{"id":20221,"date":"2025-10-09T20:47:48","date_gmt":"2025-10-09T20:47:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/?p=20221"},"modified":"2025-10-09T20:47:48","modified_gmt":"2025-10-09T20:47:48","slug":"sony-100mm-f-2-8-macro-g-master-review-close-to-perfect","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/?p=20221","title":{"rendered":"Sony 100mm f\/2.8 Macro G Master Review: Close to Perfect"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"fluid-iframe\" style=\"max-width: 800px;\">\n<p><iframe title=\"Is This Sony&#039;s GREATEST Macro Lens Ever?\" width=\"840\" height=\"473\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/LZJu9X7r6Bw?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Sony was one of the first major manufacturers to switch from DSLRs to mirrorless cameras and subsequently rushed to bring out a line of dedicated lenses for what was then the new E-mount. To be completely honest, some of these lenses were less than stellar, but nonetheless had to carry the line for many years. <\/p>\n<p>  <center\/> <\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_819503\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-819503\" style=\"width: 533px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" data-perfmatters-preload=\"\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC_6974-533x800.jpeg\" alt=\"A close-up photo of a Sony FE 100mm f\/2.8 GM macro camera lens standing upright on a grid-patterned surface, with a black background. The lens details, controls, and markings are clearly visible.\" width=\"533\" height=\"800\" class=\"size-large wp-image-819503\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC_6974-533x800.jpeg 533w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC_6974-213x320.jpeg 213w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC_6974-1024x1536.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC_6974.jpeg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 533px) 100vw, 533px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-819503\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The new 100mm Macro is impressive and full of features.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>With this in mind (or so it appears, at least), Sony recently launched a major campaign to replace its aging lenses with vastly superior modern optics. When it comes to dedicated macro lenses, Sony has waited 10 years, but now the wait is over. The new 100mm f\/2.8 Macro is here, and unlike its predecessor, the 90mm f\/2.8 Macro G, this new version carries the prestigious G Master label, albeit with a $1,500 asking price.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_819505\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-819505\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC_6977-800x531.jpeg\" alt=\"Close-up of a black camera lens featuring a red &quot;G&quot; badge, focus and zoom rings, aperture markings, and several switches, set against a dark background.\" width=\"800\" height=\"531\" class=\"size-large wp-image-819505\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC_6977-800x531.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC_6977-320x212.jpeg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC_6977-1536x1019.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC_6977-450x300.jpeg 450w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC_6977-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC_6977-120x80.jpeg 120w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC_6977.jpeg 1800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-819505\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">There is no mistaking the G-Master heritage of this lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>I should say that the 90mm f\/2.8 Macro G was always an excellent performer, which is probably why it has held the front for so long. Sony will likely not be treating the 100mm as a replacement either, but rather offer the new G-Master as a more feature-rich alternative. But do we really need another macro lens, and are the added features worth the extra cost?<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_819510\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-819510\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Sony-100mm-GM-In-Hand-CU-800x450.jpg\" alt=\"A person with gray hair and a beard, wearing a black jacket, is taking a close-up photo of orange and purple flowers with a professional camera outdoors on a sunny day.\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" class=\"size-large wp-image-819510\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Sony-100mm-GM-In-Hand-CU-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Sony-100mm-GM-In-Hand-CU-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Sony-100mm-GM-In-Hand-CU-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Sony-100mm-GM-In-Hand-CU-2048x1152.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-819510\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The lens is equally suited to handheld run-and-gun shooting or fixed setups.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Sony 100mm f\/2.8 Macro G Master Review: How It Feels<\/h2>\n<p>The new G-Master is a fairly compact 22.8 ounces (646 grams) and takes 67mm filters. The manual focus ring is generous in size and easy to use. More importantly, it has a push\/pull focus clutch, which allows for quick and intuitive manual focusing at any time. This focusing also works in a linear fashion, and I found it to be extremely helpful for macro work. <\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_819504\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-819504\" style=\"width: 538px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC_6978-538x800.jpeg\" alt=\"Close-up of a camera lens showing switches for full-time DMF, focusing distance (infinity to 0.26m), and OSS (optical steady shot) with grid lines beneath the lens.\" width=\"538\" height=\"800\" class=\"size-large wp-image-819504\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC_6978-538x800.jpeg 538w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC_6978-215x320.jpeg 215w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC_6978-1033x1536.jpeg 1033w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC_6978.jpeg 1211w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 538px) 100vw, 538px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-819504\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">There are plenty of controls on the new 100mm.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>There are customizable buttons around the barrel, and an aperture ring that can be set for both click-stop or smooth rotation. There are a whole host of switches as well, which control AF\/MF, focus limiter, image stabilization, and an iris lock. Being a G-Master lens comes with the benefit of weather-sealing and ruggedness, which are brought up to a higher level of protection. <\/p>\n<p>With all this in mind, the 100mm Macro certainly feels like a high-end professional tool in the hand. <\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_819506\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-819506\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC_6976-800x594.jpeg\" alt=\"Close-up of a camera lens showing a textured grip and a switch labeled &quot;AF\/MF&quot; and &quot;FULL MF&quot; with a small red marking, set against a dark background.\" width=\"800\" height=\"594\" class=\"size-large wp-image-819506\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC_6976-800x594.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC_6976-320x238.jpeg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC_6976-1536x1140.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC_6976.jpeg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-819506\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">I particularly enjoy the quick push\/pull focusing clutch.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Sony 100mm f\/2.8 Macro G Master Review: How it Shoots<\/h2>\n<p>I want to leave the best feature for last, so let\u2019s start off with flare resistance on the new macro. This lens does tend to exhibit some flare, with a little softening of contrast and ghosting present at wider apertures. It was never egregious, but you definitely see some issues when shooting towards bright light sources. This should not often be an issue for more controlled macro situations, though. <\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_819497\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-819497\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00556-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of tree bark with dark, irregular markings. Sunlight shines through green leaves in the background, creating a bright lens flare and casting shadows across the textured bark.\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" class=\"size-large wp-image-819497\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00556-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00556-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00556-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00556-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00556-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00556-120x80.jpg 120w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00556.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-819497\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Some flare will occur so take care around bright light sources.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00849-800x800.jpg\" alt=\"A close-up, black-and-white photo of a flower viewed from above, showing pointed petals radiating outward and numerous small, dark stamens clustered in the center. The background is softly blurred.\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-819492\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00849-800x800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00849-320x320.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00849-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00849-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00849.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00522-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of a dried, brown flower head with pointed petals, captured in soft focus. The background is blurred green, highlighting the intricate texture and details of the flower\u2019s edges.\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-819493\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00522-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00522-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00522-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00522-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00522-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00522-120x80.jpg 120w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00522.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The lens is free of longitudinal chromatic aberrations, or LoCA, which is a very good thing because color fringing in the out-of-focus areas is quite common on many macro lenses. Given that macro shots are often taken with the shallowest examples of depth of field, the lack of LoCA is confidence-inspiring. <\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_819488\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-819488\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00553-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up image of a printed page showing blurred black text on a white background, with the word \u201cCory\u201d and part of the word \u201cERICACEAE\u201d in focus.\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" class=\"size-large wp-image-819488\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00553-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00553-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00553-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00553-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00553-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00553-120x80.jpg 120w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00553.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-819488\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">There is minimal LoCA to worry about.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00360-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"A close-up, black-and-white photo of a single dandelion seed attached to the fluffy seed head, set against a dark background.\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-819487\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00360-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00360-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00360-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00360-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00360-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00360-120x80.jpg 120w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00360.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/2025-10-05-17-19-23-CS4-Custom-800x522.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of water droplets resting on a colorful peacock feather, showing the intricate patterns and vibrant shades of blue, green, and gold. The droplets magnify and reflect the feather\u2019s texture and colors.\" width=\"800\" height=\"522\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-819494\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/2025-10-05-17-19-23-CS4-Custom-800x522.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/2025-10-05-17-19-23-CS4-Custom-320x209.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/2025-10-05-17-19-23-CS4-Custom-1536x1003.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/2025-10-05-17-19-23-CS4-Custom-2048x1337.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Bokeh is quite beautiful on this new G Master lens, with clean specular highlights that are free of onion rings. Messy-looking highlights were an issue on the 90mm Macro, but this new lens exhibits smooth-looking backgrounds, and the highlights have a more rounded appearance. This all contributes to rather soft transitions of focus and an overall pleasant appearance to out-of-focus areas.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_819498\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-819498\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00752-800x577.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of a spiky, spherical purple flower in sharp focus with another similar flower blurred in the background, both against a clear blue sky.\" width=\"800\" height=\"577\" class=\"size-large wp-image-819498\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00752-800x577.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00752-320x231.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00752-1536x1108.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00752.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-819498\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Bokeh is pleasant and smooth-looking.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00573-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"A cheerful scarecrow with a smiling face, wearing a green hat decorated with a yellow sunflower, stands outdoors in front of green foliage. The scarecrow has a pink vest and plaid shirt.\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-819491\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00573-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00573-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00573-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00573-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00573-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00573-120x80.jpg 120w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00573.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC03045-523x800.jpg\" alt=\"A close-up of a smiling child with light skin, blue eyes, and shoulder-length red hair, wearing a light-colored shirt, framed by light blue fabric on both sides.\" width=\"523\" height=\"800\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-819495\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC03045-523x800.jpg 523w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC03045-209x320.jpg 209w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC03045-1004x1536.jpg 1004w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC03045.jpg 1176w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 523px) 100vw, 523px\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Sharpness is awesome, just as it was on the 90mm. The center sharpness at f\/2.8 has plenty of contrast and detail, with a small, but noticeable improvement as you stop the lens down. Corners are quite good at f\/2.8 as well, with a little bit of vignetting showing. This all cleans up when the lens is stopped down a bit, and in most macro situations, a tighter aperture will be used anyway. Regardless, I found this lens sharp anywhere I used it, even at f\/2.8. <\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_819509\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-819509\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Sony-100mm-GM-Center-800x450.jpg\" alt=\"Side-by-side comparison of two camera test charts, each featuring color bars, grayscale, resolution patterns, Canadian currency, and labeled apertures f\/2.8 (left) and f\/5.6 (right).\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" class=\"size-large wp-image-819509\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Sony-100mm-GM-Center-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Sony-100mm-GM-Center-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Sony-100mm-GM-Center-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Sony-100mm-GM-Center-2048x1152.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-819509\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">This lens is exceptionally sharp throughout its aperture range.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00327-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of a dandelion seed head in black and white, showing delicate, radiating seeds with fine, thin filaments creating a soft, intricate pattern against a dark background.\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-819496\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00327-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00327-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00327-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00327-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00327-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00327-120x80.jpg 120w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00327.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC03062-800x551.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of a blue eye with light skin and freckles, framed by reddish-orange hair. The eyelashes and eyebrow are clearly visible, and there is soft natural lighting.\" width=\"800\" height=\"551\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-819500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC03062-800x551.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC03062-320x220.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC03062-1536x1058.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC03062.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I do appreciate that the image stabilization of the lens works in conjunction with modern Sony bodies that use in-body image stabilization (IBIS). I specifically wanted to test the lens in the field without using a tripod, and found the whole platform very easy to shoot with and very stable in general. Autofocusing is now driven by a powerful XD linear motor, and I found the results very quick when shooting at a distance. I will say that in macro situations, as good as the new focusing speed is, the whole package still struggles to maintain tracking focus at close ranges. <\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00367-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up, black-and-white image of delicate dandelion seeds with fine, feathery structures radiating outward, set against a soft, light background.\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-819485\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00367-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00367-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00367-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00367-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00367-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00367-120x80.jpg 120w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00367.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00378-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up, black and white image of dandelion seeds, showing fine, delicate filaments radiating from the center against a dark background.\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-819486\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00378-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00378-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00378-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00378-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00378-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00378-120x80.jpg 120w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00378.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Given just how precise macro photography needs to be, I still resorted to acquiring focus automatically and then fine-tuning it with a quick turn of the manual focus ring. You can set a switch to allow for Sony\u2019s Dynamic Manual Focus override, which works great, but I really enjoyed clicking the manual focus ring clutch in and adjusting that way. Insect tracking worked well as always, but when at the maximum focusing magnification, it still struggled to put the point of focus where I wanted it. <\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_819487\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-819487\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00360-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"A close-up, black-and-white photo of a single dandelion seed attached to the fluffy seed head, set against a dark background.\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" class=\"size-large wp-image-819487\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00360-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00360-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00360-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00360-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00360-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00360-120x80.jpg 120w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00360.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-819487\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Manual focusing is still thew way to go fo most situations.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00721-533x800.jpg\" alt=\"A close-up of a bee collecting pollen from vibrant purple flowers with yellow centers, highlighting the bee's detailed wings and fuzzy body.\" width=\"533\" height=\"800\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-819499\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00721-533x800.jpg 533w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00721-213x320.jpg 213w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00721-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00721.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 533px) 100vw, 533px\"\/><\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s probably time to talk now about the big change to the 100mm lens: it can now go beyond 1:1 life-size reproduction and instead deliver a 1.4x magnification factor. This is similar to the Canon 100mm Macro RF lens but with one major advantage: the Sony can also fit teleconverters, and with the 2x converter that I used, the lens can push to a 2.8x magnification ratio. Having this level of magnification is very powerful, and it still supports full autofocusing, albeit with some loss of light. <\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_819501\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-819501\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00809-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"A close-up macro photo of a bee on a bright yellow flower, showing detailed textures of the bee's face, antennae, and fuzzy body among curly flower stamens.\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" class=\"size-large wp-image-819501\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00809-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00809-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00809-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00809-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00809-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00809-120x80.jpg 120w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00809.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-819501\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The option to use up to a 2X telelconverter is a huge benefit to getting closer.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00852-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"A bee on a sign.\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-819489\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00852-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00852-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00852-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00852-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00852-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00852-120x80.jpg 120w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00852.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I really enjoyed this extra level of close-up capability when shooting in controlled studio situations. The teleconverter is going to be an extra cost added to the whole equation, but I found the extra range very appealing. Remember that this also makes the 100mm Macro into a 200mm telephoto for shallow depth of field portraits and some action photography. <\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_819530\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-819530\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00816-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"A close-up image of a bee collecting nectar on the vibrant yellow and orange center of a sunflower, showing fine details of the bee\u2019s fuzzy body and the flower\u2019s textured surface.\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" class=\"size-large wp-image-819530\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00816-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00816-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00816-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00816-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00816-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00816-120x80.jpg 120w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00816.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-819530\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The ability to push past 1:1 macro reproduction is a great feature.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The lens exhibits a little bit of focus breathing, which does cause a slight amount of cropping to be required when stacking multiple frames. However, I found the loss to be pretty minor, and I feel that this macro lens will be excellent for even the most demanding close-up situations. The Sony 100mm Macro G-Master really does seem to be a feature-rich, professional lens, which provides a high level of capability to go with its higher $1,500 cost. <\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00501-533x800.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of tree bark with rough, textured surface. Dark, leaf-shaped shadows are cast across the bark, adding contrast and visual interest to the detailed, natural pattern.\" width=\"533\" height=\"800\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-819537\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00501-533x800.jpg 533w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00501-213x320.jpg 213w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00501-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00501.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 533px) 100vw, 533px\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The bottom line is that the 100mm gives you the versatility of a sharp portrait lens with beautiful bokeh and fast focusing, as well as a macro lens capable of pushing well beyond the classic 1:1 macro range. Given its ability to use teleconverters, this lens could be excellent for some wedding and event work as well, where the occasional close-up shot can be appealing to tell more of the story. <\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00517-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of a sunflower showing detailed yellow petals and the textured, densely packed brown and yellow center filled with pollen.\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-819534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00517-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00517-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00517-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00517-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00517-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00517-120x80.jpg 120w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00517.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I\u2019m sure that skilled and dedicated macro photographers will find the extra magnification appealing, although the modern benefits of fast focusing will not be a big selling feature to those who like to take their time setting up the shot. Videographers will really enjoy this lens as a workhorse detail and close-up lens, especially favoring the manual focus clutch and smooth-turning aperture ring. This lens has something for everybody. <\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_819532\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-819532\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00619-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"A close-up of a bee collecting nectar from vibrant purple aster flowers with yellow centers, surrounded by blurred blooms in the background.\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" class=\"size-large wp-image-819532\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00619-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00619-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00619-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00619-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00619-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00619-120x80.jpg 120w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00619.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-819532\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The improved image stabilization is a big help for handheld shots.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3>Are There Alternatives?<\/h3>\n<p>The original 90mm Macro still has plenty of appeal to those who don\u2019t need faster focusing or extra magnification. However, the price still sits around $1,200, which makes the new lens appealing. If you want to really save money, the Tamron 90mm f\/2.8 Macro is an awesome lens and sits at half the price. <\/p>\n<p> <center\/><center\/> <\/p>\n<h3>Should You Buy It?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes. This new macro gives E-mount users a versatile and capable lens that can push-in further than most optics dare. <\/p>\n<p> <center\/>      <\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Sony was one of the first major manufacturers to switch from DSLRs to mirrorless cameras and subsequently rushed to bring out a line of dedicated lenses for what was then the new E-mount. To be completely honest, some of these lenses were less than stellar, but nonetheless had to carry the line for many years. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":20222,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_gspb_post_css":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC_6974-533x800.jpeg","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"offerexpiration":[],"class_list":["post-20221","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blogs"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20221","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=20221"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20221\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/20222"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=20221"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=20221"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=20221"},{"taxonomy":"offerexpiration","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fofferexpiration&post=20221"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}