When spending time in nature and taking beautiful macro images, I want my gear to function without having to baby it. I want to be absorbed at the moment—not worrying about my equipment. That’s why the 90 mm macro lens has been a true workhorse for me.
My professional mission is to help others find healing in the garden with their camera. Years ago, I learned the power of slowing down and spending time in nature. This power is amplified when we quietly sit with our cameras in that nature space. We not only lower our stress levels but the camera— particularly a macro lens—expands our view into details our naked eye would miss.
The use of a macro lens can bring up waves of appreciation for the simple things in life that we wouldn’t usually notice. My top tip for shooting is to not ‘be a bee.’ Spend time in one place and exhaust all the possibilities in that one spot before moving. You will be surprised at how much you overlook.
Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS Lens
My 90 mm macro lens is strong despite exposure to dew, rain, mud, and clouds of dust. It also shoots very quietly. This is essential as any noise can scare away tiny subjects.
This lens has been so important to me specifically because it was designed with features that make shooting intuitive and enhance muscle memory. The clutch mechanism lets me shift from auto focus to manual focus without taking my eye from the viewfinder. The focus limiter and steady shot switches are located right where my thumb meets the lens. This lets me effortlessly switch the settings without interrupting my attention.
The image below is of a fritillaria uva vulpis. I needed to plop down on the ground with my lens and spend fifteen minutes shooting from many angles until I saw the composition I was looking for.
Here are a couple of tips to make the process more fun:
- Stop down more than you might think you need to. I start images like this at f5.6 and go deeper from there. A macro lens will have lovely creamy bokeh when you shoot close and have distance behind your subject.
- Turn off any noises on your camera to avoid pulling your attention out of the moment and potentially scaring off animals or insects. I shoot in silent mode on my Sony A7sIII.
- Have sunblock, bug spray and/or a netted hat to make sitting still easier. Nothing wrecks the moment more than a mosquito buzzing in your ears.
Shooting with a macro lens is more than just making pretty pictures. My 90 macro is a tool that highlights the tiniest details of the world, which in turn makes me a more observant person. There is a tangible joy created through this unique way of shooting and I encourage others to discover these benefits too.
