Sony AF 100mm F2.8 Macro A-mount lens reviews

reviews found: 41    1 2 >>
reviewer#29662 date: Aug-18-2016
sharpness: 5
color: 5
build: 4
distortion: 5
flare control: 5
overall: 4.8
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I own this lens
compared to:Minolta 100/2.8 Macro Old
price paid:299€
positive:light
well build
AF Range limit
large focus ring
negative:plastic feel (build)
no SSM
comment:I have had the luck to buy this lens new for cheap during sales
I decided to replace my good old Minolta

I gained with the coating it permit more use of frontal light

I use it a lot with manual focus
reviewer#12045 date: Dec-2-2014
sharpness: 5
color: 5
build: 5
distortion: 5
flare control: 5
overall: 5
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I own this lens
compared to:Tamron 90mm f2.8 Di macro.
price paid:£260 used.
positive:Superb definition and colours, works well on my APS-C and Full frame cameras.
negative:none
comment:Love this lens for all macro and close-up shots.
reviewer#11868 date: Jun-17-2014
sharpness: 5
color: 5
build: 4
distortion: 5
flare control: 4
overall: 4.6
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I own this lens
compared to:Minolta 50/2.8 Macro
price paid:100 USD (new)
positive:Sharp! Good size. AF ok, manual - ok. Magnification scale. Great for macro - flowers and insects.
negative:
missing
comment:I owned M50/2.8 macro. But... object distance at 1:1...
So, I bought this lens. It's great!
reviewer#11175 date: Jun-2-2013
sharpness: 5
color: 5
build: 5
distortion: 5
flare control: 5
overall: 5
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I own this lens
compared to:35-70 f4
70-210 f4
50 f1.7
price paid:$410 New -Store Demo
positive:Very Sharp
Minolta Like Colors
Macro is Excellent
Bokeh
negative:Seems that filters need
longer threads than usual.
Filters that fit my Beercan
perfectly only get about 1
thread on this lens.
comment:I received this lens last week and immediately started taking
pictures with it. Using it as a standard portrait type lens,
it has excellent colors, sharpness, and bokeh. When using it
as a macro lens, it is even better. 1:1 macro with a very
nice distance. You don't have to be nearly touching the lens
to the subject. I wouldn't have bought it at full price, but
at about half of retail, it was more than a bargain!
reviewer#10914 date: Feb-10-2013
sharpness: 5
color: 5
build: 4
distortion: 5
flare control: 5
overall: 4.8
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I own this lens
compared to:tamron 70-200 2.8
cz16-80
(as a portrait lens/short tele)
price paid:au $455
positive:sharp
not too heavy or too big
manual focus is nice to use
magnification scale on the barrel is useful
great optical characteristics, no distortion, little to no vignetting, good control over CAs
af speed is ok for non moving subjects
af accuracy is good when used as a short telephoto and ok when close up.
negative:overpriced
build not up to price, not bad just not good for it's price point
comment:I bought this lens off ebay for $455 au, rrp is $1199 so I consider it a bargain. The normal price for this lens is way too high.

This is the sharpest lens I own, sharp across frame from f2.8 - f16 it has no perceptible distortion, no vignetting at all on aps, & no noticeable vignetting on film, CA and flare are very well controlled too.

The build of this lens is good but it should be great for the normal price, generally the tolerances are good, the plastics are good but there is perhaps too much of it, there is only a small amount of wobble in the front element. However any concerns about the build of this lens do not extend to it's optical characteristics which are great.

The focus ring is good to use, not the smoothest and makes some noise but it is perfectly damped and there is very little 'slop' that I have found with other sony lenses that decouple in af mode.

The front element does extend which is something being eliminated in modern macros but it really doesen't bother me and having the magnification scale printed on it has been quite handy.

This is a great lens, it might be expensive at full price but I am not at all unhappy with the results.
reviewer#10890 date: Feb-1-2013
sharpness: 5
color: 5
build: 5
distortion: 5
flare control: 5
overall: 5
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I own this lens
compared to:N/A
price paid:
missing
positive:Sharp.
Reasonably light.
Good build quality.
Macro is great.
Versatile.
negative:N/A
comment:I really like this lens. It's a joy to use and is versatile as both a portrait lens and for macro photography. Not bad reach on a APS-C either. After getting this lens I finally sold all of my Minolta lenses with macro. I would definitely recommend this lens.
reviewer#9994 date: Mar-4-2012
sharpness: 5
color: 5
build: 5
distortion: 5
flare control: 5
overall: 5
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I have experience with this lens
compared to:
missing
price paid:
missing
positive:Sharp
Colours
Bokeh
negative:
missing
comment:
missing
reviewer#9599 date: Nov-16-2011
sharpness: 5
color: 5
build: 5
distortion: 5
flare control: 5
overall: 5
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I own this lens
compared to:
missing
price paid:750 EUR (new)
positive:Sharp, very sharp
Versatile, 1:1 macro and great tele reach on APS-C
negative:Expensive, but quality comes at a price
AF slow when limiter is off
comment:It is a pleasure to work with this lens and the rewards of getting it right are great. Macro AF hunts (but this is to be expected), manual focus needs practice, focus ring is stiff. For macro DOF you need flash or high ISO capability (FF A99). With the focus limiter off it takes forever to find focus (so keep it on when not looking at tiny critters). Very sharp at all apertures. Great tele lens with nice bokeh. Equipped with adequate lens hood.
reviewer#9550 date: Oct-30-2011
sharpness: 5
color: 5
build: 4
distortion: 5
flare control: 5
overall: 4.8
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I own this lens
compared to:
missing
price paid:400 EUR (new)
positive:- Extremely sharp
- Great bokeh
- Nice colors
- Could be use for portraits
negative:- Hunts a lot but as every macro does
- Expensive
comment:I won't buy it for full price but as I've seen it in the shop for half price I simply had to...
Usually used in manual mode as it hunts a lot in low light but with same excelent result, perfect pair with my A55
Everything else shown in picture library...
Highly recommended...
reviewer#9290 date: Aug-1-2011
sharpness: 5
color: 5
build: 4
distortion: 5
flare control: 5
overall: 4.8
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I own this lens
compared to:Tamron - SP AF 90 F2.8 Di
price paid:
missing
positive:extremely sharp. Great colors. Superb for portrait
negative:none
comment:I do think this is one of the best macro lenses I've always had. Extremely sharp and absolutely great for portraits.
Strongly recommended
reviewer#9281 date: Jul-30-2011
sharpness: 5
color: 5
build: 4
distortion: 5
flare control: 5
overall: 4.8
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I own this lens
compared to:
missing
price paid:£350
positive:An excellent lens. Sharp, crisp and delightful to use.
negative:A bit slow to focus but then all macro lenses are.
comment:I really love this lens! I had a sigma 150mm macro before when I had a Canon system. Since moving to Sony I have used this constantly during the summer months for shooting bugs and dragonflies. I use it with a SLT A55V and I love it!
reviewer#8492 date: Jan-8-2011
sharpness: 5
color: 4
build: 5
distortion: 5
flare control: 4
overall: 4.6
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I own this lens
compared to:Sigma 105 2.8 macro
price paid:649 euro [new]
positive:
missing
negative:
missing
comment:
missing
reviewer#8061 date: Oct-8-2010
sharpness: 5
color: 5
build: 5
distortion: 5
flare control: 5
overall: 5
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I own this lens
compared to:Minolta 100Macro original
price paid:Trade
positive:Sony's version of Minolta colors
An improved Min 100Macro
negative:
missing
comment:The lens is the same structure ans size as the Minolta macro, so the ISO, f-stop and speed are identical when I compare the two. The Sony colors are almost exactly the Minolta colors, although the histogram moves one unit to the left and is a tiny bit brighter on the Sony. But nothing that can be seen in an image, or that I can detect in one.

The build is an improvement: the manual focus ring is bigger, and decoupled, the focus limiter is slightly more accessible and there is a focus hold button, compared to the MinO. The macro scale is on the extending tube rather than on the macro focus ring, actually an advantage. The hood is noticeably larger on the Sony. The Sony is a D lens, but I haven't needed to use flash. I like the finish, and think that the Sony is a useful upgrade.
reviewer#8015 date: Sep-23-2010
sharpness: 5
color: 5
build: 4
distortion: 5
flare control: 5
overall: 4.8
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I own this lens
compared to:Minolta AF24mm f2.8
Sony AF50mm F1.4
Minolta AF28-85 f3.5-4.5
Minolta AF28-135 f4-4.5
Minolta AF35-105 f3.5-4.5
Minolta AF70-210 f4-4.5
Tamron AF28-300mm XR f3.5-6.3
price paid:659.00USD
positive:Consistently sharp
Brilliant colors
Lovely bokeh
Great 1:1 macro optic
Ideal focal length for portraits
negative:Sometimes searches, but the limiter is helpful
comment:A great performer, this is a first-class optic in the array of lenses I use for photo art. For example, it is an ideal lens for capturing detail of wooden baroque altar pieces, exotic botanicals, bugs and gems. It is my favorite portrait lens since I don't have a prime in this range. The Sony AF100 Macro is a great match for the FF camera's shallow depth of field. Its image quality rivals the brilliance and sharpness of my Sony 50mm 1.4 prime and the best of my prized vintage Minolta lenses. Pieces done with it enlarge and show well with little PP. I like having this focal length in a faster speed. Overall, a great alternative to much more expensive lenses, an alternative without compromises. I highly recommend the lens for full-frame imaging. It's an up-date of a much regarded classic design modified to meet the demands of digital cameras.
reviewer#7354 date: Apr-26-2010
sharpness: 4.5
color: 5
build: 4
distortion: 5
flare control: 5
overall: 4.7
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I used to own this lens
compared to:- Minolta 50mm f/2.8 Macro RS
- Minolta 135mm f/2.8
- Sony Carl Zeiss 85mm f/1.4 Planar T*
- Sony Carl Zeiss 135mm f/1.8 Sonnar T*
price paid:
missing
positive:- 1:1 macro
- long working distance
- very sharp from f/4
- very contrasty
- great bokeh
- circular aperture blades
- useful focus limiter
- useful focus hold button
negative:- build is very decent but not great
- slightly soft at f/2.8
comment:This is a great macro lens which gives you enough working distance when needed. It can also double as a portrait lens, when AF speed is not a concern.
reviewer#7229 date: Apr-1-2010
sharpness: 4.5
color: 5
build: 4
distortion: 5
flare control: 5
overall: 4.7
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I own this lens
compared to:Minolta 28-135 F4-4.5
Minolta 35-105 F3.5-4.5 Old
Minolta 50 F1.7 RS
Sony 50 F1.4
Minolta 70-210 F4
CZ 85 F1.4
Minolta 100-300 F4.5-5.6 APO
Minolta 135 F2.8
price paid:GBP 500
positive:+ Very nice bokeh
+ Very sharp, even wide open (though better at f/4)
+ Beautiful colour
+ Much more convenient than using extension tubes
+ Focus limiter
negative:- Slow AF and hunts (slightly better with limiter)
- A little bit of CA at f/2.8 in high contrast
- Doesn't often make it in to my bag
comment:This is certainly a very good lens and fantastic for the purpose it's designed. My wife and I have a newborn and have enjoyed taking hand-held close-ups of his face, feet, hands, etc.

It can also double as a portrait or short-tele lens. Sharpness and bokeh is clearly superior to all of the zooms 28-135, 35-105, beercan, 100-300 APO @ 100mm. Bokeh is also better than 50/1.4 and 50/1.7 primes though not quite as good as CZ85. The 135/2.8 is as sharp as the 100 Macro wide open, though the 100 Macro improves more when stopped down.

However, the CZ85 is clearly sharper at f/2 to the 100 Macro at any aperture...hence 5/5 sharpness is reserved for lenses that can match CZ85 quality.

I bought a set of Kenko extension tubes, hoping to sell the 100 Macro (since I only use it for macro now I have the CZ85) but realised they are a pain to use. With extension tubes the range of focus is so small you have to keep changing tubes to get the magnification you want. So the Macro stays...

reviewer#6983 date: Mar-2-2010
sharpness: 5
color: 5
build: 4
distortion: 5
flare control: 5
overall: 4.8
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I own this lens
compared to:Minolta 100mm f2.8 Macro RS
price paid:675AUD (used/mint)
positive:Optically, mechanically, same as Minolta version
Very sharp, rich natural colours, beautiful Bokeh
Large focus grip
negative:Nothing to speak of.
comment:Took the opportunity of buying this as new at a very keen price, to replace my Minolta 100mm f2.8 Macro RS version.
No discernable difference in image quality, colour rendition, sharpness, Bokeh.
Essentially the same optically and mechanically.
Only differences are the large focus grip (an improvement in making fine manual adjustments), and the 8 gold lens to body contacts that enable distance encoding when using flash (useful for both macro and normal medium 150mm-equivalent telephoto shots).
Same build quality. A bit larger diameter than the RS version but identical in every way to the last made Minolta D version.
Excellent image quality on both the a700 and a900 bodies.
A real classic and highly recommended.
reviewer#6560 date: Dec-10-2009
sharpness: 5
color: 5
build: 4
distortion: 5
flare control: 5
overall: 4.8
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I own this lens
compared to:Sigma 10-20 F4-5.6 EX DC
Tamron AF 17-50 F2.8 Di-II LD Aspherical
Sony AF 50 F1.4
Minolta AF 70-210 F4.0
price paid:600 GBP
positive:Sharpness, colours, everything really.
negative:AF can be slow in macro but I use MF for macro anyway.
comment:Wow first day of testing today and I cannot believe how sharp this thing is at 2.8, wow again no need play around in photoshop later with that lens, amazing.
reviewer#5917 date: Aug-26-2009
sharpness: 5
color: 5
build: 5
distortion: 5
flare control: 5
overall: 5
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I own this lens
compared to:Sigma 105 2.8 macro
price paid:400 usd (like new)
positive:very very Sharp at all aperture
Solid
Colors
Fast focus
negative:nothing. An IF will be excellent Mr Sony... Love it
comment:A fantastic lens for macro and portrait. Sharp wide open, tack sharp when closed a bit.
Love the bokeh (The Sigma 105, old version, doesn't have circular aperture).
My first prime, my first love...
If you could find one with a correct price (not impossible...), buy it !!
reviewer#5396 date: May-16-2009
sharpness: 5
color: 5
build: 5
distortion: 5
flare control: 5
overall: 5
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I own this lens
compared to:
missing
price paid:Ł400
positive:Very Sharp and smooth
Light
Smooth
negative:Expensive
comment:I find this lens very very easy to use. this is my first macro lens and I have to say its a cracking lens.
reviewer#5238 date: Apr-14-2009
sharpness: 5
color: 4
build: 4
distortion: 5
flare control: 5
overall: 4.6
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I used to own this lens
compared to:28-135
beercan
big beercan
price paid:$650
positive:Tack sharp wide open, amazing color, detail.
negative:Weight dist. changes as it focuses
slow focusing
comment:As sharp as it gets. Sold it after buying Minolta 100 F2
reviewer#4951 date: Mar-3-2009
sharpness: 5
color: 5
build: 5
distortion: 5
flare control: 5
overall: 5
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I own this lens
compared to:Minolta AF 100mm28 macro
SAL50mm28 macro
SAL18250
price paid:1040 SGD
positive:- Sharp (always for all macro lenses)
- AF is so fast, compare to Minolta AF 100mm macro
- Not that big
negative:- Inner barrel extend too long. I excpected Sony launch one with IF, so no inner barrel extension.
comment:I compared also by take picture of my blanket, around 2-3 meters distance. The SAL100mm gave more details, compare to SAL18250, anyway it's the character of macro lens.
reviewer#4908 date: Feb-25-2009
sharpness: 4.5
color: 5
build: 4
distortion: 5
flare control: 5
overall: 4.7
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I used to own this lens
compared to:- Minolta 100 Macro (old)
- Voigtlander 125mm
- Minolta 200 G F4
price paid:550USD (new)
positive:+ Sharpness;
+ Colors;
+ AF than Minolta version
+ wide and handle MF ring and + Focus Lock Button
(in competitions minolta 100 old)
+ useful focus limiter
negative:- non SSM
- no weather sealing
- extends on focusing
comment:One of the best primes for A-mount comes from old Minolta times. I updated to Sony version from Minolta old and found that Sony, makes same image quality, but some faster focusing. And MF ring more reliable. This lens good enough wide open and on closest F. Also useful on FF and APS-C cameras.

Sld it because i use for Macro Lanthar 125mm and 200 F4 Macro.
reviewer#4880 date: Feb-19-2009
sharpness: 5
color: 5
build: 5
distortion: 5
flare control: 5
overall: 5
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I own this lens
compared to:Tamron 90mm Di SP 1:1 Macro
price paid:
missing
positive:Fast AF, especially with limit
Superb sharpness
Nice MFD
negative:Expensive (but what good glass isn't?)
comment:This is my new favorite lens. I absolutely love this lens. After getting the 90mm Tamron, I just wasn't too pleased with the lens and was left wanting something better. Well I have found it! The Sony 100mm is well worth the price premium over the Tamron. It is sharper, much faster to focus (on my A300), and has a greater MFD which allows you to back away from the subject while still maintaining the same 1:1 magnification. It is just so incredibly sharp!

The colors are classic and nice Minolta colors since this was originally a Minolta lens. It feels like a very solid lens, not too heavy, just the right weight. No distortions (it's a 100mm macro lens on an APS-C, duh). I have not had any flare, but this isn't the type of lens you would be shooting landscapes with, although doable. And it does have a nice big hood if you are that worried.

If you are on the verge of buying the Tamron 90mm, I would hold out for this. It is expensive, but not overpriced IMO. Get one macro lens and get the best!

I didn't think I could get good macros (when using the Tamron) but this sure has changed all that. It's sharpness and longer MFD are perfect. Now I'm looking at combining a Sony 50mm F/1.4 in front of this to achieve 2:1 magnification :D. I'm hooked on macros now!
reviewer#4853 date: Feb-13-2009
sharpness: 5
color: 5
build: 4
distortion: 5
flare control: 5
overall: 4.8
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I own this lens
compared to:
missing
price paid:639.99 USD (new)
positive:Sharp
Great color
Very lightweight
No chromatic abberation noted
Beautiful bokeh
negative:Autofocus can be slow - searches at times
Does not "feel" substantial
Expensive (as all Sony lenses seem to be)
comment:Tremendous lens. Have been pleased with range of photographs from extremely close macro to medium telephoto. 100mm allows comfortable working distance with insects, etc.
reviewer#4828 date: Feb-9-2009
sharpness: 5
color: 5
build: 4
distortion: 5
flare control: 5
overall: 4.8
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I own this lens
compared to:Sigma 70-300apo "macro"
price paid:749 euros
positive:Sharpness is for all intents and purposes perfect no matter what the f-stop.
negative:A bit of CA in the dreaded high contrast situations.

Price
comment:This is my favorite lens. I love shooting at 100mm on APS-C and f2.8 makes it more flexible for that especially in winter, when I bought it. The fact that most of my shooting with it has been other than for macro proves to me that despite it focusing a bit slower than a normal lens, it still performs incredibly well as a "normal" lens. I haven't gotten around to shooting portraits but with the wonderful colors and very, very nice bokeh, I can only imagine it will be a pleasure.

As for macro from what I've read the focus-hunting issue that "plagues" this lens must be the more or less the same on all macro lenses. The focus ring for manual focus works very comfortably. Macro shooting is a difficult art to tackle and nothing that I can see about this lens should hinder one exploring that art.

It looks like the biggest competitor to this lens is the Tamron 90mm. I decided to go with the Sony, despite its bloated price, because I liked the idea of 10 more mm to work with.

As with many other reviewers here, on my copy if you push the manual focus a bit when at infinity it will indeed move past - that's why I gave it a 4 instead of a 5 for build but honestly, since it doesn't harm functioning I don't actually think this is a problem.
reviewer#4707 date: Jan-19-2009
sharpness: 5
color: 5
build: 4
distortion: 5
flare control: 5
overall: 4.8
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I own this lens
compared to:
missing
price paid:618 USD (new)
positive:Sharp
light
can double as a regular lens
negative:Flimzy hood
expensive
comment:Very sharp lens. 100mm gives you a good distance to work from. It produces good colors and bokeh. It is my only macro lens and I love it!
reviewer#4184 date: Oct-7-2008
sharpness: 5
color: 5
build: 4
distortion: 5
flare control: 5
overall: 4.8
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I own this lens
compared to:
missing
price paid:639.00 USD (new)
positive:Awesome color and sharpness.
great working distance
negative:Wish it had a metal casing
slow AF
comment:I really enjoy using this lens. It has given me some excellent shots, even being that I am new to the macro technique. Im glad I got the 100mm instead of the 50 for the working distance, but the 50mm might be nice to be able to get less blur for shutter speeds between 1/50-1/100.
reviewer#4173 date: Oct-2-2008
sharpness: 5
color: 5
build: 4
distortion: 5
flare control: 5
overall: 4.8
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I own this lens
compared to:Tamron 90 mm
price paid:1300 (SGD)
positive:Light weight, sharp. Great if mobility takes priority over angle of view when shooting arthropods.
negative:Expensive
comment:I'm pretty satisfied with this lens. It delivers but is rather expensive in comparison to the Tamron 90mm macro lens.

Here are some pictures I took using the A700 with this lens.

Bird wing butterfly caterpillar (endanger specie)
http://www.darren-francis.com/p818490287/e23285664

Crab spider with prey
http://www.darren-francis.com/p818490287/ef233e50

Spider molting
http://www.darren-francis.com/p818490287/e1716b6e8

Hoverfly
http://www.darren-francis.com/p818490287/e3788c483

Long legged fly
http://www.darren-francis.com/p818490287/effbffc5
reviewer#4132 date: Sep-26-2008
sharpness: 5
color: 5
build: 4
distortion: 5
flare control: 5
overall: 4.8
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I own this lens
compared to:Sony 18-250
Sony 2.8/50 Macro
price paid:980,- CHF (new)
positive:- very sharp, already wide open
- no visible vignetting, even wide open
- no problems with flare
negative:- auto focus hunts a lot, but all macro lenses do this, hence it´s not really negative
- no SSM
- AF noisy
comment:This is the sharpest lens I am owning! The only thing to complain is, that SSM is missing. For this price, SSM should be included. Compared to Nikon and Canon it´s the most expensive Macro lens!
reviews found: 41    1 2 >>

rating summary

lens image
  • total reviews: 41
  • sharpness: 4.93
  • color: 4.93
  • build: 4.32
  • distortion: 5.00
  • flare control: 4.88
  • overall: 4.81

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