The Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS (Amazon, B&H) is primarily a photography lens, though it will be used for video.
In this article let’s take a comprehensive look at the important features and specifications of the Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS and see how good it will perform specifically for video, cinematography and filmmaking.
The aim of this article is to provide you with enough information and perspective so you can decide for yourself whether this lens is right for your film or video.
Important: This article is a comprehensive overview of the lens with available information; and an analysis based on our experience shooting for almost two decades. It is not a hands-on review. If and when we get hold of the lens we’ll be sure to publish a detailed review. If this is not your cup of tea you can stop reading.
Here is a test video by Sony of the FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS with the Sony FS7 II:
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Click to what you want quickly:
- TLDR;
- Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 STF GM OSS vs Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN MACRO
- Features:
- Control:
- Basics:
- Alternatives to the Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS
TLDR;
What you need to know for video work about the Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS (Amazon, B&H):
- The Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS is a great mid telephoto lens.
- This could be one of the most preferred lens for nature documentaries, wildlife filmmaking, product shoots, etc.
- The f/2.8 aperture is enough for low light work.
- It’s very small and lightweight compared to its alternatives, making it a preferred lens for gimbal or drone work.
- 11 circular blade aperture with for smoother, better bokeh.
- Aperture ring on the lens itself will make it easier to ride the aperture.
- Customizable button on the lens body.
- The lens does have image stabilization with Optical Steady Shot in built in the lens with a Sony a7S III or the Sony Alpha 1 that also has in built stabilization you can expect better image stabilization than ever.
- Sony claims the Eye AF is precise and quick for video.
- It exhibits breathing.
Can be great for the following types of filmmaking:
- Wildlife filmmaking
- Documentary filmmaking
- Corporate videos and low budget commercials
Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS vs Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN MACRO
| Lens | Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS | Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro |
| Filter Thread | 62mm | 77mm |
| Size | 79mm x 130.5mm | 74mm × 135.6mm |
| Weight | 602g | 710g |
| Closest focusing distance | 0.28m / 0.92ft | 0.29m / 0.95ft |
| Customizable Button | Present | Absent |
| Image Stabilization | Present, Optical Steady Shot | Absent |
| Max. Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Min. Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 blades | 9 blades |
| Angle of View (Diagonal) | 27° | 23.3° |
The Sigma 105mm f/2.8 Art DG DN Macro (Amazon, B&H) is heavier, smaller but longer the Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS (Amazon, B&H).
The customizable button can be useful. The Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 has image stabilization whereas the Sigma really lacks that. Being a 90mm lens it also has a wider angle of view.
Upon comparing the official MTF charts of both the lenses you can infer that Sony has better sharpness and consistency across the frame. It’s clearly the better lens for Sony shooters who don’t need 100mm.
Features
Coverage
The Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS (B&H, Amazon) is a full frame lens. It is designed to completely cover a sensor the size of 36mm x 24mm.
If you are considering this lens for an APS-C sensor or other cinema camera, check out this article:
Focal Length
The focal length is 90mm. This is considered telephoto on a full frame 35mm sensor.
This focal range is very useful for portrait work and close ups.
Aperture
The maximum aperture is f/2.8 and the minimum aperture is f/22.
No aperture ring on the lens, you will have to use the in camera options to manage the aperture.
Having f/2.8 is enough for low light. Especially when you pair this with Sony and their sensor’s ISO capacity.
The Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS (B&H, Amazon) has 9 circular diaphragm blades. One expects a smooth bokeh, considering the number of blades, but it’s not always a given.
To know more about bokeh:
Resolution
From Sony’s official MTF charts:
The Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS (B&H, Amazon) is razor sharp in the center and stays rocksteady throughout. Phenomenal performance, expected of a macro lens.
With the variance in the Sagittal and Tangential lines, you can infer (somewhat) that the bokeh won’t be proportionally smooth as the best prime lenses on the planet. However, it should be decent, and they correlate to each other well so there is some harmony in the design.
If you really want this lens at its sharpest you’re better off stopping down to f/4 or higher (if you don’t want the shallow depth of field look) for best results.
If you are curious and want to read the MTF chart for yourself. Here’s a guide on how to read them easily.
Close Focus
The closest focusing distance has three modes and can be controlled by a close focus switch on the lens. The three modes are
- 0.28 m/0.91 ft (at “0.28 m–0.5 m” position)
- 0.5m/1.64 ft (at “0.5 m–infinity” position)
- Full range (0.28 m – infinity)
This promotes versatility of the lens which can do close ups, macros and as well as telephoto shots.
Image Stabilization
The Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS (B&H, Amazon) lens does have Optical Steady Shot image stabilization. This makes it a lot better than its competitors. Using it with the Sony Alpha 1 or the a7S III can provide it with combined image stabilization.
Control
Manual focus system
The Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS (B&H, Amazon) has an infinite turn ring for its focus ring and can turn infinitely one way or the other. Sadly, it does not have the option to switch from focus by wire to fly by wire.
What is the meaning of focus by wire and fly by wire?
Focus by wire: Let’s say you turn the focus ring to change focus from point A to B. You’d expect the focus to shift accordingly. When you stop point B will be in focus. Now bring the focus point back to A and try again, but at a different speed. Slower or faster, doesn’t matter. Now, even if you precisely rotate to the exact same degree, the focus will not be on point B! The speed of rotation determines which point it is focused on. That’s just completely useless for follow focus work. If an actor or person moves at a different speed, evens lightly, you’ll never get the same focus. Avoid focus by wire lenses like the plague (for video work).
Fly by wire: The distance of focus shifted is directly proportional to the speed at which the ring is turned. This is how a manual focus ring is supposed to operate for video and cinematography.
This decision to exclude fly by wire or linear MF by Sony could lead to cinematographers and videographers thinking twice before choosing this lens for their next shoot.
Autofocus system
Sony’s Autofocus is, without a doubt, one of the most revered video autofocus systems in the world. They claim that this lens supports contrast AF and Phase Detection AF. The switch to change from autofocus to manual focus is on a ring switch, which you will have to slide forward to change to autofocus mode and backwards to change to manual focus mode.
Two focus groups in a floating focus configuration are driven by an innovative DDSSM (Direct Drive Super Sonic wave Motor) system for smooth, precise positioning of the relatively heavy lenses that make full-frame macro magnification possible. This system is remarkably quiet, and is ideal for animal or insect photography as well as movies.
Sony
Basics
Filter Thread
The Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS (B&H, Amazon) has a filter thread diameter of 62mm. This is an uncommon filter diameter.
Build Quality
The majority of the lens exterior is plastic, though the lens doesn’t feel cheap.
The optical design consists of 15 elements in 11 groups, including a Super Extra low Dispersion glass, an ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass and an aspherical element.
Size and Weight
The Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS (B&H, Amazon) has a diameter of 79mm and a length of 130.5mm. It weighs around 602 grams. It is on the lighter side but you should get some additional gear just in case. It does
Weather resistance
Sony claims that all GM lenses are weather resistant. But again this only holds true if the camera body you will be using is also weather sealed. No camera is truly and officially weather sealed, so the best you can hope for is reliable weather resistance.
This is a G Master series lens and we can expect it to perform as such.
Reliable operation in a variety of conditions is ensured by a design that prevents dust and moisture from entering the lens.
Sony
What’s in the box
This is what you get in the box (other than the lens):
- Lens hood (ALC-SH138: round shape, bayonet type)
- Lens front cap
- Lens rear cap
- Case
The hood might be useful for photography, but the shape and design makes it mostly vestigial for video work. Some people like to put it on to protect the front element in case of a fall. The hood takes the impact and shatters, but saves the lens. I’d keep it on unless you have good reason not to.
Alternatives to the Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS Lens
The Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS (B&H, Amazon) is a great macro lens. The only alternatives are:
- If you want 100mm: Sigma 105mm f/2.8 Art DG DN (Amazon, B&H) – Same aperture, lesser blades, cheaper, heavier, but you get 100mm.
- Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM OSS (Amazon, B&H) – You get 100mm, but no macro.
I hope you found this overview of the Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS (B&H, Amazon) useful. If we have missed out on something, please let us know in the comments below.
