The Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM lens provides you one thing few lenses do: true macro precision with portrait-level rendering. It’s not only a software for bugs and textures however a flexible improve that replaces one among Sony’s most beloved lenses, the 90mm Macro. When you’ve relied on that basic lens and began feeling its age, this new model brings again the thrill.
Coming to you from Gerald Undone, this thorough video breaks down the Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM lens and what makes it an actual step ahead. The lens is barely longer and heavier than the 90mm however retains acquainted comforts like optical stabilization and the main target clutch. Gerald notes that Sony added a de-clickable aperture ring, a second perform button, and a full-time DMF change, all small modifications that make every day use smoother. The entrance filter thread now matches different trendy Sony lenses at 67mm, decreasing adapter muddle. Most notably, this lens helps Sony’s 1.4x and 2x teleconverters, pushing magnification to a formidable 2.8:1 macro ratio.
The construct modifications matter, however the actual leap is underneath the hood. The older 90mm relied on an ageing Direct Drive SSM motor. The brand new 100mm replaces that with 4 XD linear motors which can be practically twice as quick, quieter, and extra exact. Autofocus at shut vary is steady and assured, even when the topic is millimeters away. Gerald factors out that focus respiration stays noticeable at excessive magnification, however for portraits or mid-distance work, Sony’s focus respiration compensation characteristic handles it cleanly.
Key Specs
Focal Size: 100mm
Most Aperture: f/2.8
Minimal Aperture: f/22
Lens Mount: Sony E
Format: Full Body
Minimal Focus Distance: 10.2 in / 26 cm
Magnification: 1.4:1
Optical Design: 17 Components in 13 Teams
Aperture Blades: 11, Rounded
Picture Stabilization: Sure
Filter Dimension: 67 mm
Weight: 1.4 lbs / 646 g
Gerald compares the brand new lens on to the 90mm, revealing sharper element within the middle and corners. Chromatic aberration is almost invisible, even large open, and flare management is healthier too. The 11-bladed iris softens the bokeh barely, producing smoother transitions and fewer busy backgrounds. For portraits, that refinement reveals instantly, as the topic stands out whereas the background falls away in a clear blur. Gerald highlights the improved colour rendition as properly, calling it extra pure and balanced than its predecessor.
There’s additionally a sensible aspect. Macro shooters who do focus stacking may nonetheless want rails as a result of the body shifts barely throughout focus, however the picture high quality is value the additional effort. Whether or not taking pictures portraits or crawling as much as a spider’s internet, the brand new 100mm holds sharpness edge to edge and delivers richer colour and texture.
Gerald doesn’t name it excellent, however he makes it clear that is the very best macro lens Sony has constructed thus far and a significant improve from the 90mm. Take a look at the video above for the total rundown.
