670z. An absolutely fantastic lens for everyday photography and on the A6500, it still slides in my coat pocket.
Sightseeing, travelling, walking etc. will usually be in bright enough conditions for the f4 never to be an issue and for night time, I find a f1.4 prime a better option.
If I was you, I'd think about the situations I would use the lens in and then make a decision whether to prioritise range, weight or speed. -
Zeiss 16-70 because of 16mm, compact size, constant f4 and oss. With OSS I can shot 1\10s evening city or nature scenes
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By the way. I have come across several a6500 on the used market, where the mode selectors text comes off. Sony service says this is normal wear and tear. Is this a more common problem? What about your a6500?
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By the way. I have come across several a6500 on the used market, where the mode selectors text comes off. Sony service says this is normal wear and tear. Is this a more common problem? What about your a6500?
I never thought about it but I've just checked and the text on all dials and buttons look brand new, no signs of wear and tear. I hope it's not to come!
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I second that, the OSS of the 1670z is the best of any of my lenses. Not sure what they did but it worked really well. Size, weight, OSS, colours, contrast, range, constant f4, it's got a lot going for it. Price is a bit of a drawback though.
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Have you ever had a chance to compare it to the Sigma 18-50 f2.8? If so, I would like to get your impressions.
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It depends what's more important to you , size or range ?
I use a Sony 18-135mm on my a6600 .
If I want a faster lens for either low light or separation I fast primes or longer lenses .YMMV . -
Sorry, I haven't had my hands on the Sigma 18-50 f2.8, so I can't helps with a direct comparison of the two.
The Sigma is is a 2.8 x zoom, f2.8 non-OSS lens, the Zony is a 4.4 x zoom, f4 OSS lens. The Sigma is less expensive and both are very capable of taking great pictures with your assistance. -
In my view, the Tamron's extra 20mm make it much more versatile and better suited to portraits. I bought Sony's 24-105/4, rather than a 24-70 or 28-75 for my a7RIII for exactly this reason. I really don't want to have to mount a huge, heavy tele zoom just to have access to the 70-105mm EFL range.
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Before zeiss16-70 long time I use kit sony 18-55 f3.5-5.6.It's good lense for it price, light, optically better than 16-50kit (that one day was broken by mine). BUT I am always suffer, because miss 16mm. So, for me was very important 1)16mm; 2)SIZE; 3)OSS - ability to shoot static lowlight scenes on sony a5000 body4 and 4)Optically better than kit 16-50 (at 50mm it really bad even for me). Also I use pancake 20mm f2.8 and know, that without IBIS or OSS f2.8 is not enough for low light. That's why I don't look for sigma 18-50f2.8
Zeiss is most affordable for me, and 70 mm is pleasant addition for zoom, much better than 50mm. Also f4 at 70mm good for creamy portaits.
It's very good that e-mount ecosystem offer universal zoom lenses for any tastes and tasks:
-daylight universal, wide zoom range, OSS - 18-135 oss
-from till to dusk compact and universal zoom, OSS: 16-70
-sharp and affordable: sigma 18-50
-Chip and compact: 15-50, 18-50
-video king, bulky, but best class zoom: 18-105 f4 OSS
-ultimate but bulky 16-55f2.8
-universal Tamrons -
What is the better all purpose walk around photography zoom lens for the A6600? The Sigma 18-50mm 2.8 or the Tamron 17-70 2.8?
I would suggest the Sony 18-135, it has a very versatile zoom range, with effective Optical Stabilizer (OSS) that helps in lower light . It also has premium linear motor focus system which gives you fast, quiet, and accurate autofocus, and Eye AF works great!
dustinabbott.net/2021/07/sony-e-18-135mm-f3-5-5-6-oss-review-and-gallery/
www.cameralabs.com/sony-e-18-135mm-f3-5-5-6-review/ -
Third the Zeiss 16-70/4 OSS. Early adopter to that lens and it's been my workhorse for travel and walkabouts. Also, whenever I am close to water or if I want to take out the reflections of buildings it works great with B+W CP 55mm filter.
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If the Text is wearing off , or you are concerned about it wearing off , you could always go over it with something like a clear nail varnish , assuming a clear one exists .
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Good topic! I was curious to see what others had to say about a choice between these two lenses (I would choose the Sigma) and was surprised to see multiple comments in support of the 16-70mm f/4 Sony/Zeiss. I sold my first very nice copy of that lens and years later purchased an even better copy that I think is excellent. I love the focal range and am so happy to have this lens again!
When the topic of a walk-around lens comes up, I have often shared my choice but haven't recommended it to others due to its reputation for sample variation and quality issues. Years ago, there were threads on DPReview complaining about this lens. At the time, I had a positive experience with my copy. So, when I purchased my current copy, I had to really think about whether it was worth purchasing. After purchasing, I was nervous about what kind of lens would be delivered. Happily, it turned out to be a better copy that my previous very good copy. I thought that this would be worth mentioning to any thinking about purchasing the 16-70mm f/4 lens. Lots of very happy owners...but some unlucky and unhappy owners as well!
Jim