Sony has announced a new full-frame telephoto prime lens in its G Master series for E-mount mirrorless cameras. The Sony FE 100mm F2.8 Macro GM OSS lens features 1.4x magnification, advanced stabilisation, and intuitive handling.
Macro lens
As a macro lens, the Sony FE 100mm F2.8 Macro GM OSS can achieve a maximum magnification of 1.4x. This means that you can capture extreme close-up shots to reveal details that the naked eye can’t see. The new lens is also compatible with Sony’s optional teleconverter, so you can double the magnification to 2.8x. The minimum focus distance is only a little over 10 inches (260 mm). The lens features an integrated optical image stabilisation system, which has been designed to reduce camera shake for macro photography.
Optical design
The lens is constructed with 17 lens elements across 13 groups. These include two extreme aspherical (XA) elements as well as two extra-low dispersion (ED) elements. This optical design controls spherical and chromatic aberrations. It also maintains sharpness and clarity from the centre of your frame to the corner.
Plus, the lens features Sony’s Nano AR Coating II to reduce flare and ghosting. The focusing mechanism is internal, which is useful if you are balancing the lens on a gimbal.
Focus
This lens features four unique XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors to deliver fast and quiet autofocus. Sony says that the autofocus performance of the new lens is up to 1.9x faster than previous models. Using physical switches on the lens body, you can also choose between auto and manual focusing modes. These include a Full-time DMF switch, which enables instant manual focus by rotating the focus ring, even in autofocus mode. Additionally, there is a focus limiter switch so you can select between full range, from 0.5 m to infinity, or 0.26 m to 0.7 m.
Maximum aperture
Sony’s FE 100mm F2.8 Macro GM OSS lens has a relatively fast maximum aperture of F2.8. This should give a good low-light performance and shallow depth of field when wide open. With 11 iris blades, you should also get a smooth, round bokeh in the out-of-focus parts of your images. The lens features a manual aperture ring. And there’s a dedicated physical switch to de-click the ring for smooth changes in exposure while filming.
Build
This lens measures 5.8 inches (147.9 mm) in length and 3.2 inches (81.4 mm) in diameter. It weighs 22.8 ounces (646 g). The lens has been engineered with a weather-sealed design that resists dust and moisture. There is also a rubber gasket around the lens mount to help protect your camera’s sensor. In addition, the front element of the lens has a fluorine coating. This repels water, oil, and fingerprints to help you keep the glass clean.
What we think
The FE 100mm F2.8 Macro GM OSS is another impressive lens in Sony’s flagship G Master series. You can be sure of achieving the highest image quality with a lens that’s built to last. Whether you are shooting macro subjects or portraits, the fast autofocus and optical image stabilization will also deliver shots that will impress.
It’s good to see that Sony has considered video shooters with the option to de-click the aperture. If you shoot on a Sony E-mount camera and want a new mid-telephoto macro lens, the FE 100mm F2.8 Macro GM OSS could be a solid option.
Pricing and availability
The Sony FE 100mm F2.8 Macro GM OSS lens will be released in November 2025 and will retail at $1,499.
