Sony SEL18-105mm f/4 G lens

Using the Sony SEL18-105mm f/4 G OSS lens with your Sony a6000 for photo walking is an excellent choice, especially for street photography, travel, and general walkabout shooting. Here are some pros and tips to maximise your experience:

Why It’s a Great Combo

1. Versatile Focal Range:

• The 18-105mm focal range covers everything from wide-angle (18mm) for landscapes and architecture to telephoto (105mm) for capturing candid street moments without being intrusive.

2. Constant f/4 Aperture:

• The fixed f/4 aperture allows for consistent exposure throughout the zoom range, making it easier to shoot in changing light conditions.

3. Optical SteadyShot (OSS):

• The in-lens stabilisation is helpful for handheld shots, especially in lower light or when zoomed in.

4. Good Build Quality:

• The lens is robust, yet not overly heavy, making it manageable for longer photo walks.

5. Power Zoom Feature:

• Smooth zooming, which can be handy if you’re also shooting video during your walk.

1. Use Manual Focus for Precision:

• The Sony a6000 and this lens work well with manual focus for subjects like street signs or intricate architectural details. Assign focus peaking to your function button for better control.

2. Leverage the Zoom for Composition:

• At 18mm, frame wide scenes and establish context. Use 50-70mm for natural perspectives, and go to 105mm for isolating subjects or compressing backgrounds.

3. Carry a Compact Sling Bag:

• The lens is slightly large for the a6000 body, so having a bag to rest your gear during breaks is essential.

4. Watch for Flare:

• If you’re shooting in bright sunlight, attach a lens hood to avoid unwanted flares.

5. Adjust for Low Light:

• The f/4 aperture may struggle in dim lighting. Use higher ISO settings (like ISO 800-1600) to maintain shutter speed, especially when capturing motion.

6. Take Advantage of the OSS:

• You can shoot sharp images at slower shutter speeds, but avoid going below 1/60 for handheld shots unless you have exceptionally steady hands.

7. Capture Street Portraits:

• At 105mm, the lens offers a flattering perspective for portraits without getting too close to the subject.

8. Battery Awareness:

• The a6000’s battery life can drain quickly with prolonged use. Carry spares to ensure your walk isn’t cut short.

This setup is fantastic for capturing everything from candid street scenes to sweeping cityscapes. If you're heading back to Kensington Market or exploring new areas, you'll find the lens handles most situations effectively.