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Want to buy the Alpha 7 but there are no good macro options?

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steven2244

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I'm seriously considering ditching all my Canon gear and switching to the Alpha platform. I'd probably get the A7R or A7RII to start... but then I looked at the lenses and I can't even get a 100mm macro in E-Mount.

I could buy the A-Mount version and then add a converter but that seems like a lot of screwing around and the weight advantage starts to disappear pretty quickly.

On the other hand, I already have a 105mm macro that is EF mount. Perhaps I should buy the metabones adapter and the A7R?

Am I missing something obvious here. I don't understand how they are serious about this platform if there isn't a single 100mm macro lens that will work on the body without screwing around with adapters.
 
There's a really good newly released 90mm macro G lens... If going down from 100 to 90mm is not a big deal to you
 
The 90 G is off the charts insane sharp according to preliminary tests...

Who doesn't manual focus with macro? There are unlimited manual focus macros out there and A7's give you a platform to use them.
 
steven2244 said:
I'm seriously considering ditching all my Canon gear and switching to the Alpha platform. I'd probably get the A7R or A7RII to start... but then I looked at the lenses and I can't even get a 100mm macro in E-Mount.

I could buy the A-Mount version and then add a converter but that seems like a lot of screwing around and the weight advantage starts to disappear pretty quickly.

On the other hand, I already have a 105mm macro that is EF mount. Perhaps I should buy the metabones adapter and the A7R?

Am I missing something obvious here. I don't understand how they are serious about this platform if there isn't a single 100mm macro lens that will work on the body without screwing around with adapters.
Click to expand...
For AF, there is the coming 90 2.8

then there are various cheap AF extension tubes for any E mount lens.

There are A mount lenses with LA-EA4 .....also can use AF extension tubes with them.

Then Canon macro lenses (AF or manual focus and with AF extension tubes and MF ones).

Then there are other legacy macros, legacy macro converters ETC ETC.

my macro lenses.....Sigma 180 5.6 APO (A mount screwdrive...works with AF extension tubes), Sigma 150 2.8 APO (EF mount ...plays up with all adapters except now works for manual focus with a "broken" no name adapter).

A mount and E mount AF extension tubes.......can be used together and the E mount ones can be used with Canon lenses before the EF to E mount adapter.

I also have reversing rings and bellows and 2x and 3x macro teleconverters but I don't do a real lot of macro so mainly now just use the Sigmas and the extension tubes.

I do/did like playing around with reversing lenses ONTO 2x macro converters for much greater than 1:1.
 
steven2244 said:
I'm seriously considering ditching all my Canon gear and switching to the Alpha platform. I'd probably get the A7R or A7RII to start... but then I looked at the lenses and I can't even get a 100mm macro in E-Mount.

I could buy the A-Mount version and then add a converter but that seems like a lot of screwing around and the weight advantage starts to disappear pretty quickly.

On the other hand, I already have a 105mm macro that is EF mount. Perhaps I should buy the metabones adapter and the A7R?
Click to expand...
That would be sensible, if slow focussing is OK for you.

The 90mm macro lens will cost much more than the Metabones adapter.
steven2244 said:
Am I missing something obvious here. I don't understand how they are serious about this platform if there isn't a single 100mm macro lens that will work on the body without screwing around with adapters.
Click to expand...
What kind of macro subjects do you shoot ? For higher magnifications, manual focus lenses are fine. For insects, the 90mm should be ideal.

You will be able to crop quite heavily.
 
ZeneticX said:
There's a really good newly released 90mm macro G lens... If going down from 100 to 90mm is not a big deal to you
Click to expand...
Thanks that does look good but at $1349 it's quite pricey. On the Canon platform, the Sigma 105mm f2.8 macro with good glass is half that price!

Quick question: Why does this 90mm from Sony have optical stabilization? I thought the idea with the Sony lenses is that the sensor was stabilized?
 
Section10 said:
The 90 G is off the charts insane sharp according to preliminary tests...

Who doesn't manual focus with macro? There are unlimited manual focus macros out there and A7's give you a platform to use them.
Click to expand...
I manual focus with macro (except that I often use the 105mm/f2.8 as a portrait lens as well and I like the AF for that.) Can you please expand on this comment? Where do I find these unlimited manual focus macros in e-mount? There are none listed on the Sony site. Or would I need adapters for all of them?
 
D Cox said:
steven2244 said:
I'm seriously considering ditching all my Canon gear and switching to the Alpha platform. I'd probably get the A7R or A7RII to start... but then I looked at the lenses and I can't even get a 100mm macro in E-Mount.

I could buy the A-Mount version and then add a converter but that seems like a lot of screwing around and the weight advantage starts to disappear pretty quickly.

On the other hand, I already have a 105mm macro that is EF mount. Perhaps I should buy the metabones adapter and the A7R?
Click to expand...
That would be sensible, if slow focussing is OK for you.

The 90mm macro lens will cost much more than the Metabones adapter.
D Cox said:
Am I missing something obvious here. I don't understand how they are serious about this platform if there isn't a single 100mm macro lens that will work on the body without screwing around with adapters.
Click to expand...
What kind of macro subjects do you shoot ? For higher magnifications, manual focus lenses are fine. For insects, the 90mm should be ideal.

You will be able to crop quite heavily.
Click to expand...
Thanks. Could you elaborate on the slow focusing comment. I generally manual focus for macro but I often use auto focus on that lens when I am using it for general purpose stuff (it's a great portrait lens at f2.8/105mm and it can catch some great nature pictures too at higher f numbers.)

I though the alpha cameras had these phase detection things that allow them to focus quickly. Or is it something about the combination of a non-sony lens with a sony body?
 
steven2244 said:
I'm seriously considering ditching all my Canon gear and switching to the Alpha platform. I'd probably get the A7R or A7RII to start... but then I looked at the lenses and I can't even get a 100mm macro in E-Mount.

I could buy the A-Mount version and then add a converter but that seems like a lot of screwing around and the weight advantage starts to disappear pretty quickly.

On the other hand, I already have a 105mm macro that is EF mount. Perhaps I should buy the metabones adapter and the A7R?

Am I missing something obvious here. I don't understand how they are serious about this platform if there isn't a single 100mm macro lens that will work on the body without screwing around with adapters.
Click to expand...
Hi, go check out this guys gallery at Flickr:

Loading…

www.flickr.com

These are amongst some of the finest macros I've ever seen in 40+ years of photography. View em on your photo monitor not iPhone :) He uses a variety of various lenses and adapters which in my opinion is the beauty of this Sony system and why I am making the switch myself to Sony Mirrorless (coming from large format) If your doing macro work or tripod work why not just get the original A7? That's what I just did, I got my body from B&H for under a grand. Thats over three times less the price of the new A7RII (which looks pretty awesome) And with the money you save you can buy a couple really nice native Sony/Zeiss lenses, or do what I'm doing and buy some good quality adapters and shoot your existing lens collection. If you need that extra resolution the A7RII has for landscapes, just shoot a multi row pano and stitch for over 100mp resolution, I did that when I had a 5DmkII and it was very easy, even with moving clouds, water, and lighting (I use auto pano Giga) I also used focus stacking with Helicon Focus to make up for not having focal plane tilts for near/far work.

I should follow up by saying I also ordered the A7R which will get delivered tommorow. But the more I've thought about it I am just going to refuse the package tommorow. Though there are some wonderfully tack sharp A7R images all over the place, the more I read about the shutter shake with some lens/adapter combinations observed by former large format photographers I've known, and whose work I've followed for many years (Joe Holmes and Huntington Witherill) I just don't want to have to be messing with experiments to quell the issue with lenses like my Leica 135 on a Novoflex adapter with a tripod foot, And if I need the extra resolution with the A7 I'll just move in closer and fire off a couple extra frames for Auto Pano Giga :)

Chris
 
steven2244 said:
I'm seriously considering ditching all my Canon gear and switching to the Alpha platform. I'd probably get the A7R or A7RII to start... but then I looked at the lenses and I can't even get a 100mm macro in E-Mount.

I could buy the A-Mount version and then add a converter but that seems like a lot of screwing around and the weight advantage starts to disappear pretty quickly.

On the other hand, I already have a 105mm macro that is EF mount. Perhaps I should buy the metabones adapter and the A7R?

Am I missing something obvious here. I don't understand how they are serious about this platform if there isn't a single 100mm macro lens that will work on the body without screwing around with adapters.
Click to expand...
with new A7RII, the AF speed from your 105mm macro should be as good as it is on a native camera like 5dII.

However, I found Sigma lenses cannot be used this way.
 
steven2244 said:
I'm seriously considering ditching all my Canon gear and switching to the Alpha platform. I'd probably get the A7R or A7RII to start... but then I looked at the lenses and I can't even get a 100mm macro in E-Mount.

I could buy the A-Mount version and then add a converter but that seems like a lot of screwing around and the weight advantage starts to disappear pretty quickly.

On the other hand, I already have a 105mm macro that is EF mount. Perhaps I should buy the metabones adapter and the A7R?

Am I missing something obvious here. I don't understand how they are serious about this platform if there isn't a single 100mm macro lens that will work on the body without screwing around with adapters.
Click to expand...
As people have said the optimum macro for your needs is the 90 f/2.8.

I use two third party macros and get very nice macro shots. A Nikon AF-D 105 f/2.8 (with a Novoflex adapter) and a Canon EF 100 f/2.8 using a Metabones III.

There is electronic coupling with the Canon/Metabones which is helpful for handheld shots. I use the Nikon on a tripod.

I only use MF for macro work so lack of AF isn't a problem. If you want AF for portraits I would get the 90 f/2.8. It costs a lot but seems to be an outstanding lens. I don't mind paying for outstanding performance.
 
Camley said:
steven2244 said:
I'm seriously considering ditching all my Canon gear and switching to the Alpha platform. I'd probably get the A7R or A7RII to start... but then I looked at the lenses and I can't even get a 100mm macro in E-Mount.

I could buy the A-Mount version and then add a converter but that seems like a lot of screwing around and the weight advantage starts to disappear pretty quickly.

On the other hand, I already have a 105mm macro that is EF mount. Perhaps I should buy the metabones adapter and the A7R?

Am I missing something obvious here. I don't understand how they are serious about this platform if there isn't a single 100mm macro lens that will work on the body without screwing around with adapters.
Click to expand...
As people have said the optimum macro for your needs is the 90 f/2.8.

I use two third party macros and get very nice macro shots. A Nikon AF-D 105 f/2.8 (with a Novoflex adapter) and a Canon EF 100 f/2.8 using a Metabones III.

There is electronic coupling with the Canon/Metabones which is helpful for handheld shots. I use the Nikon on a tripod.

I only use MF for macro work so lack of AF isn't a problem. If you want AF for portraits I would get the 90 f/2.8. It costs a lot but seems to be an outstanding lens. I don't mind paying for outstanding performance.
Click to expand...
Despite the hype A7rII brings to us, focusing via an adapter using my Canon macro is still very painful. I just got another adapter for my friend and I tested it with the original 100mm macro USM. Focusing is very fast but, unfortunate, not accurate. I switched to a LEA4 and a Minolta 100 macro, the difference is huge.
 
As everyone has said, for macro work, MF is what you will end up using most of the time anyway. For an inexpensive solution, try the Tamron SP90 f2.8 model 72b (not the older 2.5). A newer AF version fits the Minolta =Sony A, but not the E mount. The 72b goes down to 1:1 without extension tubes, and produces excellent images. It's available under $200 on Ebay. It works very well as a portrait lens, but does not have AF. At that price you have enough left over to get a separate portrait lens.

Michael
 
steven2244 said:
I'm seriously considering ditching all my Canon gear and switching to the Alpha platform. I'd probably get the A7R or A7RII to start... but then I looked at the lenses and I can't even get a 100mm macro in E-Mount.

I could buy the A-Mount version and then add a converter but that seems like a lot of screwing around and the weight advantage starts to disappear pretty quickly.

On the other hand, I already have a 105mm macro that is EF mount. Perhaps I should buy the metabones adapter and the A7R?

Am I missing something obvious here. I don't understand how they are serious about this platform if there isn't a single 100mm macro lens that will work on the body without screwing around with adapters.
Click to expand...
If you buy A7RII and MB adapter - you can use your EF lenses as if it was a Canon body - with same AF speed (still waiting confirmation reviews), only it will magically have 42Mp BSI, IBIS etc...

On the other hand if you need sharpest Macro available currently out there - Sony FE90mm G - trumped Canon EF 100mm f2.8 IS (considered best Macro lens so far) as tested by Roger Cicala from LensRentals. So you can imagine the level of IQ with 42Mp A7RII and FE90mm G f2.8.

Another way is to go adapters and any MF Macro glass available.

Yet another way is to use LA-EA3/4 adapters for FF A-mount glass.
 
steven2244 said:
I'm seriously considering ditching all my Canon gear and switching to the Alpha platform. I'd probably get the A7R or A7RII to start... but then I looked at the lenses and I can't even get a 100mm macro in E-Mount.

I could buy the A-Mount version and then add a converter but that seems like a lot of screwing around and the weight advantage starts to disappear pretty quickly.

On the other hand, I already have a 105mm macro that is EF mount. Perhaps I should buy the metabones adapter and the A7R?

Am I missing something obvious here. I don't understand how they are serious about this platform if there isn't a single 100mm macro lens that will work on the body without screwing around with adapters.
Click to expand...
Sony is not too concerned about lenses simply because there are so many great lenses in existence that work very well with the A7 series of cameras.

- Canon has some great macros that work well with automatic or manual E-mount adapters

- You can use extension tubes

- I have an adjustable helical adapter that lets me use any Canon lens in macro mode; love it!

So many options, so little time...

bwa
 
steven2244 said:
D Cox said:
steven2244 said:
I'm seriously considering ditching all my Canon gear and switching to the Alpha platform. I'd probably get the A7R or A7RII to start... but then I looked at the lenses and I can't even get a 100mm macro in E-Mount.

I could buy the A-Mount version and then add a converter but that seems like a lot of screwing around and the weight advantage starts to disappear pretty quickly.

On the other hand, I already have a 105mm macro that is EF mount. Perhaps I should buy the metabones adapter and the A7R?
Click to expand...
That would be sensible, if slow focussing is OK for you.

The 90mm macro lens will cost much more than the Metabones adapter.
steven2244 said:
Am I missing something obvious here. I don't understand how they are serious about this platform if there isn't a single 100mm macro lens that will work on the body without screwing around with adapters.
Click to expand...
What kind of macro subjects do you shoot ? For higher magnifications, manual focus lenses are fine. For insects, the 90mm should be ideal.

You will be able to crop quite heavily.
Click to expand...
Thanks. Could you elaborate on the slow focusing comment.
Click to expand...
I wrote that before the A7rii was announced. This is said to give much faster focussing with Canon lenses.

People did complain that the Metabones was slow on the existing A7 series cameras. The Kipon adapter is said to be faster.
steven2244 said:
I generally manual focus for macro but I often use auto focus on that lens when I am using it for general purpose stuff (it's a great portrait lens at f2.8/105mm and it can catch some great nature pictures too at higher f numbers.)

I though the alpha cameras had these phase detection things that allow them to focus quickly. Or is it something about the combination of a non-sony lens with a sony body?
Click to expand...
 
Chris Strobel said:
steven2244 said:
I'm seriously considering ditching all my Canon gear and switching to the Alpha platform. I'd probably get the A7R or A7RII to start... but then I looked at the lenses and I can't even get a 100mm macro in E-Mount.

I could buy the A-Mount version and then add a converter but that seems like a lot of screwing around and the weight advantage starts to disappear pretty quickly.

On the other hand, I already have a 105mm macro that is EF mount. Perhaps I should buy the metabones adapter and the A7R?

Am I missing something obvious here. I don't understand how they are serious about this platform if there isn't a single 100mm macro lens that will work on the body without screwing around with adapters.
Click to expand...
Hi, go check out this guys gallery at Flickr:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/70091193@N06/

These are amongst some of the finest macros I've ever seen in 40+ years of photography. View em on your photo monitor not iPhone :) He uses a variety of various lenses and adapters which in my opinion is the beauty of this Sony system and why I am making the switch myself to Sony Mirrorless (coming from large format)
Click to expand...
They are indeed amazing - "82 natural light exposures stacked at f5.6, exp.time 1/5sec, ISO200, ~1.5x magnification" - not sure I or my subjects would have the time/patience for that! :-)

Of course everything in photography is a trade-off, and FF is harder for DoF & macro than APS-C, which is harder than M43 etc... but any decent manual/legacy macro lens will work fine, and AF isn't an issue for macro usually. If you'll forgive an APS-C shot, my trusty old NEX f3, with cheapish Vivitar (Komine-made) 90/2.8 1:1 macro, at around f11/16, hand-held, propped on whatever was available:

9619834038_eb19f2b2b3_k.jpg


Chris Strobel wrote:

If your doing macro work or tripod work why not just get the original A7? That's what I just did, I got my body from B&H for under a grand. Thats over three times less the price of the new A7RII (which looks pretty awesome) And with the money you save you can buy a couple really nice native Sony/Zeiss lenses, or do what I'm doing and buy some good quality adapters and shoot your existing lens collection.

- Am about to do the same, A7 prices are falling all the time, and the release of the latest A7r II might see further falls?


Regards,
Alan
 
Last edited:
Mark K said:
Camley said:
steven2244 said:
I'm seriously considering ditching all my Canon gear and switching to the Alpha platform. I'd probably get the A7R or A7RII to start... but then I looked at the lenses and I can't even get a 100mm macro in E-Mount.

I could buy the A-Mount version and then add a converter but that seems like a lot of screwing around and the weight advantage starts to disappear pretty quickly.

On the other hand, I already have a 105mm macro that is EF mount. Perhaps I should buy the metabones adapter and the A7R?

Am I missing something obvious here. I don't understand how they are serious about this platform if there isn't a single 100mm macro lens that will work on the body without screwing around with adapters.
Click to expand...
As people have said the optimum macro for your needs is the 90 f/2.8.

I use two third party macros and get very nice macro shots. A Nikon AF-D 105 f/2.8 (with a Novoflex adapter) and a Canon EF 100 f/2.8 using a Metabones III.

There is electronic coupling with the Canon/Metabones which is helpful for handheld shots. I use the Nikon on a tripod.

I only use MF for macro work so lack of AF isn't a problem. If you want AF for portraits I would get the 90 f/2.8. It costs a lot but seems to be an outstanding lens. I don't mind paying for outstanding performance.
Click to expand...
Despite the hype A7rII brings to us, focusing via an adapter using my Canon macro is still very painful. I just got another adapter for my friend and I tested it with the original 100mm macro USM. Focusing is very fast but, unfortunate, not accurate. I switched to a LEA4 and a Minolta 100 macro, the difference is huge.
Click to expand...
 
steven2244 said:
Section10 said:
The 90 G is off the charts insane sharp according to preliminary tests...

Who doesn't manual focus with macro? There are unlimited manual focus macros out there and A7's give you a platform to use them.
Click to expand...
I manual focus with macro (except that I often use the 105mm/f2.8 as a portrait lens as well and I like the AF for that.) Can you please expand on this comment? Where do I find these unlimited manual focus macros in e-mount? There are none listed on the Sony site. Or would I need adapters for all of them?
Click to expand...
I have the old model of the A-Mount Tamron 90mm f2.8. Its super sharp and available for like $350 used. I have it adapted with the LA-EA4 but I don't use the auto focus (but could if I had to).

Yeah Section10 is referring to the fact that you can use an adapter to attach any Macro from Canon/Nikon etc... There are ton of older ones on ebay too.

If you need AF too, I'd advise waiting to see what the new 90mm from Sony is like, and consider paying the premium. I have it preordered. Looks incredible. $1099 in the US too. Or if you have the Sigma 105mm on a Canon or Sony mount you could adapt it with the Metabones or LA-EA3 (for sony), and use AF when you need.

The other alternative is to have 2 lenses, one for Macro which is always MF (which could be cheaper) and then save to buy a nice 85mm Batis for portrait work.
 
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