Sony FE 100mm F2.8 STF GM OSS vs Sony FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS
Sony E-Mount
Both are 90-100 mm lenses for Sony E, but built for completely different jobs. The FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM OSS (2017) is a specialty portrait lens: according to Sony an apodization element is meant to let out-of-focus areas fade out especially smoothly. Because of that filter, f/2.8 corresponds to a transmission of T5.6, so some light is lost. It has an aperture ring and 11 blades. The FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS (2015) is a true 1:1 macro with a focus range limiter.
The 90 focuses down to 0.28 m and suits insects, flowers and details. The 100 reaches only 0.25x at 0.57 m with its macro ring, and 0.85 m in the normal range.
Which one suits whom?
- FE 100 STF: You mainly shoot portraits and want the special transition of the blur.
- FE 90 Macro: You want close-ups at 1:1 magnification and still a portrait telephoto.
Key differences
- Focal length: 100 mm on the Sony FE 100mm F2.8 STF GM OSS, 90 mm on the Sony FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS.
- The Sony FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS is 98 g lighter (602 g vs 700 g).
- The Sony FE 100mm F2.8 STF GM OSS is 13 mm shorter.
- The Sony FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS focuses closer: from 28 cm instead of 57 cm.
- Filter thread: 72 mm on the Sony FE 100mm F2.8 STF GM OSS, 62 mm on the Sony FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS.
Specs side by side
The key specs of both lenses side by side.
| Lens | Sony FE 100mm F2.8 STF GM OSS | Sony FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 100 mm | 90 mm |
| Max. aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Weight | 700 g | 602 g |
| Filter diameter | 72 mm | 62 mm |
| Min. focus distance | 57 cm | 28 cm |
| Length | 118 mm | 131 mm |
| Autofocus | yes | yes |
| Image stabilization | yes | yes |
Size comparison
- Sony FE 100mm F2.8 STF GM OSS: 118 × 85 mm
- Sony FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS: 131 × 79 mm
Side view to the same scale, length × diameter (without lens hood).