This is a guide covering the best lenses for Sony A6400.
The Sony A6400 is a great camera and is most popular among content creators. Its image quality, 4K video, and 180-degree LCD screen make it a top choice. With that being said, there are also a lot of great lens choices for it.
The Sony A6400 is one of the best picks for beginners and even for serious photographers.
It’s a lightweight mirrorless camera that comes with a 24MP APS-C sensor. It is equipped with fast autofocus that allows easy tracking of moving subjects.
If you are looking for the best lens for Sony A6400 for different situations, we’ve come up with both FE and E mount lenses that you can choose from.
We’ll feature a variety of options ranging from prime lenses to zoom lenses. If you choose a lens outside of this list, make sure it is an E-Mount Lens as that is the lens mount type compatible with the Sony a6400.
Also, I wanted to note that the Sony a6400 is an APS-C camera that works best with Sony E-lenses but I have also listed Sony FE-lenses here that are designed for full-frame camera bodies. When using a FE lens on an APS-C camera then they will still work but will provide a 1.5x crop magnification. For example, a 50mm FE lens will look like a 75mm lens on an APS-C sensor camera but the quality will still look great — just something to be aware of if you’re new.
In a hurry? Here’s the quick rundown:
- ⭐ Best Overall Lens for the Sony A6400
- 👩 Best Portrait Photography Lenses for the Sony A6400
- 🌄 Best Landscape Photography Lenses for the Sony A6400
- ⚾ Best Sports Photography Lenses for the Sony A6400
- 🌐 Best Wide-Angle Lenses for the Sony A6400
- 💸 Best Budget Lens for the Sony A6400
How to Choose the Best Lens for the Sony A6400?
Focal Length: The focal length of a lens determines the field of view and magnification. For example, a wide-angle lens like the Sony – FE 12-24mm F4 G Wide-Angle will have a wider field of view and is great for landscapes and architecture, while a telephoto lens like the Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G OSS will have a narrower field of view and is great for sports and wildlife photography.
Aperture: The aperture of a lens determines how much light the lens can let in, and also affects the depth of field. A lens with a wide aperture like f/1.4 or f/1.8 will allow you to shoot in lower light and create a shallow depth of field, while a lens with a smaller aperture like f/4 or f/5.6 will be better for landscapes and other scenes where you need more depth of field.
Image stabilization: If you plan to shoot in low light or at slow shutter speeds, it’s a good idea to consider a lens with image stabilization. The Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G OSS, for example, has built-in image stabilization, which will help you get sharp shots in low light.
Budget: Lenses come in a wide range of prices, and it’s important to consider your budget when making your choice. The Sony – FE 50mm F1.8 is a good budget-friendly option that’s great for general-purpose photography.
Table of Contents
10 Best Lenses for Sony A6400
1. Sony FE 35mm F1.4 GM
Lens Specifications:
- Lens type: Prime lens
- Maximum aperture: F1.4
- Minimum aperture: F16
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 35mm
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Sony FE
- Weight: 524g (1.16 lb)
- Diameter: 76mm (2.99″)
- Length: 96mm (3.78″)
- Materials: Magnesium alloy
- Sealing: Yes
The best lens for the Sony A6400 is the Sony FE 35mm F1.4 GM.
If you are going to use a Sony A6400 camera, remember to multiply the focal length by 1.5 to get its true focal length on the Sony A6400’s APS-C sensor.
Therefore, a 35mm will function as a 52.2mm lens. The Sony FE 35mm GM lens is a great choice thanks to its wide aperture, sharp and vibrant results, not to mention its compact design.
It comes with an extra-low dispersion glass element that helps in reducing chromatic aberration and a Nano AR coating that minimizes both flare and ghosting.
Many consider this compact lens as a top contender for the best lens for Sony A6400 given the versatility that it offers when used with the A6500.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Compact
- Sharp results
- Minimal ghosting and flare
- Easy to use in most situations
My Cons With This Lens:
- n/a
2. Sony – FE 50mm F1.8
Lens Specifications:
- Lens type: Prime lens
- Maximum aperture: F1.8
- Minimum aperture: F22
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 50mm
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Sony FE
- Weight: 186g (0.41 lb)
- Diameter: 69mm (2.72″)
- Length: 60mm (2.36″)
- Sealing: No
The best budget lens for the Sony A6400 is the Sony – FE 50mm F1.8.
Sony’s FE 50mm F1.8 Standard lens is a good choice for a lot of people who are not interested in spending a lot of money on their lenses.
It is arguably the best lens for Sony A6400 for some people considering its wide aperture, vibrant colors, and sharpness. It is also compact making it a good choice for those who travel a lot.
When used on the Sony A6400, this is an equivalent of a 75mm lens.
It makes a good choice not only for shooting portraits from afar but also for macro photography.
Though it is arguably the best lens for Sony A6400 users who don’t have a large budget, there are some issues that you should know about this lens.
For starters, it has mediocre to bad autofocus. The DC motor is a bit complicated considering that it tends to pulse when it is trying to find the subject.
And in case you are going to use it for taking videos, the motor is quite audible.
If you are into creating beautiful bokeh and shooting portraits from afar, this is probably the best choice for you.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Budget-friendly
- Creates sharp results
- Can take stunning portraits from afar when used in the Sony A6400
- Compact and lightweight
My Cons With This Lens:
- AF is slow due to the pulsing motion of the DC motor
3. Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art
Lens Specifications:
- Lens type: Zoom lens
- Maximum aperture: F2.8
- Minimum aperture: F22
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 24–70mm
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Sony FE
- Weight: 835g (1.84 lb)
- Diameter: 88mm (3.46″)
- Length: 123mm (4.84″)
- Materials: Magnesium alloy
- Sealing: Yes
The best travel lens for the Sony A6400 is the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art.
The best travel lens should be lightweight and comes in with a variety of focal length options.
Should you find yourself switching lenses when using your Sony A6400, the Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN Art Zoom lens makes a great solution.
You will no longer have panic-switching between lenses. It is the best travel lens for Sony A6400 that functions as a wide-angle lens, portrait lens, or even a medium-range macro lens.
Its F/2.8 aperture is good enough for most scenarios but will most likely need a bit of adjustment when used indoors. But does it get the job done? Definitely.
For a third-party lens, we didn’t expect this lens to perform the way it did.
It has superior optics that can go toe to toe with Sony-native lenses. Results are consistent across the focal lengths and the aperture of the lens.
The construction is also something that can make it stand out with its splash-proof and dust-proof design.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Durable construction
- A great range for travel and other situations
- Sharp and vibrant results
My Cons With This Lens:
- n/a
4. Sony – FE 12-24mm F4 G Wide-Angle
Lens Specifications:
- Lens type: Zoom lens
- Maximum aperture: F4 – 22
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 12–24mm
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Sony FE
- Weight: 565g (1.25 lb)
- Diameter: 87mm (3.43″)
- Length: 117mm (4.61″)
- Materials: Aluminum alloy
- Sealing: Yes
The best street photography lens for the Sony A6400 is the Sony – FE 12-24mm F4 G Wide-Angle.
As for the best street photography lens for the Sony A6400, we picked the Sony FE 12-24mm F4 G Wide Angle zoom lens as the best choice.
When used on the Sony A6400, it becomes an 18mm to 36mm lens. Despite the magnification brought by the APS-C sensor, it still gives you the chance to take wide-angle shots and even offers better versatility.
It gives users the ability to shoot portraits and cityscapes, especially in the daytime.
The results are sharp and vibrant across the focal lengths of the lens. It made use of a drive supersonic wave motor that is known for its quiet and fast performance.
Though it’s the best lens to buy with Sony A6400 if you are shooting on the streets, you want to pick something different if you are going to shoot in low-light conditions.
It doesn’t do well at night and in astrophotography.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Sharp results across all focal lengths
- A great range for shooting cityscapes and even portraits
- Quiet and fast autofocus motor
My Cons With This Lens:
- Doesn’t do well in low-light conditions
5. Sony SEL-20F28 E-Mount 20mm F2.8
Lens Specifications:
- Lens type: Prime lens
- Maximum aperture: F2.8
- Minimum aperture: F22
- Max Format size: APS-C/DX
- Focal length: 20mm
- Lens mount: Sony E
- Weight: 69g (0.15 lb)
- Diameter: 63mm (2.48″)
- Length: 20mm (0.79″)
The Sony SEL-20F28 E Mount 20mm F2.8 is a good pick if you are considering a good wide-angle prime lens for shooting group photos and landscapes using your Sony A6400.
It is the best travel lens for Sony A6400 if you wish to shoot nature and when you take cityscapes from a high vantage point.
Some wedding photographers also have this on their camera bags since it allows them to include everyone in the picture.
This is perfect for large weddings not only because of its focal length but also because of its wide aperture. At F2.8, you can use it easily whether in the daytime or at nighttime.
For a wide-angle prime lens, this is a good investment. Unfortunately, it is not as sharp in the corners compared to the center.
And also, some of our testers aren’t satisfied when it comes to its autofocus.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Can be used in low-light scenarios
- Perfect for shooting group photos and landscapes
- Vibrant colors
My Cons With This Lens:
- Soft on the edges
6. Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM
Are you dealing with subjects who are a bit shy?
The Sony FE 85mm F1.4 allows you to shoot your subject from afar.
It is the best pick if you wish to shoot wildlife. When used in the Sony A6400, this lens is 127.5mm focal length equivalent.
It is also perfect for macro photography.
With a wide aperture, it produces superb bokeh blurring the unnecessary in your shot. It is also moisture and dust resistant which allows you to use it in outdoor locations.
The autofocus is also impressively fast and quiet. It is a top contender for the best lens for Sony A6400 if you shoot portraits, wildlife photography, or even macro photography.
But due to its robust construction, it’s a bit heavy.
If you are looking for a lightweight lens, you better look somewhere else.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Best pick for those who are looking to shoot wildlife photography
- Beautiful bokeh
- Perfect for long-range shots and macro photography
- Robust construction
- Fast and accurate AF
My Cons With This Lens:
- Bit on the heavy side
7. Sony 16-35mm Vario-Tessar T FE F4 ZA OSS
Lens Specifications:
- Lens type: Zoom lens
- Maximum aperture: F4
- Minimum aperture: F22
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 16–35mm
- Image stabilization: Yes
- Lens mount: Sony FE
- Weight: 518g (1.14 lb)
- Diameter: 78mm (3.07″)
- Length: 99mm (3.88″)
- Sealing: Yes
The Sony 16-35mm Vario-Tessar T FE F4 lens is the best lens to buy with Sony A6400 if you are shooting outdoors and you love capturing beautiful sceneries.
Whether it’s nature or shooting beautiful cityscapes, this lens provides you with sharp results and beautiful colors.
As long as you’re shooting outdoors, you won’t have a problem with this lens.
The only issue is when you opt to use it for group shots during weddings and other events, that’s when it can get tricky.
If you are shooting with no tripod, you also won’t encounter any problems since it comes with its own image stabilization feature.
It attracts serious photography enthusiasts rather than novice users of the Sony A6400.
8. Sony 24-70mm f/4 Vario-Tessar T FE OSS
Lens Specifications:
- Lens type: Zoom lens
- Maximum aperture: F4
- Minimum aperture: F22
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 24–70mm
- Image stabilization: Yes
- Lens mount: Sony FE
- Weight: 426g (0.94 lb)
- Diameter: 73mm (2.87″)
- Length: 95mm (3.74″)
- Materials: All-metal construction
- Sealing: Yes
The Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T FE OSS zoom lens is another great pick for those who are looking for a highly versatile lens that can be used in different scenarios.
It does well when shooting portraits, landscapes, and even macro photography.
Though it is fairly limited with its F4 aperture, it compensates with sharp images and vibrant colors.
The motor is also known for its fast and accurate performance that tracks the subject with ease. It is also dust and moisture-resistant allowing you to use it with peace of mind outdoors.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t produce a good bokeh which is sometimes frustrating if you are shooting portraits.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Vibrant colors and sharp results
- A good range for shooting in different scenarios
- Fast and accurate AF
My Cons With This Lens:
- Doesn’t produce good bokeh
- Limited to outdoors
9. Sony 55mm F1.8 Sonnar T FE ZA
Lens Specifications:
- Lens type: Prime lens
- Maximum aperture: F1.8
- Minimum aperture: F22
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 55mm
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Sony FE
- Weight: 281g (0.62 lb)
- Diameter: 64mm (2.52″)
- Length: 71mm (2.8″)
- Materials: All-metal construction
- Sealing: Yes
Some say that the best lens to buy with Sony A6400 is the Sony 55mm F1.8 T FE ZA Full Frame Prime Lens.
When used on the Sony A6400, this becomes an 82.5mm lens capable of producing beautiful bokeh.
It’s a good pick in case you are looking to shoot macro photography or if you want to give your subject some space whenever you are shooting portraits.
It is a favorite by many photographers because it produces beautiful bokeh plus it produces exceptional sharpness and clarity.
You can also get consistent results throughout the different apertures. It’s small and compact as well plus it is known for its fast autofocus.
The biggest issue when used on different APSC- unit is the lack of stabilization on the lens. It means that you might struggle if you don’t have steady hands or if you don’t have a tripod with you.
But overall, it is worthy of being called the best lens for Sony A6400 if you are a portrait photographer or someone who loves shooting macro photography.
It comes in handy in different situations.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Good value
- Sharp results
- Beautiful bokeh
- Small and compact design
- Perfect for portraits and macro photography
My Cons With This Lens:
- No stabilization
10. Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G OSS
Lens Specifications:
- Lens type: Zoom lens
- Maximum aperture: F4
- Minimum aperture: F22 – 36
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 70–200mm
- Image stabilization: Yes
- Lens mount: Sony FE
- Weight: 840g (1.85 lb)
- Diameter: 80mm (3.15″)
- Length: 175mm (6.89″)
- Materials: All-metal construction
- Sealing: Yes
The 70-200mm focal length range is ideal for a variety of photography such as sports, wildlife, and portraits. It allows you to get close to your subject without having to be physically close to it, providing a great compression effect for portraits and a strong telephoto reach for sports and wildlife.
The f/4 aperture of the lens is great for low-light situations, and also provides good depth of field control. This means you can shoot in dimly lit environments and still get sharp and well-exposed images.
The built-in image stabilization of the lens helps to reduce camera shake, which is especially useful when shooting at slow shutter speeds or in low light. This can help you get sharper images, especially when shooting handheld.
The lens is well built, it’s dust and moisture-resistant and it can withstand harsh weather conditions. The G-series lens has a reputation for being built to a high standard
My Pros With This Lens:
- Good range
- Great even for shooting indoors
- Lightweight
My Cons With This Lens:
- Doesn’t feel as durable as other lenses
FAQ
What Lens Mount is the Sony a6400?
The Sony a6400 camera has an E-mount lens mount. The E-mount is a lens mount designed by Sony for their NEX and Alpha series of cameras.
Can You Use an FE Lens on the Sony a6400?
Yes, you can use an FE lens on the Sony a6400. FE lenses are designed for full-frame cameras and are fully compatible with the Sony a6400 camera, which is an APS-C camera. When using an FE lens on an APS-C camera like the a6400, the camera will automatically switch to a crop mode, which means that the field of view will be slightly narrower and the effective focal length will be longer than it would be on a full-frame camera.
Final Remarks
The Sony A6400 is a top APS-C camera option for serious photographers and even for some pros.
The good news is that both FE and E lenses are compatible with this unit. With our list, be sure that you are going to compare the pros and cons and consider your needs.
You also want to consider your budget. Sadly, rarely do you see cheap lenses from Sony.
As a rule of thumb, do your research to have no regrets about your purchase.
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Nate Torres is a portrait photographer based in Southern California. Outside of photography, Nate specializes in SEO, content marketing, and entrepreneurship. He is also the founder of Imaginated.com, a platform for creator education.
