14/05/2026 9:37 pm
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APS-C E-mount Lens
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I finally pulled the trigger on the a6700 for my trip to Kyoto in three weeks. Im really stuck on the lens choice though. I spent all night looking at reviews and keep seeing the Sony 18-135mm mentioned as the classic pick but then people rave about the Tamron 17-70mm f2.8.
The Tamron seems way better for those dim temples but honestly it looks massive and I dont want my neck killing me after walking 10 miles. My budget is around $800 so both fit. Is the extra weight of the Tamron worth it for the image quality or does the kit zoom hold up well enough on the higher res sensor? Im kinda torn between convenience and low light performance...
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14/05/2026 9:37 pm
Honestly, you gotta go with the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD for that new sensor!! I know the size is a bit much compared to the kit lens, but that constant f/2.8 is an absolute game changer for Kyoto. When you're walking through those dim wooden temples, a variable aperture lens like the Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS is gonna force your ISO way too high because it slows down as you zoom in. The Tamron is way sharper across the frame which really lets that 26MP sensor shine. Plus, it has its own VC (Vibration Compensation) that works with the a6700's IBIS for super steady handheld shots. The image quality and low light performance on the Tamron are just next level. Just get a good padded strap and youll be totally fine for those 10 mile days!!
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14/05/2026 9:47 pm
> the Sony 18-135mm mentioned as the classic pick Coming back to this, unfortunately that glass really disappointed me. Grab the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary instead... it's way cheaper, half the weight, and significantly sharper.
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14/05/2026 10:22 pm
In my experience, the Sony E PZ 18-105mm f/4 G OSS is killer for smooth video, while the Tamron 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD offers way more reach for street shots.
