Best Portrait Lens For Sony A6000 (2024 Updated)

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If you're looking to take stunning portraits with your Sony a6000 camera, then you need to invest in a good portrait lens. But with so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. Here are five key points to consider when looking for the best portrait lens for Sony a6000.

1. Focal length: The ideal focal length for portrait photography is between 50mm to 85mm. This range allows you to capture a natural-looking image without any distortion.

2. Maximum aperture: A wide aperture like f/1.8 or f/1.4 allows you to create a shallow depth of field, which is perfect for blurring out the background and making your subject stand out.

3. Image stabilization: Image stabilization helps to reduce camera shake and produce sharper images, especially in low light conditions.

4. Lens quality: The quality of the lens is crucial when it comes to portrait photography. Look for lenses that produce sharp images, have good color reproduction and are well-built.

5. Budget: Finally, consider your budget. There are many great portrait lenses available at different price points, so choose one that fits your budget and meets your needs.

In summary, when looking for the best portrait lens for Sony a6000, consider the focal length, maximum aperture, image stabilization, lens quality, and budget. With these factors in mind, you can find a lens that will help you capture stunning portraits with your Sony a6000 camera.

10 Best Portrait Lens For Sony A6000

1. Sony Sel-85f18 85mm F1.8 E-Mount Lens For Full Frame Cameras (A7, Zv-E10) And Nex Series.

The Sony SEL-85F18 Portrait Lens is a fixed focal lens designed for capturing stunning portrait shots with ease. With a focal length of 85mm and a wide aperture of f/1.8, this lens allows for fast and accurate focusing, giving photographers the ability to capture sharp images with beautiful background blur.

One of the key features of this lens is the use of ED glass, which helps to compensate for any aberrations, ensuring that images are sharp and clear. Additionally, the circular aperture with nine blades creates a smooth, natural bokeh effect that enhances the overall appeal of the photograph.

This lens also has a minimum focus distance of 0.8m, making it easier to capture close-up shots with incredible detail. The linear motor allows for precise and quiet focusing, which is especially useful when shooting in quiet environments.

The Sony SEL-85F18 Portrait Lens is compatible with the A7, ZV-E10, A6000, and Nex Series cameras, making it a versatile lens that can cater to a variety of photography needs. The lens is also lightweight and easy to handle, making it ideal for use in the field or in a studio setting.

In terms of accessories, the lens comes with a cap, front lens cap, and rear lens cap, providing users with everything they need to keep their lens protected and in good condition. Overall, the Sony SEL-85F18 Portrait Lens is an excellent investment for photographers looking to capture stunning portrait shots with ease, precision, and quality.

2. Viltrox 85mm F1.8 Af Lens For Sony E Mount Full Frame Cameras – Ideal For Portraits.

The Viltrox 85mm F1.8 Auto Focus Lens is a high-quality medium telephoto portrait prime lens that is designed specifically for Sony cameras. With its 85mm focal length, this lens provides photographers with the perfect distance from their subject, whether it's a half-length or full-length portrait.

One of the most impressive features of this lens is its fast, steady, and smooth auto focus. This feature allows photographers to capture high-speed moving objects with ease, making it an excellent choice for sports and action photography. The lens is also widely compatible with full-frame cameras such as the A7III, A7RIII, A7RII, and A7II, making it a versatile lens for any photographer.

The Viltrox 85mm F1.8 Auto Focus Lens is equipped with metal electronic contacts that support EXIF information transmission and electronic automatic iris adjustment. This feature allows photographers to record digital photo attribute information and shooting data, ensuring that they have all the information they need to create stunning images.

The lens features 10 elements in 7 groups and an ideal aperture with 9 blades, making it possible to capture stunning images with excellent image quality. The lens also features new optical technology that further enhances image quality, ensuring that photographers can capture sharp, clear, and detailed images every time.

The lens is also designed with a durable all-metal body structure that ensures lens assembly accuracy and durability. Additionally, the lens comes with a lens hood that can be used to reduce flare or scattering light of ghosts and avoid rain, snow, or sticking to the front of the lens.

In conclusion, the Viltrox 85mm F1.8 Auto Focus Lens is an excellent choice for any photographer looking to capture stunning portraits with their Sony camera. With its fast and accurate auto focus, excellent image quality, and durable construction, this lens is sure to become a favorite among photographers.

3. Lightdow 85mm F1.8 Telephoto Lens For Sony Full Frame Cameras.

The Lightdow 85mm F1.8 Medium Telephoto Manual Focus Full Frame Portrait Lens for Sony Alpha cameras is a top-performing lens for portraiture photography. With its compact and lightweight design, this lens is perfect for photographers who need mobility and versatility in their equipment.

The LD85F18E features high-performance optics and a large F1.8 maximum aperture that delivers outstanding image quality. The aperture creates a pleasing bokeh quality that enhances shallow depth of field images, making it an excellent second lens for both full-frame and APS-C camera users.

One thing to note is that this lens requires complete manual focus operation on DSLR cameras to align with the lens body, making it unsuitable for SLR beginners. We recommend this lens for photographers with excellent experience in equipment.

Compatible with Sony A9, A7R III, A7R II, A7R, A7S II, A7S, A7 III, A7 II, A7, NEX-7, NEX-6, NEX-5, NEX-5N, NEX-5R, NEX-5T, NEX-3, NEX-C3, NEX-F3, NEX-3N, A6500, A6300, A6000, A5100, A5000, A3000, and QX1.

To use the manual lens, set the mode dial to Manual (M), set the Release w/o Lens option in the camera menu to Enable, and set the Shutter lock option in the camera menu to Off: no lens.

Overall, the Lightdow 85mm F1.8 Medium Telephoto Manual Focus Full Frame Portrait Lens is an excellent choice for photographers who demand sharpness and smooth bokeh in their portraiture photography.

4. Viltrox 56mm F1.4 Stm Auto Focus Lens For Sony E-Mount Cameras, Ideal For Portraits. Compatible With A5100-A6600, Nex-6, A7 Series, And A9.

The Viltrox 56mm F1.4 STM Auto Focus APS-C Prime Lens is a high-quality portrait lens designed for Sony E mount cameras. It is compatible with a range of Sony camera models, including the A5100, A6000, A6100, A6300, A6400, A6500, A6600, NEX-6, A7S, A7C, A7, A7RⅢ, A7SⅢ, A7Ⅲ, A7RⅡ, A7Ⅱ, A7S, A7RⅣ, and A9.

The lens features an STM motor that enables quick, quiet, and precise autofocus and eye focus performance. This minimizes vibration and noise, making it ideal for both movies and stills. The 56mm focal length and electronic aperture capabilities of advanced E-mount bodies allow for capturing emotional portraits at excellent depth of field.

With a large aperture of F1.4, the lens can deliver high corner-to-corner resolution and afford low-light environments. The minimum focus distance of 0.6m and maximum magnification of 0.1x, along with a 9-blade circular aperture, make it possible to shoot impressive close-ups with beautiful bokeh highlights.

The lens construction features 10 elements in 9 groups, including 1 ED element and 1 HRI element for suppressing chromatic aberration. A Nano Coating is applied, and a sealed design provides extra protection and ensures reliable operation in challenging environments. The lens also features easy manual/auto focus switching and an aperture ring for direct, intuitive aperture control.

Weighing just 280g (9.8 oz), the Viltrox 56mm F1.4 STM Auto Focus APS-C Prime Lens has a full metal body and hard brass mount structures. It is lightweight and compact, making it excellent for mobility and handling. The lens also supports EXIF information transmission, and a USB port allows for compatibility with the newest camera models.

Overall, the Viltrox 56mm F1.4 STM Auto Focus APS-C Prime Lens is an excellent choice for portrait photographers looking for a high-quality lens that can deliver stunning results in a range of shooting conditions.

5. Astrhori 85mm 3-In-1 Macro, Tilt And Medium Telephoto Lens For Sony E-Mount Mirrorless Cameras. Perfect For Insect, Jewel, And Portrait Photography. Full Frame Manual Focus.

The AstrHori 85mm F2.8 Macro & Tilt & Medium Telephoto 3-in-1 Manual Full Frame Insect Jewel Portrait Lens is a versatile and high-quality lens designed for Sony E Mount Series Mirrorless Cameras. This lens is perfect for professional photographers who are looking for a lens that can capture fine details and produce sharp images with excellent depth of field control.

One of the key features of this lens is its full-frame macro capabilities. With a closest focusing distance of 0.25m and a magnification ratio of 1:1, this lens can easily capture small objects like insects, jewelry, and flowers with incredible detail. The closest working distance of 0.11m ensures that you can get as close as possible to your subject, while still maintaining a comfortable distance.

Another standout feature of this lens is its APS-C tilt lens capabilities. The lens can be tilted in multiple directions with a 360° rotation axis, allowing you to achieve a variety of angles and compositions. When shooting macro, the tilt feature allows you to change the focal plane without changing the composition, making it easier to capture detailed shots of small objects.

The lens also functions as a perfect medium telephoto portrait lens, with a focusing distance of 0.28m to infinity and an F2.8 large aperture that produces strong blurring effects, highlighting the subject and creating a classic portrait look.

The lens structure includes 11 elements in 8 groups, with two ED elements that help suppress dispersion and produce clear and sharp images at both macro and infinity distances. The 12 aperture blades and good build quality ensure that the lens is durable and produces consistent results.

This lens is a manual prime focus lens that is perfect for professional photographers with some tilt-shift experience. It is compatible with Sony E mount mirrorless cameras, including A5000, A5100, A6000, A6100, A6300, A6400, A6500, A6600, NEX-3, NEX-3N, NEX-3R, NEX-5T, NEX-5R, NEX-5, NEX-5N, NEX-7, NEX5C, A7, A7II (A7M2), A7III (A7M3), A7R, A7RII (A7RM2), A7RIII (A7RM3), A7RIV (A7RM4), A7S, A7-SII (A7SM2), and A7-SIII (A7SM3), A9.

In summary, the AstrHori 85mm F2.8 Macro & Tilt & Medium Telephoto 3-in-1 Manual Full Frame Insect Jewel Portrait Lens is a versatile and high-quality lens that is perfect for professional photographers who are looking for a lens that can capture fine details and produce sharp images with excellent depth of field control.

6. Meike 35mm F1.4 Manual Focus Lens For Sony E-Mount Aps-C Mirrorless Cameras.

The Meike 35mm F1.4 Large Aperture Manual Focus Lens is an exceptional lens designed for use with Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras. This lens is compatible with a range of Sony E-mount cameras, including A9, A7RIII, NEX 3, NEX 3N, NEX 5, NEX 5T, NEX 5R, NEX 6, 7, A5000, A5100, A6000, A6100, A6300, A6500, and A6600.

The lens comes with an APS-C visual angle that offers a diagonal angle of 43 degrees, a horizontal angle of 37 degrees, and a vertical angle of 25 degrees. The lens structure features 5 groups and 8 elements, making it a wide-angle lens suitable for landscape, product, and portrait photography.

The Meike 35mm F1.4 Large Aperture Manual Focus Lens is a fixed focal length lens with a wide-angle lens that provides a maximum aperture of 1.4-16, delivering smooth bokeh and making it ideal for portrait and close-up photography. The lens is not attached, so manual focus is required, and the camera needs to be set to "M mode" or "Release without lens" for the lens to work correctly.

This lens is perfect for photographers who want to capture stunning images with a wide-angle lens. The lens is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around, and the manual focus feature allows photographers to adjust the focus to their liking. The lens is constructed with high-quality materials that ensure durability and longevity.

In conclusion, the Meike 35mm F1.4 Large Aperture Manual Focus Lens is an excellent lens for Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras. It offers outstanding image quality, smooth bokeh, and is perfect for portrait, close-up, and landscape photography. With its lightweight and compact design, this lens is perfect for photographers who want to explore their creativity and capture stunning images.

7. 7artisans 35mm F1.2 Ii Aps-C Manual Focus Lens For Sony E-Mount Cameras.

The 7artisans 35mm F1.2 II APS-C Manual Focus Camera Prime Portrait Lens for Sony E-Mount cameras is a high-quality lens suitable for a variety of photography styles, including portraits, landscapes, weddings, and street photography. Its all-metal body is durable and wear-resistant, ensuring longevity and reliability, while its MC multilayer coating gives it an elegant and fashionable appearance.

Weighing only 218g, this lens is lightweight and easy to handle, making it an ideal choice for photographers who need to carry their equipment around for extended periods. Its six elements in five groups and multi-layer coating process effectively reduce glare and purple fringing, even in backlight environments.

The 10 blades stepless aperture manual focus allows for easy control of image creation, while the F1.2 large aperture APS-C format is equivalent to a standard focal length of about 52mm, making it suitable for shooting any scene and subject. The lens is widely compatible with Sony E-Mount cameras, including A7, A7R, A7S, A9, A99, A7II, A7SII, A7RII, A5000, A5100, A6300, A6000, A6500, NEX-5N, NEX-5R, NEX-6, NEX-7, VG10, VG20, VG30, and EA50.

Overall, the 7artisans 35mm F1.2 II APS-C Manual Focus Camera Prime Portrait Lens is an excellent option for photographers looking for a reliable and versatile lens for their Sony E-Mount cameras. Its high-quality construction, lightweight design, and advanced features make it an excellent choice for both amateur and professional photographers.

8. Ttartisan 50mm F0.95 Manual Lens For Sony E Mount Cameras (Aps-C)

The TTArtisan 50mm F0.95 APS-C Portrait-Length Manual Lens is a high-quality accessory designed for Sony E Mount Compatible Cameras such as A5000, A5100, A6000, A6100, A6400, A6600, NEX-3, NEX-3N, NEX-5T, NEX-5R, NEX-5, NEX-5N, and NEX5C. This lens boasts a large aperture of F0.95, which is ideal for low light situations, allowing users to capture stunning photos and videos even in challenging lighting conditions.

One of the most attractive features of this lens is its ability to produce dreamy bokeh. The strong bokeh display of the F0.95 aperture spreads the back/front scene like cream, providing a high-level visual enjoyment. This feature is perfect for photographers who want to create a shallow depth-of-field effect to isolate their subject from the background.

The 50mm focal length of this lens is equivalent to about 75mm in full-frame, which is perfect for portrait photography. It is also easy to carry, making it an ideal accessory for travel, movement, and photography. The lens is designed with retro styling and built with aviation aluminum, anodizing process, and a clicked aperture ring. These advanced configurations provide users with a fantastic photography experience.

The TTArtisan 50mm F0.95 APS-C Portrait-Length Manual Lens is also flawless in low light environments. Shooting in low light conditions often requires sacrificing image quality by increasing the ISO and reducing the shutter speed. However, with this lens, users can capture high-quality images without sacrificing image quality.

Overall, the TTArtisan 50mm F0.95 APS-C Portrait-Length Manual Lens is an excellent accessory for photographers who want to capture stunning photos and videos in low light conditions. Its large aperture, dreamy bokeh, portrait focal length, and retro styling make it an exceptional accessory for Sony E Mount Compatible Cameras.

9. Meike 25mm F1.8 Aps-C Wide Angle Lens For Sony E Mount Mirrorless Cameras. Compatible With Nex 3, 3n, 5, 5t, 5r, 6, 7, A6400, A5000, A5100, A6000, A6100, A6300, A6500, A6600. Features Manual Focus And Large Aperture.

The Meike 25mm F1.8 APS-C Large Aperture Wide Angle Lens is a manual focus lens that is compatible with Sony E Mount Mirrorless Cameras. This lens is designed to provide high-quality images with a fixed focal length of 25mm and a wide-angle view. The maximum aperture of 1.8-16 delivers smooth bokeh, making it perfect for close-up and portrait photography.

To use this lens, you need to enable "M mode" or "Release without lens" in the camera settings, as it is a manual lens that does not attach to the camera automatically. The lens construction is 7 elements in 5 groups, with multi-layer coatings that help reduce glare and ghosting, resulting in sharp and clear images.

The minimum focusing distance of the Meike 25mm F1.8 APS-C lens is 0.25m, which allows for close-up shots with excellent detail. The visual angle for APS-C cameras is diagonal 61°, horizontal 50°, and vertical 35°, making it ideal for capturing a broad range of subjects.

This lens is specifically designed for Sony Emount cameras with APS-C, and its metal body is lightweight and portable. Its compact size makes it easy to carry around and use for everyday photography, making it an excellent choice for both amateur and professional photographers.

In conclusion, the Meike 25mm F1.8 APS-C Large Aperture Wide Angle Lens is a high-quality manual focus lens that delivers excellent image quality. Its wide-angle view and maximum aperture of 1.8-16 make it perfect for close-up and portrait photography, and its lightweight and portable design make it an ideal choice for photographers on the go.

Best Portrait Lens For Sony A6000 FAQs

Are there any affordable portrait lenses that work well with the Sony a6000?

Yes, there are several affordable portrait lenses that work well with the Sony a6000. One option is the Sony 50mm f/1.8 OSS lens, which provides a natural-looking perspective and a wide aperture for shallow depth of field. Another option is the Sigma 60mm f/2.8 DN lens, which is a budget-friendly alternative with a longer focal length for more compression and bokeh. The Sony 35mm f/1.8 OSS lens is also a popular choice for environmental portraits and low light situations. Additionally, there are third-party lenses from brands like Rokinon and Samyang that are compatible with the Sony a6000 and offer good value for their price. It's important to note that while these lenses are more affordable than high-end options, they still provide good image quality and are suitable for professional use.

Can you recommend a prime lens for portraiture on the Sony a6000?

For portraiture on the Sony a6000, a prime lens with a focal length of 50mm or higher would be ideal. One great option is the Sony 50mm f/1.8 OSS lens, which offers a wide maximum aperture for beautiful bokeh and low-light performance. Another option is the Sigma 60mm f/2.8 DN lens, which is a bit longer and offers excellent sharpness and color rendering. Both of these lenses are lightweight and compact, making them easy to carry around for outdoor shoots or in-studio. Overall, either of these lenses would be a great choice for portrait photographers using the Sony a6000.

How does the Sony 50mm f/1.8 compare to other portrait lenses for the a6000?

The Sony 50mm f/1.8 is a great portrait lens for the a6000, with a wide aperture that allows for excellent depth-of-field control and low-light performance. However, there are other portrait lenses for the a6000 that offer different advantages.

For example, the Sony 35mm f/1.8 is a wider-angle lens that can be better for environmental portraits or for cramped spaces. The Sony 85mm f/1.8 is a longer lens that can create a more compressed, flattering look for portraits.

Ultimately, the choice of which lens to use for portraits on the a6000 will depend on personal preference and shooting style. The 50mm f/1.8 is a solid choice, but it's worth considering other options to find the perfect fit for your needs.

What focal length should I look for in a portrait lens for the Sony a6000?

For portrait photography, a focal length between 50-85mm is recommended for the Sony a6000. This will provide a natural-looking perspective and allow for a shallow depth of field to isolate the subject from the background. Additionally, a lens with a wide aperture such as f/1.8 or f/1.4 will allow for even more control over the depth of field and enable the photographer to create a beautiful bokeh effect.

Some popular options for portrait lenses on the Sony a6000 include the Sony 50mm f/1.8 OSS, Sony 85mm f/1.8, and Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN. It's important to consider the lens's autofocus capabilities and image stabilization, especially when shooting handheld or in low light situations. Ultimately, choosing the right lens for portrait photography will depend on personal preferences and shooting style.

What is the best portrait lens for the Sony a6000 and why?

The Sony a6000 is a versatile camera that can produce stunning portrait shots with the right lens. The best portrait lens for this camera is the Sony E 50mm f/1.8 OSS lens. This lens is designed specifically for APS-C Sony E-mount cameras and provides a focal length equivalent to 75mm on a full-frame camera. It has a wide aperture of f/1.8 that allows you to create beautiful bokeh and isolate your subject from the background. The lens also features Optical SteadyShot (OSS) technology that reduces camera shake and enables you to shoot in low light conditions without a tripod. The autofocus is fast and accurate, ensuring that your subjects are always in focus. Overall, the Sony E 50mm f/1.8 OSS lens is a great choice for portrait photography on the Sony a6000.

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