Sony A6000 Accessories Worth Buying: A Smart Shopping List

The best accessories for the Sony A6000 are spare batteries, fast memory cards, a better lens than the kit zoom, and a few protective and support items such as a strap, tripod, and camera bag. The A6000 is an older APS-C mirrorless body with the E mount, so the accessory ecosystem is large and mature. Below are the categories that actually improve your photos or protect your investment, in rough priority order.

Batteries and Charging First

The A6000 uses the NP-FW50 battery, which is known to run down quickly, especially with the screen, Wi-Fi, and continuous shooting. Spare batteries are the first thing most owners should buy. Original batteries are the safest choice for reliability, though many shoppers consider third-party options; if you do, choose reputable sellers and avoid unmarked cells. A NP-FW50 spare battery and an external charger let you charge one cell while using the other.

The camera can charge over USB in the body, but a dedicated charger is faster and keeps your camera free. For long trips, a power bank can top up the battery through USB when the camera supports it.

Memory Cards and Storage

The A6000 uses SD or Memory Stick cards. For smooth burst shooting and Full HD video, use a quality SDHC or SDXC card with a good write speed, such as UHS-I U3. Buying from reputable sellers matters because counterfeit cards are common. A card reader speeds up transfers to your computer, and carrying two smaller cards is safer than one very large card in case of failure.

• Format cards in the camera, not on the computer.
• Back up photos in at least two places.
• Keep cards in a protective case.

Lenses: The Biggest Upgrade

The kit lens is functional but limited. A fast prime lens, such as a 35mm or 50mm equivalent for APS-C, adds background blur and low-light ability. A versatile zoom or a telephoto lens extends your range for travel or sports. Because the A6000 has no in-body stabilization, lenses with optical stabilization are valuable at longer focal lengths.

If you’re unsure where to start, look at E-mount 50mm f/1.8 lenses for APS-C as a classic portrait-style option, and verify compatibility before buying.

Support and Carry Gear

A lightweight tripod makes night scenes, long exposures, and self-timer shots possible. Choose one that supports more than the weight of your camera and lens, and consider a travel tripod if you hike. A quick-release plate speeds up setup. For handheld stability, a good strap or a wrist strap prevents drops. A padded camera bag or insert protects against bumps, and a rain cover is cheap insurance outdoors.

A remote shutter release, wired or wireless, reduces vibration for long exposures. The A6000 supports remote control via smartphone with the Sony app, but a physical remote is simpler for astrophotography and time exposures.

Flash, Filters, and Cleaning

• External flash: the multi-interface shoe supports compatible flashes; bounce light off ceilings for more natural portraits.
• UV or protective filter: some use it to guard the front element; choose clear, multi-coated glass.
• Polarizer: reduces glare and darkens skies for landscapes.
• Cleaning kit: blower, microfiber cloths, and lens pen help maintain optics.

Sensor dust happens with interchangeable-lens cameras. Change lenses in a clean spot, turn off the camera first, and use the camera’s cleaning mode. Seek a professional if you’re uncomfortable cleaning the sensor yourself.

Budget order matters. If you have a limited budget, a sensible sequence is: spare battery and a good card, then a prime lens, then a tripod, then a bag, and only then niche items such as filters or flashes. This order tends to give the biggest visible improvement early. Avoid bundles of generic accessories with dozens of pieces; they often include items of low quality that you will not use, and a few well-chosen pieces are better.

The A6000 is an older camera, so confirm that any accessory you buy lists it as supported. Lens hoods, for instance, are specific to each lens, and flash features vary. Also consider the used market for lenses, where you can find good E-mount glass at lower prices, as long as you inspect the condition and use trusted sellers with return policies.

• Update the camera firmware before testing new lenses.
• Keep a small pouch with a spare battery and card on you.
• Label your batteries so you know which are charged.

Software and Workflow Extras

Do not overlook software. Sony’s free tools and many third-party editors handle the A6000’s RAW files, and a calibrated screen helps you judge results. A small card reader and an external drive make backups easier. If you shoot video, a simple external microphone solution compatible with the multi-interface shoe or a recorder with a sync clap can improve audio far more than any camera setting.

Common Questions

Do third-party lenses work on the A6000?

Many do through the E mount, but autofocus and feature support vary. Check reviews specific to this camera.

Is a cage or grip worth it?

A grip extension helps with larger lenses, but it’s optional. Prioritize batteries, cards, and a lens first.

Should I upgrade the camera instead?

If autofocus tracking or video features limit you, a newer body may help, but accessories and lenses often deliver more improvement per dollar.