Sony E Sony FE 100mm F2.8 STF GM OSS

Sony FE 100mm F2.8 STF GM OSS
Sony E

OIS Autofocus
Sony FE 100mm F2.8 STF GM OSS

Review

The Sony FE 100mm F2.8 STF GM OSS is a standout prime lens designed for Sony E-mount cameras, offering exceptional optical performance with a unique focus on bokeh and rendering. This lens is particularly favored by portrait photographers and those who desire creamy backgrounds and sharp subjects.

Build Quality and Design

This lens boasts a robust and elegant design, consistent with Sony's G Master series. The metal construction feels solid and durable, yet the lens remains relatively lightweight, making it comfortable for extended shooting sessions. The manual aperture ring adds a tactile element, allowing photographers to finely adjust exposure settings. Additionally, the lens features a dust and moisture-resistant design, ensuring it can withstand challenging shooting environments.

Optical Performance

The optical performance of the Sony FE 100mm F2.8 is one of its most compelling features. The lens uses a unique Smooth Transition Focus (STF) design that includes an apodization filter, which softly transitions out-of-focus areas, resulting in pleasing and smooth bokeh. In terms of sharpness, this lens delivers outstanding results, with razor-sharp images even when shot wide open.

However, the lens doesn't excel in every situation. Some users might notice slight chromatic aberration in high-contrast areas, though this is typically minimal and can be corrected in post-processing.

Autofocus and Usability

The autofocus system on the Sony FE 100mm F2.8 is quick and reliable, suitable for portraits and events. It performs adequately in low-light conditions, but occasionally lags when tracking fast-moving subjects due to the lens's design prioritizing its optical qualities over speed. The focus mechanism is also relatively quiet, which is a significant advantage when shooting video.

Versatility

While primarily a portrait lens, the 100mm focal length opens up various creative possibilities. It's excellent for capturing details in nature or architecture, allowing for a level of versatility that many lenses in this category lack. However, due to its longer focal length, it may not be ideal for wider shots or cramped spaces without stepping back significantly.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Exceptional image quality with sharpness and detailed rendering
  • Stunning bokeh thanks to the STF design
  • Solid build quality with dust and moisture resistance
  • Versatile for portraits, detail shots, and certain types of wildlife photography

Cons

  • Slight chromatic aberration can be noticeable in high-contrast scenes
  • Autofocus may struggle in fast-moving situations
  • Longer focal length may limit usability in confined spaces

Verdict

The Sony FE 100mm F2.8 STF GM OSS is an impressive lens that excels in delivering superb optical quality and beautiful bokeh, making it a fantastic choice for portrait photographers and those seeking to elevate their creative work. While it has its limitations, particularly in fast-paced scenarios, the positives far outweigh the negatives for its intended use. Whether you're shooting portraits, details, or experimenting creatively, this lens is certainly worth considering for your Sony E-mount collection.

Technical Specifications

100mm
min focal length
100mm
max focal length
f2.8
max f (min zoom)
f2.8
max f (max zoom)
72mm
Filter diameter
57cm
min focus distance
f20
min. aperture
700g
Weight
14
Elements
10
Groups
118mm
Length
85mm
Diameter
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