FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS | Capture intense wildlife shots | Review by Sebinster Francis
Sebinster specialises in macro photography and has a deeply rooted love for wildlife and nature. He enjoys capturing minute details that truly showcase the beauty of wildlife. His approach to photography is reflected in his favourite quote (from Steve Jobs), “Details matter, it's worth waiting to get it right.”
Nurturing a love for larger-than-life nature
Since my visit to Kerala, India, I've been fascinated with wildlife shots. There's natural beauty in the mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians around us, and it's a pleasure capturing these sights on camera.
Looking through my albums, I appreciate how every photo has its own detailed story to tell – and also narrates my own growth and approach to photography. As my passion for photography and wildlife has grown larger, the subjects I've enjoyed photographing have gotten smaller.
I'm constantly inspired by the creatures around me – especially the tiniest ones! Amidst the beautiful colours and intricate patterns on their bodies, lie secrets that are waiting to be uncovered through macro photos.
My favourite camera and lens pairing for macro wildlife shots is the Sony Alpha 7C and FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS prime lens.
A prime lens is perfect for macro photography
When I shoot, I want to highlight the details every animal I encounter – whether it's a thumbnail-sized frog or a towering African elephant. The details of their eyes, unique colours and spellbinding patterns always amaze me.
Capturing such detail requires a prime lens, as these lenses are well-suited for close-up photography.
Here's a quick look at why I choose the FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS prime for macro shots:
- 1:1 magnification
- Minimum focusing distance of under 1 foot
- Incredible image quality and sharpness with optical stabilisation
- Internal focusing
Beginner's guide to macro photography
Where should I start?
You can begin your macro photography journey from home! There are many interesting everyday objects that hide fascinating details, which you can uncover with close-up shots. Or take a walk into your backyard (or just outside your home) and observe all the tiny flora and fauna that most people miss, and snap shots of these.
This is great practice for polishing up your observation skills and finding beauty in the things we see every day (and often overlook in our busy lives).
Is a macro lens really necessary?
While modern zoom lenses with macro capabilities are available (and are good for snapshots), I've found that nothing beats the FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS prime lens and its ability to deliver life-sized (1:1) magnification – which makes your macro shots truly inspiring.
Also, macro lenses allow you to get extremely close to your subject (under 1 foot away) and achieve an unmatched level of image clarity, quality and resolution.
Another reason – or two reasons – why I like the FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS prime lens is its optical stabilisation and internal focusing, which help immensely with capturing incredibly detailed photos.
Getting the most of your prime lens
There are three simple things to note when taking macro shots:
- Use the focus limiter
- Get as close as possible to the subject
- Aim for a 1:1 magnification in your shots
Keep these in mind while practising, and you'll soon have the basics down!
What's the benefit of using a lens with an inner focus?
The advantage of internal focusing is that the lens remains the same length. Using an internal focus also reduces the chance of the front element of the lens disturbing the subject – or worse, accidentally hitting the subject as you're focusing.
Also, a lens with an inner focus – like the FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS – is better protected against various weather conditions.
A giant passion for macro photography
What drives me to continue pursuing macro photography? It's the beautiful creatures I come across while on shoots, or when I'm just walking around in nature. Every animal, bird, reptile and amphibian inspires me – and it's especially exhilarating when I encounter a rare sighting.
Whatever your reasons for starting your macro photography journey, I hope this adventure brings you as much joy and fulfilment as it's given to me.
