Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM Lens

The Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM Lens stands out as the first true macro lens in the G Master series, delivering exceptional image quality and an impressive 1.4x maximum magnification beyond life-size. Designed with multiple physical controls and dials, it enhances precision in close-up photography. This medium-telephoto prime is also versatile enough for broader photographic applications, featuring Optical SteadyShot image stabilization to support handheld shooting in diverse settings such as portraits, weddings, and on-location work.

Advanced Close-Up Shooting

Featuring a maximum magnification of 1.4x that exceeds life-size, this macro lens excels in detailed close-up photography. With a minimum focus distance of 26cm and a working distance of 9cm, it achieves its peak magnification effectively. The focusing ring slides forward and backward for quick switching between manual and autofocus modes, while the focus distance and magnification scales are clearly marked on the lens for precise manual control. A focus range limiter switch lets you select focusing distances of 26-70cm, 50cm to infinity, or 26cm to infinity to enhance autofocus speed and accuracy. Additionally, compatible teleconverters can increase maximum magnification to 2.8x.

G Master Optical Quality

As the first dedicated macro lens in the G Master series, the Sony FE 100mm incorporates cutting-edge optical technologies to produce sharp, highly detailed images with beautiful bokeh. Its sophisticated construction includes 17 elements arranged in 13 groups, featuring two XA (eXtreme Aspherical) and two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements to effectively reduce aberrations. The Nano AR Coating II minimizes flare, ghosting, and internal reflections, enhancing overall contrast. The lens maintains a consistent size during focusing thanks to an internal focus mechanism, while a floating focus system contributes to its compact design. An 11-blade circular aperture diaphragm ensures smooth, rounded bokeh quality.

Autofocus and Image Stabilization

Equipped with cutting-edge lens technology, the Sony FE 100mm Macro features a fast and precise autofocus system driven by four near-silent XD linear motors, delivering autofocus speeds up to 1.9 times quicker than the FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS. It fully supports high-speed shooting modes such as 120 fps burst on the a9 III and 4K 120p video capture. The floating focus design reduces aberrations at close distances while keeping the lens compact, and internal focusing maintains a consistent lens length throughout the focus range. Its advanced Optical SteadyShot stabilization is optimized for macro photography, offering coordinated control with compatible camera bodies that include sensor-shift stabilization for enhanced steadiness.

Advanced Controls and Ergonomics

This lens is engineered to offer photographers comprehensive control at their fingertips. The focus range limiter switch enables faster autofocus by restricting the focus distance. The manual focus ring slides to toggle between autofocus and manual focus, while distance and magnification scales are clearly printed for precision. A physical aperture ring allows for quick, tactile adjustments, with a de-click switch to enable smooth aperture changes during video recording. The iris lock switch prevents accidental shifts from A or manual aperture settings. A full-time DMF switch toggles Direct Manual Focus, and a SteadyShot switch activates or disables optical image stabilization. Two customizable focus hold buttons maintain focus when pressed or can be assigned other functions. The focus mode switch allows setting manual or autofocus directly on the lens. Constructed with dust- and moisture-resistant materials and a fluorine-coated front element, the lens is protected against environmental factors and easy to clean. It also includes the ALC-SH173 Lens Hood to reduce flare from stray light.

Teleconverter Compatibility

The FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM lens is compatible with Sony’s optional 1.4x and 2x Teleconverters, enabling photographers and videographers to extend the focal length up to 200mm for enhanced magnification or increased working distance. Using the 1.4x Teleconverter delivers a maximum magnification of 2x with a 140mm effective focal length and an f/4 maximum aperture. The 2x Teleconverter boosts maximum magnification to 2.8x, providing a 200mm effective focal length with an f/5.6 maximum aperture.

Teleconverters also extend the working distance beyond the lens’s minimum focus range. This increased distance enables photographers to better position lighting around small subjects, reducing shadows and unwanted distractions, and makes it easier to photograph wary or delicate subjects, like insects, without causing disturbance.