Sony 90 mm f2.8 G OSS Review: Macro Lens

Verfasst von Markus
Sony 90mm f2.8 OSS macro lens capturing a detailed close-up of an insect on a leaf, demonstrating its macro photography capabilities.

First Impressions and Experiences

After my initial experience in macro photography with the Sony a6700 paired with a non-macro lens (Tamron 28-75 mm f2.8) and macro extension tubes, I was so thrilled that I decided to get a dedicated macro lens.

I chose the Sony 90 mm f2.8 G OSS for several reasons. The reviews I had read were consistently positive regarding the lens's performance. It is the only lens in this focal length and imaging quality for E-Mount that has a stabilizer, which was important to me. Although the 90 mm f2.8 G OSS is not from the latest generation of Sony lenses (released in 2015), it offers outstanding quality. Third-party options like SIGMA provide similar choices, but in terms of performance, I ultimately chose Sony. Compared to SIGMA, you don't really save money or get better performance.

Another factor was the compatibility with Sony cameras, especially the limitations Sony activates for third-party lenses within the camera. For example, the continuous shooting speed of a Sony A1 drops to 15 fps with a SIGMA lens, while it remains at 30 fps with the Sony lens. Whether I need 30 fps for macro photography is another question. However, since the lens can also be used for other photography purposes, I always want to utilize the full functionality of my equipment. Even though manual focusing is often used in macro photography, the focusing speed of a lens is always tuned to the cameras of a brand, which is an advantage—not just in macro photography!

Sony 90mm f2.8 OSS macro lens attached to a a6700 camera, placed on a mossy forest floor, highlighting outdoor photography setup.

Lens Details

You can find all the detailed specifications directly on Sony's website. Here are some basic details:

  • Magnification ratio: 1:1

  • Minimum focusing distance: 0.28 m

  • Focal length: 90 mm

  • Aperture: f2.8

  • Filter thread: 62 mm

  • Mount: E-Mount

  • Weight: 605 g (according to Sony), 646 g on my scale

  • Image stabilizer: Yes

  • Special feature: Focus ring switch for easy switching from AF to MF

  • Teleconverter compatible: No

Initial Macro Tests

My first attempts with the lens went well, apart from my own equipment, which I still need to optimize, such as flash diffusers. I also need to get used to the minimum focusing distance of the lens to get close enough to the subjects. The autofocus works excellently if you want to use it, and I have used it often. With the new AI insect object recognition of the latest Sony cameras, the 90 mm f2.8 G OSS works optimally.

I conducted the initial tests in combination with the Sony a6700, Sony a7R IV, and the Godox TT 685s flash. For diffusers, I used two self-made constructions that are still in the prototype stage.

Initial Macro Results

I was able to achieve fantastic results with my shots. However, I was mostly out to find and photograph insects to test the lens, rather than to make targeted shots that I had imagined beforehand. That will come in the next step when I get more familiar with the setup.

For the test shots with the Sony 90 mm f2.8 G OSS, I went out on three different days. The weather ranged from heavily overcast to rainy to partly sunny. This also affected the shots in terms of ISO values, etc.

What Stood Out in My First Macro Attempts with the 90 mm f2.8 Sony

Weight and Balance

During my photo tour along bushes and shrubs, the camera became very front-heavy after a while in terms of weight distribution. Often, you can't manage without a tripod, as you need to photograph with one hand while stabilizing a leaf or stem with the other. Here, I reached my limits with a small camera like the a6700 in terms of holding it. I had the same problem with the a7R IV without a battery grip. Since I have large hands and my little finger doesn't get a proper grip on the camera handle, I have to hold a lot with my wrist. When you add a flash with a diffuser, you're carrying quite a bit, even if it doesn't seem that way at first. Sony lists the weight as 605 g, but my scale at home showed 646 g without the lens caps.

Autofocus Performance of the Sony 90 mm f2.8 G OSS

The autofocus worked excellently with the a6700, and with the a7R IV as well, but there is a noticeable performance difference due to the object recognition of the small APS-C camera. Generally, the focus worked very well, but at the maximum close focusing distance of 0.28 m, the focus often hesitated and hunted. To fully utilize the minimum focusing distance, I had to switch to manual focus.

Camera Combinations and Handling

Switching from autofocus to manual focus is optimally implemented on this lens and is extremely practical for macro photographers. You don't have to go into the menu or switch a lever on the side of the lens. Instead, you can simply and comfortably, without taking your eye off the viewfinder, switch from autofocus to manual focus by simply pushing or pulling the focus ring on the lens. This is a major advantage as you can use it during the photography process without much configuration effort. For me personally, this is an excellent feature and not just a marketing argument for Sony.

One point that doesn't really have to do with the lens itself but that I would like to mention: To optimally use manual focus, I display the focus edges in "red" in the camera—focus peaking. This is invaluable at the maximum close focusing distance and shallow depth of field. I noticed that I achieved better manual focus with the full-frame a7R IV than with the a6700 with its APS-C sensor and smaller image section. Since I only had the two cameras together for my test shots, I will pay closer attention next time and post an update accordingly.

First Macro Images with the Sony 90 mm f2.8 G OSS

I need to work my way into the world of macro photography when it comes to exposure. Sometimes my shots were quite underexposed, but I was able to use the good dynamic range of the cameras to compensate. I shot my images in RAW and am showing both the before (RAW) and after images here.

My First Conclusion

The Sony 90 mm f2.8 G OSS macro lens has truly impressed me in my initial tests. The excellent image quality, integrated image stabilizer, and quick focusing on small objects are remarkable. Especially in combination with the Sony a6700 and its new AI insect object recognition, it delivers impressive results. It was the right choice for my entry into macro photography. I will share more experiences as I can report in more detail.

Markus

🇩🇪 Wer schreibt hier:

Servus zusammen,

mein Name ist Markus und seit 2014 widme ich mich der Video- & Fotografie von Naturmotiven. Diese Leidenschaft begann während meiner zahlreichen Reisen durch Japan - von Hokkaido im Norden bis hinunter nach Okinawa im Süden. Diese Erfahrungen haben mich wieder stärker mit der Natur verbunden und auch die WildeNatur vor meiner eigenen Haustür entdecken lassen.

🇺🇸 Who is writing here:
Hello everyone,
My name is Markus, and I've been passionate about video and photography of nature scenes since 2014. This passion started during my many trips across Japan—from the northern reaches of Hokkaido all the way down to Okinawa in the south. These journeys have helped me reconnect with nature and also explore the wild beauty right outside my own front door.

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Sony a6700 in the First Small Macro Test