Sony FE 90 mm f/2.8G Macro
Sony 90 mm F/2.8 Macro G OSS ` 65,990
We test this old warhorse on a new turf, and here are the results
Macro and other specialist lenses are usually designed to stand the test of time for years to come. Sony’s 90 mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS has been around for quite some time and cannot be considered new by any standards. However, this lens offers a focal length that is considered ideal for most macro lovers. Hence we felt it necessary to test this lens with one of the new generation, high-resolution Alpha bodies. Here is how it fared on a Sony Alpha 7R III body.
Design & Build Quality
As every other Sony G-series lens, the 90 mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS E-mount lens is very well made and appears every bit a professional lens. The outer body is made from engineering plastic and metal. The inish in dull black gives it a ‘high-end’ look. The lens is dust/ moisture resistant. The lens mount is made from metal. Filter size is 62 mm. The lens weighs 602 g and is made in Thailand.
Key Features
The Sony 90 mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS lens is designed for full frame Sony E-mount camera bodies but can be used on Sony APS-C models as well. The lens is constructed with 15 elements in 11 groups (1 x ED, 1 x Aspherical and 1x Super ED element) with a loating focus mechanism for optimum sharpness and control over aberrations at close distances. The loating system further reduces the size of the lens while maintaining superb clarity throughout, from close-by to in inity. A Direct Drive Super Sonic Wave Motor (DDSSM) drives a two focus group in a loating focus con iguration to precisely position the heavy lens elements for quick and accurate focussing at macro magni ications. Additionally, this system, being quiet, is ideal for photographing insects and also for videos.
The focus ring is 29 mm wide and is textured for a better grip. Distance scale is available in metres as well as feet. Magni ication scale (from 1:10 – 1:1, lifesize) is available.
Generally speaking, macro lenses are best used on a tripod but the Sony 90 mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS offers builtin OSS (Optical Steady Shot) image stabilisation that lets you to create sharp macro images handheld. The focus ring slides back and forth to allow between auto/manual focussing. A focus hold button on the lens barrel allows the user to lock focus at the current focussing distance and keeps it locked as long as the button is kept pressed, even in AF-C mode.
The lens employs an inner-focus design so that the lens’ length does not change during focussing. This makes for better balance/better handling. The front element does not rotate, making it easy to use a Polarising ilter or an ND ilter. A focus range selector is available (0.5-0.28 m and 0.5-in inity) for faster overall AF.
Ergonomics
We reviewed the lens on a Sony A7R III body. The combination balanced very well. As noted earlier, the front element does not rotate, making it convenient to use PL and ND ilters. The lens’ overall length does not change during focussing. The lens is easy and comfortable to use. When using the lens for higher magni ications, we de initely recommend using a good tripod.
Performance
Overall, the performance of the Sony 90 mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS lens on the
Sony A7R III body can be described in just one word: Excellent! Images were very sharp, with good contrast and colour. The OSS (Optical Steady Shot) allowed us to shoot handheld at slow shutter speeds while still retaining good sharpness.
When used wide open at f/2.8, centre sharpness was good, with a slight fall off at the sides. The sweet spot appeared to be between f/4-5.6. At f/16 and f/22, softening of the image was observed due to the diffraction of light at such narrow openings. Some darkening of corners was observed with the lens wide open, but we would not consider that to be an issue. With a bright source of light within the frame (like the sun), some amount of lare was noticed. At wide open aperture, some lateral chromatic aberration was seen.
Distortion was negligible, not worth talking about.
Value for Money
The Sony 90 mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS lens is available at an MRP of Rs. 65, 990/-. This is, more or less, in line with the competition.