Sony DT 30mm F2.8 Macro SAM

Sony

DT 30mm F2.8 Macro SAM

Released October 2009

A 150 g APS-C A-mount macro prime with life-size reproduction and a built-in SAM autofocus motor.

Mount
Sony A
Focal length
30 mm
Max aperture
f/2.8
Stabilisation
–
Weight
150 g

What reviewers say

Both find the small, inexpensive lens useful for close-ups. What Digital Camera gets excellent macro photographs but disappointing resolution figures on an Alpha77. DCFever finds reasonable detail for the price, with modest contrast and colour, wide-open corner shading and noisy autofocus. Its very short working distance makes lighting subjects difficult; both describe barrel extension during close focusing.

From whatdigitalcamera.com and dcfever.com

Optics

Lens type
Prime
Focal length
30 mm
Maximum aperture
f/2.8
Minimum aperture
f/22
Macro lens
Yes
Optical construction
Six elements in five groups
Diaphragm
Seven blades; circular aperture
Angle of view
50° on APS-C

Mount and compatibility

Mounts
Sony A
Image circle
APS-C
Image circle detail
APS-C A-mount coverage; 45 mm equivalent field of view; Sony excludes film SLR use
Teleconverter support
Sony 1.4× and 2× teleconverters unsupported

Focus and stabilisation

Autofocus
Yes
Minimum focus distance
0.129 m
Maximum magnification
1×
Autofocus detail
Built-in SAM (Smooth Autofocus Motor); autofocus available from infinity to life-size reproduction
Focus distance detail
0.129 m minimum focus measured from the sensor plane; approximately 2 cm working distance from the lens front at closest focus
Magnification detail
1.0× maximum reproduction ratio

Design

Filter diameter
49 mm
Maximum diameter
70 mm
Length
45 mm
Weight
150 g
Controls
AF/MF switch; focus ring rotates during autofocus (What Digital Camera)
Dimensions detail
70 mm maximum diameter × 45 mm length
Weight detail
Approximately 150 g, maker lens weight
Lens hood
No lens hood specified
Release detail
Sony specifies October 2009 availability in Hong Kong and 22 October 2009 sale in Japan.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Life-size 1:1 reproduction
  • 150 g lens weight
  • Built-in autofocus motor

Cons

  • APS-C coverage only
  • Approximately 2 cm working distance at closest focus

Closest rivals

Model
MountFocal lengthMax apertureStabilisationWeightReleased
Sony A35 mmf/1.8–170 gOct 2010
Sony A50 mmf/1.8–170 gJun 2009
Sony A16–50 mmf/2.8No577 gOct 2011

Sources

  1. sony.jp/ichigan/products/SAL30M28/spec.html
  2. sony.jp/ichigan/products/SAL30M28/feature_1.html
  3. sony.jp/CorporateCruise/Press/200909/09-0929
  4. sony.com.hk/press/pdf/20090828_01e.pdf
  5. whatdigitalcamera.com/reviews/sony-dt-30mm-f2-8-macro-sam
  6. dcfever.com/news/readnews.php

Photo: sony.jp

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