Hello and welcome to my Sony E-mount macro lenses guide.
In this guide I’ll be covering APS-C and Full-Frame (FE) native E-mount macro lenses from both Sony and third-parties.
Sony Macro Forum & Facebook Group
If you are looking for further help and advice on the Sony Macro Photography or would simply like to share your photos or videos, then please head over to our friendly Sony Macro Forum. If you prefer Facebook then I also run the Sony Alpha Macro Shooters Group.
Contents
- Buying a Macro Lens
- Top 10 Sony E-mount Macro Lenses
- APS-C Macro Lenses
- Full-Frame FE Macro Lenses
- Macro Lens FAQs
Buying a Macro Lens
Although lens sharpness is important when it comes to macro photography there are three other very important aspects to consider when purchasing a macro lens.
Magnification Ratio
The magnification ratio is the relationship between of the size of the subject that is being projected on your cameras sensor and the subject’s size in reality.
For example, if I shoot a butterfly that measures 3cm and its projection on the sensor measures 3cm as well, then the magnification is 1:1. Macro photography generally means shooting at a magnification ratio of at least 1:1.
Minimum Focusing & Working Distance
The minimum focusing distance is the minimum distance between your subject and your cameras sensor required for it to focus correctly, whereas the working distance is the distance between your subject and the end of the lens.
You’ll typically want a minimum focusing distance that gets you close enough to your subject to achieve a 1:1 magnification, but ideally with a working distance that isn’t going to block light from reaching your subject, cast a shadow, or frighten your subject away.
Focal Length
A macro lens with a longer focal length like 70-110mm will bring you very close to your subject but will sacrifice the surrounding environment, which may or may not be what you want. A smaller focal length allows you to include more of the environment in your shot to display a wider perspective. It really comes down to what you want to achieve.
Top 10 Sony E-mount Macro Lenses
Here are my top 10 recommended macro lenses for Sony E-mount cameras.
- Sony FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS
- Venus Optics Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO
- Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro Art
- Voigtlander Macro 65mm F2 APO-Lanthar
- Voigtlander 110mm f2.5 Macro Apo-Lanthar
- Sony FE 50mm F2.8 Macro
- Sony E 30mm F3.5 Macro
- Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art
- Tokina Firin 100mm F2.8 Macro
- 7Artisans 60mm Macro
**Please Note: Unless otherwise mentioned no post processing has been applied to the image samples in this guide except for cropping. Full resolution SOOC JPEG images are available to download. RAW files are also available but password protected to help keep my hosting costs sensible. However, I do provide the username/password to all members of our community forum. All images are copyright protected and may be used for personal use only.
Sony E-Mount APS-C Macro Lenses
APS-C lenses are designed for cameras like the Sony a5100, a6000, a6100, a6300, a6400, a6500 and a6600 but will also work on full-frame E-mount cameras like the Sony a7 Series and the a9 when shooting in APS-C (Super-35) Mode.
Sony E 30mm F3.5 Macro (SEL30M35)
The Sony E 30mm F3.5 Macro APS-C lens is the most affordable E-mount macro lens available right now with a 1:1 magnification ratio. This lens is well built, compact and light in weight but does not have optical image stabilization (OSS) built in, so unless you are using a camera with in-body stabilization (IBIS) like the a6500 you’ll need to use a higher shutter speed to compensate for camera shake if you are shooting hand-held.
30mm is quite a short focal length for a macro lens and with a minimum focusing distance of only 9.5cm you will need to be very close to your subject to get 1:1 magnification. This should be no trouble if your subject is not alive, but for breathing subjects it might be quite the challenge. You will also start to block the light from reaching your subject when you are so close and also risk casting a shadow.
Central sharpness is very good at f/3.5 and improves down to f/8, whereas the edges are a little softer but for macro work where your subject is normally in the center of your frame this will probably be of no concern. CA is well controlled in the center of the frame, but could be better towards the edges where you will notice some color fringing in high contrast scenes. Flare is well controlled.
The autofocus is fast and quiet, which is definitely important if you don’t want to scare away your subject. Personally I prefer to use focus peaking and focus manually when shooting macro, as with the autofocus it’s always very difficult to nail focus on the eyes when shooting very small creatures like butterflies.
Unfortunately Sony decided to only offer this lens in the color silver, there is no black option. If you are looking for a low cost APS-C macro lens then this is really your only choice right now unless you consider the full-frame options that I’m going to cover next.
Pros: Build quality, size, sharpness, 1:1 magnification, price
Cons: Edge sharpness, small working distance
Recommended Reviews: Technology Mafia (YouTube) | ePhotozine
Sample Photos: Flickr
Maximum Magnification Ration: 1:1
Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.095m (0.32ft)
Minimum Aperture: f/22
Maximum Aperture: f/3.5
Aperture Blades: 7
Auto Focus: Yes
Stabilization: No
Filter Thread Size: 49mm
Length: 55.5 mm (2-1/4in.)
Diameter: 62.0 mm (2-1/2in.)
Weight: 138g (4-7/8oz.)
7Artisans 60mm Macro Lens
This manual focus 60mm F2.8 APS-C macro lens has been designed for mirrorless cameras.
It features a minimum 26cm (10in) focusing distance, F2.8 to F16 aperture, 8 elements in 7 groups, a 39mm filter size, de-clicked aperture ring, and 550g (19.4oz) weight.
The lens is made from aluminum alloy and supports extension attachments for shooting 2:1 and 3:1 macro images.
This is one of the most affordable macro lenses for Sony E-mount and normally sells for around $160.
Recommended Reviews: Micael Widell (YouTube)
Sample Photos: 7Artisans | Flickr
Maximum Magnification Ration: 1:1
Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.26m (0.85ft)
Minimum Aperture: f/16
Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
Aperture Blades: n/a
Auto Focus: no, manual focus only
Stabilization: no
Filter Thread Size: 39mm
Length: n/a
Diameter: n/a
Weight: 550g (19.4oz.)
Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO
This is the first macro lens that Venus Optics has designed specifically for APS-C mirrorless cameras like the Sony a6400.
This lens is also currently the only macro lens in the market that is capable of producing 2X life-size images for mirrorless cameras.
You won’t find an autofocus motor in this lens, both the focusing and aperture control is manual only. But with the help of Sony’s focus peaking you shouldn’t have any trouble nailing the focus on your subject.
The lens has excellent build quality and is very sharp wide-open at f/2.8 in the center even at 2x. The corners are a little softer wide-open but soon sharpen up at f/4. At 2x magnification the lens does start to get softer at f/5.6.
Chromatic aberration, distortion and vignetting are very well controlled even at f/2.8 although the lens is prone to flaring.
Recommended Reviews: Christopher Frost (YouTube) | Dustin Abbott
Sample Photos: Venus Lens
Maximum Magnification Ration: 2:1
Minimum Focusing Distance: 17cm / 6.69 in. (2X)
Minimum Aperture: f/22
Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
Aperture Blades: 9
Auto Focus: No, manual focus only
Stabilization: No
Filter Thread Size: 52mm
Length: 100mm
Diameter: 57mm
Weight: 335g / 11.81oz
Price Check & Buyer Reviews for Laowa 65mm F2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO
At: Amazon | B&H Photo | Venus Lens
Sony E-Mount Full-Frame FE Macro Lenses
Full-Frame (FE) lenses are designed for cameras with full-frame sensors like the Sony a7 Series and the a9, but they are also supported and work perfectly on APS-C cameras.
Laowa 24mm f/14 2X Macro Probe
The Venus Optics Laowa 24mm f/14 2x Macro Probe is a rather unique 41cm (15.7″) long full-frame manual focus lens.
The lens is constructed of 27 elements and features a minimum focus distance of 470mm / 18.5″ with a working distance of just 20mm /0.8″. It has a maximum magnification of 2:1.
The lens tip is waterproof and features LEDs that help to illuminate your subject.
Pros: Unique design, waterproof tip, LED lights, 2:1 magnification
Cons: Expensive, average image quality
Recommended Reviews: DPReview (YouTube) | John Hanson
Sample Photos: Venus Lens | Flickr
Maximum Magnification Ration: 2x
Minimum Focusing Distance: 70mm / 18.5 in.
Working Distance: 20mm /0.8 in.
Minimum Aperture: f/40
Maximum Aperture: f/14
Aperture Blades: 7
Auto Focus: no, manual focus only
Stabilization: no
Filter Thread Size: n/a
Length: 408mm
Diameter: 38mm
Weight: 474g / 16.7oz
Price Check & Buyer Reviews for Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 Zoom
At: Amazon | B&H Photo | Venus Lens
Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro
If you really want to blow up your images then the Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro lens might be worth considering.
It features a variable magnification from 2.5x to 5x and a minimum focusing distance from 23.4cm (2.5x) to 23.4 cm (5x). The front element does extend when you move from 2.5x to 5x but only by around 5mm.
This well built lens is full manual focus as is the aperture control.
This lens isn’t the best when it comes to flare control, so shooting into the sun might prove rather tricky.
Pros: 5x magnification, build quality, price
Cons: f/16 minimum aperture, flare control
Recommended Reviews: Optical Limits | Paul Harcourt Davies
Sample Photos: Venus Lens | Flickr
Maximum Magnification Ration: 2.5-5x
Minimum Focusing Distance: 17.3 (5x) – 23.4 (2.5x)cm
Minimum Aperture: f/16
Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
Aperture Blades: 8
Auto Focus: no, manual focus only
Stabilization: no
Filter Thread Size: n/a
Length: 82 mm / 3.23 in.
Diameter: 65 mm / 2.56 in.
Weight: 400 g / 14.11 oz.
Price Check & Buyer Reviews for Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro
At: Amazon | B&H Photo | Venus Lens
Sony FE 50mm F2.8 Macro (SEL50M28)
The Sony FE 2.8/50 Macro is a well built and very lightweight 1:1 macro lens. At f/2.8 it’s sharp in the center of the frame but the corners are a little on the softer side, however at f/5.6 it becomes really sharp all across the frame. Flare resistance and distortion is very well controlled and the manual focus ring is also very precise.
Sadly the autofocus motor is not the fastest or the quietest. The working distance is also just 45mm from the front of the lens, which may prove challenging for some shyer subjects.
Pros: Sharpness, flare resistance, low distortion, light weight
Cons: Slow and noisy AF, vignetting
Recommended Reviews: John Sison (YouTube) | ePhotoZine | Phillip Reeve
Sample Photos: Flickr
Maximum Magnification Ration: 1:1
Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.16 m (0.53 ft)
Minimum Aperture: f/16
Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
Aperture Blades: 7
Auto Focus: Yes
Stabilization: No
Filter Thread Size: 55mm
Length: 70.8 mm
Diameter: 71 mm
Weight: 236g / 8.4 oz.
Laowa 60mm f/2.8 2X Ultra-Macro
The Laowa 60mm f/2.8 2X Ultra-Macro is a full-frame macro lens with a maximum 2:1 reproduction ratio or 2x magnification.
It’s available in multiple mounts including Sony full-frame E-mount. Although when used on full-frame cameras you will see some vignetting unfortunately, so it may be best to use this lens on APS-C cameras only.
A little soft wide-open at f/2.8 but things start to sharpen up from f/5.6 up to f/16, at f/22 diffraction kicks in.
This lens is manual focus only and the aperture control is also manual.
Pros: 2x magnification, build quality, price
Cons: f/16 minimum aperture, flare control
Recommended Reviews: Keith Cooper
Sample Photos: Venus Lens | Flickr
Maximum Magnification Ration: 2:1
Minimum Focusing Distance: 18.5cm
Minimum Aperture: f/22
Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
Aperture Blades: 14
Auto Focus: no, manual focus only
Stabilization: no
Filter Thread Size: n/a
62mm
Length: 95 mm / 3.74 in.
Diameter: 70 mm / 2.75 in.
Weight: 503 g / 17.7 oz.
Price Check & Buyer Reviews for Laowa 60mm f/2.8 2X Ultra-Macro
At: Amazon | B&H Photo | Venus Lens
Voigtlander Macro 65mm F2 APO-Lanthar
The Voigtlander Macro 65mm F2 APO-Lanthar manual focus lens is very sharp wide-open at f/2 from the center of the frame to the corners. CA correction is very good and distortion is also well controlled.
The Bokeh is smooth and creamy but you will see the cat-eye effect around the outside of the frame. Vignetting is rather on the high side at 2 stops when shooting at f/2, but step down to f/4 and there is very little to see.
The build quality of this lens both externally and internally is extremely high, but you do pay the price since this is a large and heavy lens.
Pros: Excellent sharpness, ca control, bokeh, build quality
Cons: 1:2 magnification, no weather sealing, heavy, vignetting
Recommended Reviews: Dustin Abbott | Phillip Reeve
Sample Photos: Flickr
Maximum Magnification Ration: 1:2
Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.31m (1.02ft)
Minimum Aperture: f/22
Maximum Aperture: f/2
Aperture Blades: 10
Auto Focus: No
Stabilization: No
Filter Thread Size: 67mm
Length: 91.3mm
Diameter: 78.0mm
Weight: 625g / 22.04 oz.
Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro Art
The Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro lens for Sony E-mount (full-frame) is the first macro lens from Sigma that has been adapted to Sony E-mount. However, the word adapted here is very important since the E-mount version of this lens has been adapted from their Canon and Sigma versions that were originally designed for SLR cameras and not mirrorless. The additional adapter that is built onto the back of the lens body for the E-mount does add extra weight and length to the lens over its SLR equivalents.
Still, despite this lens being adapted from their SLR versions, it is a beautiful lens that costs almost half the price of the Sony FE 90mm F2.8 G OSS macro lens. The images that it produces are razor sharp across the frame, chromatic aberration is well controlled as is distortion. The bokeh is silky smooth and the lens feels like all Sigma Art lenses do, extremely well built!
Autofocus on this lens is not the fastest, you certainly won’t be nailing sharp images of any bugs in flight. However, for macro work I’m using this lens in manual mode 99% of the time so I’m not worried about AF performance. The large focusing ring is extremely smooth and gives you a lot of precision when manually focusing, however this precision comes at a price as the focus ring requires around 10 twists of the wrist to go from minimum to maximum distance.
Unlike the Sony 90mm Macro, the Sigma does extend when you focus. However, it never extends further than the lens hood and has never been an issue for me personally. As it’s a 70mm lens with a minimum focusing distance of 0.25m, you will need to get very close to your subject for a 1:1 magnification, so there is a risk of casting a shadow or scaring away your subjects. I own this lens myself and for the price you really can’t go wrong with it.
Pros: Extremely sharp, color rendition, chromatic aberration, build quality, price
Cons: Autofocus, manual focus ring
Recommended Reviews: My Review
Sample Photos: My Review
Maximum Magnification Ratio: 1:1
Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.25m (0.82ft)
Minimum Aperture: f/22
Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
Aperture Blades: 9 circular
Auto Focus: Yes
Stabilization: No
Filter Thread Size: 49 mm
Length: 130 mm (min) 181 mm (max)
Diameter: 70.8 mm
Weight: 622 g / 21.94 oz. with lens hood
Sony FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS (SEL90M28G)
The Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS lens is a full-frame lens and one of the sharpest lenses that Sony has ever built. DxOMark reviewed this lens and said that its outstanding, scoring higher marks than both the Canon and Nikon equivalents.
It is very hard to find fault with this lens but if I’m being very picky then AF performance could be faster and the manual focus ring adjustments could be finer for more precision.
That said, for macro work I’ll normally adjust the focus by moving the camera back and forth and whilst making use of focus peaking to let me know when the focus is where I’d like it to be. This lens also has optical stabilization built in, making it even easier to get tack sharp images with slower shutter speeds.
If you are looking for a dedicated macro lens, or a lens that can combine both macro and portrait photography roles, then look no further than the 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS lens. I own this lens myself and have no plans to let it go anytime soon.
Pros: Incredible sharpness at all apertures, excellent color rendition, CA is well controlled, very well built, price
Cons: Autofocus isn’t the fastest, manual focus could allow for finer adjustments
Recommended Reviews: Jordan Steele | DxOMark | Philip Reeve
Sample Photos: Flickr
Maximum Magnification Ration: 1:1
Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.28 m (0.92 ft)
Minimum Aperture: f/22
Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
Aperture Blades: 9 circular
Auto Focus: Yes
Stabilization: Yes
Filter Thread Size: 62 mm
Length: 130.5 mm
Diameter: 79 mm
Weight: 602 g / 21.2 oz.
Laowa 100mm F2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO Lens
The Laowa 100mm F2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO features 2:1 magnification that enables extreme closeup photography.
Despite the wallet friendly price this lens is well built and produces some very sharp images throughout the frame, even when shooting wide open at f/2.8.
Flare and ghosting isn’t so well handled and may prove to be a problem when shooting towards the sun.
Pros: Sharp across the frame and wide-open, price, build quality
Cons: Flare and ghosting
Recommended Reviews: John Hanson
Sample Photos: Venus Lens | Flickr | DPReview
Maximum Magnification Ration: 2x
Minimum Focusing Distance: 24.7cm / 9.72 in. (2X)
Minimum Aperture: f/22
Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
Aperture Blades: 13
Auto Focus: No, manual focus only
Stabilization: No
Filter Thread Size: 67 mm
Length: 155 mm
Diameter: 72 mm
Weight: 638g / 22.5 oz.
Price Check & Buyer Reviews for Laowa 100mm F2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO
At: Amazon | B&H Photo | Venus Lens
Tokina Firin 100mm F2.8 Macro Lens
The FiRIN 100mm macro is an autofocus lens that offers 1:1 magnification at a minimum focus distance of 4.5″ and weighs in at 570 grams.
Like the Voigtlander 110mm F2.5 Macro APO lens and the Sigma 70mm F2.8 Art Macro the lens barrel does extend when you focus.
The optics are fully coated to reduce light falloff, control chromatic aberration, and reduced flare and ghosting. The lens features 9 elements in 8 groups.
Pros: Build quality, sharpness, smooth bokeh
Cons: Slow autofocus
Recommended Reviews: Optical Limits | Lavikka Photography
Sample Photos: Tokina USA | Flickr
Maximum Magnification Ratio: 1:1
Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.30m (0.98ft)
Minimum Aperture: f/32
Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
Aperture Blades: 9
Auto Focus: Yes
Stabilization: No
Filter Thread Size: 55mm
Length: 123 mm (min) 169 mm (max)
Diameter: 74 mm
Weight: 570 g / 20.11 oz.
Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art
If the Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art lens is anything like their 70mm version then this is definitely going to be a lens that you will want to have in your gear bag.
Priced at $799.00 / £649.00 / €749.00 this is a more affordable alternative to Sony’s 90mm F2.8 Macro and with an additional 15mm of focal length.
I hope to get my hands on this lens soon for a review and comparison with the Sony 90mm, until then I think you’ll find this review from Christopher Frost very helpful:
Pros:
Cons:
Recommended Reviews:
Sample Photos:
Lens Construction: 17 elements in 12 groups
Angle of View (35mm): 23.3°
Aperture Blades: 9 (Rounded diaphragm)
Minimum Aperture: F22
Maximum Aperture: F2.8
Minimum Focusing Distance: 29.5cm / 11.6in.
Maximum Magnification Ratio: 1:1
Auto Focus: Yes
Stabilization: No
Filter Thread Size: 62mm
Length: 135.6mm / 5.3in.
Diameter: 74mm / 2.9in.
Weight: 710g / 25.0oz.
Website:
Voigtlander 110mm f2.5 Macro Apo-Lanthar
The Voigtlander 110mm F2.5 Macro APO Lanthar is an incredibly sharp macro lens that offers the Sony FE 90mm F2.8 G Macro lens a good run for its money. With a comfortable working distance of 17cm and superb build quality, this lens is most definitely on my wish list.
It is manual focus only, but I don’t expect this will be an issue for many macro shooters who prefer to shoot manual anyway with the help of focus peaking.
Wide-open at f/2.5 and the lens is already incredibly sharp both centrally and even towards the edges of the frame. Bokeh is very smooth and free from onion rings, although you will see some cat’s eyes which don’t really improve as you step-down. CA is extremely well controlled.
I don’t own this lens myself but I would most definitely like to!
Pros: Excellent sharpness, build quality, CA control, bokeh
Cons: Vignetting, Cat-eye bokeh balls
Recommended Reviews: Phillip Reeve | Fred Miranda
Sample Photos: Flickr
Maximum Magnification Ratio: 1:1
Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.17m (0.56ft)
Minimum Aperture: f/22
Maximum Aperture: f/2.5
Aperture Blades: 10
Auto Focus: No
Stabilization: No
Filter Thread Size: 58 mm
Length: 99.7 mm
Diameter: 78.4 mm
Weight: 763 g / 26.9 oz.
Macro Lens FAQs
There is not a “best macro lens” as it really depends on the subject that you are shooting and how you would like to compose your shot. But generally a lens with a magnification ratio of 1:1 is preferred by most macro shooters.
Macro lenses are good for taking photographs of small subjects at very close distances. This makes your subject appear much larger and displays a lot more detail than a non-macro lens would typically capture.
If you want to photograph small subjects with as much detail as possible then yes macro lenses are worth the investment over non-macro lenses.
Yes macro lenses can also be used for other non-macro subjects as well. They are often used for portrait and landscape photography.
A macro lens with a longer focal length like 70-110mm will bring you very close to your subject but will sacrifice the surrounding environment, which may or may not be what you want. A smaller focal length allows you to include more of the environment in your shot to display a wider perspective. It really comes down to what you want to achieve.
Not necessarily. You can still shoot small subjects at very close distances with non-macro lenses that have a small minimum focussing distance. But if you want 1:1 magnification and would like to see as much detail as possible in your image, then a macro lens is generally the best option.
Sony Macro Forum & Facebook Group
If you are looking for further help and advice on the Sony Macro Photography or would simply like to share your photos or videos, then please head over to our friendly Sony Macro Forum. If you prefer Facebook then I also run the Sony Alpha Macro Shooters Group.
Hi Timothy, as a beginner I have been btw Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro Art and Sony FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS. One thing notice, the photograph examples you shared for both; for Sigma very closeup sharp bug macro shots you used for Sigma 70mm but for Sony 90mm only portrait shots. Is there a reason for that? I mean, Sony 90mm is also cabaple of taking such crisp captures of your closeup bug macro captures of Sigma, right?
Hi Hamza. Sorry for the slow reply, your comment got caught up in the spam box unfortunately. The Sony 90mm Macro is certainly capable of taking excellent bug photos. I’ve just added an additional image and will try to add a few more as well. I expect you have probably already made the decision by now though!
“The Venus Optics Laowa 24mm f/14 2x Macro Probe is a rather unique 41cm (15.7ft) long full-frame manual focus lens.”
A 15.7ft long lens would indeed be unique. Perhaps 15.7in. 😉
Oops! That would be a long one! 🙂 Thank you for spotting that Thomas!
Hi Timothy, I was thinking of buying a Sony camera and macro lens, but because you didn’t mention whether any of these lenses works with focus bracketing (automatic multiple stepped shots for focus stacking outside the camera) I just searched and found that Sony cameras don’t do focus bracketing. That’s a major problem for me, I like to use larger apertures to avoid diffraction and take 10 or more stepped shots to get full coverage of the subject; I won’t contemplate going back to doing this manually. So it looks like no Sony camera for me.
Hi David. No, for some crazy reason Sony doesn’t include focus bracketing. Everyone wants this but with each new camera they continue to omit it, one day perhaps but I’m sure you will have purchased another brand by then and Sony will have lost out.
Hi Timothy.
I had a look at the Sigma lens on the weekend.
As the lens extends out can you still use a ring light on the front?
Hi Grant. I wasn’t sure so checked Sigma’s page for this lens and they say: “Thanks to the 72mm filter thread, a 72mm adapter can also be added so as to accommodate macro flashes other than EM-140 DG as well as ring lights.” Sigma have the EM-140 DG Macro Flash but you need the Sigma 65mm Macro Flash Adapter to use this.
Any thoughts re samyang 100mm f2.8 macro?
Looks like one I’ve missed! I’ll need to read up on this one a little more Andy. It appears to get pretty good reviews though. If you check Amazon, B&H, Adorama buyer reviews the majority seem to be happy with it. I’ll do a little more research then add it to the list. Thanks!