Hey there! I just wanted to thank you! For the effort and work you put to all of your videos. I like the fact that you go straight to the point and specially the fact that you out and test them out in the field. I have learned a lot! This and all your videos are so helpful! Thanks again!
I'll second the original post, Davin. I really enjoy the videos. It's nice to see the equipment actually being used. I recently got an A6000, 2 sigma primes and a Sony 18-105 zoom on the basis of your videos, along with The Photo Video Show videos and Jason Lanier's videos. I don't think I've ever seen real photographers so excited about a camera system.
@Protector Offender Yeah, macro lenses are great for portraiture, too. The lens was presented in such a way that covers all of its function. Some kit lenses have "macro" labels, which means they are capable of shooting macros, too. But this lens is a true macro at 1:1 magnification.
I just bought this lens today, and I must say, this is the best review of it, even 5 years later. I had bought the 7 Artisans 60mm 2.8 macro, and while it is good, it's manual focus only which I find pretty difficult for a beginner using a Sony APS-C camera (a6600 btw). I had some issues with the lens and sent it back and picked this one up, and I must say in the short time I used it before work. I love being able to use AF, and how light this lens is. It actually make it easy since I know I can trust the focus, maybe give it a little tweak if it's focusing on the wrong thing, but at least I have a good starting point. I may pick up the 90mm in the future, but for right now I can't wait to shoot, and thanks to your video, I know I can get sharper images dropping the aperture down for more depth of focus.
This lens is a no brainer for macro work for the money, imo. I love it, but i like the 55mm 3.5 nikon to. I think sony made this lens for macro work period. Take care Davin.
Like all your review this is another amazing review, it provided me all the info I need, especially the video part, Thanks a lot and keep up the good work!
Thanks for the great video! Does your lens buzz on different apertures? Mine starts buzzing from 4.5 to 11, being loudest at 5.6. I'm wondering, if the lens I got is defective.
Hi, I just got this lens today. I picked it up for €69,00 at a second hand store but It is brand new, no scratches at all. I updated it using my computer to lens version 2. Standard it will say it is version 1, at least on mine so you have to update it in order to get hybrid af with your a6000. You haven't done this because you say this lens doesn't have access to hybrid af. You have to update it because when this lens got on the market in 2012 the phase detect system on the sony e mount didn't exist.
Great video again, Im looking to buy some prime lens. would you recommend the sigma 30 f2.8 or the sony 20mm f2.8/sony 30mm f3.5 then after that i'm either going to but the sigma f2.8 60mm or the sony 50mm f1.8 ? cheers scott.
When you film the video with the macro lens, was it cropped on sides of the image? Because it happens to my Sony A7SII camera. How was that even possible? How can I avoid it?
You do great vids bro thanks.you got me sold on the 6000 and the sigma lens's. but my real interest is macro . looked pretty good at doing that . thanks again.
Do you think its video capability is good enough to pair with the a6300 for doing 4k (mostly table top) video? As in, is the lens sharp enough to take advantage of the added detail to be found in 4k video?
what's the best portrait and indoor photography lens for my Sony a6000? I am planning to buy 35mm f1.8 or 50mm f1.8. but still confuse. Am I buying a correct lens?
The simple answer is the lens you have. I don't know what your goal is. Obviously I prefer primes. I like to have wide, normal and short telephoto to keep it interesting.
Thanks for the review on the Macro lens. If I take pictures of food and people during a cruise ship, which of the following lens you would suggest that I should get with my A6000? SEL30F35, SEL50F18, or SEL35F15? Thank you
this or the Sigma 60mm F2.8 EX DN Art. im going to use it mostly for video (VLOGGING) 95% of the time. But i am also open to any other suggestions besides getting a actual vlogging camera.
Question, for my A6300, if I already have the 18-105mm and 50mm, should I go for this 30mm, too or you have another good choice? The purpose is for travel blogger in general, of course it will include food and product review photography. Thanks in advance.
Lavikka Photography thanks for the input, but will the result be even with the real macro (30mm) if I use the ext for my 50? Or of course, it wont be as sharp as 30?
Download the firmware update for this lens here esupport.sony.com/US/p/model-home.pl?mdl=SEL30M35 It does enable the hybrid focusing but no steady shot.
Two things happen when going wider with macro lenses. The magnification is usually greater because the object can get closer. More of the object will be in focus and more of the object will be able to be seen. Basically if you want to shoot a watch.... You use the 30mm to shoot the entire watch and the face then use the 100mm to shoot the details of the numbers on the face.
Could you please recommend a ring light for dental photography with this lens and camera? I am struggling to find something that capture professional photos. I would really appreciate your answer
Hope this review is not too old :-) I am looking for another prime lens for my vlogging purposes. I love SEL50F18 but there are some shortcomings. First and foremost, since I prefer medium shot and the major shortcoming is I need to put my camera around 10 feet away from me. And here the problem pops up, because I use teleprompter so sometimes I need to focus (even strain my eyes) to be able to read my text. ~30mm lens would shorten the distance and would make the teleprompter work better. I am aware I can build a bigger teleprompter for 10" tablet, not 7" and I was thinking of it. Another shortcoming is a need a bigger room with proper space in front of me to get the blurry background behind me. As I always look for fancy spaces to shoot vlog I need to reject all smaller spaces. So I am thinking about switching from sel50f18 to SEL35F18 (pricey) or Sigma 30F28, which is twice as cheap. Now I viewed your review of sel30f35. So in short is this sel30f35 good for vlogging vs Sigma 30f28 ART?
It depends on what you are doing. The Sony 28mm f2 fe will give you bokeh (blurry background) but the Macro will give excellent close focus capability if you like to show small objects off or detail.
As you, I record some videos for yt and vimeo, but with other topics. Sony FE 28 mm f/2.0 is way too expensive for my purposes. 28 FL is covered by other lenses I got. Nice bokeh is always an advantage, but my priority is ~35 for video. As I stated earlier another contender is Sigma 30f28. In this price range I hesitate between SEL30f35 vs Sigma30F28. SEL is more versatile (macro), but Sigma seems to be sharper.
Lavikka Photography This is what I have assumed and ordered sel30m35. I will share my experience as far as the portrait video. Thank you for your time.
Hey Davin, I came across sigma's 70-300mm F4-5.6 APO DG Macro. What are your thoughts on it with adapter for Sony a6000? Worth while or better to get the Sony 30mm macro and different zoom lens?
Its a decent lens. Especially if its newer. You could use it with a canon ef mount. If you can find a Sony Alpha version then you could use an AEA2 or AEA4 adapter with full auto focus.
Lavikka Photography Amazon has a few of the Sony Alpha versions as well as the adapter. $200 for the lens and $220 for the adapter, at $400 is there a better native option for e-mount a6000?
When it comes to macro if you don't care about auto focus then I would recommend a 55 Micro Nikon AI lens with a fotga Nikon to nex adapter and some cheap extension tubes. That is what I primarily use.
Lavikka Photography Thanks! I'm trying to fill up my bag right now with lenses. After watching your videos I ended up buying the a6000 with Sigma 19mm, 30mm, 60mm DN lenses. Next up was macro, zoom, and maybe that Rokinon 85mm t1.5 cine lens for filming portion of my product/training videos. Thanks again for your videos, and replying to my questions.
Hi Lavikka Loved your review. I wanted to buy the 30mm for taking picture of documents in a dark archive using a Manfrotto tripod with the column upside-down (30 inches). After watching your review, I was really disappointed. Could you suggest me a good lens for my Sony a6000 to do the job properly?
test macro lens on infinity distance will always disappoint you, because it's designed to resolve more detail at closer distance with it's smaller front element. similar to how microscope works.
Use this lens for macro work only. That is why they call it a macro lens. If you want a lens that is macro and as a prime lens, then get the Sony 90mm macro.
Does anyone know about some lenses that are compatible with the a6000 at the same prize point as the 30mm f3.5.. Or maybe a diference of $50.. But i want to know some lens competitors of this lens. They can be sony nikon or any as long as its compatible with the a6000
Hey there!
I just wanted to thank you! For the effort and work you put to all of your videos. I like the fact that you go straight to the point and specially the fact that you out and test them out in the field.
I have learned a lot!
This and all your videos are so helpful!
Thanks again!
I'll second the original post, Davin.
I really enjoy the videos. It's nice to see the equipment actually being used.
I recently got an A6000, 2 sigma primes and a Sony 18-105 zoom on the basis of your videos, along with The Photo Video Show videos and Jason Lanier's videos.
I don't think I've ever seen real photographers so excited about a camera system.
Okay review but why are you focusing so much on the non-macro aspects of the lens?
Because Macro lenses are usually better lenses in general for overall image quality for the price.
@Protector Offender Yeah, macro lenses are great for portraiture, too. The lens was presented in such a way that covers all of its function. Some kit lenses have "macro" labels, which means they are capable of shooting macros, too. But this lens is a true macro at 1:1 magnification.
I just bought this lens today, and I must say, this is the best review of it, even 5 years later. I had bought the 7 Artisans 60mm 2.8 macro, and while it is good, it's manual focus only which I find pretty difficult for a beginner using a Sony APS-C camera (a6600 btw). I had some issues with the lens and sent it back and picked this one up, and I must say in the short time I used it before work. I love being able to use AF, and how light this lens is. It actually make it easy since I know I can trust the focus, maybe give it a little tweak if it's focusing on the wrong thing, but at least I have a good starting point. I may pick up the 90mm in the future, but for right now I can't wait to shoot, and thanks to your video, I know I can get sharper images dropping the aperture down for more depth of focus.
I have seen much reviews for this lens.. But this review is the best 👍👍👌👌👌 i have still a NEX 10, do much video.. going to buy this lens. Thanks
This lens is a no brainer for macro work for the money, imo. I love it, but i like the 55mm 3.5 nikon to. I think sony made this lens for macro work period. Take care Davin.
I love the cranky old broc. that convinced me to buy it right there. looks like a music video for a 90s alternative band
Like all your review this is another amazing review, it provided me all the info I need, especially the video part,
Thanks a lot and keep up the good work!
I really liked the broccoli macro movie at the end. Thanks for the review.
that movie slightly scary, I have expected some horror at the end :D
9:32 - the 30mm F3.5 didn't seem to grab focus?
Thanks for the great video! Does your lens buzz on different apertures? Mine starts buzzing from 4.5 to 11, being loudest at 5.6. I'm wondering, if the lens I got is defective.
Thanks man, i learn a lot. Simple question for you i use a6400 , if i shoot a object with low light sony 30mm is good enough with f3.5 or ?
This was a great informative video about the possible settings of this lens, really appreciate it, thank you!
Thank you for showing how the lenses works for video.
Hi,
I just got this lens today. I picked it up for €69,00 at a second hand store but It is brand new, no scratches at all.
I updated it using my computer to lens version 2.
Standard it will say it is version 1, at least on mine so you have to update it in order to get hybrid af with your a6000.
You haven't done this because you say this lens doesn't have access to hybrid af.
You have to update it because when this lens got on the market in 2012 the phase detect system on the sony e mount didn't exist.
Good Point. I will put that in the description.
Well...I might have trouble eating broccoli for a little while, but another great and informative video. Thanks.
Great video again, Im looking to buy some prime lens. would you recommend the sigma 30 f2.8 or the sony 20mm f2.8/sony 30mm f3.5 then after that i'm either going to but the sigma f2.8 60mm or the sony 50mm f1.8 ?
cheers scott.
The Sigma's are great. I reviewed them all here on my channel including the 20mm pancake.
When you film the video with the macro lens, was it cropped on sides of the image? Because it happens to my Sony A7SII camera. How was that even possible? How can I avoid it?
You do great vids bro thanks.you got me sold on the 6000 and the sigma lens's. but my real interest is macro . looked pretty good at doing that . thanks again.
Do you think its video capability is good enough to pair with the a6300 for doing 4k (mostly table top) video? As in, is the lens sharp enough to take advantage of the added detail to be found in 4k video?
+SnareMan definitely. Over all it's a very good lens. 4k video is only 8mp too.
+Lavikka Photography Thanks
what's the best portrait and indoor photography lens for my Sony a6000? I am planning to buy 35mm f1.8 or 50mm f1.8. but still confuse. Am I buying a correct lens?
+Radha Ghadge - Chavan Go with the 50mm f1.8
as i understand you use this lens for macro video shooting ,but if its about insect or flies ,which macro lens you recomand us?
Hey man, what lens/lenses would you reccomend for shooting a short film with the a6000? Great review:)
The simple answer is the lens you have. I don't know what your goal is. Obviously I prefer primes. I like to have wide, normal and short telephoto to keep it interesting.
Thanks for the review on the Macro lens. If I take pictures of food and people during a cruise ship, which of the following lens you would suggest that I should get with my A6000? SEL30F35, SEL50F18, or SEL35F15?
Thank you
+C Lee SEL28F2
+C Lee or the macro
IS Sony 30mm f/3.5 E-mount Macro compitable with sony a7 iii?
this or the Sigma 60mm F2.8 EX DN Art. im going to use it mostly for video (VLOGGING) 95% of the time. But i am also open to any other suggestions besides getting a actual vlogging camera.
Question, for my A6300, if I already have the 18-105mm and 50mm, should I go for this 30mm, too or you have another good choice? The purpose is for travel blogger in general, of course it will include food and product review photography. Thanks in advance.
If you find yourself not getting close enough with the lenses you already have then yes.
Lavikka Photography so in other words, 18-105 and 50 can do a good job for macro photography? If yes, I can save some bucks by not buying the 30 :)
They are not really macro but get these extension tubes and you can use your lenses. amzn.to/2q4Q6A6
Lavikka Photography thanks for the input, but will the result be even with the real macro (30mm) if I use the ext for my 50? Or of course, it wont be as sharp as 30?
It will still be sharp.
Download the firmware update for this lens here esupport.sony.com/US/p/model-home.pl?mdl=SEL30M35
It does enable the hybrid focusing but no steady shot.
Hi,
How come you do not like lens hoods? I'm new and curious. thanks.
Comparing the 30 mm to a 100 mm lens, what are the differenties, I know I have to go closer to the target with a 30 mm, but apart from that?
Two things happen when going wider with macro lenses. The magnification is usually greater because the object can get closer. More of the object will be in focus and more of the object will be able to be seen. Basically if you want to shoot a watch.... You use the 30mm to shoot the entire watch and the face then use the 100mm to shoot the details of the numbers on the face.
Could you please recommend a ring light for dental photography with this lens and camera? I am struggling to find something that capture professional photos. I would really appreciate your answer
I use the Aputure Amaran Halo LED Light. it can be used as a light or flash and has adapters to mount on the front of the lens. amzn.to/2aj1UGJ
Le compre una cámara Sony A6000 me llego en tiempo y forma y funcionando muy bien la compre desde Juan Aldama, Zacatecas
I'm thinking about getting this for flower photography. I have an a6000 and I'm going to be using a tripod for my shots. Any thoughts for me going in?
Nope. Great choice for that.
Please, help with to choose!
Can it be compared with Sony SEL-35F18 ?
Skip both of them and get the 28mm F2 FE it's way sharper.
You said f5.6 is the "sweet spot" for e-mounts? does it only applies for Sony lenses?
+Keane DM Yes it does.
great review I want a macro lens for my e mount apsc cameras can't afford the 90 mm marco
Hope this review is not too old :-)
I am looking for another prime lens for my vlogging purposes. I love SEL50F18 but there are some shortcomings. First and foremost, since I prefer medium shot and the major shortcoming is I need to put my camera around 10 feet away from me. And here the problem pops up, because I use teleprompter so sometimes I need to focus (even strain my eyes) to be able to read my text. ~30mm lens would shorten the distance and would make the teleprompter work better. I am aware I can build a bigger teleprompter for 10" tablet, not 7" and I was thinking of it.
Another shortcoming is a need a bigger room with proper space in front of me to get the blurry background behind me. As I always look for fancy spaces to shoot vlog I need to reject all smaller spaces. So I am thinking about switching from sel50f18 to SEL35F18 (pricey) or Sigma 30F28, which is twice as cheap. Now I viewed your review of sel30f35.
So in short is this sel30f35 good for vlogging vs Sigma 30f28 ART?
It depends on what you are doing. The Sony 28mm f2 fe will give you bokeh (blurry background) but the Macro will give excellent close focus capability if you like to show small objects off or detail.
As you, I record some videos for yt and vimeo, but with other topics. Sony FE 28 mm f/2.0 is way too expensive for my purposes. 28 FL is covered by other lenses I got. Nice bokeh is always an advantage, but my priority is ~35 for video. As I stated earlier another contender is Sigma 30f28. In this price range I hesitate between SEL30f35 vs Sigma30F28. SEL is more versatile (macro), but Sigma seems to be sharper.
The af on the macro is smoother than the sigma at it tracks a little better.
Lavikka Photography This is what I have assumed and ordered sel30m35. I will share my experience as far as the portrait video. Thank you for your time.
2/3rds of my videos are filmed with it.
I have the same lens on a6000, but to shoot indoor macro I face exposure problem as I have to be Soo close. What to do?
Hey Davin, I came across sigma's 70-300mm F4-5.6 APO DG Macro. What are your thoughts on it with adapter for Sony a6000? Worth while or better to get the Sony 30mm macro and different zoom lens?
Its a decent lens. Especially if its newer. You could use it with a canon ef mount. If you can find a Sony Alpha version then you could use an AEA2 or AEA4 adapter with full auto focus.
Lavikka Photography Amazon has a few of the Sony Alpha versions as well as the adapter. $200 for the lens and $220 for the adapter, at $400 is there a better native option for e-mount a6000?
When it comes to macro if you don't care about auto focus then I would recommend a 55 Micro Nikon AI lens with a fotga Nikon to nex adapter and some cheap extension tubes. That is what I primarily use.
Lavikka Photography Thanks! I'm trying to fill up my bag right now with lenses. After watching your videos I ended up buying the a6000 with Sigma 19mm, 30mm, 60mm DN lenses. Next up was macro, zoom, and maybe that Rokinon 85mm t1.5 cine lens for filming portion of my product/training videos. Thanks again for your videos, and replying to my questions.
I have the 85mm t1.5 and its excellent. Reviewing it soon.
Hi Lavikka Loved your review. I wanted to buy the 30mm for taking picture of documents in a dark archive using a Manfrotto tripod with the column upside-down (30 inches). After watching your review, I was really disappointed. Could you suggest me a good lens for my Sony a6000 to do the job properly?
+Rogério de Souza Farias Your best bet would be either a Sony 90mm Macro G lens or adapting a macro lens like th 55mm Micro Nikon.
and also do you have a great recommendation for a great micro lens compatible with the a6000 and full frame camera please ?
The new Sony 90mm Macro fe 2.8 is coming out in a few weeks.
ok i will wait for your review about it before i will buy my first macro lens thank.
What about focus stacking? I use helicon focus to stack flower photos. Any info on that ability?
I'm a little confused. Does the Sony macro lens have built in Image stabilization?
No it does not.
is this lens suitable for shooting products, like watches?
yes it is
test macro lens on infinity distance will always disappoint you, because it's designed to resolve more detail at closer distance with it's smaller front element. similar to how microscope works.
brokoli at the end.. make me want to buy... (buy a laptop with good display monitor) hehe.. i enjoy the review thanks
what's the best street photography lens for the A6000?
the best landscape prime?
steve eastwoofer Everyone seems to like the 30mm for the street. Touit 12mm is the best landscape lens for the a6000.
@@LavikkaPhotography I have both.
Can you please review our kit lens for a6000 ?
Yes. This week. It's up next.
Perfect! Thank you
The vegetable is the rockstar in this clip!
Lol never thought broccoli could look that epic
hey can i use this lens on sony a7s? im looking for best and cheap lens just for shot a wedding ring (video), thankyou !
Yeah at infinity not so much but is should work from a foot or closer.
I take that back it does vignette a little bit but easy to crop out in 4k.
Love the end:)
Use this lens for macro work only. That is why they call it a macro lens. If you want a lens that is macro and as a prime lens, then get the Sony 90mm macro.
Incomparable. You're comparing a $1,000 lens to a $200 one
Thank you
Does anyone know about some lenses that are compatible with the a6000 at the same prize point as the 30mm f3.5.. Or maybe a diference of $50.. But i want to know some lens competitors of this lens. They can be sony nikon or any as long as its compatible with the a6000
+Jan Martínez Not for macro but at 30mm check out the new sigma 30mm f1.4 DN. I reviewed it.
+Lavikka Photography thanks i really appreciate it.. love your reviews
is electronic focus same as automatic focus?
yes.
good lens for taking pictures of toys/busts/figures?
iRlazyGoat Definitely good for product work.
would you reccomend this lens for photographing pets
cai meredith Sure. It would be fine for that. Especially if you want to get close.
Lavikka Photography thank you
That is sennheiser on your shirt?? because That's still noise
@ 2:37 is this true?
is f5.6 really the sweet spot on e mount?
can anyone show me proof
Go to Photozone.de and look at all of the Sony lens reviews. The average is f5.6
great vid thanks….
That broccoli🥦 movie would be rated as ...horror ... by most kids who spit their greens. Def’ R/18 rating 😀
Dude, review this lens as a macro. Why review it as a normal focal length lens? like ugh!
Holy you look like amir khan
I don't like the broccoli movie!