Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS lens review with samples (Full-frame & APS-C)

[@RealRaynedance]

It's worth noting for anyone who didn't already know that the massive focus breathing is just what most macro lenses do. It's _part_ of how they get their magnification.

[@pizzablender]

A fixed focal length lens will breathe when focusing. Not breathing required the focal length to change in a specific relationship to focus distance.

[@ven1536]

@@pizzablender and where is that

[@fattestallenalive7148]

That breathing is definitely worse than other macro lenses though

[@RealRaynedance]

@@fattestallenalive7148 Also true.

[@jdpattok4357]

@RealRaynedance My big question: Is it roughly a 90mm angle of view when at or near 1:1, and much wider when focused near infinity? Or is it roughly a 90mm near infinity, and a much longer/narrower angle of view at 1:1?

[@helbrassen4576]

I've owned this lens for a year now and know exactly how amazing it is but i'm still watching this.

[@StymyParsley]

Elias Modin I think this applies to all of us who already have lenses he reviews LOL

[@godsinbox]

I sold mine a year ago, and am still watching this!

[@FlorianWendelborn]

@@godsinbox why would anyone sell this lens? After I had it for half a year I’d re-buy it for 3x the price if I had to lol

[@gianpa]

yeah, I do that too, I buy stuff and then I watch reviews of it after buying it. What's wrong with us...

[@helbrassen4576]

@@gianpa Not sure, might be that we are worried we spent to much money and are looking for confirmation or assurances that we didn't.

[@slr7075]

Perfect for shooting small objects while staying indoors when social distancing.

[@thedaniell91]

I got this lens a few months ago and I absolutely love it. Yes, it's expensive, but it's totally worth it. Great review!

[@helbrassen4576]

i got this lens and if you love extreme sharpness then also check out the Tamron 28-75 2.8 if you're ever in the market for an amazingly sharp lens that's lower than 90mm.

[@thedaniell91]

@@helbrassen4576 yeah, I own the Tamron 28-75 f2.8 as well and it's amazing. Very happy with it :)

[@helbrassen4576]

@@thedaniell91 nice

[@ven1536]

@@helbrassen4576 but no macro?

[@elianhenriksen9127]

I've owned this lens for 3 years and it always has a place in my camera bag. Nothing else to say, except brilliant :D

[@yourbuddyaj]

This is the best lens review channel on KZbin. Clear, concise, uniform. This is where I come for any lens breakdowns.

[@johnstark8116]

I bought this lens 2 years ago with my 7R2 and I just can't describe how great it is... This video helps a lot 👍 glad it finally came in your hands...

[@powerlurker]

for the first time i noticed your test chart has some missprint, i think this lens is THE sharpest you ever tested

[@Crynzer]

Best Lens from Sony so far! And the 24mm GM too 🙌🏾

[@ValdezJu]

I recommend your videos to friends who aren't even interested in photography for relaxation therapy.

[@RickMentore]

I own this lens some 4 years, it is the best and most expensive of all my Sony lenses. I do see the difference in image quality when comparing to my other lenses. This lens encourages one to purchase quality, expensive lenses.

[@andrewclifton429]

I was literally using this lens for the first time today on my Sony A7RIV, and I was delighted with its performance. I've never used a better macro lens - truly outstanding.

[@njrtech]

I am finding the same with my A7RIV. Lens is simply stunning and 90mm is so versatile

[@marksummers5504]

The figurative use of a lens is is fun on any day.

[@andrewclifton429]

@@marksummers5504 I tend to find that metaphorical lenses are less fun than real ones. For example, I just read an academic paper about "human rights law through the lens of critical theory". Trust me, it wasn't a whole lot of fun! ;)

[@denisj13]

The wicked sharpness of this lens often makes my gf angry for showing all her blemishes 😂

[@njrtech]

denisj13 agreed. It’s a stunning optic, but can be harsh for portrait use. I love this lens

[@cougargold]

That’s what Lightroom skin softening is for. I never show people their raw pics. Ha! 😂

[@JjackVideo]

Try vaseline on a filter. It works wonder

[@GregThurtle]

I got this lens at launch (before there was any primes over 55mm) and your review confirms what I'd thought for a long time. Thanks Chris - stay safe and it's a good time for inside reviews right now :D

[@antistiolabeo8950]

Best macro lens ever made. Really. Nothing on the market compares to this one in this focal range. Being a passionate macro shooter I had to buy a Sony body just for this one.

[@blxckoxt6703]

In came the sigma 105mm dg dn

[@mozop3d]

Finally a normal test of this macro lens. :D I love your videos. You did a great job every time. Thank you again ;)

[@JustDavidMinistries]

This is the lens I was planning on getting for my a7iii but after your review, my decision has been finalized. Thank you so much for always bringing us the best

[@madsurvivers]

Same here mate

[@JustDavidMinistries]

Nagesh SM Great lens

[@DevonLad]

This is the sharpest lens I have ever owned. Simply astonishing!

[@robertadams3666]

I own this lens and I absolutely love it. I am not surprised how well it performed for you. I shoot all my group shots at weddings with the 90mm because it’s so sharp across the frame and provides some background separation as well.

[@leoren5128]

That's some serious dedication to shoot group shots with 90mm lens. I won't be able to pull it off at all. Great job!

[@robertadams3666]

Léo REN haha the sharpness is what makes it all worth it

[@TWCHHK]

I was just thinking about buying this lens. Thank you for your great review as usual!

[@jolyoncox]

Just hearing Chris say "gaasket" makes my day.

[@chryseass.5143]

It's a fantastic lens, alright. My only minor complaint is it feels a bit heavy and when I first got it, it had audible focus motor noise but that seems to have damped down over time. I have used this lens for street photography with amazingly sharp results.

[@AiurMedia]

wow the sharpness

[@ahmonon4352]

I own this lens, this is the sharpest lens in the world according to DXO mark. In my test it outperformed Sigma 135 , Samyang 135 and Sony 135 GM which are considered as sharpest lens around. But I had to use the 61mp A7R4 to see the difference .

[@stevelink21]

AH Monon, very interesting and reassuring comment! I am strongly considering moving from my excellent Fujifilm X-T3 System to the Sony a7Rlll with this 90 f/2.8 Macro. I would have enjoyed seeing a test comparison between this Sony and my super-sharp Fujinon XF80 f/2.8 MAcro, which is the sharpest lens I've personally used in 45 years of photography. Thanks, and be safe!

[@mikesmith3235]

Sony 90mm + A7Rii is my exact macro rig - very happy with it. Great review Chris

[@Jakob-we4dk]

Is it possible for you to test the new Sony 20mm f/1.8 G lens. I would appreciate that very much because im considering to buy it.

[@classicboy97]

Im ready for the 7 sharpest Macro lens ever video ;)

[@paulthomas8986]

looks like a beauty. Thanks for the review

[@Martin-nu6ym]

Very good lens. Do wish I could use the teleconverters on it though. I was pleasantly surprised to see that I can use the lens on my IR converted A7Rii without a consistent hot spot.

[@reykfoto]

This lens is been in my wishlist for a little while just waiting for the time when I get more into weddings.

[@hwngmvi]

please review the new sony 20 f1.8 G lens

[@ManasR]

Thank you Christopher. Appreciate your content. I always like your videos. Could you please mention what is the sweet spot for this lens?

[@gstpierre69]

It’s looking like the sweet spot is every spot. Look on dxomark for the exact sweet spot if you’re shooting test charts.

[@ManasR]

@@gstpierre69 Ok. Thank you for your response. Appreciate it!

[@krookedminds9077]

You’ve reviewed both this and the laowa 65mm. Because of the focusing distance, would you recommend the 90mm for insect photography despite the 2:1 capability of the laowa?

[@miked5487]

I would love to see a reshoot of this chart with the sigma 70mm on the 42mp camera

[@0ooTheMAXXoo0]

If you are planning on buying... usually some company will have this lens on sale for around $840-860 for a brand new copy... It is almost always available at such a price if you search around.

[@JeffDvrx]

*YES!!!!!!* I love your videos, and I'm very interested in this particular lens

[@0ooTheMAXXoo0]

f16 might have looked less "sharp" but there was certainly more resolution as more of the smallest lines became discernible.

[@aaron-channel]

Bought mine around USD 640 new in Malaysia, couldn't wait for your review 😅

[@shinwi541]

May I know where u buy this lens? I am Malaysian too✌️✌️

[@nadeemafzal8984]

thank you Chris - a very complete / great review --- what your thoughts on using as portrait lens and then softening picture in post processing ? many thanks always find - softening is easier than sharpening in post processing

[@ThePandaPhotographer]

One of the best macro lens on the market

[@thebinpustey6497]

My ‘go to’ channel for lens reviews...thank you! Just picked up a used A7rii. I’m surprised you are still using the mkii. Any thoughts of upgrading yet?..

[@SunnySoCal]

i love this lens personally but ultimately i ended up giving it up for the sigma 70mm macro ART i can’t tell the difference in comparison i love it more but if you have the extra money the sony 90mm is great

[@princeharbinger]

Good review!🙂👍 I waited a long time for you to review this lens. One of my personal favorite macro lenses so far. When you found that diffraction set in at F/11 while in macro mode. Was that when it was mounted on FF or APS-C?

[@24Seb07]

It's for Fullframe

[@princeharbinger]

@@24Seb07 Hi, good evening. I'm aware that it is a full frame lens. I was curious if he was using his full frame camera for that particular test. Since he was switching between bodies for the prior test. He never stated what he was using for his macro sharpness test. I have the lens myself I just need to buy one of those charts to test my copy out. I know that F/4 is the sweet spot on APS-C. I never noticed softness at F/11.

[@mhouslay7281]

Hi Christopher. Another great review thank you. I’m thinking of buying this lens to work with my new A6400 but have seem very little comments about its use on an APS-C sensor camera. I noticed that you very briefly mentioned trying it on one but I wondered what your overall impression was regarding using this lens for macro and portrait on an APS-C camera. Much appreciate any insight. Thank you.

[@ihsanmuchsin8215]

Hi chris, which one is better, this 90mm sony g macro lens or 70mm sigma art macro lens? And as always a great review! thank you.

[@robertbreish8182]

Hi Chris! Great content as usual! I’m wondering if you could offer up your opinion on the 90mm vs Fuji 80mm 2.8 macro. I’ve been using the 90mm for the past 3 years but I just dipped my toes into the Fuji water with the XT4 and I’m strongly considering selling my Sony 90mm and getting the Fuji 80mm. Thoughts?

[@micheleg.2244]

What I wonder about macro lenses like this is if they can be also used efficiently as mid-tele lens... (meaning normal/long distance. If not what drawbacks)...

[@daisukevideo]

Macro lens is very interesting! I also have one. I enjoy shooting every day ♬ Thank you for the video! With love from Japan :)

[@cuve_ae]

I would love to see a refresh of this lens, I use them for culinary, flora, & fauna.

[@drummingspain207]

Do you think it NEEDS one?

[@cuve_ae]

@ does a 10yr old lens need a refresh during a Sony lens renaissance seeing a new Trinity & prime lenses. Is that your question?

[@wojtekgrabowski1]

hi. like always very nice review. but can you explain me why the same lens is a little bit sharper on ff than apsc?

[@razbiton173]

That focus breathing makes this lens a 90- 180 lens

[@RichardsWorld]

Hwy doe this lens have gaffing tape on it? is it covering up words of the owner or the word DEMO or something?

[@brandonj8018]

Still anxiously awaiting that Yongnuo! 😊

[@oguzbenice7423]

Fully agree with you. Expensive but excellent lens. This lens is the only Sony lens I own. (others: Samyang and Tamron)

[@ex0ja]

I'd love to see you review the Fuji 80mm and compare it to this

[@dustybyng]

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.

[@UberM3n]

Hi christopher, why dont you review MFT lenses? it would be great

[@Tofu_Town]

That focus mechanism is interesting

Awesome !!! Can you pleeease do the irix 150mm too?

[@specialfoodie]

I bought this lense ans its really great. Thanks for the review.

[@modernmusicstudio303]

This is a great review!

[@matteocarofei5389]

How's the manual focus ring? Do you reckon it'd work well with a follow focus?

[@drfurqanmuhammad]

I am strong believer of sharpness of lenses. Can you please review Sony 16-35 mm F 2.8 and Sony 24 mm F1.4 ? I appreciate it .

[@creebefu]

Be very interested to see you review the Fuji 80mm f/2.8 Macro lens :)

[@OroborOSX11]

Great review!

[@simonmackenzie4227]

Very much enjoy your reviews, good job. Quick, probably stupid, question but a macro lens on a low megapixels body like my a9, will it be any better than a regular lens on a 7r4 which is then cropped?

[@christopherfrost]

You slightly blew my mind with that question, but then again, it's late at night! You're better off with the a7R VI.

[@pilarbedoyagomez3993]

Is this the best Sony lens to use for photographing oil paintings? Or would you recommend a different prime lens for that purpose? Thanks

[@stevelink21]

Excellent review of this awesome lens, Christopher! 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 (or the Nikon Z7). 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? Thanks again, sir!

[@christopherfrost]

If you're shooting in that way, I don't think you'll see a huge difference really

[@ladybirdspiritlight]

Hey, I have a Sony a 73 and I'm using this lens for Iris photos. I'm having trouble not being able to get more of the iris in the frame and was wondering if it's because I'm using a 24 megapixel camera. I can't seem to zoom in super close. What am I doing wrong?

[@marklawson3141]

Thanks Chris for another fine review. That lens looks great. I have my Canon 100 mm 2.8L Macro IS adapted via a MC-11 onto a A7R3 and it works well - do you think there is much noticeable difference in IQ?

[@MacPhantom]

Mark Lawson Chris provides a (slightly older) review of the Canon. It might be a bit softer, but I am confident that you won't notice it outside a pixel-peeping lab environment. I have the Canon myself and absolutely love it! It outperforms the Sony in many other ways: much, much better IS, controlled focus breathing, full-time manual focus.

[@marklawson3141]

@@MacPhantom thanks for your comments.

[@dr_squirrel]

My favorite lens 😊

[@diegorivera2711]

As always, great video! This lens smells of Bokina (Google it) everywhere, even the clutch style manual focus. For macro I prefer vintage lenses: you probably won't be using autofocus anyway, and you can get them really cheap. I've got a Vivitar 55mm f2.8 with 1:1 reproduction for peanuts. Ok, the Sony particularly has stabilization, you won't get that in old glass. Thanks for making the quarantine more enjoyable. P.D.: I'm amazed that the video relates to me in a kind of indirect way: I've always seen the coins for the same war, but from the other side of the ocean :-).

[@diegorivera2711]

@Foto4Max you hate it? Really? I understand that sharpness wise is also really good, obviously not on par with modern prime lenses, but not horrible. It has some excessive purple fringing, but correctable. I don't own one, so I'm just remembering what I have read about it. I own some other old macro lenses and generally are good performers (apparently the macro lenses formulas haven't changed that much since the 70's).

[@HarryPowerColt]

Using vintage lenses is a DREAM on m4/3 cameras, specially on any Olympus one: the best IBIS available in the market, more depth of field at maximum apertures that gives you superb image quality... I can't think of a better system for macro photography.

[@pizzablender]

This lens also does nice portraits and other general use. The AF and IS really help there.

[@diegorivera2711]

@@pizzablender yes, but that's not its specialty. The thing is: you are paying extra for the macro capability. Portraiture comes as plus. If you are looking for portraiture only, you can save a lot of money buying alternatives.

[@0ooTheMAXXoo0]

longer glass like 90mm and up costs more than the 55mm you found. Even old glass macro lenses tend to be up there around $500-many thousands. Newer lenses usually have way better resolution which is a must if you are shooting with a high resolution sensor like an APS-C. Chromatic aberrations also tend to be way worse on older lenses.

[@d.i.v.a]

I'm sorry,I just bought this lens and I'm still newbie ,is that the "lens hood index" the MF and AF removable? mine was like that so I think is this broken???? 😭

[@sebastianpalmaywildlife]

Great review as always! Can you do a review about the Sony 200-600 f5.6? Would love to hear your opinion on it.

[@Wardracing19]

How do these test work with these round thingies and the bars?

[@soundslikewater]

How does it compare to the Sigma 70mm? I just watched your review and there it seems to do better in IQ than this lens here.

[@camerapunk4109]

Chris: Liberation of Falkland Islands Me: watches an oversimplified video about these liberated islands. Also me: Oooooooohhhhhhhh 😮

[@ElliotWhitehead]

I feel robbed every time I don't hear "Howdy Everyone" at the beginning 😭

[@juanelfers8753]

That Falkland Islands coin... Cheers from BsAs, Argentina.

[@timoteiafanasie4894]

"The liberation of Falkland Islands" to be more precise ;-)))) His humour is quite british

[@JeffDvrx]

No es la primera vez q la usa para mostrar una macro jaja, en otro video uno se piro y... Digamos q no fue de lo mas productivo ese intercambio jajaja

[@JobGreg]

How does it compare with Laowa 90mm f/2.8 CA-Dreamer Macro 2x lens

[@vedetopuro4910]

Can I use this lense for wedding photography and groups? Please respond.

[@i.man.n]

Dear Christopher, thank you for your reviews, great job. I think Voigtlander 110mm f2.5 and 65mm f2 are sharper and do not have variation problem.

[@i.man.n]

@Foto4Max If you do not believe this, you can check lensrentals, lenstip, dustinabbott, phillipreeve and...

[@0ooTheMAXXoo0]

@@i.man.n They all say the Sony 90mm macro is the sharpest lens ever made or something to that effect...

[@LeoInterHyenaem]

One of My favourite current Sony lenses (but surpassed by the 135mm F2.8), but the busy background rendition is a tad off-putting.

[@princeharbinger]

You mean the FE 135mm F1.8 GM? I would hope for the extra thousand and the fact that it's a newer lens as well as a GM that it would be sharper. Than again what's the point of the sharpest portrait lens. When you are likely going to dial that sharpness down in post? No ones going to see that quality when you post it on social media. Due to the heavy compression. Hopefully they start focusing on the character the lenses can render.

[@saadazzahrani]

@@princeharbinger I think he's referring to the zeiss Batis 135mm f2.8

[@princeharbinger]

@@saadazzahrani I think your right. However the Zeiss Batis is surpassed by the Sony 135mm F1.8 GM. I already checked the MFT for that Zeiss lens. I'd be happy shooting with either of them though.

[@saadazzahrani]

@@princeharbinger yeah both are great but the GM is just on another level.

[@princeharbinger]

@@saadazzahrani Amen to that bro.

[@nightstringers]

Sony has no weather seals .In wet weather there cameras are garbage . I used this lens on my A7S II for a few years shooting at night . I did like my Sony just don't like no weather sealing . I had to switch to Nikon z6 they are weather sealed and news happens rain or shine . Good video my friend .

[@Bo_Hazem]

Just wanna say thank you.

[@lhnsln]

Does Sony 90mm. macro will be better choice that Canon RF100mm macro lens?

[@samanimeguy23]

Can it be compared with the ultra sharp Olympus 60mm 2.8 macro m4/3 lens?

[@Voliere-infoNl]

i realy dont get the focus ring way. Just use DMF, works the same as its a native sony lens....

[@69snews]

wow amazing .

[@earthgraduate726]

is that lens still relevant in 2023 or there new ones that beat this ?

[@kimir_sux]

I currently have the sony 85mm f/1.8, but I do lots of plant/flower photos with it. Would this be substantially better than the 85mm macro-esque shots I take? Or should I consider another mm macro?

[@njrtech]

kimir the 85 1.8 although excellent doesn’t have good magnification. A 1;1 MACRO will get you much much closer to your subject and fill the frame

[@mrhamax2630]

how about dental photography is it good?

[@AbuKhadijah]

Tq so much

[@techjedi2878]

A lot of outdoor macro is done with flash and no tripod. Tripods are useful in the studio for static subjects.

[@njrtech]

Tech Jedi they are useful everywhere. Nothing like a tripod to dial In composition and achieve stunning sharpness!

[@hjones451]

I have the Sony 90mm plus the Laowa 65mm Macro lenses - The Sony is producing the better images, M or Auto - But the Laowa is so light and handy, albeit just manual focus.

[@betacar0tin]

I wish you would have shown LoCA performance at different apertures.

[@godsinbox]

yeah it seems loca is not very strong here in practical use (ie sensible apertures around F9.0). I wouldnt let that chance put you off buying. whereas the zeiss lens' have it very prevalent. third opinion here www.kenrockwell.com/sony/lenses/90mm-f28.htm#sphero

[@0ooTheMAXXoo0]

Other reviews show it is one of the best in controlling chromatic aberrations but not like an apochromatic lens. So among all the famous macro lenses around 90mm that are not apochromatic, this was the best.

[@ApertureViews]

You need to review this against RF 100mm

[@carlporter2239]

How does sharpness compares to the new Sigma 40mm ART ?

[@njrtech]

carl porter it beats the art 40mm for sure. The 35 1.2 is closer in my opinion

[@godlucifer9551]

Thank You 🙏

[@yourbuddyaj]

This is the best lens review channel on KZbin. Clear, concise, uniform. This is where I come for any lens breakdowns.