Using Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro Lens with a6000/a6300

[MomentsForZen]

Hi there.

 

I saw the release announcement for the Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 macro lens. When used with an APSC-C camera like the a6300 or a6100, the lens becomes a 75mm focal length full-frame equivalent.

 

I wondered if the macro properties also changed when used with an a6300 or a6000 - i.e., would it still provide the 1:1 macro capability that it does with a full-frame sensor? Or would it have a greater or lesser macro capability?

 

Thank-you ...

 

:-) ... MomentsForZen (Richard)

[Guest all8]

Nothing will change other than your image will be cropped, because the sensor is smaller, so the magnification will appear to be increased, exactly the same way if you crop an image with imaging editing software. The minimum focus and magnification of the Lens will not be changed themselves, as they are properties of the Lens, and not of the sensor.

 

So, yes, you will get a super macro ...

[Zé De Boni]

That is a nice question. Macro numbers can really be confusing.

Speaking in numbers:

At 1:1 the dimensions of your subject in the plane of focus  are the same of the sensor. In full frame this means 36mm on the long side, while in APSC it is about 24mm.

If we compare A7 with A6300 (or A6000), both rendering 6000 pixels on the long side, the native enlargement at 300 DPI is 20 inches (50.8) on that same side, which will result in a 20"x13.3" print.

That is the catch! The native enlargement print from the full frame camera (A7) will represent a 14.11x enlargement of the original subject (50.8cm / 3.6cm), while the APSC (A6X00) will give a 20.16x enlargement (50.8cm / 2.4cm).

So, in practical terms, the APSC camera will produce greater enlargements (as long as the pixel densities are equivalent). The principle is the same as using full frame long lenses on APSC to have the advantage of an 1.5 crop factor, using a 200mm to get the field of a 300mm.

What may be questioned is image quality, since the full frame sensor with the same pixel density may have better performance. We have reasons to believe that the new lens will not perform as the great 90mm G Macro. That is a nice test someone could make and publish. We all would be grateful.

Now, if we change our parameters, comparing the cameras with greater resolution in both formats, the calculation is as follows:

7952 pixels on the long side means a 26.51" (67.33cm) native enlargement for the A7RII, which will have an 18.70x factor over the original subject, still less than what you get with the 24 MP APSC sensor.

While it is nice to discuss all these theoretical thoughts, better will be to enjoy the images that will be possible with the new lens, which fills a gap in Sony FE lens line. 

[Guest Jaf-Photo]

Great reply from Ze above.

 

Another factor is that you'll get more depth of field at f2.8 resulting in slightly less smooth bokeh.

 

It doesn't seem to be a veritable bokeh monster, though, judging by the test shots.

[MomentsForZen]

Thank-you all for the very clear replies to my question. I have a much better understanding now.

 

Those with Sony E or FE mount cameras are indeed fortunate to have 2 native macro lenses. Many camera systems, especially the mirrorless ones, are lucky to have have one macro lens in the lineup.

 

:-) ... MomentsForZen (Richard)

[wedge]

Those with Sony E or FE mount cameras are indeed fortunate to have 2 native macro lenses. Many camera systems, especially the mirrorless ones, are lucky to have have one macro lens in the lineup.

 

For APS-C there's actually 4 native E-mount macro's available:

 

Sony 50mm 2.8 FE

Sony 90mm 2.8 FE

Sony 30mm 3.5 E

Zeiss Touit 50mm 2.8 E