Sony 30mm f/3.5 Macro Lens for Alpha NEX Cameras
Sony's 30mm f/3.5 Macro Lens for Alpha NEX Cameras features a 1:1 magnification ratio at all apertures and ED glass as well as multi-coating for excellent image quality. Chromatic aberration and color bleeding are minimized to produce clear, crisp photos and video. Direct Manual Focusing lets you switch instantly from autofocus to manual focus without any other adjustments, and an internal stepping motor and rear-focusing design provide the quiet, smooth operation that's required for high-quality video capture. This is a versatile lens that gives you plenty of options for quality image-making.
- 1:1 Magnification Ratio
- The SEL30M35 has a 1:1 magnification ratio so that subjects can be captured at full size on the camera's image sensor. This makes it easy to shoot quality macro close-ups of flowers, insects, and small objects.
- Aspherical/ED Glass Elements
- The SEL30M35 offers excellent image quality throughout the entire image area, with high contrast and minimal chromatic aberration from infinity to 1:1 magnification at all aperture settings. ED glass is used for the G4 element, minimizing chromatic aberration and color bleeding as well as multi-coating throughout for exceptionally clean, clear rendering.
- Made for Movies
- The SEL30M35 performs equally as well when shooting video. Thanks to an internal stepping motor and rear-focusing design It has optimized video performance for smooth, quiet operation essential for high-quality movie capture. Additionally, the filter mount does not rotate during focusing for hassle-free polarized filter use.
- Smooth Manual Focusing
- An easy-grip focus ring on the lens barrel gives you a solid "hands-on" feel in manual focusing. Additionally, Direct Manual Focus (DMF) allows you to focus manually after AF lock-on without the need for any switching. This can be extremely useful in situations where AF can't lock onto the subject accurately, or when AF locks onto a point that does not match your intention. Electronic manual focus technology was originally developed for professional Sony camcorders to ensure smooth, precise focus control.
Go To
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 30 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/3.5 Minimum: f/22 |
| Camera Mount Type | Sony (E Mount for NEX) |
| Format Compatibility | DSLR (APS-C Sensor) |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 3.74" (9.5 cm) |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:1.0 |
| Groups/Elements | 6/7 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | Front: 49 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 2.44 x 2.19" (62 x 55.5 mm) |
| Weight | 4.87 oz (138 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 10 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Lightweight (8)
- Easily interchangeable (6)
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (6)
- Nice bokeh (3)
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro photography (9)
- Video (4)
- Landscape/scenery (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (5), Pro photographer (4)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (10)
Reviewed by 10 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-10
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro and portraits
- Macro Photography
Comments about Sony 30mm f/3.5 Macro Lens for Alpha NEX Cameras:
Sharp, light, but a bit large- smaller would have ben better.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
Comments about Sony 30mm f/3.5 Macro Lens for Alpha NEX Cameras:
Best use for macro with Sony NEX cameras
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
- None so far
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
- Video
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sony 30mm f/3.5 Macro Lens for Alpha NEX Cameras:
I bought the lens to use for 'B Roll' footage in film production as well as nature photography (video). So far I have only done some test clips in the studio, but I have not been disappointed. When these are shot 1:1 of small objects and then viewed on my 30" cinema monitor, they are very impressive. Nope, it's not a "high end" piece of glass, but it the results look very high end.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Recommended:
- variable ND filter
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
- Video
Comments about Sony 30mm f/3.5 Macro Lens for Alpha NEX Cameras:
I have been tryin to take some saltwater fish pics in my tank with my CZ 1.8 lens. It was ok, but could never get close enough. This lens althogh not as sharp as my CZ. It allows me to get close enough to take shots of Coral and was able to take pics of my speedy fishes. Color is accurate and the backgorund blurs very nicely. It is light and size is small enough to take anywere.
Video is also very nice on my fish tank.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Flowers
- Macro Photography
- Pictures of my kids
Comments about Sony 30mm f/3.5 Macro Lens for Alpha NEX Cameras:
I am for sure the amateur photographer who wanted a step up from point-and-shoot, so I can't speak too technically, but this is the coolest lens ever! I have wanted a nice camera and macro for several years, as I love taking pictures of flowers. For this application, this lens gives great results. I have snapped some other random shots of people, etc. and they turned out fine too, so I am thinking this will be my "go-to" lens that I can leave on the camera as this is the majority of the subject matter I shoot. I am well pleased, I feel this lens really produces great results!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Nice Bokeh
- Sharp at max aperture
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
Comments about Sony 30mm f/3.5 Macro Lens for Alpha NEX Cameras:
Gets real close to subject, very sharp at max aperture, great color rendering, only some color fringing at max aperture. stopped down to 5.6 supersharp. AF speed was ok
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony 30mm f/3.5 Macro Lens for Alpha NEX Cameras:
Very small compact crisp lens. I have been a Pro photographer for years. Having a small point and shoot turn into a DLSR camera (NEX-5n) mixed with a great macro, helps when I can't fit my D3s into my bag.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- It's sharp
- Lightweight
Cons
- Rather disposable
Best Uses
- A prime walk around
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Night Photography
- Video
Comments about Sony 30mm f/3.5 Macro Lens for Alpha NEX Cameras:
This is a great lens to add to the NEX system. It's obviously not what you would consider an investment because as the NEX system goes so goes the lens line-up.
So having said that if you're working with the NEX products this is a wonderful addition.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
- Hollow feel
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
- Video
Comments about Sony 30mm f/3.5 Macro Lens for Alpha NEX Cameras:
It's sharp. It focuses closer than 2" which is fine if you want to move that close to your subject. I was a little dismayed at the cheap feel of the barrel
But realized its a system camera and I'm pretty much at the mercy of Sony
So whatever...I'm actually very ambivilant about the NEX. I can't seem to find anything that sets it apart as a great camera system.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
- F16 noticeable degrade
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony 30mm f/3.5 Macro Lens for Alpha NEX Cameras:
For [$] this is an excellent piece of glass for the NEX system. The focal length isn't really long enough to be a practical macro lens for anything living as it requires you to get so close to reach 1:1 reproduction. If you're shooting stills in a studio this is not such a big deal. As a walk-around lens, it's super light and very, very sharp. This lens, wide open at f3.5, I would put it on par with my old Nikon 50mm stopped down to f4. That says a lot about this little lens. In my testing I found that f3.5 - f8 are all so close in sharpness that I feel no need at all to stop it down unless it's for DOF. Functionally speaking, as a macro lens, I did find that by f16 there was some degrade in contrast and detail. Most of my macro work I shoot with lighting and the lens is set to f11-f22 to get enough depth to put my subject in focus. For [$]bucks, I'm satisfied with the lens' performance and will be keeping it and taking with me when I travel.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by Tom the Traveller
Snapshot of my ring sitting on top of a CFL light.
(17 of 17 customers found this review helpful)
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- You may also flag this review
Displaying reviews 1-10
Filters & Filter Kits
- Price: $7.09
- Price: $27.95
Cases & Wraps
- Price: $15.99
Care & Cleaning
-
- Original: $4.99
- Save: $0.50
- Price: $4.49
Color Balancing / Lens Calibration
- Price: $79.95
Books & Tutorials
- Price: $24.95
What's in the Box
- Front and Rear Lens Caps
- Lens Hood (ALC-SH113)
- 1-Year Limited Warranty (Parts & Labor)
Why Shop at B&H
Make your online shopping trip personal with our online Live Chat representatives. You can easily reach an in-house expert while browsing our site for your shopping needs. We have the most highly-trained staff in the industry who are pros in their fields, and their professional expertise will help you get the most from your purchase.
Place your domestic order with us for shipment via any UPS, FedEx Economy, or FedEx Priority shipping methods by 4 PM ET Monday through Thursday or 11 AM ET Friday and your order will be shipped that day. Visit our Shipping Delivery Times page for further details. Delivery times are subject to payment verification.
We appreciate your purchase from us, and we understand that sometimes the products you buy don’t turn out to be the right choice for you. We guarantee your peace of mind with our 30-day return policy. With no standard restocking fee and few restrictions, you’ll enjoy a return process as easy as shopping with us. Please visit our Return Policy page for further details.
We’ve made iPhone and Android mobile apps available for your service and shopping convenience. Use filtered search to find and purchase almost any item we sell and ship worldwide. Download product manuals and guides for many popular items. See high-resolution product images in close-up detail. Manage wishlists and view order history. Visit our Mobile Apps page to download.
See sample Newsletter
Help
Company Information
B&H Resources
