Sony FE 90mm F2.8 G Macro OSS: Definitive Review | 4K

[@velvetvert9431]

I bought this lens yesterday (and a sony a7iii) as an upgrade from an iPhone 7 because I want to take sharp macro photos of orchids. I have only the faintest understanding of photography, though I've been crash-coursing it in the last 24 hours. This review was brilliant in walking through the lens's performance and showing examples of everything you were talking about! I still have a long way to go, but this was extremely helpful, thank you.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm really glad I was able to help.

[@c.e.m7535]

Awesome! I'd say you're on the right path if you've made it here. 🙂

[@alanhumbard8298]

My apologies Dustin. I had just picked up this lens and did not understand the clutch method of this lens. You clearly showed how it works which obviously went right over my head. I always watch your videos on anything to do with Sony. I have found that your reviews are the most concise and easy to understand compared to others.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Glad it helped.

[@danhenninger1]

I’ve been looking at this lens for a while. Nice to get such a thorough review.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

hi Dan, that's why I like to apply my process to existing lenses that I've not previously covered. There aren't a lot of reviewers out there that do as thorough a review as mine

[@danielxp5xx]

Just picked this lens up a few days ago and I’m having a blast shooting with it. As a beginner it was daunting, but your review went over a lot of great details. One thing I have noticed is that the lens does have fairly noticeable buzzing sounds when focusing, and you can even hear it in videos shot with the camera mics. Wondering if anyone else has seen this in their lens.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm glad you are enjoying it. Older lenses (including this one) had slightly louder focus than more recent lenses.

[@fredriksvard2603]

macro isn't the first priority no, but 90mm is, stabilization is, close focusing range is, portraits are. This is definitely the first lens i'd get if i ever moved to sony. It's almost a reason to make the move.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's a very solid lens, for sure.

[@hjones451]

I sold my Nikon D500 and went for the Sony A7iii + 90mm f2.8 macro - Keep other lenses for a Sony a6000 (My first love) - faultless gear

[@lilginz13]

Your expertise in the field shines in all of your reviews. Thank you for your work!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you very much.

[@robertadams3666]

My favorite lens in my bag. Use it for wedding portraits all the time.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That doesn't surprise me at all.

[@jasona2305]

I own this lens for just over a year now. I bought it to complement my Sony alpha APS-C body (6300), as so far I was fully dedicated to macro. I always loved observing nature - fauna in particular - and now I'm able to capture scenes that wouldn't otherwise be visible to 'naked eye'. All in all, I'm happy with my 90mm. I don't consistently get the good results I'd be hoping for, but this has purely to do with my (lack of) skills which are required in this demanding area of photography. But as I learn, my keeper shot number is also improving, so no complaints there. I really did enjoy watching your review, and as the previous ones were spot on. From my current macro PoV so far, I only have a couple comments to add. First one is that I kind of disagree about the motor being 'silent'. I mean I don't have experience with many lenses for having a relative comparison here, but I can clearly hear that ultrasonic whiz whenever I m manual/auto focusing. That can also be heard to most of the videos I shoot occasionally, especially where there is no background noise to cover it up. So for a serious film maker, I would strongly suggest that an external mic is needed (so that it's placed away from the lens body). My other remark is in regard to focus stacking. Yes, I ll probably agree that the focus ring is exceptionally good for an AF lens, but when it comes to focus stacking and the really tiny increments/steps one is required to make, it really is hard to predict. I'm currently trying to find a solution that will allow me to have kind of clickable stops (i.e. 1mm or smaller), so that I can be more efficient with this. If you try to make this by hand, e.g. 1mm increment steps, it's not always the case that the focus ring will translate that into a focus shift - so you have to really pay attention at the same time on the LCD, to see if the step in focus really took place.Other than those two points, I can't find anything bad to say about this lens. Only perhaps that I d wish it was a GM and made in Japan, in order to have that extra quality feel. But if it was a GM, perhaps it would cost at least 500USD more, so there's a tradeoff there! I also have a question, for which I d appreciate any thoughts. It is kind of related to this lens, but also my existing APS-C body. Whilst I am happy with my a6300 for my macro work, I am considering to sell it and buy a FF body, and in particular the A7RIII. The reason for that is that I feel I am limited in landscape photography using the APS-C sensor. Not only in terms of resolution, but also the field of view (due to the crop) is too narrow for some of the things I try to capture. Hence I m thinking that the A7RIII would be a better match for the landscape lens I currently own (14-24mm Sigma) So my question here is - would it be a 'step back' for my macro work if I was to switch from the 6300 to the A7RIII? I am aware that the DoF will be somewhat shallower on the FF body (in comparison to the APS-C), but as a 'workaround' I intend to use the A7RIII in crop mode when needed. Which means that for my type of macro work, I won't be getting any benefit for moving towards the A7RIII. But will it make my macro work harder? e.g. will I have to rely totally on focus stacking in order to capture some acceptable detail of my subject as opposed to what I was able to accomplish so far on my APS-C body? Just to give an overview - the kind of composures I like to make is to fill the frame with the subject (e.g. small insects, spiders etc) and try to get as much as head/eye detail as possible. I try to shoot with base ISO, in the minimum focus distance possible (mostly 1:1 or 1:2 if I can't fill everything in the frame), in order to capture as much detail as possible. Currently experimenting with diffused flash (which is obviously the most challenging part!) I know that in theory, right now on my APS-C body I ve got 1.6:1 magnification and slightly larger DoF compared to what I'll have if I was to switch to FF. I'll also be losing a few megapixels (24MP on a6300 vs approx 18MP on A7RIII crop mode), but at such close 1:1 distance, I doubt that I'll even be using those, so probably that's not something that should worry me. Magnification on the other hand is the main reason I'm considering using the A7RIII in crop mode whenever I have to. Obviously, if the subject is large enough to fit in the FF sensor, I won't be cropping just to get that extra DoF. As far as diffraction goes, at least to my inexperienced eye, I can't see any serious loss of IQ whilst working between f/8 and f/11 on my a6300. In order to obtain a similar DoF on which to work on the A7RIII, I shall have to step down up to f/16 I believe. So I presume that the IQ loss due to diffraction is f/11 (APS-C) = f/16 (FF). Please correct me if I'm wrong! So, to recap, my overall question is if I make the switch towards the A7RIII, will that jeopardize my type of macro work I described? Just to remind, the reason I am considering making this switch is not because I think it'll benefit my macro work, but because it'll benefit my landscape work (i.e. wider FoV and resolution - utilize my 14-24mm). I just want to ensure that this won't be a 'step back' for macro!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I personally prefer full frame, and would recommend that if you switch you just use FF and then crop as desired to tighten the framing.

[@jasona2305]

@@DustinAbbottTWI You mean I should use 'Crop Mode' on the A7RIII, or use it 'as is' (FF) and crop afterwards? Are you saying that so that I also get the benefit on improved dynamic range and less noise? My only concern against doing that, was that the DoF would be noticeably smaller (compared to APS-C) and that I won't be able to get similar shots as I m now with the a6300. Don't want to be on a full time focus stacking approach - besides out there on the field, you rarely get the change to get a still subject... Other than the loss of few pixels (compared to my native APS-C a6300), will the A7RIII (in Crop Mode) behave exactly the same as if it was an APS-C body? I mean DoF, magnification etc? So there's nothing else to 'lose' for someone who's primarily working on macro? If so, I ll probably make the switch.

[@costa4555]

i got my copy 3 years ago and it’s still my favourite lens!! very sharp and versatile lens. I find it also great for street photography!! Thanks for your great video 👍

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It is an excellent lens, for sure.

[@abtyne]

The absolute best KZbin channel for photography gear reviews.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Glad you think so!

[@schoeferfilm]

Thanks for the review 👍🏻😉 i finished today my first test footage with my new Sony FX6 and the 90 mm F2.8 👌 best cinematic greetings from germany

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Lucky you! And what were your impressions?

[@tofulosophy]

Another thorough review. Your reviews are definitely something I take into consideration in my purchasing decisions. Keep up the great work!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's a lot of trust, so thank you.

[@davidbudo5551]

A gift to the photography community you are. I must own this lens one day.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thanks, David.

[@elexanallc1385]

Dustin, thank you for another great review. Your timing is synchronistic because this lens just arrived yesterday and I had a few first moments with it today. The 90mm G Macro lens is certainly a lot of fun and has so much to offer. Love your photos. Glad I found your channel.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm glad, too!

[@trippalhealicks]

Awesome video, Dustin. I've owned this lens for quite some time, but I still watched the whole review and enjoyed it. Your reviews are always so thorough and objective. Thank you, sir!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm glad you enjoyed!

[@i_am_kayode]

This lens coupled with Macro extension tubes and a Raynox adapter makes this almost microscopic! Top 3 lens i own

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Interesting!

[@buleulek5153]

Dustin just yesterday I received my new Loxia 25mm and 50mm I've been waiting for it over one month since I ordered it ! I only try it, only a few pictures at home with low light. I don't have words to describe it ! Really, really good and too change the focus is like fun 🙂 I was waiting so long and I though about Sony 90mm macro, I thought I have to check review on your chanel and here it is ! 😂 I didn't watch yet but I know you have done amazing job! Thanks you so so much ! All the best ! 👋

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The Loxia lenses are tiny delights :)

[@maZec31]

I have this lens and I love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Best macro/portrait lens I ever had!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Not surprising.

[@Robodila]

Another great review Dustin! I'am actually considering one for my proffesional art photography, this review re assured me it will be a great fit. thanks again!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It would definitely be a nice fit.

[@Dave-ht7dx]

Great content and valuable, pleasing, sharp, real sample shots. Thank you.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You're welcome.

[@rickymcc8624]

Having owned for several months I can say it's fantastic for macro, but that's no real surprise. Previously I have owned a Tamron 90mm, Nikkor 60mm and 105mm macros- all 3 were good for IQ but pretty much any well known brand of macro lens will deliver decent macro IQ. Maybe this is the best (according to DXO) - hard for me to say but it won't disappoint. The 'clutch' method of switching to manual focus is better implemented for 'focus feel' than on any other of 10+ Sony lenses I have ever tried. Beats focus by wire and I wish it were implemented on other S lenses. Absolutely nothing to dislike about this fantastic macro lens. I have only 2 minor reservations .... 1) it's more expensive than many other options, but if you can afford then probably the very best macro choice you can make on Sony. With added benefit of making a good 90mm prime that optically will easily outperform a 70-200 at 90mm. 2) it's bigger/bulkier than I imagined, possibly because I had been getting used to how small some Sony primes were vs. Nikkor equivalents. But not too big to be unwieldy. Much easier to handle/weild than say a 70-200. However if you don't need macro but want portraits alone then other dedicated primes can do a better job IMO. Esp the lower priced 85mm f1.8 (a relative bargain for portraits). PS got nothing against the excellent and versatile 70-200 (or near equiv) type lenses - great for all round versatility it's just that this macro does it's 90mm stuff better.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Solid feedback, Ricky.

[@OniSamurai_86]

Damn I love your videos. Best camera/lens reviewer in KZbin. You really are! Greetings from Costa Rica Mr. Abbott.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you kindly!

[@avbh-d3i]

Yes! I've been saying how versatile it is :D I love it....it actually lives on my camera, it's my favorite lens!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's a keeper!

[@RickRieck]

Thank you for this detailed review! Your production quality is very impressive.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Much appreciated!

[@Bad95killer]

I’ve been thinking a lot about getting this fantastic lens but kinda hesitant due to the fact that this lens has been around for quite sometime (outdated macro lens in my mind) that’s what actually hold me back from getting it. Moreover, I’ve never thought that you’ll reach back to grab this lens and do such an in-depth review! So, after watching your detailed review I would say this is a MUST have lens due to its versatility and the insanity of the image quality. Thanks man and keep up the good works!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

My pleasure. I've actually had a fair bit of this kind of feedback on the review.

[@Martincyborg]

An awesome lense! Great sharpness! Thank you Dustin!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It is very, very good.

[@Martincyborg]

Dustin Abbott I agree! We have mostly used it for straight macro though, and I have been meaning to shoot more with it since we got the FX9, but have ended up shootly mostly tripod indoor shoots and thus the OSS have not been needed and we have opted for faster prime glass on those gigs. Thank you for the as always great review, AND for reminding me that I need to shoot more with it on the FX9. 🙂👍

[@benpearce2044]

Cheers Dustin, great informative video! I use this lens as my dual purpose macro and portrait instead of carrying both a macro and the 85mm f1.8. Hope all is well in Canada!

[@jlozano281]

Same here Ben. I sold my 85 f1.8 in order to purchase this 90 f2.8 Macro. It is a great portrait lens as well. Not as fast, but super sharp. If I want speed I just snap on the 135 GM.

[@benpearce2044]

jlozano281 Yes exactly! The 135mm is on my wish list for 2021!

[@jlozano281]

@@benpearce2044 You will not regret it. It is a legendary lens. One that will be talked about in the same way that Canon's legendary 50 f1.2 lens talked about.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's a great application for a lens like this...and yes, the 135GM is one of the best lenses I've ever tested. I bought one myself a few months ago.

[@burfine]

Great review! You went over the focus hold programmable button quickly but as a macro shooter I have found it an essential differentiator. For hand held macro I set this to focus zoom and attain tac sharp focus on the smallest insects, their compound eyes, and any other subject. I find this benefit cannot be understated.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's a nice application for it. The thing with the focus hold button is that its value is really best determined by the shooter and what they assign to it. I don't often use them, myself, as I used to really use it to activate Eye AF before that became full time.

[@AlbertChernogorov]

Thank you for doing these detailed reviews! As always the best reviews online!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You're welcome.

[@ThatChannelhere]

Hi Dustin, thank you very much for the review. It made it ever so more clear to me get this lens. Have a great time and keep it going! Best regards, Klaus Lang

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm glad the review helped.

[@shang-hsienyang1284]

8:40 The novoflex tripod collar works with almost all e-mount lenses, including this 90mm G

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

There are several third party solutions, though my point was that the lens was not designed with a tripod collar in mind.

[@bobsykes]

This was a surprise choice to review. Very much appreciated.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm slowly working my way through the back catalog of Sony (and Fuji) lenses as I came to both late in the game.

[@McHox]

ohhh nice, was wanting this for a while and saving up. always like your reviews

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm glad it arrived in time for you

[@Gold-Horse]

As usual great review dear Dustin 🤝

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you very much!

[@tpoc1]

Great review. I’ve just picked one up myself, used one a few years back and it’s whispered to me ever since. Looking forward to crawling around on the floor with it searching for some interesting subjects! I’ve been using my 135mm GM a lot lately so it will be a very different experience!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's a pretty nice compliment to the 135 GM in in its own way.

[@ericmeter8269]

Love this lens. Thanks for another amazingly thorough review!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

My pleasure!

[@dwightlooi]

The one lens I really miss from the Contax days is the 100/2.8 Makro-Planar T*. This lens is also the most extensible lens I have ever had... The lens is deceptively short and compact at infinity, but it telescoped both in front of and behind the broad focusing ring to something that looks like three times the retracted length. It goes down to 1:1 with two full turns of the focusing ring and is tack sharp all the way. That Sony did this as an internally focusing lens is amazing...

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That was a nice lens, for sure.

[@modernmusicstudio303]

This was such a helpful review!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Glad to hear it.

[@Ryan_Secord]

Dustin, glad the channel is back. I am between the Sony 90mm and the Laowa 90mm, I have a Sony full frame camera. How would you compare the two?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

If you just want to do macro with the lens, then go for the Laowa (cheaper, 2x macro, really good optics). If you want a multipurpose lens, go for the Sony

[@micr75i]

I have this lens and it’s fantastic :) I also have the Batis 40 that you talk about. Thanks for the fantastic review!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Both nice lenses.

[@samsonhung1498]

Is it still a wise choice as compared to the recent Laowa 90mm/100mm macro in 2022/2023?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That depends on how important having autofocus is to you. Otherwise the Laowa is very good value for money.

[@DownstreamV]

How do you take a photo on command? It wants to focus when you try to hit the button to take a picture?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

If you are just trying to take a photo where focus is set, turn off autofocus. The camera will always take a picture when you are manually focusing.

[@fede_fpv]

Fantastic review!!! Thanks 🙏🏻

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

My pleasure!

[@K_Tech]

I own this lens. In some situations autofocus is not very fast but focus limiter improves it quite a bit. Dustin Abbott, would you put Sony 90mm F2.8 in top 3 of all E mount autofocus lenses in terms of sharpness?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's possibly up there. The best is the 135mm F1.8 GM.

[@gilbertdebruijn1]

It almost did me forget my sigma 150 os 2.8 lens after I went from Nikon to Sony,. Imhotep for Sony to release a GM macro with a longer focal lenght. Really well review this👍

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Macro lenses with longer focal lengths are a more of a niche product, but I do think Sony could afford to do that now as its catalog is filling out.

[@Lucamitm]

Would you say this lens focuses quick enough to take pictures of dogs lets say catching a ball ? Thanks

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

On a good camera I think the answer is yes.

[@stharlingdr]

Hey Dustin thanks for the great review as always. How this lens compares with the voigtlander 65mm f2 when it comes to image quality alone?

[@Q8Universe]

Thank you for the review. Would you recommend this lens for product photography? I have the Sony 50mm macro and I’m really considering getting the 90mm for product photography. Thanks again.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Yes I would...so long as you have room for the longer focal length.

[@sic04250f]

I've got an ishoot tripod collar for mine from eBay. Use this lens mostly for portraits of my dogs, macro in the garden and also tracked astrophotography. Great all around.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Yes, there are some third party solutions.

[@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.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Often that's a floating element you hear. Many modern lenses use that design to help with better close up performance.

[@bc9am]

For your reviews I think it would be a good idea to use the new KZbin timecode features, to make finding parts of the review easier.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

There are timecodes in the description on all of my longer reviews.

[@ryanweeks287]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Putting them right on the video is appreciated by everyone.

[@gitithadani]

Very accurate revew as usual. I have a collection of macro lenses and bought this a year ago. I was shocked at how useable at all ranges its AF is on the a7r4. i I found both the OSS & AF at all ranges work better on the newer sony af systems. The clutch mechanism is not a new thing. I have a sigma 105/2.8 with an aperture dial (Nikon F) with a similar desgn & lighter (400+ gms) & great optics. However their native 70mm for sony is designwise really a let down. The sony 90mm is one of the most ergonomic and versatile lenses - with its OSS one can do even some very interestng handheld macro - silent too. It can be used for landscape - architecture - sculpture - anything that requires detail. For more blurring out one can go closer to the object of focus so it gives an entire range of possibilities between focus planes & possible framing. It also has great resolving power when using with high res sensors. I was able to photography very small detail on an old 1000+ year old temple roof in very poor light conditions and get detail.I presume with hgh sensitivity sensors it would also work very well.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's definitely a well executed lens.

[@christiangrajeda]

Is this lens good for jewelry model photography?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I would say yes.

[@bernard-j7481]

A nice review lax detail on settings to obtain the beautiful photographs shown if you was thinking of buying this lens more information would assist anyway thanks for this review. B

[@pietdv]

Love this lens and so enjoyed your report. Thank you Dustin. Hey, how about the huge head room in your video garden setting! Would you frame a still image in that manner?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hi Pieter, I have to set the framing before stepping in front of the camera, and, while I do my best to get that right, it's a difficult process. So no, my framing might not be the same as if I actually had the opportunity of looking through the viewfinder and framing the subject in front of me.

[@ilmari9120]

someone told me that for portrait this lens (or a macro) makes the image or faces look flat, without volume (3D) unlike an 85mm, can you see the difference?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I think someone is seriously overstating a 5mm difference!

[@ZenGeekDad]

Great review. I appreciate your very craft-focused discussion. A lot of the best reviews still end up sounding like fanboys showing off their command of terms and their general hipness. I definitely appreciate their observations, but it's better-still to hear a review with so little social ego factor, and that has so much thought to share about the user's experience.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

KZbin is full of what you describe, unfortunately.

[@tgchism]

As always, a great review! I've been getting into film scanning to get my old film library digitized. I'm using my A7iii to do this and so far have been using an old FD 50mm 3.5 to do this. Do you think this lens would show an improvement for that application? For this application the best flat field I can get as well as 1:1 is what I'm looking for. Thank you in advance!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's not an application that I tested, so I wouldn't want to give you bad advice. I would recommend searching some forums where people are actually scanning like that to make sure that you get something that is going to work well.

[@kimir_sux]

Curious how this lens stacks up against the upcoming RF 85 1.8

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The RF is an F2, but definitely an interesting comp.

[@ulfbystrom8277]

Hi Dustin, Really love your reviews. Here in Sweden there is no rewiews that's better! Im trying to digitalize my parents older analog negative photos with help of an reprostativ and my Sony A7RIv. Do you think a purchase of the FE 90 will do the work good? Best regards, Ulf

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hi Ulf, I think it would be a nice choice for that kind of work.

[@Eigil_Skovgaard]

Thank you, a great confirmation.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

My pleasure.

[@galaxystars6409]

Dustin, do you reccomend this over the laowa 100mm for sony?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That depends on whether you feel need either autofocus or oss. If not, then the Laowa is a better value.

[@alanhumbard8298]

Thanks for a great review however I’m curious why you didn’t bring up the magnifier ring.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm not quite sure what you are referring to? Are you talking about focus assist?

[@alanhumbard8298]

Dustin Abbott It’s the ring that has numbers such as 1:1, 1:1.2, 1:1.5 etc. Unless I fell asleep I don’t recall any mention of it.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's not a magnifier ring; that is just distance markings to aid with manual focus, which I do mention.

[@jackchen4333]

Just in time! Amazon uk had a deal for £759 few weeks back.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's good value for this lens.

[@closeshot7161]

This lens is in fact manual focus by wire, just well implemented.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

So I've heard, though it is pretty compelling as a MF lens.

[@elliswilliamson8158]

Why do we see a Pentax lens shown as a canon lens!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

???

[@ahmadgalal85]

Hey Dustin! 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?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

What you call "zooming" is what Sony calls "focus assist". That's just a magnification of the image to help you visually confirm focus. It's not an actual zoom. You'll have to move in closer to get higher magnification.

[@k9leatherguy]

I bought the lens collar on Amazon for this specific lens just as info

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Cool

[@tkermi]

Would be so nice to get AF and IS for Laowa...

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Yes...but so far that doesn't seem to be part of the equation for them.

[@tkermi]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Yes, they are more like special tools. Barebones but really high PQ with low price. But I would happily pay 2x price for their lenses with AF/IS. Their CA handling and sharpness are so good.

[@galaxystars6409]

Also how close can you use the af,

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Up to the minimum focus distance.

[@kbruff2010]

I own this lens ... It's great

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Definitely one of the best of its kind.

[@benjamen434]

Thank you, Dustin. I prefer rendering from Voigtlander 65mm even though it is not 1:1. There is something special about output from that lens that I was not able to replicate with Sony 90mm.

[@stefan_becker]

You call that "apochromatic" 😉😅

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I agree that the Voigtlander remains incredibly special. Images from that lens have a very "Otus" feel to them.

[@veselinvasilev9362]

Thanks!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

No problem!

[@arianfaurtosh]

What’s moreyay? 18:02

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Moiré

[@rolandrick]

Now, we all wait for a firmware upgrade adding focus bracketing to our a7 and a9 and a6000 and a5000 series like it’s available eg in Olympus EM1M3 or Fujifilm X-T3

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That would be nice...and that doesn't seem like an impossible ask to me.

[@bovrellg.simpson7628]

Hi Dustin,thanks for the great reviews… if the cost for the Laowa 90 mm 2.8 and the Sony 90 mm 2.8 macro the same which one would you purchase.,?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Interesting question. I would enjoy the AF of the Sony, but the 2x macro and APO design of the Laowa is also very tempting.

[@robt4194]

The Sony 90mm has optical stabilization OSS whereas a Laowa 100mm 2X, or 65mm macro do not. Have you or anyone found the OSS to help with sharpness of the stills with handheld, perhaps in a forest low light situation w/o a flash where you can't set the shutter speed too fast ? I heard the Laowa is sharper overall - but my Sony A6100 camera does not have image stabilization & a Laowa 2X would have 2X the effective camera shake. Yet the low price tag of the Laowa is tempting.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

If you plan to shoot handheld, you pretty much need to go Sony. The stabilization is very necessary

[@robt4194]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Thanks again !

[@ZOB4]

Ordered mine today - I'd be interested in your opinion on the comparison between this and the Nikon 105mm Macro (which I already own for use with a D850).

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm not a Nikon reviewer, so my opinion on Nikkor lenses is not well informed at all.

[@erg1450]

got it and was disappointed, my unit is not as sharp as I expected to be based on the reviews , may be I have. a. bad unit ?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm not going to try to diagnose over the internet, but this should be a very sharp lens.

[@TreParker2016]

Great review as usual please review Sony gmaster 100mm f2.8 and re-review the Sony Batis 135mm f2.8 as a comparison to the 135mm f1.8 gmaster. To my eye the Sony gmaster 100mm is better than the 90; and the 135mm batis is more reliable than gmaster because oss.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I do plan to cover the 100mm, though when you say "better than the 90mm", the question is "at what?" Certainly not at macro. The Batis is a nice lens, for sure, but the 135GM is one of the very best lenses I've ever used.

[@Hatvocate]

The MF clutch is common in MFT lens. Been well implemented there for many years.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Like I said in the review, I've seen in the past with Tokina, but I don't test MFT so aren't familiar with their lenses.

[@Hatvocate]

Dustin Abbott totally understandable. Thanks for your reviews. I like watching them when I look for reviews from time to time 🙂🙏

[@AlexanderCornel]

Love this Lens dir Weddings

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

For sure!

[@Francisfphoto_]

Please review (as soon as you can and Canon gives you permission hahaha) the new RF85mm f2 IS MACRO.... I’m between that lens and the Samyang AF 85mm f1.4 RF, which BTW looks insane in your review!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's been a rough go for Canon here in Canada. They are just starting to open their offices post-COVID, so I've had a hard time getting any Canon loaners the past six months.

[@Francisfphoto_]

Dustin Abbott and I think that lens will be available finals October!

[@kbruff2010]

09/02/2020 thank you for this information

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You're welcome.

[@kaimelis]

ill will never buy a lens before checking this channel, from now on, ever

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's a very flattering compliment!

[@IanWilkinson]

Although it behaves and feels like a mechanically operated manual focus lens when the clutch is engaged, it is still focus-by-wire. Try turning the focus ring with the power off - nothing moves inside! It's a brilliantly conceived lens and has outstanding image quality. [Edit] However, thinking about it again, perhaps it _is_ driven by a mechanical helix after all and it's the clutch that operates electrically, after being switched on by pulling the focus ring backwards. Now I've confused myself ;)

[@joakimolsson1024]

Try zooming in max the viewfinder at MFD and you will see clearly that it is focus-by-wire. It "jumps" like it has steps when you focus very slight. This is really annoying. The "big" drawback on this lens. Wish they made it mechanical with longer focus throw.

[@IanWilkinson]

@@joakimolsson1024 I can't say that I've ever noticed that stepping behaviour myself. I suppose because, at MFD, I tend to move the camera rather than the focus ring to re-position the focal plane. I do, however, notice a just audible motor noise when focusing manually, which confirms that it's an electrically driven mechanism after all.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm still not 100% sure about this. I've never seen a focus-by-wire system that has hard stops and repeatable distance markings.

[@IanWilkinson]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Without stripping down the lens (I leave that to the experts, like Lens Rentals :), I can't check my theory that there is a potentiometer or some sort of linear electrical resistance strip that controls the focus motor when the focus ring is turned, and that the mechanical stops are just that - physical restrictions applied to the twisting action when the focus ring is pulled backwards. How the engineers have achieved this is impressive and makes this a favourite lens of mine.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

@Ian - fair enough. You've made some valid points, but this lens basically doesn't work quite like any other I've used in this regard. It's a great design, though.

[@Peterogen]

❤❤❤

[@strippedlist]

i know its off topic but can you test image quality of zeiss 135 canon ef mount on R6 or R5 with focus peaking and image stability...im really obsessed having this combo

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

hi Valentin, unfortunately I no longer have the Zeiss as I sold it and purchased the Sony 135mm F1.8 GM instead.

[@therealdeal4492]

So I have this lens for anyone who reads this after ...it is NOT quite at all and can be loudly heard in video recording on camera mic

[@bloodmoney88]

I love my 90mm as a lens for street portraits. I can't get it off my camera. I think I'll need to buy another camera so I can use my other lenses.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

LOL - music to Sony's ears!

[@bloodmoney88]

@@DustinAbbottTWI I think the 90mm is lovely, I've been thrilled using it. SONY deserve to sing their own song as their gear is fantastic. I suppose they'd be happy at my business, that'd be the music to their ears you speak of. But regard, I always wait for sales, being a hobbyist I'm never in a rush to buy gear, so I'm not their whale customer. nb of course I was joking about having to buy another camera to use another lens... I'm blue collar, I learn to change the lens, there's a little button... actually thinking on it, I should have made my own camera out of rocks and sand.

[@RichardsWorld]

For very thorough lens reviews, watch Dustin Abbott.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's my niche, for sure.

[@Be-Es---___]

And comparing to the Tokina? Optically. I know AF will be louder.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I haven't tested the Tokina myself, so Foto4Max might have inside info.

[@Musicsage]

18:21 δεν περίμενα δραχμές σε ξένο βίντεο... πόσο μάλλον και στο κατάλληλο χρονικό σημείο

[@Roman_4x5]

Comparing macro lenses on non macro distances is pointless. The whole reason not all lenses are macro, is because the lens has to be optimized for the focusing range.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's not pointless if you want to shoot other things in addition to macro with your expensive lens.

[@Rabbitochen2019]

I love this lens for its design and image quality. However, my copy makes a high pitch hizzing sound during Autofokus. It almost sounds like an ultrasound noise.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hmmm, that doesn't sound like the one I tested. It could have something loose that is rubbing.

[@Rabbitochen2019]

Dustin Abbott My copy did it from the start. That’s way I never returned it. Otherwise everything is fine and the image quality is phenomenal. I will try to record it and contact Sony.

[@smpiggystudio]

I was searching information about this lens a few minutes ago, and DXO its says this lens is ranking top3 of all SONY prime lenses, then I see your new video come out hahahahaha

[@mavfan1]

You are laughing because?

[@smpiggystudio]

@@mavfan1 because how coincidence Mr. Dustin just made a video for this lens, like he made a humburge for a hungry man, so I think I am very lucky haha !

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Good timing!

[@Rocking_J_Studio]

The focus ring operation of the Sony lens is a knock-off of a number of the FujiFilm XF lenses. For example, the 23mm f1.4 R FujiFilm lens has had that function since its introduction several years ago.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I haven't tested that lens yet, but I did used to see this clutch mechanism in a lot of Tokina lenses from 10-15 years ago.

[@rcsor3]

And so, and so, and so, and so, and so, and so, and so, and so....

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you for your uplifting contribution to the dialogue...on a video recorded 2 1/2 years ago.