Sony DT 30mm f/2.8 SAM Macro

Review- Sony DT 30mm f/2.8 SAM Macro

The Obvious Negatives- The build isn't top rate, yet it isn't bad either. Some wobble of the lens tubes, and about 1mm of play for the focus ring. The mount is plastic, which for me isn't a big deal as long as the lens performs well optically, but "re-sellers" will note that it lowers it's resale value. Also, it is a designated APS-C lens by Sony (yet see the positives). CA's are dominant in high contrast regions at f2.8-4, start to diminish pretty well at f/5.6. Vignetting is a bit high at f/2.8 (but I've seen worse), contrast is low wide open. The SAM motor is a bit noisy, especially when using CDAF focusing as it slows down and tries to find pinpoint focus, and finally it can hunt a bit which takes you through a longer than normal focus range because it is a macro (without a focus limiter switch). If you are going to use it for close up critters you better move very slowly as you need to get close to magnify your subjects (more a limitation of the focal length than anything else). The Obvious Positives- It has a pleasant finish and a smoothly operating focusing ring. It has a simple distance scale marked on the focusing ring that is bright and easy to read.