The Sony 50mm F2.8 Macro is Optically Perfect

[@timfop]

I switched from Sony APS-C to Panasonic M4/3 this past year, but I still watch every one of your videos. We need someone like you in the M4/3 world!

[@evenatienzaart]

I just received this lens and I am very excited by its resolving power and versatility. Not only do I now have a very sharp lens with extremely precise focusing at a normal focal length, but also true macro capability. The sharpness of the lens reveals the high resolution of my A7 RII; and when this lens is used on my A7 RII in APS-C mode (18 mp), or an APS-C camera (24 mp), I also have an effective focal length of 75 mm, so I can get usable macro shots at a more comfortable distance away.

[@robinehrenhofer8202]

That 50mm Macro looks like a really nice lens. I hope, Sony will do a new revision on that lens with faster focus motors. Other than the slow focus this would be a really nice Doitall lens.

[@trezegol2007]

Hello,thanks for the comments. I was intending on buying the 50mm macro lens. So I understand that focusing insects sitting on flowers or flying around them is not an easy task with this lens, almost impossible? Cheers

[@blazerbarrel2]

Wow , those images are really edgy , sharp at the plane of focus , and have a lot of internal contrast . Makes me want that lens .

[@kenmoser82]

Fantastic video and shots as always. I would love to see a comparison to the Sigma 105 macro if that is possible. Many videos compare the Sony 90 macro to the Sigma 105 but I would be interested to see your take on the two vastly different focal lengths. Thanks for the great content!

[@Mayadude66]

You seem to have forgotten that Zeiss has a 50mm 2.8 macro lens for aps-c e-mount too. The Touit that I have had for a few years now. It is less bulky diameter wise. Would be nice to see a comparison with the Sony.

[@electrichimp]

Just when I was about to buy the sony 85mm 1.8 for my a7c, I discovered the existence of the sony 90mm 2.8 macro, and it was being sold used in excellent conditions on Amazon por 600 bucks. Instant buy

[@robinehrenhofer8202]

That 90mm f/2.8 Macro ist really a nice lens. I would choose it over the 85mm 1.8 any time. The only thing the 85mm does better, is the 1.4 Aperture, but that's it.

[@electrichimp]

@@robinehrenhofer8202 yeah i was more than happy to give up a little of extra aperture to get the macro capabilities and a sharper lens, but ultimately it’s a personal choice

[@robinehrenhofer8202]

@@electrichimp also the stabilizer can compensate for that difference. The 85mm 1.8 is also a bit more compact.

[@electrichimp]

@@robinehrenhofer8202 yes, the size is a certainly a plus por the 85. But the OSS of the 90mm is killer feature too (more so to me than the smaller size), specially at the focal range. At 600 bucks, it was a no brainer for me

[@rock3times]

I love your review and your depth of knowledge of Sony . I am new to Sony, switch from MFT Panasonic. Your review seals the deal for me despite its weight. I am serious to get the Macro 50 and 30 but your helpful ontime review directs me toward the 90mm. Thank you for saving me time, money, and efforts.

[@anakmama9118]

The best part of this channel is the sample photos and video

[@stefpix]

I wonder if it is a repackaged Minolta 50mm macro (A mount) looks so similar. Is it the same optical formula? I had the Minolta and used it on the adapter. It had very nice color rendition, warm and sharp. But LA-EA4 AF was slow.

[@timoohlsen]

You are spot on! This lens is a hidden gem! It can produce beautiful photos unfortunately the focusing speed is not the fastest. Keep up the great work! Thank you

[@MBDronePhoto]

Sold this lens awhile back. No complaints. You can find some real bargains if you are patient. Just needed the 90mm focal length.

[@rebeccamoore4177]

Well. Another add to my wish list. Thanks for a thoughtful review!

[@mbvglider]

I just got this lens and I agree with this review. It's so small and pleasing to use. AF is a bit iffy but I feel like every part of taking a macro is a pain, from getting your subject to be still, to getting yourself to be still, to getting focus, and everything. At least on the latest Sony cameras, I don't feel like the AF is glaringly bad. Moreover, I just really like it as a general-purpose lens and it's small and affordable (I bought it used) enough to just have around even if I don't use it all the time, whereas pro macro lenses, though obviously better, are so large and expensive that if you're not taking macro photos regularly, they don't justify their price for me. I don't think I'd get this lens if you're mainly taking pictures of small, moving subjects like insects, but I think if you're mainly doing still life macros, this is more than good enough.

[@trezegol2007]

Hi. Interesting comments on your part. I am thinking about buying this macro lens, but I understand if I intend on shooting pics of flowers with flying insects on them (bees, butterflies...), I will have a hard time nailing the focus (on the insects, also flowers)? Cheers

[@Eikenhorst]

I love it. Probably would not use it above water, but for underwater use, I would love to use this lens.

[@idcrafter-cgi]

can you try some medium format sensor bodys?

[@timgurr1876]

If one is trying to use this lens in macro mode, would it be difficult to capture an insect that is on the move (slow focusing)?

[@campa_t]

what about weather sealing?

[@michaelajoseph6856]

Thank you so much for a great review and beautiful images! Very informative video as usual.

[@hannahmillington5781]

I love your reviews, so straightforward and your wife is so stunning she really should model!!

[@rykhen1459]

My 85GM is slow too. Im getting one of this for my a74. Thank you for review.

[@MichaelJones-sh7nu]

I wish you would also start posting the name or source URL for the music backgrounds you use when you go throuh your sample images. The music for this one is gorgeous!

[@edmundovazquezELV]

Nice review, man!

[@Rabe1907]

The best allround lens ever ! I love it ! 😁

[@smooth111012]

Looks better for portrait than actual macro on flowers etc

[@kurtisca]

Great advice and info, thanks for sharing this.

[@louismarucci9056]

I like all of this man’s videos. He’s intelligent and articulate👍

[@verablack3137]

Looks so much nicer than my Sony 30mm f2.8 SAM macro lens, which is all plastic and cheap feeling.

[@frankiehobby]

I’m using the Zeiss Touit 50mm f2.8 macro lens with my a6400, it’s great lens, maybe better than the Sony 50mm?

[@AR-vf7vg]

That Zeiss lens is not a fullframe design. I dont know any of them. (If macro is totally Your thing, perhaps consider also manual only options such as by Voightlander, Laowa, The Sigma DN 105 macro is probably far to long for Your habits.)

[@SovietLensReviews]

Looks like a fantastic lens! Design reminds me of the old Soviet Volna-9 50mm f2.8 macro.

[@1946gsp]

Exactly the review I was looking for. I was especially keen on seeing how the lens behaves with the A7C. The macro images demonstrate the lens's ability very well, and the portrait shots reveal a nice bokeh, even with a 2.8. Yeah. Focusing's a problem...suffering with a 50/1.8. Yikes! Thanks for another winner, Arthur.

[@bobmack4524]

Very good video on this lens which just purchased. I have the SONY a7rIV. Regarding the APC-S camera, if I set my camera to APS-C, then it seems as if I now effectively have an APS-C camera. Is that correct? effectively

[@OLuvin]

Please consider reviewing the Venus Optic 25mm + 65mm Macro lenses

[@brianrudolph3594]

Thank you for the wonderful video!

[@Bldyiii]

How does the 50mm 2.8 macro compare to the 50mm 1.8 oss for portraits?

[@neogod29]

Sigma has 2 macro lenses also, the older 70mm 2.8 and the newer 105mm 2.8. Both are pretty good and are a little cheaper than the Sonys.

[@HDvids101]

No BS that is what we like about this channel. :-)

[@Watcheyes]

Thank you for this. What is the closest distance from the lens to the object? (In front of the lens)

[@matthiasdipiazza849]

5 cm

[@ManlyHK1]

Is this or the 30mm one good for product shots like watches, for my online store?

[@dzdART]

Can you attach this to a Sony a5000?

[@themrgumbatron]

Amazing shots

[@geraldrivia489]

Please, make review on the YnLens 50mm F/1.8 DA for Sony E aps-c cameras, it probably best cheap portrait lens with AF

[@al404]

How do you see it as a travel lens on A7C? I was thinking about Sony 55mm f1.8 but I have to give up to close up ( I don't really need true macro ), would AF be too love on this one when you need to shoot quick photo while traveling?

[@heenaj4968]

Thanks, great vid and relevance ! question - so just for stills will the AF issue matter much setting aside video part?

[@suzijames5601]

Hi Arthur, i’ve been enjoying your channel for a long time now! I want to purchase my first macro lens to go on the SONY eight 6100. But I have two issues with this 50 mm lens. One, I’m worried about the hunting for focusing. Focusing is one of my challenges. Two, I had a problem with SONY and their customer service recently so I bought a Tamron lens. It is by far my favorite lens. So I am wondering if you have a Tamron macro lens that you might recommend?

[@Ebu26]

wait a minute, when did you switch to new audio gear? Do you still use your Zoom with the lapel/lav mic?

[@jrobo]

Audio game is on point.

[@MichTheo]

Interesting video and suggestion. I would definitely consider buying this used if I found a good deal. Thanks Arthur

[@muhammadhafizuddin4614]

Good review

[@andyg2441]

Hello Arthur, comparing the Sigma 70mm art macro and the Sony 50mm macro, which of the two is better in your opinion? They have a similar AF system and the focal length is also comparable.

[@andyg2441]

Maybe you could make a video comparing the two lenses. I have not found anything on the web

[@suzijames5601]

In your opinion is the 50 mm worth the extra $230 or so dollars that the 30mm costs? I have never shot macro photography before. Can’t wait to try it.

[@Cony989]

last time i was this early the school was still closed!

[@cccaroccio]

Are the sample photos jpeg right out of the camera?

[@osvaldozavala8176]

Hey Arthur what tripod do you use for overhead video

[@raffygumangannet]

Question: How do you make your videos looks Cool, i mean its not too bright. Could you make a tutorial on color grading.

[@aantonich]

Well there is another lens for my wish list. I need the tamaron 17-70 first though.

[@davect01]

The days of "Sony has no good lenses" is clearly behind us. I've heard good things of this lens as long as you don't need quick AF

[@redmanhigh]

Sony has the best selection of lenses now.

[@amitkrupal1234]

Sometimes I forget that you're reviewing lenses, instead I enjoy your photography.

[@360snapshots4]

hey arthur ! i am a huge fan of your channel :) i got a short question because somehow i can´t find one. is there a 85mm lense for sony aps-c camera´s ? i know i could buy the ones that work on the fullframe but is there one just for the apsc´s ? maybe someone could help me :) thanks everyone !

[@harisankarb4664]

Please review 7 Artisans 75mm f/1.25

[@mriyangku]

Please compare sony 50mm 2.8 to 7artisans 60mm 2.8.

[@artsilva]

How would you rate this lens for 35mm and120 film reproduction/scanning? I have an a6000 and also a collection of Fuji gear but I am trying to find the best affordable 1:1 macro lens for any system to archive my many sleeves of negatives and slides, mostly 35mm and some MF.

[@4sapphireb]

Look at lawoa it’s a 2:1 manual focus

[@artsilva]

​@@4sapphireb Not looking for a 2:1, again I am scanning 35mm film on FF. 1:1 is the only option.

[@greysuit17]

The other macro ish lens is the 100mm STF GM F2.8 lens

[@StreetsOfVancouverChannel]

That's a superb artistic photo of your wife at 2:43... brilliant timing and composition, Arthur.

[@bharath002]

Please suggested best of a6000

[@pgmediavideoservice9445]

Best review!

[@suzijames5601]

Oh forgot to add this question to my previous comment… What do you recommend as a remote with the Sony a 6100? My hands aren’t the steadiest 😳

[@HantuBorneo]

omg i need this lens 100% for sure. . .but i dont got any money ermmm love the review just like all the video

[@neogod29]

Get the 30mm 3.5 macro if you have an APS-C camera. It's cheaper, and the AF is much faster. If you have a FF, or planning on getting one, there are other options. Sigma has a 70mm 2.8 and a 105mm 2.8.

[@HantuBorneo]

@@neogod29 wow about the 30mm macro that is sop noise. . .and the sigma 70mm the auto focus more faster can use for video . . thank mate 🤩

[@neogod29]

@@HantuBorneo I don't own the Sigma but from what I seen in the reviews, it extends like the 50mm, so it sounds noisy too. If you need to do video, you're either gonna have to go with the 30mm, or spend the extra money for the Sigma 105mm or the Sony 90mm.

[@neogod29]

I do have the 30mm and if can tell you, it's silent, and it focuses fast. I did test out the 90mm in a store and can say the same about that one too. Those 2 and the 105mm all have internal focusing systems.

[@mattiafalappi5516]

The 50mm f2.8 af is much faster than the sigma and with apsc-mode is the same focal lenght

[@whitelensphotografie]

whats about the Song in the first 5 minutes?😅👌❤️

[@youreperfectstudio4789]

The auto focusing is like the full frame 50mm f1.8. I'm glad to hear the focus is very precise though, thats a problem I have with the 90mm, its not precise enough. But it does have decent-ish autofocus. The APS-C 50mm f1.8 is really nice though. Its not macro but it does have a pretty low minimum focusing distance and is much faster to autofocus

[@junaidshaikh2625]

Sony is ❤

[@petrduchac2580]

For casual macro for the price of the lens and performance you will be more happy with extension tubes and some good fast primes rather then this. If you want a lens which will be mainly for macro I would check Laowa lenses first. Yes they are manual lenses but there is no better option with bigger magnification then Laowa lenses. On my A7III I don't have extension tubes or macro lens yet but personally I would check Laowa 60 mm with 2:1 magnification for APS-C and 100mm for FF with 2:1 magnification for serious macro. And start with extension tubes for casual macro just be sure that you can set aperture.

[@QuietOC]

The FE 50 F1.8 has smoother out-of-focus rendering and no onion rings.

[@alolkoydesigns]

The 90mm is too heavy for me. Especially considering that much of macro photography is close to the ground. Plus considering the fact that I tend to hike a lot with my gear, I will often opt to leave the 90mm at home to save on weight

[@whitelensphotografie]

great video

[@TheRedSatan10]

That's like carrying 2 lens..amazing!

[@MasticinaAkicta]

:) Ah... now that is a nice lens!

[@michaelsirota4472]

Another excellent review. What about the Laowa 65 mm 2x macro for APSC?

[@junli8622]

laowa 65mm f2.8 2:1 macro shall be a better option for APSC folks.

[@munishkumar82]

Grt advice

[@dfgaJK]

So many of your photos seem as though they move in the video, do you add sub-pixel movement or is it just an illusion? If it's an illusion is it intensional? How is it achieved?

[@avcirahim]

thanks bro

[@richbottarini86]

The focus issue that you pointed out with lens really limits its usefulness. The new line of Sony g lenses for the a7c (24, 35 and 50) at their price point make the macro a poor choice. A review of the new 50 g lens would be more beneficial.

[@kivylius]

What 50 g are you talking about? There no 50 g

[@gamerpaddy]

if there only was a properly working adaptor for canon ef lenses (no there arent any, not even meatbones is good enough), i allways found these lenses far superior to sony lenses, interessting would be a comparison of a EF 100mm L lens on a working adaptor to the 90mm f2.8 sony

[@takrad981]

Sigma 60mm 2.8 nice lens)

[@martinweber3859]

Better use the Zeiss Touit 50mm

[@AR-vf7vg]

For good macro consider also non-AF options (such as by Voightlander, Laowa, Irix, and others that I did not check as I do not make a video about it as You do..). Not BECAUSE, but despite not AF. A 'good' 50mm with bad AF, well, has better do be an excellent 50mm or an excellent macro. Otherwise... I coudn"t recomend it as You do. Kudos if You can (You actually do) identify and entertain that niche clientele

[@rindertraap1263]

Not sure I would agree with the conclusion... Sure, the Sony 90mm is much better than the 50mm macro, but the new Sigma 105mm f2.8 macro is even sharper than the 90mm, especially towards the edges, ánd it has less aberrations. The king is dead; long live the King! But this 50mm performs well below both, far from "Optically Perfect", and is a great bother if you like to shoot bugs; you just have to get really close with a much bigger chance of scaring them away, especially with that recessed front element. The Sigma can be had for around €700 retail, including sales tax, arguably the BEST deal if macro is what you want.

[@EFFTEEZEE]

You will almost smash your lens into subject to get 1:1 magnification

[@jhoonyk]

I like that is tiny, but I believe my sigma 105 f2.8 is way better. Try it. Is bigger though

[@AiurMedia]

nice

[@webtranche]

7Artisans 60mm F2.8 Macro is best for Sony E 100%

[@odin1983]

Please, make some selection of presented photos.These "macro" shots mostly awful and much out of focus (portrait are nice).

[@auxmike718]

This lens is not stabilized I have a Sony a6400 so I need a stabilized lens!

[@truAPEeth]

Please tell me you have a reusable water bottle 😭

[@Pharesm]

Sony macros are asspensive, even used on eBay...

[@lesliewong7002]

in Arthur's world, all Sony products are pertect. strange

[@ArthurR]

Not at all. I hate most Sony lenses.

[@junaidshaikh2625]

Sony is ❤