Thank you for being a REAL PERSON and not an inflated, wanna be RU-vid celebrity, RBG light, talking too loud, over hyped, annoying, "smash like" good mythical morning type person. Best review on this lens no doubt.
I try to keep it real, it's difficult buying lenses when the reviews are only focused on kinda one day of use in weird applications. I really appreciate the feedback though, I just need more lenses to review now 😅
Good video. I like your style, very low key but great info. I’m tired of all these reviews where people act like rock stars just to amp up their reviews. Keep up the good work.
Definitely agree. It so refreshing to have someone deliver the content in a pleasing, knowledgeable, well thought out manner without them thinking they have to be some sort of comedian. Well done Shane :)
Your video was extremely informative! Thank you so much for making and sharing not only your thoughts but potential alternative lenses! 4 years later and your video is still providing much needed information across the world!
I really appreciate that you include alternative lenses and explain the pros/cons of those too! Makes it easier to understand which lens is the best :D
Thanks for that video, Shane. The Sony is unavailable at present - due back in stores just next week. Your review was excellent and answered all of my questions. Counting the days…….
I bought this for my aps-c camera as my second macro lense. I'm completely new to macrophotography, but I wanted to capture pics of insects and other moving, live subjects. I initially used a 30mm macro, but I had to practically bump my lense into them before getting my maximum sized pics. Sony's 30mm macro was still great for things like flowers and bugs that don't run, but I immediately knew I needed to be able to be further back from my subject if I wanted to get lucky with more chances without scaring them away. So far I love this lense a lot. I've even used it for everyday stuff. Plus, I figure it's a lense that will still be relevant if I buy a full frame camera down the road.
Hi Shane,no tag line,no am dram antics and no wisecracks just clear,concise presentation of what looks like a super piece of kit. In a word "poyfekt". Smashed it ! I applied for a loan at the bank and the cashier asked if i could identify myself as it was a large sum of money. I pulled a mirror from my pocket,looked in it and said "yep,that's definitely me" ! Nice work.
This is the first FE lens I got and I love it. I use it all the time. The second lens I got was the 35mm 2.8 Zeiss. I would also like to get an ultra-wide-angle and the 55mm Zeiss, but I will get by with these two lenses for the time being. Really liked your video!
Thanks a tonne! I have the 55 and love it, my ultra-wide currently is the 18mm from Zeiss and it's be working well, but that 17-28 from Tamron is looking good too
@@ShaneBethlehem Hmm yes, that Tamron. I really like the specs of both the 17-28 and the 28-75 Tamrons. I want to upgrade from my Sony 35mm f/2.8. I think the 17-28 Tamron would be quite useful in that regard, offers a very interesting focal range. On the other hand, I am also drawn a bit to the Samyang 35mm 1.4 AF... The Sony 35mm f/1.4 is just too expensive for me.
The Sony 90mm is the 10th sharpast lens in the world. Some top portrait photographers say it is sharper than the Gmaster 85. I use auto focus in macro when it's helpfull. I also have the 85 1.8 and use it when I need more light. I love shooting in macro but I use the 90 much more for everything else.
My choice is made. It's gonna be the Sony 90mm for me starting in macro and having a great portraitlens on top of it. I found a second hand, almost new for 800. Paired with my Sony A7R III, it's gonna be loads of fun for this old man. Thanks Shane.
Thank you, I'm still a big fan of it. Until they make a GM macro lens it's one I always take with me, and even if it is outdated it's always going to retain value because of how sharp it is
I just got into macro recently, and something that has helped me a lot is moving myself and the camera back and forth to get my subject in focus, rather than focusing with the ring
Yes, absolutely for sure! Being an interested novice to macro I'm now online shopping for macro extension tubes!! If I get hooked I'll then invest in probably the Sony G 90mm Macro f2.8. Given I've just splashed out on my first mirrorless (sony a7riii) camera with two other lenses my budget's now running rather thin as you can imagine, so all your advice is a godsend to me ☆☆😊
@@gailedgley7229 Ha, wellll, I just put out a video on macro tubes last week! I totally know what you mean though, been in the same spot. Hope you're enjoying the new cam!
I have used a lot of macro lenses & havethe sony 90mm among others. One of the major pros is the ergonomic rendering & OSS. Though on the sony bodies with sensor stabilization non OSS lenses do get 3 axis stabilization but in practice the sony works better. The rendering at non macro distances makes this focal length into a much more flexible lens rather than 50 or even 75. Though I am not an AF type it is possible to combine using DMF & subtle hand focus. There is also the Laowa 100mm f2.8 lens whch has double the magnification & costs much less (450) & the Voigtlander 105mm which costs morethan the sony. One can also get earlier editions of the sigma 105/2.8 & adapt it as these lenses have aperture dials. The sigma is lighter by 150 to 200 grams from the sony but longer. There are also other very good older slr macro lenses which can be easily adapted. However the sony does give extra features * extra stabilization - particularlyfor handheld macro
How can I not like comment and subscribe with such a humble plea. Thanks for putting out such a straight forward easy to understand video on this lens, I'm new to sony and this helped so thank you for that!
Thanks Jason! I have been using sony for a long time so I always worry if I'm skipping over topics because if that. I hope you enjoy your new Sony though and you have any questions ever feel free to ask me!
Very good review, keep it up! The lens I use is a Venus Optics Laowa 100mm f2.8 and it's still the most perfect lens for macro! It goes up to 2:1 macro wilt PERFECT APO pictures quality! Love it!
Some rich guy sold me his 90mm for 400 after using it for just one shoot. I never loved macro enough to justify full price of this lens but for that kind of money, hecc why not. I've shot portraits for years on my A mount Sigma 105 macro, so yeah you can really press these macro lenes into a variety of roles! The sony 90mm is a massive upgrade from my old macro, though. The tactile feeling of this lens is amazing!
Thanks for this very insightful review! I have been wanting to get this lens for a while but I was still very hesitant about it. But thanks to your review I got fully convinced to get it! 🙌🏼
@@ShaneBethlehem That’s great to know! Even though I will get it mainly for my macro photography, it’s good to know that it’s a very reliable lens in other fields! Thanks again for your help. 🙌🏼
Thank you it helped me a lot, to acquire it, previously I did macro photography on a cell phone and this encouraged me to acquire my camera and lens ♥ ️ greetings from Mexico
really love how calm you presenting the review so i can enjoy the video completely because i don't understand english well i hope you make a review of this lens in the future compare to 60mm or 100mm macro from laowa in therm of sharpness and bokeh for 1:1 macro and portrait photography thank you
@@ShaneBethlehem it would be really useful to see a vs between these. The sony will definitely win for ease of use and other "creature comforts" but for pure macro a comparison will be most useful to see if the sony really deserves it's double price.
Excellent photos, this lens which I also own is also a very good portrait lens and it’s a little better than the 85mm 1.8 at their equal 2.8. Focal length.
Great review! I just got this and paired with the new A7R4. The sharpness is amazing! I set the programmable button on the lens to focus magnifier for macro for tac sharp focus. So far really beating my Nikon 105mm Macro, though I would have loved a longer focal length than 90mm.
Thank you! Smart for using the programmable button for that, I usually just use it for centerpoint autofocus but for macro photography that makes a lot of sense to have the focus magnifier! I agree 90 mm can be a little lacking sometimes, I'm hoping down the road laowa makes a new lens to fill that niche
Still got all my Canon gear though don't use most of it now. Using the Canon 100mm Macro with my A7RII (don't use the A7III for macro) and decided it was time to go for the Sony lens. Excellent review, you've convinced me... Amazon here we come... Thnx
Hi Shane. Great review. Just one thing, priced out of my budget. I like the idea of the macro tubes. What kind of macro tubes do i need for a7ii?? Thanks.
My first experience with macro came from the lens that this 90mm owes much of its DNA to.. the Minolta 100mm f2.8. That lens is phenomenal on modern a mount Sony bodies. It's razor sharp and built like a tank. I almost exclusively use manual focus with it. And while being great at macro, I honestly use it as a secret weapon portrait lens. Many of the best photos I've ever taken are on that lens, and it was made the year my wife was born.. '93. Naturally, I want this modern version for E-mount 😉
One of the best video in YT about the subject! Thanks for that. One question: does the extension tube you mentioned compatible with the Tamron 70-180mm?
I have this lends still haven’t mastered it besides the versatility omg macro 👌🏼 and everything is lets just say i am never letting this lends go! Is AMAZING 👌🏼
To Sony, they put some weather sealing, as you point they make it faster AF and that is all there is to make it perfect all other considerations are second place like making it smaller or lighter.
What a wonderful fact-filled review and great shots! Here is my problem. I live in Alaska and on a single hike I will be shooting landscape one minute and macro the next. I currently have a Panasonic bridge camera and I use a Raynox macro lens which snaps onto the front of the zoom lens. I want to get something that will be sharper but I am concerned about constantly switching lenses and also the weight of carrying multiple lenses. Have you ever used a raynox lens and is there a multi-purpose zoom lens that might work? I tend to go either wide landscape (often having to zoom in to get close enough to something) or macro and little in between (unless I happen to see a bear). Thanks!
Thank you! I totally get that issue, I hike allot and often leave this lens at home because of the added weight, and in the cold switching lenses often I find becomes tedious. I am planning to purchase a Raynox soon but have not yet, I've heard some good thing's, but also that the sharpness is not ideal ideal. The lens I that I know off the top of my head that has a very decent min focus distance is the Tamron 28-75, but the Sony 100-400 GM also has a surprisingly close min focus distance as well, however it's very very pricy.
Hi Shane, thanks for an informative vid. Looks to be a useful addition to Sony lens range. Whilst I love most of my other sony lenses, they don't allow me to get very close. I tried the budget extension rings option and wasn't that impressed vs true macro lenses I have used. Previously I owned in Nikon F mount - Tamron 90mm SP1, Nikkor 105mm f2.8 and Nikkor 60mm f2.8. All now sold as I upgraded and eventually switched to Sony. Best of these was the 105 Nikkor bought secondhand and used occasionally for many years. I now miss that true macro capability and would like to buy something suitable again - seems like the native Sony 90mm is probably the best current option. Maybe, eventually, there will be a longer one (circa 150mm - better for subject separation) in E mount?
Hi Richard, thanks for watching the video. Nikon has such a mature line up for macro, it's a shame they don't convert to Sony so well. The 90 mm is the best option and a very solid lens, I totally agree though it's a shame that there's not more options yet. The Sony GM 100-400 actually has a pretty good minimum focussing distance as well as the Sony GM 100 mm, but neither really compared to the 90 mm has a true one to one unfortunately. Hopefully in the future there's more options, I haven't heard any rumours that there is any macro in the pipeline
I have one as well, but your review is wonderful.. great work.. keep it up.. if possible please review or give us a heads up on 35mm 1.4 which announced recently. Thanks in advance.
Thank you :) I think it would work well if you have enough space and even lighting, the incredible sharpness and the minimal distortion make the lens superb for still objects. The only issue would be just the amount of space you would need, 90mm can be a little claustrophobic indoors :/
Very well made and helpful video, thank you so much! I'm considering buying an Alpha 7 S iii tho, would you still recommend that same lens for macro photography?
I'd still consider this lens being the best option for Sony cameras for macro photography however I wouldn't consider the a7siii to be the best camera option as the limited resolution on the camera will make it difficult in situations where you want to crop which is quite often I find it with macro, the a7siii great for video, just compared to the a7riii/a7iii/a7riv it is the weakest for photos
Excellent review, Shane! As a landscape and product STILLS X-T3 shooter (no video), I have been debating on selling my Fuji kit (reluctantly), and moving into FF, specifically the Sony a7Rlll and lenses like the Sony 16-35 f/2.8 GM, and the 90mm f/2.8 G Macro . Since I shoot 99% tripod-mounted, neither IBIS nor video interests me. So, my question is, for large print output (around 24"x 36" prints), how much of an improvement in terms of image sharpness, detail rendition, dynamic range, base ISO performance, etc., would I see over the already excellent X-T3 (combined with the ultra-sharp Fujinon XF80mm f/2.8 Macro lens), when using the a7Rlll and the Sony 90mm f/2.8 G Macro lens tripod-mounted? Also, another reviewer mentioned that the Sony cameras have an issue with sensor dust. Have you found the need to clean your sensor often? Thanks!
Thank you, that is a tough one to answer cause I haven't had any personal experience with the X-t3. I can say the 42mp of the a7riii marvelous sensor and can absolutely resolve that quality with some nice glass like you are considering. The IBIS is quite handy still for stills even cause with the 90mm it really quels any micro shakes, making the shots super duper sharp. In terms of dust it is an issue but I don't think any more than other cameras and I've cleaned a few times since I got the camera when it was released. The sensor isn't difficult to clean but it lacks the nice sensor cover canon mirrorless cameras have. Its just good to keep a lil blower in your bag to clean you lenses and camera, but that's just a good idea to do always in my opinion. I hope that's a lil helpful, feel free to ask more questions if you have more 😊
@@ShaneBethlehem Thank you, Shane. If you have any experience with the Nikon Z System, do you feel that the Sony a7Rlll would be a better choice, with lenses like the Sony 90 f/2.8 G OSS Macro, and the Sony/Zeiss 16 - 35 f/2.8? Thanks again!
I haven't used the Nikon mirrorless yet but really its hard to compare the two cause Nikon just kinda has no new lense or third party lenses coming out that can compete. For the price I think the a7riii is going to be a better value and better system to grow into currently if you have no native Nikon glass
Hi I have the Sony 24-105 lens miss the longer telephoto though . I would look for an extension tube which one could I buy ? I also have a macro 90mm just learning everything on that one . 😀
Great video! A maybe stupid question: how do you get THAT close to your (none-insect-but-live) objects? I particularly wondered about the gerbil(?), which - I suppose - would flee once one comes closer than 6ft/2m... (or is it a pet? :-) ) ...I have some experience with the Aiii and a Sony SEL-70300G on macro tubes... and I have to get like really close. How far are you away? I'm asking because I think about buying the G 90 Macro for months, now...
It's just allot of practice, patience and many photos. There is no real treat, sometimes I take a 100 pics of a bug with none that I like. Most of the time I am a couple feet away at the min focus distance and am in manual focus mode if possible.
Shalom. Excellent review, very informative and comprehensive. I jist received my sel 30mm macro, for my nex-n3. When the chips stack up, I will rewatch this review prior to pirchase, for my a7r. Salam.
Hey Shane! another great review thank you. I got the lense but when I zoom in and take the picture it always zooms out and the final picture is never zoomed, not sure there's an issue with the lense, or I just can't use properly. Have you faced this issue before?
This lens shouldn't zoom in as it is a prime lens, I think what you might be referring to is the focused assist mode when you're in manual focus, the camera has a handy feature that it automatically will focus on a small portion of the image to help you pull focus but the framing is still the regular focal length for the lens, so most likely it will just require you to get closer to the subject if possible if you want to get a little closer
@@ShaneBethlehem Thanks so much for the detailed answer! Your answer does make sense it’s a focus assistant. The issue is I can't seem to get rid of it no matter how close I get to the subject I always see the focus assistant and nothing is shot in macro or I just take a picture then crop the part? If yea then would not that effect the quality?
I Wana check out the laowa one day, I looks like such a sweet lense. I wanted to limit the comparisons in this video to 1:1 AF lenses though just for the sake of time 😊
I have 35mm 1.4 sigma art currently. I am planning to add another lens which i wanted to use it for portraits. I also do video shoots. is this a great value lens for A73 ?
It has slower AF than most of the 85mm lens options at it's price point, but thats cause its a macro lens, so if you want a solid multi-purpose lens its great, but if you don't care much for macro work i'd suggest something like the new sigma 85 1.4 or the sony 85 f1,8 if you want a better value
At 90mm and f2.8 it can achieve a tonne of subject isolation, I included a portrait or two in the video I think, but it always will be beat out by 1.8 lens like the 85. The bigger issue I have for it with portraits is it's a slower AF system than my 70-200 and 85mm, making it a bit less ideal for candid portraits. So it's very functional, but at the end of the day it's designed first to be a macro lens, and by chance it's also a great portrait lens
For my Sony A6400 I am looking for macro/product photography options. I upload videos of my drawing process in my channel and currently using sigma 30mm F2.8, 1 feet away from the drawing board. It will be great if you can watch a video from my channel and understand my requirement. I want similar or even slightly tighter field of view(real surface area of 3"x5" on the drawing sheet). I am considering 90mm f2.8 and Zeiss touit 50mm f2.8 macro. Both almost the same price. Do you think I should get the zeiss for more versatility as 90mm is 135mm equivalent on APSC? Do you think I will need to keep the camera(with 90mm) more than 1 metre away to capture the field of view I want? I just want the camera to be at least 2 feet away from the drawing board. I am not considering Non macro/zoom lenses. Thank you.
Hmmm great question, I have no experience yet with the 6400, but from the sounds of things it's like a zippy fast 6300. I think you'd be best off with the Touit lens just cause I don't think you'll hit 1:1 macro too often with what you're describing, so the smaller size and more appealing focal length of the Touit would make it work better in my opinion at the right distance for you. Also with it being an APSc lens, there is less glass in it so theoretically it should focus quicker for you than the FE 90mm, however I've never compared the two too see. The biggest drawback of having the 50mm I think would be the fact that if you ever wanted to move to full frame in the future, the resale value on the 50 mm is going to be lower then if you were to sell the 90 mm based on the direction the market is going, however you just got an incredible camera and I don't think you're going to be changing systems anytime soon. The last thing I'd consider is making sure that you have a good LED light or something for while you shoot because you're probably going to want to stop down your aperture if you're doing that macro work while drawing to make sure you got enough in focus. Thanks for watching my video also! 😊
Hi mate , what a great video , thanks so much for the great explanation. do you have a video on how to use this lens using my a6400 Sony please 🙏🏼 Im really struggling to use my lens I just bought it. I just want to take a photo of my new born baby , regards from Australia!
I was using flash + the a7riii, so I was able to pretty much max out the resolution. But it also was just a big bee, I wasn't using an extension tube for it or really cropping much
Hey man, thanks for sharing your thoughts. Just wanted to let you know that kit changed their url. it's just .co now - Your kit link is not working anymore. would you recommend this for product videos?
Thanks, I've been meaning to update that for a while, i keep forgetting, I'll do it today! This lens is great for product videos only issue, it's just a little long for many situations in shops of for food related photos and I find myself stuck with limited angles so I end up using a wider lens. But for nick-nacks, watches, jewelry and smaller stuff its the lens I'd recommend, on a slider its lovely
If you dont need the auto functions and lens data, the Laowa 100mm 2:1 Macro CA dreamer images look allot better IMO. Plus you get double the magnification for less than half the price and no CA.
You're very correct, that is such a stellar lens. I should have mentioned some more options from laowa in this video, I hope to be able to buy one from them some day in the future
Do you experience any ‘movement’ in the lens? Particularly at close focus in manual? A slight clunk… not always there and disappears when OIS is switched off.
I think i know the feeling you are describing, when the OIS kicks in when taking a photo it can feel like a little vibration in the lens. I find its most noticeable when the camera is switched into video mode and the OIS system is fully engaged the entire time and when you switch out of it. I wouldn't describe it as a very disruptive thing though, just noticeable after I've used the lens so long
Hello when I put it in manual mode, I zoom perfectly from a distance, but when I shoot the zoom it disappears and the photo is seen from afar, what could it be?
Unfortunately because of the size of the flange distance and diameter of amount it's incompatible with any other lens mount. A lot of lenses can be adapted to Sony cameras but Sony lenses can't be adapted very easily to any other system
