Which prime lens is best for a Sony a6400 camera?

Question

I'm honestly freaking out a bit because I'm leaving for a trip to Japan in exactly two weeks and I still havent settled on a prime lens for my a6400. I mostly want to do street photography and some light vlogging but I'm completely torn between a few options.

Sigma 16mm f1.4

Sigma 30mm f1.4

Sony 35mm f1.8 OSS

My budget is strictly under $450 and I'm worried the 16mm is gonna be way too heavy to lug around Tokyo all day but then I'm scared the 30mm is too tight for video? I need something sharp for low light because we'll be hitting the night markets. Which one is gonna be the most versatile for a one-lens setup?...

BryanFuS · Accepted Answer

The Sigma 16mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary is basically the gold standard for vlogging on an a6400. Since the sensor crops in a bit, anything tighter than 16mm gets really awkward for self-shooting. The f1.4 is killer for Tokyo neon at night, but honestly, it is a total brick. Carrying that all day might get old fast. If you want something lighter that still works for street, look at the Sony E 20mm f2.8. It is a tiny pancake lens that makes the setup super discrete. You lose some low-light performance with f2.8, but it is way easier to lug around. The Viltrox 23mm f1.4 AF Sony E-mount is a great middle ground too. Fast aperture for the night markets but a more natural focal length for street shots. TL;DR: Sigma 16mm for vlogging/low light (heavy). Sony 20mm for portability. Viltrox 23mm for a balanced street setup.

NARTYTRYUT1922802NEWETREWT · Answer

The Sony E 35mm f1.8 OSS is the most versatile pick here. Since the a6400 has no sensor stabilization, having OSS is huge for vlogging. Its light enough for Tokyo and stays under budget. The Sigma 30mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary is a total bargain, but handheld video will be shaky tho. The 16mm is a beast but will kill your neck after eight hours of walking.

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Which prime lens is best for a Sony a6400 camera?