Affordable Macro Lens Solutions for Sony Alpha A6000: Buying and Mounting Used Options
Are you an avid photographer looking to get sharp, close-up shots of your subjects without breaking the bank? If you have a Sony Alpha A6000 camera, the good news is that you can explore macro photography with a relatively inexpensive macro lens. In this guide, we will delve into the option of using used macro lenses from discontinued systems and mounting them on your Sony camera. Let’s explore this exciting and cost-effective solution.
Understanding Macro Photography on the Sony Alpha A6000
Macro photography is a form of photography that is used to photograph very small subjects such as insects, flowers, jewelry or any fine detail. It generally requires a macro lens to achieve sharp, enlarged images of the subject, however, achieving this does not necessarily mean having to invest in a brand-new lens. For those who are budget-conscious, using a used macro lens can be a viable and cost-effective solution.
Choosing a Suitable Used Macro Lens
The key challenge is finding a compatible macro lens that can be adapted to the Sony Alpha A6000. In this section, we will look at some discontinued systems that have outstanding macro lenses and can be adapted to your camera.
Canon FD System
The Canon FD system, which is now discontinued, had a powerful macro lens range. The Canon FD 105mm f/2.8 Macro lens (now marked FD 105mm f/2.8 LP) is a highly regarded option. While the lens itself may no longer be readily available, there are lens adapters that can help you attach it to your Sony Alpha A6000. Many older lenses from this system are user-friendly and offer excellent results in macro photography.
Minolta MD System
The Minolta MD system also offers some great macro options. The Minolta MC 100mm f/2.8 macro lens is a well-known choice among photographers. The adapter to mount this lens on a Sony Alpha A6000 is readily available and provides the necessary mount conversion. Both the lens and adapter can often be found at good prices on the used market, making macro photography within budget a reality.
Olympus OM System
The Olympus OM system lenses are known for their high quality and the OM 90mm f/2.8 Macro lens is particularly well-regarded. While this lens is no longer in production, it can often be found in good condition used. You’ll need a specific lens adapter to mount it on your Sony Alpha A6000, and similar to the other systems, you can find good deals on both the lens and the adapter.
Mounting the Lens on Your Sony Alpha A6000
To mount these lenses on your Sony Alpha A6000, you will need a lens mount adapter. These adapters are designed to convert the lens mount of the discontinued system to the Sony Alpha A6000’s E-mount. You can find adapters specifically designed for the Canon FD, Minolta MD, and Olympus OM systems. Installation is a straightforward process, and many guides and tutorials are available online to help you through the process.
Using Manual Focus for Macro Photography
Since macro photography is often achieved through manual focus, you don’t need to worry about autofocus issues. The manual focus allows you to achieve precise control over your shots, which is essential for capturing the fine details that macro photography is known for. In fact, with manual focus, you gain full control over your focus, allowing you to obtain incredibly detailed images.
Get Started with Affordable Macro Photography
Sony Alpha A6000 users looking to explore macro photography without a hefty investment can find affordable options through discontinuous systems. With a bit of research and patience, you can find a lens (often in great condition) that adapts perfectly to your camera, allowing you to capture stunning macro images. Happy shooting!
Conclusion
The options for purchasing and adapting used macro lenses to your Sony Alpha A6000 are vast and can greatly enhance your photography skills without breaking the bank. Whether it’s a Canon FD, Minolta MD, or Olympus OM lens, these systems offer lenses that, when paired with the right adapter, can provide excellent macro photography capabilities. With manual focus, these lenses let you control every aspect of your shot, making macro photography both feasible and rewarding.