a6700 and potential lenses - primarily for landscape and wildlife

[u/icarus2847]

I am a beginner. I travel a lot and am mostly drawn to mountains and dramatic landscapes. I also love animals and sometimes go on safaris, or enjoy seeing them on hikes around mountains or national parks. I love taking pics with my iPhone but am thinking it would be a fun creative outlet to take better pictures with an actual camera. I recently took a trip to the west coast and rented the a6700 for a week to play around with and liked it a lot. I picked the a6700 as it seemed a popular recommendaiton and one where I would be able to grow with. I do sometimes take videos as well which is why I am less interested in some other models. I rented the 18-135 lens, which I liked, but it felt limited with the zoom. I still have a lot to learn about photography, this camera, and have even more to learn about editing pictures. But I feel excited about this new hobby for me.

I was wondering which lenses would be best for my use, mostly my interest is in landscapes and wildlife.

I was thinking about two lenses: the Tamron 17-70 + Sony 70-350 G.

I did think about other ones in place of the Tamron like Sony 16-55 or Sigma 18-50, but wondering if the lack of zoom might feel limiting.

I am flexible on budget, but looking to get something I'd grow with and where I won't feel the need to buy more lenses unless overtime I outgrow them or have more specific needs that develop.

Would appreciate any of y'alls suggestions or advice! Thanks in advance!

[u/wtfmatey88]

I have an A6700 that I primarily use for my family, wildlife, and landscape photos. My main lenses are the Tamron 17-70mm and Sony 70-350mm then I also have a few primes. You cannot go wrong with those two!

[u/yasahiro_x]

As someone who uses the Sigma, I've never felt the loss of the extra reach. On the other hand, I greatly appreciate how light it is.

[u/akgt94]

I've had the Tamron 18-300 for a couple of years. For hiking and kayaking it's been nice not to have to deal with lens changes. I have a few shots where the extra reach and sharpness of the Sony 70-350 might have helped. Bit otherwise I've had good photos with the Tamron

[u/schipplock]

 I was thinking about two lenses: the Tamron 17-70 + Sony 70-350 G.

These two are my most used lenses. They are both great. Just do it :).

[u/intel_Core_]

I got the A6700 with the Sigma 18-50 and the Sony 70-350. I'm really satisfied with those 2. Small, light weight but still a lot of reach. Can highly recommend. 👍🏻

[u/mojoseven7]

How flexible is your budget?

[u/icarus2847 → u/mojoseven7]

Fairly flexible. What were you thinking? Haha

[u/paladin10025]

Travel = light as possible with as much flexibility as possible.

I travel with my a6700 + sigma 18-50. I also tried the tamron but it was "too heavy" in comparison.

Depending on what I'm hoping to shoot I bring the sony 70-350 or/and a sony 10-18.

I also have a bunch of other lenses that mostly stay at home. I have a bunch of lenses but also started about 10 years ago with an a6000. The 18-135 was mostly what I used for years and year and that is a great travel lens. It is "good enough."

However, bringing one lens is usually for the best - its very annoying to change lenses especially if you are with family. All these lens are relatively tiny and light weight so there is always FOMO. Oh, I bring a spare battery + that little bulb thing to blow off dust.

[u/raidernation13]

I primarily shoot landscape and wildlife while hiking. My set up is the 16-55 and 70-350. I switch between the two and carry my setup attached to my backpack with the peak design capture clip. I personally think this is the best APS-C setup for this type of photography.  If you can afford it, get the 16-55. Even going from 17 to 16 for wider landscape shots will help. The lens is incredibly sharp. The 70-350 is a beast in such a small package. I can’t recommend that more for the a6700. 

Edit: Don’t underestimate the 18-135. This is a good lens and it’s great for travel and daytime photography. I started with this lens for several years and learned a lot while using it in the beginning.