Telephoto or Macro Lens

[DrJohn]

I've been driving myself crazy for years over this topic. The photo below was done with the Sony E 55-210 mm zoom telephoto lens at a distance of about 4 feet set for 210 mm. The minimum focus distance is about 40 inches. The disadvantage of using a telephoto is that you need to be further away with a longer focal length and therefore more prone to camera shake. In the photo below, I boosted the ISO to 400 so I would shoot at a faster shutter speed to compensate.

Now, I'm debating on getting the Sony FE 90 mm macro lens for my A7M3. I'm a little hesitant because it costs $1,100. Anything less than 90 mm will bring you too close to the subject and block the light, so the 50 mm macro is off my list.

(Sony A6300, 55-210 mm E-Mount at 210 mm, f/6.3, 1/800 sec, ISO 400)

John

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[Pieter]

Did you consider the new Sigma 70mm macro? It's half the price of the Sony. On your A7iii it may be too wide for you but if you put it on your a6300 it'll give you an equivalent view of a 105mm on fullframe, with added depth of field (something useful in macro photography). Personally I am using a +5 dioptre achromat front lens on my 55-210 for the occasional macro photo, giving me over 1:1 magnification at 210 mm. Very cheap alternative, though at the cost of a bit of IQ and working distance is about 10 cm at maximum magnification. And it's very front-heavy, making it difficult to mount steadily on a tripod.

[DrJohn]

I just ordered the Sony FE 90 mm macro.

John