Amateur Photographer verdict
A standout macro lens that offers impressive versatility for Sony users with excellent image quality, fast autofocus, and class-leading magnification all packaged in a polished design
- 1.4x magnification for extreme close-ups
- Fast, decisive autofocus system
- Excellent optical quality and bokeh
- Pricey (but it’s a G master)
- Closest focusing distance is only around 55mm from the end of the lens hood
- Dual manual focus switches could cause confusion
Sony FE 100mm F2.8 Macro GM OSS at a glance:
- Price: $1498/£1399
- Filter diameter: 67mm
- Aperture: f/2.8–22
- Min focus: 0.26m
- Dimensions: 147.9 x 81.4mm
- Weight: 646g
- Lens Mount: Sony-E
Sony’s G Master lenses are designed for photographers who demand top-notch performance, and now macro shooters have one to call their own. The Sony FE 100mm F2.8 Macro GM OSS builds on the popular FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS, but it brings a bit more to the table – a longer focal length, 1.4x magnification, an aperture ring and an enhanced autofocus system.
This new lens promises excellent image quality, a weather-resistant build and extra flexibility in the field – complete with teleconverter compatibility for even closer shooting. It’s aimed at photographers who want to get in close and capture every little detail, but it’s focal length and aperture range mean it’s also suitable for still life, portraits and fine art photography. In short, it’s more than just a macro lens.
Sony FE 100mm F2.8 Macro GM OSS – Features
One of the headline features of the Sony FE 100mm F2.8 Macro GM OSS is its 1.4x magnification at its closest focusing distance of 26cm. That’s more than the standard 1:1 ratio you get with most true macro lenses, so it lets you fill the frame with even smaller details. Pair it with Sony’s 1.4x or 2x teleconverters and you can push that magnification to 2.8x, which opens up even more creative possibilities. Helpfully, the closest focusing distance doesn’t change dramatically when the teleconverters is mounted, but it’s only a few centimetres from the end of the lens hood, so you need to be careful about casting shade on your subject.
The optical design includes 17 elements arranged in 13 groups, with two XA (extreme aspherical) and two ED (extra-low dispersion) elements to tackle chromatic aberration and distortion. A floating focus mechanism helps keep performance consistent throughout the focus range, and Sony’s Nano AR Coating II reduces flare and ghosting, which is handy when shooting backlit subjects.
As a G Master lens, the FE 100mm F2.8 Macro GM OSS is built to deliver high resolution and the f/2.8 maximum aperture, combined with an 11-blade diaphragm, should ensure it produces smooth, blurred backgrounds to isolate your subject.
Sony has paid special attention to the OSS II (Optical SteadyShot) system, tailoring it for macro shooting. It provides 6-axis stabilisation when paired with a compatible camera, including compensation for front-to-back movements that can be an issue when you’re shooting very close to a subject and at high magnification.
Meanwhile, the autofocus is handled by four XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors. Sony claims it’s up to 1.9x faster than the system in the older 90mm macro, and it certainly feels quicker and more confident. Further good news is that it’s designed to keep up with fast-moving subjects and even track at 120fps on the Alpha 9 III.
Sony FE 100mm F2.8 Macro GM OSS – Build and Handling
Despite its solid build and feature set, the Sony FE 100mm F2.8 Macro GM OSS weighs just 646g. It measures 147.9mm in length and is 81.4mm in diameter, so it’s a bit larger than the 90mm macro but still very manageable. It balances nicely on full-frame Sony bodies like the A7R V and the manual focus ring is in the perfect position for supporting the lens while making quick tweaks to the focus.
Sony has tailored the lens controls for macro photography. Firstly, like the 90mm macro lens, there’s a sliding clutch focus ring that switches between autofocus and manual focus with physical end stops and a distance/magnification scale. In addition, there’s an AF/MF switch that activates focus-by-wire which will feel more familiar to modern lens users. You also get full-time DMF (Direct Manual Focus), which is useful for fine-tuning after the autofocus system has done the heavy lifting.
Other controls include a focus limiter with three ranges, two customisable focus hold buttons, and an aperture ring with click and de-click options – ideal if you’re switching between stills and video. The lens is weather-sealed to G Master standards and has a fluorine coating on the front element to help repel dirt and moisture.
The lens feels great in use. The clutch-style focus ring works well, just pull it back to switch into manual focus and push it forward to return to AF. With physical end stops and a distance scale, this option (rather than using the AF/MF switch) offers a predictable and repeatable manual focus experience, which is especially helpful when shooting close up.
I find the manual focusing ring’s movement smooth and easy to control, with just the right amount of resistance. Whether you’re making big moves or subtle tweaks, the ring responds nicely. The DMF switch means you can also make quick manual adjustments while the lens is set to AF, which is something I find really helpful, especially when paired with the Auto Magnifier setting in the camera.
The focus limiter switch (with full, infinity to 0.5m or 0.7m to 0.25m settings) lets you narrow the focusing range to suit your subject, which can reduce hunting in cluttered scenes. It’s another feature that makes a difference when you’re working quickly or trying to nail focus in a busy composition.
The aperture ring feels well-made and gives satisfying clicks, but can be de-clicked for smooth, silent adjustment if you’re shooting video. The layout of switches and buttons is logical, and everything falls to hand nicely.
Sony FE 100mm F2.8 Macro GM OSS – Autofocus
I’ve used the Sony FE 90mm Macro G OSS a lot over the years, and while it’s a good lens, it’s never been the fastest when it comes to focusing. Thankfully, the FE 100mm F2.8 Macro GM OSS is a step forward. Autofocusing feels quick and positive, and the lens helps the camera make more confident decisions.
Even with fast-moving subjects, the lens tracks well. I used it in a low-lit pub to photograph a band, and it coped surprisingly well considering the conditions. Naturally, it’s also fully compatible with Sony subject detection technology.
For most macro work, I use a small focus area and often activate DMF to fine-tune. It’s a great system. The autofocus gets you close, and then you can refine with manual focus.
Sony FE 100mm F2.8 Macro GM OSS – Image Quality
The Sony FE 100mm F2.8 Macro GM OSS delivers excellent image quality. On the 61MP Sony A7R V, it produces very sharp images with loads of detail. Its centre sharpness is strong at f/2.8 and improves slightly at f/4, peaking at around f/5.6. Sharpness holds well to f/11, and while there’s a bit of diffraction at f/16 and f/22, it’s not too troubling at normal viewing sizes.
As usual, the corner sharpness isn’t quite as strong with the aperture wide open, but it catches up quickly as you stop down. Chromatic aberration is well controlled, and I didn’t notice any fringing, even in high-contrast areas. Distortion is also very well corrected, and I couldn’t spot any issues in my test shots.
There is a hint of vignetting at f/2.8, but it improves at f/4 and clears up by f/5.6. It’s mild enough that you might not even notice it unless you’re specifically looking for it.
The bokeh produced by the lens is very pleasant, with soft, rounded highlights and smooth transitions. Small highlights in out-of-focus areas look clean and round in the centre, with just a trace of a soap bubble effect. As usual, they turn slightly cat’s-eye shaped towards the edges, but it’s not a major issue.
Stabilisation is another strong point. While a tripod still gives the best results, especially when you want to keep a specific part of your subject framed just right, I found I could get usable handheld shots too. About 25% of my images at 1/13 sec were sharp at 100% on screen, and this rose to 40% at 1/25 sec. That’s pretty handy when you’re shooting more spontaneously or don’t have a tripod to hand.
Finally, the lens works brilliantly with Sony’s 1.4x and 2x teleconverters. Even at 2.8x magnification with the 2x converter, image quality holds up well. It’s great to have that extra reach when you want to get in even closer without disturbing your subject.
Sony FE 100mm F2.8 Macro GM OSS – Verdict
Sony has done a great job with the FE 100mm F2.8 Macro GM OSS. It builds on the success of the FE 90mm Macro G OSS and adds several meaningful upgrades that macro enthusiasts will appreciate. The 1.4x magnification opens the door to creative opportunities that go beyond what’s possible with a 1:1 lens, and the option to add a teleconverter further increases its versatility. In fact, being able to reach 2.8x magnification while maintaining good image quality makes it one of the most adaptable macro lenses I’ve used.
The autofocus performance is another big improvement. It’s noticeably faster and more confident than its predecessor, and that makes a real difference when photographing moving subjects or when working quickly in changing light. The combination of autofocus speed, DMF control and a clutch mechanism for manual focusing gives you the flexibility to approach subjects however you like, whether that’s handheld or with a tripod.
Most significantly, the image quality is excellent across the board, with strong centre sharpness, nicely rendered bokeh and well-controlled aberrations and distortion. Handling is also spot on, with physical controls that are easy to use and features that make sense for real-world macro work. It’s a well-thought-out lens that delivers on its promises and feels reliable in the field. If you’re a Sony user, this lens is a very attractive option for macro photography and more.
Full Specifications
| Price | £1399 |
| Filter Diameter | 67mm |
| Lens Elements | 17 |
| Groups | 13 |
| Diaphragm blades | 11 |
| Aperture | f/2.8–22 |
| Min focus | 0.26m |
| Length | 147.9mm |
| Diameter | 81.4mm |
| Weight | 646g |
| Lens Mount | Sony E |
| Included accessories | Lens hood (ALC-SH173), front and rear caps |
