Sony 30mm F2.8 Macro SAM Lens
The Sony 30mm f/2.8 Macro SAM is a 30mm f/2.8 lens designed for Sony A mount cameras. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Sony 30mm F2.8 Macro SAM Lens
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Lens Overview — Sony 30mm f/2.8 Macro SAM
Key Features — Sony 30mm f/2.8 Macro SAM
30mm f/2.8 Prime: A fixed focal length with a maximum aperture of f/2.8, offering useful light-gathering capability for a dedicated macro lens.
1:1 Macro Capability: Achieves true life-size reproduction, allowing fine detail capture of small subjects like insects, flowers, and products.
APS-C A-Mount Design: Built specifically for Sony's A-mount DSLR system, ensuring full native compatibility with APS-C format bodies.
SAM Autofocus Motor: Smooth Autofocus Motor (SAM) is built into the lens, enabling quiet and responsive autofocus without requiring a body-driven screw motor.
Auto and Manual Focus: Supports both AF and MF operation, giving shooters the flexibility to switch depending on subject and shooting conditions.
Lightweight Body: At just 150g, this is one of the lightest A-mount lenses available, making it well-suited for travel and extended handheld use.
Lens Specifications — Sony 30mm f/2.8 Macro SAM
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Macro, Portrait, Product |
| Lens Type | Macro |
| Format | APS-C |
| Zoom/Prime | Prime |
| Focal Length | 30mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Camera System | DSLR |
| Lens Mount | Sony A |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Focus Type | Auto, Manual |
| Image Stabilization | None |
| Filter Thread | 49mm |
Description — Sony 30mm f/2.8 Macro SAM
The Sony 30mm f/2.8 Macro SAM is a prime lens built for Sony A-mount DSLR cameras with APS-C format sensors. It sits in the standard focal length range at 30mm, making it versatile enough for everyday shooting as well as dedicated macro work. The f/2.8 maximum aperture provides useful light-gathering capability, while the lens's 150g weight keeps your kit light and manageable.
Both autofocus and manual focus are supported, giving you the flexibility to switch between modes depending on your subject and shooting style. A 49mm filter thread means compatible filters and accessories are compact and widely available. The lens does not include image stabilization, so technique and shutter speed management are important, particularly when shooting in close-up scenarios.
As a native Sony A-mount lens designed for APS-C bodies, it delivers straightforward compatibility with Sony's DSLR lineup in that format.
Pros — Sony 30mm f/2.8 Macro SAM
- ✓Lightweight at just 150g, making it easy to carry for extended use
- ✓Wide maximum aperture of f/2.8 for a macro lens, useful in varied lighting conditions
- ✓Supports both autofocus and manual focus operation
Cons — Sony 30mm f/2.8 Macro SAM
- ✗No image stabilization, which can be a challenge for handheld macro shooting
- ✗APS-C-only format limits use to crop-sensor bodies in the Sony A-mount lineup
- ✗30mm focal length provides relatively short working distance for macro work compared to longer macro primes
Videos — Sony 30mm f/2.8 Macro SAM
Sony 30mm F2.8 Macro Lens Review | John Sison — John Sison
Frequently Asked Questions — Sony 30mm f/2.8 Macro SAM
What camera bodies is this lens compatible with?+
This lens is designed for the Sony A-mount system and is optimized for APS-C format sensors. It will mount on Sony A-mount DSLR bodies that accept APS-C lenses.
Does this lens have image stabilization?+
No, the specifications confirm that image stabilization is listed as None. Photographers shooting handheld, especially in macro scenarios, should compensate with shutter speed or ISO settings.
Can I use autofocus with this lens?+
Yes, the lens supports both autofocus and manual focus operation. This makes it flexible for different shooting situations, including video where quiet focusing can be important.
What filter size does this lens use?+
The lens has a 49mm filter thread, which is a compact and common size. This makes it straightforward to find compatible filters at a reasonable cost.
How heavy is this lens?+
The lens weighs 150g, making it one of the lighter options available for the Sony A-mount system and easy to carry alongside a camera body for day-long shooting.
Is this lens suitable for full-frame Sony A-mount cameras?+
This lens is specified as an APS-C format lens, meaning it is designed for crop-sensor bodies. Using it on a full-frame A-mount body may result in vignetting or reduced image coverage.