This 100mm f/2.8 macro prime suits creators who need crisp detail and controlled perspective at close range, plus a comfortable working distance for small subjects.

• Product, food, jewelry, and craft photographers who need repeatable tabletop results.
• Nature and detail shooters who want subject isolation and background control.
• Hybrid photo/video users who benefit from built-in stabilization (OSS) for steadier handheld shots.
• Portrait shooters who occasionally need tight detail shots without swapping to a different focal length.

• Mount check: Verify your camera uses Sony’s E-mount and supports FE-type lenses. If unsure, share your exact body model with Bluewater Photo for confirmation.
• Stabilization behavior: Confirm how your camera handles lens OSS alongside any in-body stabilization; some bodies let you prioritize one or coordinate both.
• Firmware & settings: Update camera firmware and reset any legacy lens settings that could limit AF or stabilization performance.
• Rig fit: If using gimbals, cages, or housings, ensure clearance for the lens and room for focus movement. Check your port/adapter list if shooting in a housing.
• Ask an expert: Bluewater Photo can verify mount and accessory compatibility and provide setup guidance when you share your camera and accessory list.

• Inspect front/rear elements for dust or smudges; clean with blower and microfiber.
• Check electronic contacts are clean and dry; mount using the alignment marks—no forcing.
• Select your focus method: start with reliable AF for scouting, or MF for precise framing at high magnification.
• Enable OSS if shooting handheld; consider disabling stabilization on a locked-down tripod per your camera’s guidance.
• Run a dry-run: verify exposure, white balance, and focus behavior at the distance/magnification you’ll use.
• If using a housing or rig, confirm port fit, vacuum/pressure test (if applicable), and that controls reach AF/MF and OSS switches or menu settings.

• Automatic (AF, metering, OSS on): Use when lighting or subject position changes—walkaround macro, handheld detail, quick portrait accents.
• Manual/Custom (MF, exposure locked, OSS as needed): Use for controlled tabletop sets, repeatable product angles, or focus-stacking workflows where you want consistent framing.
• Practical flow: Start in auto to establish composition and baseline exposure, then lock in manual focus/exposure for consistency. Re-enable AF only if conditions change.
• Tripod/gimbal: If the camera is fully stabilized, review your body manual on stabilization—some setups work best with OSS off to avoid micro-movement.

• Soft images: Reseat the lens, clean contacts, increase light, or switch to MF for high-magnification shots to avoid AF hunting.
• Shake/blur: Use OSS for handheld; on tripod, evaluate whether stabilization should be off. Test at your intended shutter speeds before the real shoot.
• Focus confidence: Use magnified live view/peaking for fine detail. Recheck focus at the start of each session and after any impact or temperature change.
• Aftercare: Wipe moisture immediately; store dry with caps on. If used inside a housing, rinse the housing with fresh water—never submerge the bare lens.
• Recommended spares: Front/rear caps, microfiber cloths, blower, and a protective pouch. Keep silica gel in your kit to manage humidity.
• Need help fast? Share your symptoms and camera model with Bluewater Photo for step-by-step checks or a tailored setup review.