Macro lenses are specialized lenses that can capture extreme close-up images of small subjects, such as insects, flowers, or jewelry. They can reveal fine details and textures that are invisible to the naked eye, and create stunning images with shallow depth of field and smooth bokeh.
In this article, we will compare Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS vs SIGMA 70mm f/2.8 DG MACRO | Art in detail and help you decide which one is better for you.
Two of the most popular macro lenses for Sony E mount cameras are the Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS and the SIGMA 70mm f/2.8 DG MACRO | Art. Both lenses offer a 1:1 magnification ratio, a fast f/2.8 aperture, and a high-quality build and performance.
But how do they compare in terms of features, specifications, image quality, and price? Which one should you buy for your macro photography needs?
Best For: Street photographers looking for exceptional image quality and versatile shooting capabilities.
- Nano AR Coating for reflection suppression
- Circular Aperture for enhanced bokeh effect
- Aspherical lens elements for reducing aberrations
- Heavy and bulky
Features and Specifications
The table below summarizes the main features and specifications of the Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS vs SIGMA 70mm f/2.8 DG MACRO | Art.
| FEATURE | Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS | SIGMA 70mm f/2.8 DG MACRO | Art |
| Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Full Frame | Yes | Yes |
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Image Stabilization | Yes | No |
| Lens Construction | 15 elements in 11 groups | 13 elements in 10 groups |
| Angle of View | 27 degrees (full frame), 17 degrees (APS-C) | 34.3 degrees (full frame), 22.9 degrees (APS-C) |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 0.28m | 0.26m |
| Maximum Magnification Ratio | 1.0x | 1.0x |
| Filter Size | 62mm | 49mm |
| Dimensions | 79 x 131mm | 71 x 106mm |
| Weight | 602g | 515g |
As you can see from the table, the two lenses have similar features and specifications, with some minor differences. The Sony lens has an optical image stabilizer (OSS), which can help reduce camera shake and blur when shooting handheld or in low-light situations.
The SIGMA lens does not have image stabilization, so you will need to rely on your camera’s in-body image stabilization (IBIS) or use a tripod for sharper images.
The SIGMA lens has a slightly shorter focal length (70mm vs 90mm), which can give you a slightly wider angle of view and a slightly shorter working distance (the distance between the front of the lens and the subject at the minimum focus distance). This can be useful for capturing more of the scene or getting closer to the subject and filling the frame with more details.
The SIGMA lens also has two fewer lens elements than the Sony lens (13 vs 15), which can affect the optical performance and quality of the lens. The SIGMA lens also weighs less than the Sony lens (515g vs 602g), which can make it more portable and comfortable to carry around or use for long periods of time.
The SIGMA lens is much cheaper than the Sony lens, which can be a significant factor for beginners or hobbyists who have a limited budget.
However, the SIGMA lens also has some disadvantages compared to the Sony lens, such as lack of image stabilization, focus limiter switch, aperture lock switch, customizable focus hold button, and weather-resistant construction.
Image Quality: Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS vs SIGMA 70mm f/2.8 DG MACRO | Art
Both lenses deliver excellent image quality in terms of sharpness, contrast, color rendition, distortion, vignetting, flare, and bokeh. They are both very sharp across the frame, even at wide open apertures. They also have minimal chromatic aberrations and field curvature. They also handle diffraction well up to f/16.
The bokeh quality of both lenses is smooth and pleasing, thanks to their fast f/2.8 aperture and 9-blade circular diaphragm. The out-of-focus areas are rendered softly and naturally, especially at close distances and wide apertures.
The distortion and vignetting of both lenses are very low and can be easily corrected in post-processing or by applying lens profiles. The flare resistance of both lenses is also very good, thanks to their anti-reflective coatings and lens hoods.
The main difference between the two lenses in terms of image quality is the focal length. The SIGMA lens has a slightly shorter focal length (70mm vs 90mm), which can affect the perspective, compression, and depth of field of the images.
The SIGMA lens can create a slightly wider angle of view and a slightly deeper depth of field for capturing more of the scene or keeping more of the subject in focus. The Sony lens can create a slightly more flattering perspective and compression effect for portrait photography, as well as a slightly shallower depth of field for isolating the subject from the background.
Conclusion
The Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS and the SIGMA 70mm f/2.8 DG MACRO | Art are both excellent macro lenses that can capture stunning close-up images of small subjects. They both offer a 1:1 magnification ratio, a fast f/2.8 aperture, and a high-quality build and performance.
The Sony lens has some advantages over the SIGMA lens, such as image stabilization, focus limiter switch, aperture lock switch, customizable focus hold button, and weather-resistant construction. However, it is also more expensive, heavier, and longer than the SIGMA lens.
The SIGMA lens has some advantages over the Sony lens, such as a shorter focal length, a lower price, and a smaller size and weight. However, it does not have image stabilization, focus limiter switch, aperture lock switch, customizable focus hold button, or weather-resistant construction.
The choice between the two lenses depends on your personal preferences, needs, and budget. If you want a more versatile lens that can perform well in different situations and for different subjects, especially if you shoot handheld or in low-light situations, you may prefer the Sony lens.
If you want a more specialized lens that can create a wider angle of view and a deeper depth of field for capturing more of the scene or getting closer to the subject, you may prefer the SIGMA lens. Both lenses are highly recommended for macro photography enthusiasts who use Sony E mount cameras. You can’t go wrong with either of them.