For your situation, I'd honestly suggest checking out the Tokina atx-i 100mm f/2.8 FF Macro for Sony E or the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO for APS-C. The Laowa is a manual focus beast that fits your budget perfectly at around $400 brand new, and the 2x magnification is incredible for those tiny garden insects! If you need autofocus for handheld shooting, the Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro is a solid, budget-friendly compromise, usually found under $500, though the working distance is a bit shorter than the 90mm.

I went through this last year when I got my a6700. Honestly, I started with a cheap extension tube setup, but it was so finicky for live insects. I eventually saved up for the Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS and that built-in stabilization was a total lifesaver for my handheld shots!

Seconding the recommendation above regarding focal length. For insects, you definitely need that extra reach! Since the Sigma was already mentioned, I'd suggest looking at the Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS. It's a bit pricey brand new, but I've seen them go for around $600-700 used.

On the a6700, that built-in Optical SteadyShot is a lifesaver for handheld shooting. Just be careful with the autofocus speed in low light; macro is always tricky! Honestly, I'd avoid the 30mm for bugs... you'll just end up scaring them away before you get the shot.

Yeah, I totally agree with what was said about stabilization—handheld macro on the a6700 is basically playing on hard mode lol. That IBIS helps, but it’s definitely not a magic fix for shaky hands. Since you’re a bit overwhelmed by the price of some of those "pro" lenses, have you thought about taking more of a DIY approach? I’ve had some pretty cool results using a Raynox DCR-250 Super Macro Snap-On Lens on my regular zoom lens. It’s basically a high-quality magnifying glass that snaps onto the front, and it’s a killer way to get into the macro world for under $100. Another thing I've messed around with is adapting old vintage manual lenses. You can find some amazing glass from the 70s or 80s for like fifty bucks, and then you just grab a cheap adapter. It kinda forces you to learn the technical side of things since you’re doing everything manually, which is basically the ultimate DIY photography experience tbh. I'm still a bit fuzzy on which specific vintage mount is the absolute sharpest, but it's a fun rabbit hole to go down if you wanna save your budget for other gear!

In my experience, the Sigma 70mm f/2.8 DG Macro Art is the dark horse for an a6700 setup. I've tried many macro primes over the years, and this one is technically impressive because it prioritizes optical purity over everything else. Since the a6700 is APS-C, this gives you a 105mm equivalent field of view. That is a sweet spot for garden insects because you get enough working distance so you dont spook them. A few specs to consider:

• Core focus on field flatness so small textures are sharp across the whole frame.
• Special glass elements that minimize color fringing even at f/2.8.
• Price point usually falls well under your $600 limit. The autofocus isnt the fastest since its moving heavy glass, but for macro, precision is way more important. Since your camera has IBIS, you can still get away with handheld shots even tho the lens itself lacks OSS. Its a solid long-term investment that handles the high resolution of the a6700 sensor perfectly.

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Facts.

This thread is gold. Bookmarking for future reference 🔖

For your situation, I'd skip the 30mm; the working distance is just too tight for insects. Honestly, I've had the best luck with the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 DG DN Macro Art for Sony E-mount. It’s slightly over budget new, but you can find it used for under $600. It’s incredibly sharp, though it lacks stabilization. If handheld is a must, the Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS is the gold standard for its OSS, even if it's a bit pricier. I think the Sigma offers a better balance of image quality for the price though! 📸