The Best Sony Portrait Lenses: Sony 90mm 2.8G Macro 📸
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- Опубліковано 9 лип 2024
- In the first episode of "The Best Sony Portrait Lenses" I introduce you to one of my favorite lenses of all time, the Sony 90mm 2.8G macro. This is the lens I reach for to get those detailed, crisp headshots that you see in my portfolio. It's in my top 3 favorites and given its special nature as a macro lens I decided to talk about it first! Be sure to subscribe as I go in depth covering the rest of my favorite lenses in the near future.
#bealpha #sonyalpha #portraits
Gear Used (Amazon affiliate links):
Sony A7RIII amzn.to/2N3WUbW
Sony 90mm 2.8G Macro amzn.to/2RtYTZa
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Model: Stephanie Weiss
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Video shot by Chuy Gutierrez
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I bought the 90 macro as my first portrait lens when I went full frame. As an owner of both 90 and 85/1.8, even though I always grab the 85 for shoots, I will never sell the 90. It's sharpness in all apertures and macro capabilities make it indispensable. Paired with crop bodies, it is a great 135mm equivalent. Although the bokeh isn't as dreamy as other similar focal lengths, it's detail stopped down is undeniable. The reason why I pick the 85 usually is because my clients don't want the crispness over the bokeh (plus I dial down the clarity for them). Hands down though, if it's something shot for me, I'll take the 90mm no hesitations.
Another reason not to sell, is that i do a lot of studio practice with figures in a smaller scale. These subjects won't move, so the variable changes are distinct.
I have the complete opposite experience. I do portraits and I’m starting to get into the fashion world as well and when I started, I blew over 10 grand on fast 35 50 85 and 105 lenses, only to just recently realise that I am almost never below f2.8. Like, 85-90% of my shots are either at f2.8-f4 or f8-f16. I am almost never at f1.2 or f1.4, I only go that low for detail shots or for outdoor compositions where I want super-obliterated background and even that is only if I decide not to use strobes.
So I figured, since I don’t need fast aperture lenses, as I’m almost never below f2.8, I might as well sell my GM lenses and chase better image quality and go for Zeiss and Voigtlander lenses… However, I’m really considering this 90mm as a replacement to my 85, because it’s slightly sharper than the 85mm Batis! 🤔
I’ve been using the 90G for my portrait lens since it was released. Love it.
It’s my favorite for macro and portraits!! Love it!
The models I used to shoot with my Nikon 105mm Micro used to run for makeup touch up when they saw me coming. When I switched from a D3X to a A7Riii, the 90mm was the 2nd lens I bought after the 55mm!
Incredible sharpness!! Love to use the manual focus with the focus peaking.
You are absolutely correct. I have the 85 1.4 GM but for ultimate sharpness only comes from the 90 Macro. It is phenomenal and I agree (from personal experience, I’ve owned mine for over 5 years) with everything stated in this video.
I also use this lens for portrait, one of the very best lenses on the market. Incredible amount of detail, a very nice bokeh and sturdy build quality.
Switched over to Sony 2 months ago from the Nikon z bodies. Picked up the a7riv and a9 with a couple lenses . The 90mm macro was the first lens I grabbed with so many great reviews it was a no brainer. Well I learned it’s a double edge sword. I used it for an older couple portraits and wow! Super sharp, I love it. But my client didn’t like seeing every little wrinkle and pore. I even smoothed it out some. But I had to go back and smooth it out some more. Never had that issue before. Lesson learned. But it made me worry that it’s just too sharp for portraits. So I haven’t been using it much except for detail shots.
But today I decided to use it with my a7riv for school pictures, and brought my 85mm in case i ran into the same issues with the classes of preschool kids and HOLY MARY MOTHER OF GOD! This lens just took my school pictures to a whole new level. I flipping love this lens. I just need to use it on people with fairer skin and maybe show them how they look while using it. Definitely glad I watched this video before I bought it. Thanks again love your channel.
Great insight as always brother. Thanks for sharing. Good vibes Henry
I’ve thought about this lense for portraits since the day it was launched. Thank you for putting this up Miguel !! Keeping my eyes peeled for a second hand one now !! Thanks haha
I love mine - I was blown away by its sharpness , the OOC colours and quality but I use my 85 f1.8 for portability as the 90 is a very solid lens to carry around.
This was the first lens I got to my a7II (besides the kit lens). Main reason i picked this one up was that it was a macro and a portrait lens. Not that often you get a professional lens that is a 2 for 1.
I absolutely love it and I can recommend it enough! If it came out today i'm pretty sure it would be a G-Master, it's that good!
Thank you for time in doing this vide. I recently shot a few portraits of my dog with this lens. The pictures were amazingly sharp!
It was also the first lens I bought for my sony due to it being a macro. It produces stunning macro photos :D
This video is very timely for me for I am getting this lens for Xmas. Thanks, Miguel.
This was really helpful, thanks!
Wow 2 in 1 and very sharp, thanks for the vid!
Great video.....I just purchased one of these for my A7R2 and love it.....stellar lens all around...
Miguel, I’m very excited today!
I’m shooting my event out of a controlled environment (not for a church). I will be doing video and pictures, but I was asked to setup a photo booth to take the guests portrait. “Never done that”. All I have is speed lights (3), 34" Impact Silver Folding Beauty Dish, and a small on camera style soft box.
The speed lights zoom 24-100mm I think. It’s set to 35mm at the moment. I want to put one in the beauty dish and the second in the soft box as a rim light to add separation. What “mm” should I set the beauty dish to?
THANK YOU!
Totally agree with you Miguel, a lot of photographers underestimate it. It should had been classed as a G Master lens.
And this is why you’re the best in the game in professional photography, especially headshots. Thanks for the insight my friend! 👍
Hi Miguel! Is there a playlist where I can find the presentation of other Sony lenses?
Migulel nice video!! I'm wondering if your having or resolved the problem with flash trigger disabling the evf display by making it brighter instead of the actual manual settings you adjust for your frame? In this video doesn't look like your having this issue?
I'm using flashpoint explorer 600 and it working fine until I did the latest firmware update. I as soon mount the flash trigger on the hot shoe and turn it on, it makes the evf screen brighter, not displaying the manual aperture, iso, shutter speed settings.
Great video as always. Would be great to see some of these lenses in another mystery lens challenge.
I love this lens!.. it’s my absolute favorite!
Thinking about using this to photograph fabric swatches. Good choice?
Oh and by the way it also does Macro shots.
I will never sell this lens, a must have for Pro workers.
Thanks for doing the video about this most amazing lens in Sony's lineup.
I have the A 6400 and i was wondering if you could tell me what settings to put the camera on to achieve these photos . I am new to my camera and I am having trouble finding the right settings for my 90.
Thank you
Gerald
Hi Miguel... I have this lens, what if you were to drop the clarity a smidge in lightroom for the "not so clear skin"??
Hi Miguel , I bought this lens, so little confuse how to set the lens when taking portrait, close up and when taking macro , I can not find info on that , please help me. Thanks
I have and love the 90mm and dig it, but I always keep reaching for the 105mm STF. Lawdy do I love that lens. It's like that perfect in-between.
Thanks, Miguel. I've had this lens for a while, but never really dared used it for portrait. I'll give it a shot!
I use a Zeiss Touit 2.8 50 mm macro lens on Sony A6000 for portraits, and I love the results. I use it for everything else too.
Gracias Miguel. Creo que tu video es acertado, excelente en todo sentido.
Fully concur, and a superb macro as well. My first portrait lens (197?) was a Pentax 100mm f4 macro. And for all the same reasons.
Fantastic review, I don't do a lot of portrait work but I like this lens for macro. Have you done any macro work with it?
Thanks for this video Miguel I just purchased this lens and have been looking for more videos on how to us it best. I’m a film / cinematography guy but since i moved to NYC form California I’ve gotten request to do more photography. I felt like this lens would be a great investment since it does excellent for photography and Marco but also video. If you have time and it fits with what you have planned for your future videos would you do another video that goes over this lens in some way for new comers like me? I think I could do great work with this lens but just need to be made aware of all the capabilities it has and how best to pair it with lighting and other things to get the most from it. Keep up the great content !
Hi Miguel, Agreed with your take away on the 90mm. If maximum sharpness is needed and shooting in studio with a flat background behind your subject I can't think of a better choice. For outdoor portraits I prefer the 85 1.4 g master (my most used) or the 50 1.4. The reason being is because I prefer the bokeh rendering of those lenses when compared to the 90mm g macro. Excellent video!
you are right, i totally agree with you.
This lense is pure gold. Can't wait to try the 135mm.
great video thanks! Please give me some advice
Which lens is better for portrait photography and why? Sony FE 85mm F/1.8. sony 90mm macro .85mm sigma art.
i like macro it has very high sharpness and actually you can use it for portrait and prodoct and macro photography but the 90 macro will be slower and heavier
Aperture blades don’t fully retract and bokeh highlights show aperture blade shap
I like this lens - very good for macro. AF MF is fun and practical to use. The 90/2.8 macro is one of two lenses that made me bought A9 (I am not Sony user by the way). But for the portrait, I am old style. I am happy with my Noctilux 50/1.0.
Just got this 90mm baby yesterday, and the reason was your past videos which I was always shocked and stunned by your works with it. The excuse was that I need one for wedding rings and details ;) Was excited to see this video from you literally the same day that I got the lens. Can't wait to test it out. I hope I got a super sharp Copy!!
Very cool! And great excuse to get one haha You're gonna love it 😁✌️
@@MiguelQuilesJr
Currently own both 85GM and 90 Macro, but never used the 90 for portraits. Was debating selling the 90mm but I’ll hold off.
hi Miguel, I've been using 85mm 1.8 on my a7ii but its kinda struggle to find some focus sometime, especially in the low light condition, even when I'm using off-camera flash. Any advice on these problems?
I do all of my portraits with either the 90 mm Macro or the 55 mm 1.8 Zeiss. I like both lenses a lot.
I have the 55 it was my first lens after the kit lens I love that lens
C M I have both as well. Have you ever tested which lens is sharper???
@@steveg2417 If you have both.... couldn't... you ... just... do...that test yourself? (???)
Hi Miguel! So I’m switching from canon to sony (a7riv) and my bread and butter is beauty photography (ig backstage.life) My question: is this still a choice you’d recommend? I currently work with a 100mm . Thanks!
Revisited this one, awesome presentation. Have been using my 90 over my 85 simply because this lens is so sharp, considering selling my 85 and getting the sigma 105.
Love that lens is very sharp
Damn I needed this video a week ago 🤦🏾♂️
KeeP em CominG... I’ve never used it but my next lens will be the 85mm f1.4... look forward to the next one ☝️
i love the 100 STF its very sharp too but also love the 90 great job Miguel
Have to admit overlooked this lens for 2 years because it didn't have the fancy GMaster label on it. This was my 7th purchase but also my favorite. PS Miguel love the lighting technique you're using here
How funny 🙂 yesterday I discussed with my wife which lens to buy next and my choice would be this lens. She likes macro stuff with her a6000, I prefer portraits on my a73. So I think this is a perfect solution. Jason LAN... Shared a similar experience in 2016.
So I’m traveling to Venice for Carnival and am thinking to take my 90mm macro for the portrait shots outdoors. I don’t currently have the 85mmGM. Thanks for confirming.
I love shooting portraits with my 100mm f/2.8L, especially it's versatility!
IS it compatible with sony a6500?
Thank you!
Literally bought this lens 3 h ago, and here you are with your very positive review :) By the way, does your lens make a slight electric noise when manually focusing, or using af? Also tested the Sigma 105 1.4, such a great lens too!! Help me, I will be broke soon
Awesome video! Can’t wait for the sigma 105 1.4 FE to come out
Matthieu Tardan it is out! Check Pixel Connection, Avon, OH. They ship.
It's in the mail now 😮
Congratulations! You're gonna love it 📸
Thank you!!
Nice vid, mate. Curious to know your thoughts on the 100STF vs the 90/2.8G for this kind of headshots. :) Won't be putting the Zeiss 135/2.8 in the equation, because it'll make it even tougher. :)
Keep up the good work!
do you use for head shots
Great video as always! The only thing missing from this lens is the GM designation. Having owned the 90 and the 100mm I can honestly say the 90 is sharper and way faster (I know they’re both f 2.8 but the transmission on the 100 is much slower). If I’m outdoors doing portraits I’ll take it over my 85 1.4. The 90mm is so sharp that even if you crank up the denoise you have a hard time making it look soft. Great job!!!
Good point, Kevin. Just a small note if I may - the 100STF is actually not a 2.8, but a 5.6. :)
Pls review your skills when used you shootting portrait by sony len 90mm micro..i want to learn about that , thanks idol
Love using the Macro for portraits!
why?
I got my Sony 90mm f2.8 micro two days ago:) and it’s super sharp...
I was going to get the Sony 90mm macro --- should I sell the Sigma 85mm 1.4 (is there any reason to have both?)
I definitely love using macro lens for portraits! I used a older lens a sigma 150mm 2.8 on my Nikon d850! I get great results! Still a very sharp lens considering its age!
I use to love the Sigma 150 when I shot with my DSLR. It's an interesting focal length for shooting portraits for sure.
I use this lens for everything. ❤❤❤
My.first lens i bought with sony a7iii ..just picked it without a thought ...but awesome lens ...used it fr portrats ..class lens
Thank you Miguel very nice lens Review . But you know some people say since it's only f2.8 lens, so does not give you great bokeh as 85mm f1.8 dose. Is that correct ?
Hey Miguel could you please add a side by side comparison with shots that shows the main differences (bokeh/sharpness/FOV) between your favorite portrait lenses? I think this would do wonders to help the choice :)
I use a Sigma 70mm Macro for my studio work.Razor sharp. I send my retouching out. I do see a differrence in the price when I use it. Usually 50% more lol!🤑
Love the video,but what's the stand that the reflector is sitting on
It's a posing table. Here's the link to the set I use in the video> amzn.to/2PaDsdq
I bought a7riii and I choose Tamron 28-75 2.8 and I want to have lens for portrait so I’m confused between 90mm 2.8 and Sony FE 85 1.8 please advice me which one should I get for the result for nice portrait and also for money value please respond
ahmed sultan get the 85 1.8. You’ll get bokeh like no other for a good price. The tammy can close focus anyways
I have shot "Non professional" with a 90mm Macro but with a Nikon w/90mm TAMRON Macro 2.8. Love the outcome.
I still own the newest version of the Tamron 90 macro and it's a fantastic lens for the money! 👌
Would you consider using FE 100mm 2.8 STF GM OSS for portraits and is it better than 90mm?
I love the 100GM! It's not as sharp as the 90G macro so I use it mostly for outdoor work, but it's one of the best sleeper lenses in Sony's lineup.
Try a versus to the new Sigma Art 105 macro, many reviews conclude is more accurate and sharper
I just bought one lol it’s awesome!
Thank you for the education 🙏🏽 I just realized you said you re in jersey I was just asking myself which one of the awesome photographer/educators are located 👍🏽👍🏽
I might consider the 90mm macro when i set up my home studio? currently using the 85mm GM lens for outdoor portraits...
It's really good for outdoor portraiture too! Maybe rent it for a few days for your next shoot and compare it to the 85GM. They are both excellent but the 90G is definitely sharper.
@@MiguelQuilesJr Many thanks...
I have been watching many photographers reviews. But shhoting portrait is very iteresting. Will buy it andvtry it.
It's so good!
I'm shooting a friend's wedding week after next. I'm an amateur photographer and own a Sony a7iv with the Sony 90mm macro lens and the 35mm f1.8. I'm hoping these work well for the wedding!
The 90mm macro has always peeked my interest, but i don't know how the results are going to be using the Sony a6000. Can anyone tell me about their experience with the lens?
Is this lens good for jewelry portrait photos? Like on models? I’m asking because i owe a jewelry business and would like to get the best photos for my pieces and models 🙏🏼
Good question. This lens is awesome for that! With good lighting you can capture crazy amounts of detail. 📸
Thanks Miguel
I've been using this lens for portraits for quite some time. I have found that without doubt it is the sharpest lens I have ever used for portraiture. Both outside and in the studio. Great video.
Would you say the Af is quick enough to be used with Eye AF on kids?
On some of the newer bodies it performs really well. I wouldn't use it if they are running around though. 85mm 1.8 would be a better option.
@@MiguelQuilesJr I have an A7iii. Okey, my kid is 1.5, so she'll be running around for quite a few years. You'd say 85mm 1.8 is the best bet? Indoors I use 28mm f2, which is great. But I'd like something a little more candid, and the 50mm 1.8 has a horrid AF.
Congrats on the little one! I would definitely go with the 85mm 1.8 from Sony. The AF is fast and it's easily one of the very best for the money.
@@MiguelQuilesJr Thanks for the congrats and the advice!
I know this is old but I just got this lens and it's now my favorite of all time. The only one that comes close for me is the Sigma 105mm f1.4
All my studio close up portraits are done with the 90mm 2.8 macro:
www.joeripeeters.com/Portfolio/
If you had a choice between Sony 70-200 f2.8 gm and the new Sony 135mm f1.8 gm which one would you prefer?
70-200 !
For shooting Negatives (35mm ) which is the sharpest F stop ?
Rule of thumb is about F8. But is just takes a few hours with a tripod and good lighting for you to test this.
what lens do you shoot yourself talking usually?
In my videos usually a 35mm 1.4. 👍🏻
As u said extremely sharp..I experienced it..no using Sigma f1.4 DGDN..
Was actually thinking about getting this one, the gm 85mm 1.4, or the sigma 105mm 1.4! Which one do you think is the best for portraits??
Personally I'd go with the 85 1.4GM. It's the best all around lens. The 90 macro is a niche lens that you only pull out when you want ultra sharp shots. 👌
@@MiguelQuilesJr and the sigma 105mm 1.4? At a less expensive price point is that extra 20mm focal length and weight justify me spending that much more? Or, do I do more research on the 105mm 1.4 since it is just being released for the Sony E mount? Thank you for your time!
I tried the 105 1.4 E-mount and the AF-C performance with eye AF was still spotty. I'm not a fan unfortunately.
I use the 90mm and 85 GM both too, for run and gone wedding portraiture it's the 85GM for me but in a studio setup (where the bokeh also doesn't matter as much) the 90 is so crisp! Can I ask a question if you have time? If you could choose just two primes to use for a full year for portraits what would be your favourites?
Also I have serious gear acquisition syndrome watching this :D
That's a tough one. I'd say the safe answer would be to go with the 24-70GM and the 70-200GM. I could literally do everything I do with those 2 lenses for the rest of my career. It would be boring considering how much of a lens junkie I am, but it could be done quite easily. 😀📸
@@MiguelQuilesJr ah no my man i meant two prime lenses! Two zooms is way too easy 😎 although I've always wanted to try the 100-400GM...
Joseph Cullen Zeiss 50mm 1.4 & 85mm GM
@@joanmedina2886 good choices, I've been thinking about the new 24GM paired with the 85GM would be a great combo!
In your opinion should I set my camera color space “adobeRGB” from “sRGB”?
All depends on where the photos are going. I don't think you'll notice much difference either way for most images.
Miguel Quiles thank you Miguel! Love all the work you do for the community!
The very best portrait lens so far is sony 85 1.4gm.it has very decent sharpness and very nice rendering starting from 1.4.This macro lens is way too sharp.you get too much detail in skin and end up wasting your time in post blurring it.i.d use this lens for product photography, lanscapes and obviously macro but it def.would not be my choice for portraits
What is better 90 or 100 ?
what's the better lens 135 or 90 for portraits?
I couldn't say one is better than the other. I use them both for different situations. The 90 macro is going to be the holy grail of sharpness. A 135mm lens is great for tight portraits and headshots, especially outdoors but with less sharpness than a 90. I'd consider owning both if possible, but at the moment there isn't a great 135 for Sony yet.
I always shoot 105 macro on crop sensor for portrait unless it's environmental 😃
Can I use this lense for wedding photography and groups?
Please respond.
Absolutely yes!
I’m getting that lens next week
Sony 90mm f2.8 is gonna be in my bag.
I have the GM 85mm f1.4
What You prefer more for portaits?
You must have got it by now.
So, do you also think that the GM 85mm f1.4 is not as sharp as this 90mm 2.8? Appart from the f1.4 light, it is totally out of the water?
See you
silV
It’s a matter of preference,meaning what you feel comfortable with as Portrait and what you want to achieve.I feel thou any lens can be use for portraits..
Case and point:
The 70-200mm f2.8 can get you a very flattery look that’s a great advantage with a zoom range.
The 85mm f1.4/1.8 that lens is sweet because you can frame your subject as you see it in your mind, that lens is a masterpiece makes a female subject feel very comfortable at a distance and sharp on the eyes and chicks bones and the rest is nicely soft roll of the face...I would say that those two lenses if purchase one should already have clients that can pay your lens in the future...other than that any less expensive lens can shoot portraits...
Kketansa Art
They are both very sharp my friend.
How ever there are a different type of sharpness between the two.
The Sony 85mm f1.4/1.8 can achieve the same as the 90mm f2.8 but the 85mm is focus is at a pacification part of the subject meaning the face and eyes and soften everything else..
The 90 mm f2.8 that lens is so sharp that it covers the entire sensor Conor to Conor nothing escape without getting captured with razor blade ass cutting sharpness...
The 90mm f2.8 after shooting a model requires lots of editing it expose everything.
Even at micro photography nothing escapes the sharpness...
@@jean-michelargentin208
Thats a great info. Thank you for telling 🙂
Which means the depth of the in-focus portion is chunk full, and not just a thread line like other lenses.
I wan’t to get 85mm gm for christmas 🙂 right now I’m using canon 85mm f1.2 with sigma mc11 and its reall soft and slow. So I’m really excited 😃
The 85GM is next level sharp compared to the 85 1.2. I really wanted to love that lens when I shot Canon but every time I ended up going back to their 85mm 1.8.