I asked this in another NEX thread, but it didn't get any replies. I'm about to purchase my new 5N kit with CV 15, G 28 and 45. Initially, I was going to pick up the G 90 as well, but as much macro/close-ups and I'm bound to want to shoot, I thought I may be better off picking up a true macro lens.
I think a 90 would be perfect, although I'm not opposed to a 100 either. Handling on the NEX is somewhat important to me.
For those out there using a dedicated macro on the NEX how have you found them?
I'd appreciate anyone with input using the Tokina 90 2.5 as it's an excellent lens.
The Tamron SP 90/2.5 Adaptall-2 is my Macro of choice right now, it handles quite well on my NEX-7 and adequately on my 5N. Performance is excellent but the colour is rather muted compared to Zeiss glass.
I've used the Tokina on a Canon 40D and loved it, but I also got some great results with the humble Canon FD 50/3.5 macro on that camera. A 50mm is really comfortable to use on APS-C and I've even got some good butterfly shots with it, but a little longer FL can be nice (though slightly more challenging to hold still).
The Tokina is still reasonably compact, at least compared to for example the Contax 100/2.8 Makro-Planar, which is big and heavy. Being a full metal built lens with a lot of glass inside, the Tokina it's still pretty heavy. A new Tamron 90/2.8 is might be easier to use (I thought FlyPenFly got one of those for his NEX now).
Mar 18, 2012 at 04:49 PM
Steve Spencer Online • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: On
Do you need 1:1 or is 1:2 enough? If 1:2 is enough a relatively small and wide aperture option is the Olympus OM 90 f/2. It is an excellent lens and weighs about 500g, but is pretty compact. No 90 macro is going to be that small and there are a lot of good ones. If you care a lot about size, however, going with a 60mm might make more sense. Another good option is the Leica 90mm Elmarit with a Leica close-up lens. It only goes to 1:3, but is a fine lens and quite compact with a good built in hood. If you are interested in the Leica send me a PM. I have one that I might be willing to sell.
the Voigt 90 is a very nice lens, the only prob is the large Nikon to Nex adaptor that is necessary to use it on the Nex. I also have the native Sony macro for Nex, not a thing wrong with it but does not seem very exciting ? I wonder how the Zeiss 50mm macro ZF.2 would be?? joanlvh
Bellows + enlarger lenses is what I'll be exploring with this spring.
In a DPR thread, there was a post about using the Canon 100LIS with the Conurus EF to NEX adapter, there is no word that the fancy IS system will work properly yet.
I've tested the tokina 90 and kiron 105 among others, but I prefer the latest tamron mf version (52bb). The tokina does have butter smooth bokeh though if you prefer that. The tamron is also only 1:2 without the adapter, but its the lightest and most compact of the three.
I have the Tokina 90 f2.5, and highly recommend it. It's pretty compact, and it has excellent IQ. It's also pretty cheap if you can find one. Aside from its perfect bokeh "Bokina" reputation, photodo tested it at 4.6, placing it in the top-10 all time sharpest lenses. I haven't used it enough, but here are a few samples on my NEX:
philber wrote:
...Personally, I use a Leica R 60 mm Makro, which is not overly expensive either, goes down to 1:1 with the tube accessory, and is a real delight.
I'm very pleased to hear your experience Philber, because that's exactly what's being shipped to me right now, complete with the 1:1 adapter.
Nothing compares with the CV APO Lanthar 125/2.5 That's just the ultimate there is.
Other macros I like:
Zuiko 38mm f/2.8 <--Damn awesome!
Zuiko 90
Tammy 90
Nikkor 105/2.8 (either of the two newest versions) <-- Ultra-clarity contrast and flare control!
Contax Zeiss 100/2.8 <-- wonderful non-macro rendering too!
Minolta 50/2.8 <-- So freaking colorful!
Those all do 1:1 except the Zuiko 38/2.8 and that does 8:1 !!!
And then of course there's a plethora of totally bitchen options involving reversal rings, auto-bellows, extension tubes, and achromatic close-up filters!
AhamB wrote:
A new Tamron 90/2.8 is might be easier to use (I thought FlyPenFly got one of those for his NEX now).
It is, I have with the LA-EA1 and it's nice to have EXIF and automatic aperture control. It's not a well damped focus control though since it's an AF lens. I shoot with strobes about 95% of the time for macro work though so I always MF and it's been less than ideal for that.
I'm not 100% sure I'm sold on this lens but I need to test it more. I get a certain yellowish cast in some photos but I'm not entirely sure if that's the fault of the coatings, the environment I was shooting in, or the old strobe I was using.
Like most macro lenses, sharpness isn't the issue. I'm much more concerned about CA, bokeh CA, and color.
To me, macro lenses are all good at sharpness and bokeh. What separates the pack is CA performance and color.
