What is the best all-around zoom lens for Sony a6700?

Question

I finally pulled the trigger on the a6700 after shooting with my trusty a6000 for years and man the difference in the autofocus is just insane but it’s making me realize my glass is seriously holding me back. I’ve been using the old power zoom kit lens and a couple of Sigma primes like the 16mm and the 30mm for a while now but I’m finding that for the stuff I’m doing lately I really need something more versatile. I’m heading out to the Olympic Peninsula in Washington next month for about two weeks of hiking and coastal shots and I really don’t want to be swapping lenses in the rain or getting sand in the sensor every five minutes.

I’ve been looking at a few options but I’m kind of stuck between the pros and cons loop in my head. The Sony 16-55mm G seems like the gold standard for image quality but the lack of stabilization in the lens itself makes me wonder if I’m overpaying since the a6700 has IBIS anyway? Then there’s the Tamron 17-70mm which has that extra reach and VC but it looks absolutely massive on a compact body like the 6700. I also saw the Sigma 18-50mm which is tiny and cheap but I’m worried I might miss that wider end or the extra reach.

My priorities are kinda specific:

fast enough for some low light street shots

sharp enough for the 26mp sensor

weather sealing is a big plus since Ill be in the PNW

not so heavy that I hate my life after six miles of hiking

My budget is hovering around $900 maybe a bit more if I sell one of my primes but I really need something that can handle everything from landscape to a bit of street photography without being a total brick to carry around all day. I’ve been doing this long enough to know there’s always a trade-off but this new sensor feels more demanding than my old one and I’m seeing some softness in my old zooms that I never noticed before. What do you guys think is the absolute best all-around zoom for this specific body right now if you had to pick just one?

Patrickchets · Accepted Answer

Honestly, congrats on the a6700 upgrade! Going from the a6000 is a massive leap and you are gonna love that autofocus tracking. For the Olympic Peninsula, you definitely need solid weather sealing because the rain there is no joke. I have spent years shooting in the PNW and if you want the absolute best image quality that matches that new 26MP sensor, you should grab the Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G. It is fantastic! Since your body has IBIS, you dont really need stabilization in the lens for photos, and the sharpness is basically prime-level across the whole range. Here is why it fits your trip perfectly:

Superior weather sealing compared to the Sigma options

Constant f/2.8 is amazing for those dark forest floors under the canopy

16mm is noticeably wider than 17 or 18mm for those huge coastal landscapes

It feels balanced and high-end without being a huge brick like the Tamron If you want to save some cash and weight, the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary is incredible too. It is so tiny you wont even feel it on a six-mile hike! But for the one lens to rule them all vibe, the Sony G is the winner. I used it for a week in the Hoh Rainforest and it handled the moisture like a champ. You can usually find them used for around $900 if the new price is too steep. Go for the Sony G, you wont regret it!