Yo! Congrats on the a6700 upgrade—that sensor is literally a night and day difference compared to the old a6000. To really unlock that 26MP, you gotta ditch that kit lens because it basically turns your pro-level body into a toy, you know? Basically, that new sensor has a very high pixel density, so low-quality glass just results in soft images. You need high resolving power to actually see the benefit of those extra megapixels. In my experience, choosing the right zoom comes down to balancing weight against that f/2.8 constant aperture, especially since you're doing video. Here is what I recommend for your specific mix: * The 'Holy Grail': Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G. Since the a6700 has IBIS, you dont really need OSS in the lens. The AF is native and lightning-fast for those kid portraits, plus the 16mm wide end is crucial for landscapes.
* The Travel King: Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary. It is incredibly light and sharp, though you lose that 16mm wide angle and some reach.
* The Reach King: Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-VC RXD. Great range, but tbh, it feels pretty massive and front-heavy on such a small body. I've tried many zooms over the years, and ngl, I usually reach for the Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G when it really counts. It feels premium and the image quality is basically prime-level across the board. If you can find one within your $1,200 budget, grab it. You wont regret it!! Cheers!

Ok so, I actually went through this exact same struggle last year. I saved up forever and finally splurged on the Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G because I thought it was the only way to get pro results. Honestly?? I was kinda disappointed... not with the quality, but with how much it drained my bank account and weighed down my neck on hikes. It felt way too bulky for casual street stuff too. For ur budget and needs, I reallyyy think the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary is the way to go. Its usually around $499, which is a total steal compared to the others. Even though you lose a tiny bit of range, the portability is insane... it makes the a6700 feel like a point-and-shoot. I learned the hard way that spending double doesnt always mean youll take more photos. Use the leftover $700 for a trip or a nice mic for ur video work! peace

So basically I totally agree with the point about weight – if a lens is a brick, you’re just gonna leave it in the bag, which totally defeats the whole point of having a compact body like the a6700 tbh. But yeah, I wanted to jump in with a bit of a warning regarding long-term reliability and build quality. Since ur doing a mix of hiking and chasing kids around, you really gotta think about how well these lenses are actually sealed. I’ve noticed some of the more budget-friendly or super-compact zooms can sometimes cut corners on weather gaskets – and trust me, getting dust or moisture behind the front element is a nightmare to fix. I’m not 100% sure if the a6700 mount is reinforced better than my old a6000, but it can really soft-up ur images over time if stuff gets inside. Also, keep an eye on the lens mount; I’ve heard some talk about certain mounts getting a bit 'loose' after a year of heavy use, especially with those heavier barrels that extend way out. Basically, just make sure whatever you pick has a solid reputation for holding up in the real world. Reliability is huge when you want a 'one and done' lens!