Sony Alpha Blog

Sony 100mm F2.8 GM Macro OSS

Published by

Marc Alhadeff

on

Sony Alpha 7R camera with a zoom lens, positioned on a white background.

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in blue English / en noir en français

Table of Contents / Table des matières hide
1 Presentation
1.1 Specifications
1.2 Using TC / utilisation des TC
1.3 AF performance
2 Optical performances / Performances Optiques
2.1 Sharpness / Piqué
2.2 Macro
2.3 Vignetting , chromatic aberrations , distortion, flare, sunstars
2.3 Vignettage, aberrations chromatiques, distorsion, flare, effets d’étoiles
2.4 Bokeh / Color rendition – Bokeh / Rendu des Couleurs
3 Video
4 Comparison with other macros lenses / Comparaisons avec d’autres optiques macro
4.1 Specifications
4.2 Sharpness / Piqué
4.3 Bokeh and Background blur
4.4 Distortion / CA / Vignetting / Flare
4.5 Autofocus
4.6 Video
4.7 Conclusion
5 Sample of Photos / Exemples de Photos
6 Conclusion (English)
6 Conclusion (Français)
Like this:

Thanks to Photogalerie.com I could test the new Sony 100mm F2.8 GM Macro

All photos , taken with Sony A7RV and without post processing are available in full size (61Mpix) in the following Flickr album suivant : Sony 100mm F2.8 GM Macro

Grâce à Photogalerie.com j’ai pu tester le Sony 100mm F2.8 GM Macro

Toutes les photos de l’article, prises avec le Sony A7RV et sans aucunes retouches sont disponibles en pleine résolution (61Mpix) dans l’album flickr suivant : Sony 100mm F2.8 GM Macro

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1 Presentation

1.1 Specifications

  • Weight : 646g
  • Price : 1599 euros
  • Aperture : F2.8- F22
  • Length : 147,9mm
  • Filter : 67mm
  • 11 blades aperture
  • Buttons : AF/MF, focus range limiter, full time DMF, focus hold button, OSS, Iris lock, click/declick
  • Focusing clutch
  • Weather sealing
  • Minimal focusing distance : 26 cm
  • Macro 1,4:1

The Lens has a standard size and weight for a 100mm macro. 

Build quality is excellent and ergonomics as exceptional. There are all possible controls you could dream of including Iris lock , full time DMF , focus range limiter

The lens has optical stabilisation and is fully weather sealed

There are 3 ways to switch from AF to MF : via the body , via the AF/MF button but more useful by pushing the focusing ring backward , in this position the focusing ring work with hard stops and you can use the magnification ratio scale

A close-up view of a Sony camera lens, featuring a ribbed texture, focus and zoom markings, and a switch labeled 'CLICK' and 'ON/OFF'.
Close-up view of a black camera lens featuring various control switches and a textured grip, designed for E-mount cameras.
A Sony FE 2.8/100 macro lens with a black body, featuring focus switches and markings for distance and aperture.
Close-up of a black macro camera lens with focus and aperture controls, labeled 'FE 2.8/100 MACRO GM'.
A close-up image of a DSLR camera lens featuring a sleek black design, with focus and zoom controls, branding, and a lens hood.

  • Poids : 646g
  • Prix : 1599 euros
  • Ouverture : F2.8 – F22
  • Longueur : 147,9mm
  • Filtre : 67mm
  • Diaphragme à 11 lamelles
  • Boutons : limiteur de plage de mise au point, bouton de maintien de mise au point, verrou iris, DMF plein temps, OSS, AF/MF
  • Distance minimale de mise au point : 26 cm
  • Commutateur de bague de mise au point
  • Protection tout temps
  • Macro 1,4:1
  • Pare soleil

L’objectif est de taille et de poids standard pour un 100mm macro

La qualité de construction est excellente et l’ergonomie exceptionnelle : il ya tous les contrôles possibles y inclus un verrou d’ici, le DMF plein temps , le limiteur de distance de mise au point etc…

L’optique est stabilisée et l’optique a une protection tout temps

Il y a 3 manière de commuter de AF en MF : via le boitier, via le bouton AF/MF et le plus utile en poussant le bague de mise au point vers l’arrière, on a alors une bague de mise au point avec des arrêts min et infini et une échelle de grossissement pour la macro

Close-up of a black camera lens labeled 'FE 2.8/100 MACRO GM', featuring focus control switch and various measurement markings.
A close-up image of a Sony FE 2.8/100 Macro GM camera lens, showcasing its textured body, focus rings, and labels for focusing distances.
A Sony Alpha 7R camera with a large telephoto lens, featuring a sleek black design and various dials and buttons.

1.2 Using TC / utilisation des TC

For the first time ever , a macro lens accept TC and the lens can be converted to

Pour la première fois , une optique macro accepte les TC et donc l’objectif peut devenir

  • 140mm F4 2X
  • 200mm F5.6 2,8x
A close-up view of a Sony FE 2.8/100 Macro GM camera lens with a 2x teleconverter attached, featuring focus mode selector and aperture settings.
Close-up view of a Sony FE 2.8/100 Macro GM lens with a 1.4x teleconverter, featuring focus mode switches and labeled magnification indicators.
A close-up view of a black macro camera lens labeled as FE 2.8/100 MACRO GM, featuring focus mode switches and focal length markings.

A Sony mirrorless camera with a large zoom lens attached, featuring control dials and buttons for adjustments.
A close-up view of a camera with a large zoom lens attached, showcasing various dials and buttons on the body.
A side view of a camera with a large lens attached, featuring various dials and settings for focus and stabilization.
A Sony Alpha 7R camera with a large zoom lens mounted, featuring a black body and various controls visible on the top.
A Sony Alpha 7R camera with a large telephoto lens attached, showcasing its sleek design and advanced features.

1.3 AF performance

  • AF is fast, accurate and silent. In burst mode it is also efficient, however it is not as fast as the other GM lens
  • Eye AF / Tracking is working very well 

Performances AF

  • L’AF est rapide, précis , et silencieux. Aucun problème pour de la rafale sur sujets en mouvements. Néanmoins la vitesse est inférieure aux optiques GM classiques
  • L’AF sur les yeux fonctionne très bien
A woman walking on a street wearing a beige jacket and black pants, waving her hand. A man riding an electric bicycle is passing by, wearing a blue jacket and a helmet. In the background, construction and people are visible.
A man wearing a blue jacket and a hood is riding an electric bicycle in a busy urban area with pedestrians and outdoor seating in the background.
A man in a blue puffer jacket rides a bicycle in an urban setting, with outdoor seating and diners visible in the background.
A person wearing a blue puffer jacket riding a bicycle on a city street.
A person riding a bicycle on a street with concrete barriers and a store in the background.
A cyclist riding past concrete barriers on a city street with a pharmacy storefront visible in the background.
A busy urban street with pedestrians walking alongside a construction area, featuring scooters, bicycles, and barriers separating the walkway from ongoing work.
A busy urban street with pedestrians walking and a cyclist riding along a paved path. Construction barriers and signage are visible in the background, along with trees and buildings.
A busy urban street scene with pedestrians walking and a person riding a bicycle. Construction barriers and equipment are visible in the background, indicating ongoing work in the area.
A woman riding a bicycle in a city square, passing by pedestrians and outdoor cafes, with various buildings in the background.
A woman riding a bicycle in a plaza with red umbrellas from nearby cafes, a pedestrian walking in the foreground.
A woman wearing headphones rides a bicycle on a city street near outdoor seating with red umbrellas, while another pedestrian walks by.
A woman walking on a cobblestone street while using her phone, with a man on a bicycle passing by. In the background, two people are browsing a store, and colorful banners are visible.

2 Optical performances / Performances Optiques

The tests were mainly made on a Sony A7RV, with its 61 Mpix

Les tests ont été effectués principalement sur un Sony A7RV avec ses 61Mpix

A table comparing photographic image quality ratings at various f-stop settings (F2.8, F4, F5.6, F8, F11, F16) across three aperture values (100, 140, 200) for both the center and corners of the image.

2.1 Sharpness / Piqué

  • The sharpness is outstanding wide open on the entire field
  • With TC1.4 it is excellent wide open and Outstanding at f5.6
  • With TC2.0 it is very good F5.6 and excellent at F8
  • Globally an outstanding performance
  • Au centre : le piqué est excellent dès la pleine ouverture et superbe à F4
  • Dans les coins : le piqué est très bon à F2.8 et excellent à partir de F4
  • Une superbe performance 
A bookshelf filled with various cookbooks, including titles in French and cooking-related themes, alongside a 20 Euro note.
100mm F5.6 centre
A close-up of several colorful cookbook spines, featuring titles in French.
A close-up view of a bookshelf filled with various books, including cookbooks and literature, alongside a €20 banknote resting on one of the shelves.
100mm f5.6 corner
Close-up of three black book spines with varying textures and logos, including a circular logo featuring a 'G'.
A shelf filled with various cookbooks and a 20 euro banknote placed prominently in front.
140mm TC1.4 centre F5.6
Spines of several books, with titles featuring green and blue text, displayed on a shelf.
A close-up view of a bookshelf filled with various cookbooks and culinary literature, showcasing titles in both French and English, alongside a European 20 euro banknote.
140mm TC1.4 F5.6
Close-up of two black objects with circular logos, one displaying a damaged surface and the other pristine.
A collection of cookbooks arranged on a shelf, featuring various titles in French related to cooking, recipes, and diet, alongside a twenty-euro banknote.
200mm F8 TC2 centre
Close-up of several book spines with text in green and blue, including the phrase 'simple aujourd'hui' and a reference to 'BEGIN'.
A bookshelf displaying an array of cookbooks and culinary guides, with a 20 Euro bill placed on the shelf.
200mm F8 TC2 Corner
Close-up image of a book cover with the word 'petit' and a graphic illustration of a gardening trowel.

Close subjects / Sujets proches

  • The optimum sharpness is obtained at F5.6 without TC and with TC1.4 and at F8 with TC2
  • Le piqué optimum est obtenu a F5.6 sans et avec TC1.4 et à F8 avec le TC2
A close-up of a 20 Euro banknote displayed against a backdrop of books, highlighting the intricate design and holographic features.
No TC F5.6
Close-up of intricate blue and yellow decorative patterns on a banknote, featuring circular shapes and fine lines.
Close-up of a 20 Euro banknote showcasing architectural designs, including stylized gothic arches and stars.
TC1.4 F5.6
Close-up of a 20 Euro banknote featuring intricate blue and yellow patterns and detailed engravings.
Close-up of a 20 Euro banknote featuring intricate architectural designs, including a blue Gothic window and European Union stars.
TC2 F8
Close-up of intricate blue and white patterned textile showcasing detailed geometric designs.

Distant subjects / Sujets distants

  • Excellent sharpness wide open , closing down by one stop you reach outstanding level
  • Piqué excellent dès la pleine ouverture , fermer d’un cran permet d’atteindre de superbe performances
A person in a black outfit is holding a camera while looking out of a window adorned with golden architectural details. A second person dressed in a light-colored garment is partially visible in the background.
F2.8 centre
A golden statue of a woman holding a trumpet and a flowing ribbon, symbolizing triumph and victory.
F2.8 corner
A woman in a black outfit holds a camera while standing at a window with decorative golden molding.
F5.6 centre
Golden statue of a woman holding a trumpet and a flowing ribbon against a clear sky.
F5.6 corner
Ornate historic buildings featuring golden decorations and intricate architectural details against a cloudy sky in Brussels.
full size

Close-up of a modern building facade featuring glass windows and horizontal metal slats.
F2.8 centre
Close-up view of a modern building's curved glass facade, showcasing reflections of nearby structures and intricate architectural details.
F2.8 corner
Close-up of a modern building facade featuring large glass windows with metallic slats.
F5.6 centre
Close-up of glass windows reflecting architectural patterns and lines from nearby buildings.
F5.6 corner
Modern buildings with glass facades seen in an urban setting, featuring a mix of architectural styles and surrounding trees.
full size

Sharpness for portraits / Piqué pour les portraits

  • The sharpness is outstanding wide open and skin rendering is excellent
  • Le piqué est superbe dès la pleine ouverture. Le rendu des peaux est excellent
Close-up portrait of a young woman with long brown hair, wearing a cozy sweater, looking directly at the camera against a blurred background of city lights.
F2.8
Close-up of a human eye reflecting a corridor or walkway, showcasing intricate eyelashes and the reflection of lights and patterns in the pupil.
Close-up portrait of a young woman with long hair and hoop earrings, looking directly at the camera with a soft expression.
F4
Close-up of an eye with a reflection showing a hallway or corridor in the iris.
Close-up portrait of a young woman with long hair, wearing a light sweater and a jacket, outdoors with a blurred background of people and warm lighting.
F5.6
Close-up of a brown eye with reflections of a corridor and a person walking.
Portrait of a young woman smiling in a city square, wearing a warm jacket and scarf, with blurred urban background.
F2.8
Close-up of a human eye with brown iris and eyelashes.
A woman with a friendly smile wearing a winter jacket and scarf, standing outdoors in a city square.
F4
Close-up of a human eye with brown iris and eyelashes, showing detailed skin texture around the eye.
A young woman smiling at the camera, wearing a fur-lined coat and colorful scarf, in an outdoor setting with blurred figures and buildings in the background.
F5.6
Close-up view of a human eye with a brown iris and detailed eyelashes.

2.2 Macro

As with all Macro with AF , you can now do focus stacking with the A7RV , you need to program the size of the steps and number of steps and the duration of the pause during shots and then the A7RV take the full sequence. However for more precise controls , I do prefer to use an Automated rail like the WeMacro Automatic focus stacking rail

The results below were stacked with Helicon focus : excellent to outstanding results without or with the TC

Comme toutes les optiques macro avec AF, on peut maintenant faire du focus stacking avec le A7RV , il suffit de programme la taille du pas, le nombre de pas et la durée de la pause entre 2 prises et le A7RV execute toute la séquence, néanmoins un rail automatisé permet des contrôles plus fin , ma préférence va au WeMacro Automatic focus stacking rail

Les séries ont été assemblées avec Helicon focus :

Les résultats sont excellent à superbe a tous les degrés de magnification et sans ou avec les TC

Close-up of a green printed circuit board featuring various integrated circuits and components, including an ESMT chip and a Samsung memory chip.
100mm 1X – F5.6 – 30 photos
Close-up view of a printed circuit board with metallic components, featuring soldered connections and green circuitry.
Close-up view of a printed circuit board (PCB) featuring a black ESMT chip and a larger integrated circuit with visible solder points.
100mm 1,4X – F5.6 – 54 photos
Close-up of a printed circuit board (PCB) with a visible hole and surrounding copper traces.
Close-up view of a circuit board featuring various electronic components, solder connections, and printed circuit pathways.
140mm TC1.4 F5.6 2X – 45 photos
Close-up view of a green circuit board featuring a metallic component and a circular hole.
Close-up view of a green printed circuit board (PCB) with integrated circuits, resistors, and trace lines.
200mm 2,8X F8 – 87 photos
Close-up view of metallic connections on a green printed circuit board, showcasing details of circuit pathways and solder points.

A silver leaf-shaped ring adorned with small sparkling stones, featuring a prominent diamond-like gem at one end.
100mm F5.6 1X – 58 photos
Close-up view of decorative jewelry featuring sparkling gemstones and intricate metalwork.
A silver jewelry piece designed in the shape of a leaf, adorned with sparkling clear rhinestones and featuring a larger diamond-like stone at one end.
100mm 1,4X F56. 102 photos
Close-up of sparkling diamonds set in a reflective silver jewelry piece, showcasing intricate details and facets.
Close-up image of a decorative silver brooch designed in a leaf shape, adorned with numerous small clear crystals and a prominent triangular-shaped gem.
140mm TC1.4 2X – 84 photos
Close-up image of sparkling clear gemstones arranged in a reflective surface, showcasing intricate facets and bubbles.
Close-up of a shiny silver hair accessory adorned with numerous sparkling rhinestones.
200mm TC2 2,8X 129 photos
Close-up of a sparkling diamond showing facets and reflections within a water droplet.
Close-up of a butterfly wing displaying vibrant yellow and black patterns.
100mm F5.6 – 1X – 59 photos
Close-up view of a surface with a pattern of orange and black speckles, possibly resembling a textured natural material or abstract art.
Close-up of a butterfly wing showcasing vibrant yellow and black patterns.
100mm F5.6 – 1,4X – 104 photos
Close-up view of vibrant yellow and black textured surface, possibly showing the scales or skin of an animal.
Close-up of a butterfly wing showcasing vibrant orange, yellow, and black scales.
140mm F5.6 – TC1.4 – 2X – 84 photos
Close-up image showcasing a textured surface with vibrant orange and black patterns, resembling a detailed abstract design.
Close-up view of a butterfly wing showcasing vibrant orange and black patterns.
200mm F8 TC2 – 2,8X – 72 photos
Close-up of a textured surface featuring a pattern of yellow and black spots.

2.3 Vignetting , chromatic aberrations , distortion, flare, sunstars

  • Vignetting is very low wide open
  • Distortion is very small in pincushion 
  • Chromatic aberrations are close to zero
  • LoCA are close to zero
  • Resistance to flare is good but could be better
  • At F16 we can get nice sunstars

2.3 Vignettage, aberrations chromatiques, distorsion, flare, effets d’étoiles

  • Le vignettage est visible à pleine ouverture et disparait seulement vers F5.6
  • La distorsion est proche de 0 
  • Les aberrations chromatiques sont proches de 0
  • Les AC longitudinales sont proches de 0
  • La résistance au flare est bonne mais pourrait être meilleure
  • De beaux effets d’étoiles peuvent être obtenus à F16
A close-up of a bookshelf filled with various cookbooks, including titles on barbecue and healthy eating, alongside a 20 Euro banknote.
not corrected
A shelf filled with various cookbooks and a 20 euro bill in front.
corrected
Sunlight filtering through green leaves, creating a soft bokeh effect.
F2.8 CA / AC
A close-up view of leaves and branches with sunlight filtering through, creating a soft and dreamy effect.
crop 100%
Close-up of an open book page with text about architectural styles in Toraja, Indonesia.
LoCA F2.8
Close-up of printed text featuring the word 'Toraja' in focus, with surrounding text slightly blurred, illustrating a page from a book.
crop 100%
Sunlight streaming through green leaves, creating a natural starburst effect.
F22
Sunlight filtering through green leaves with a blue sky in the background, creating a natural lens flare effect.
F22

2.4 Bokeh / Color rendition – Bokeh / Rendu des Couleurs

  • The Bokeh balls are excellent good wide open and stay well rounded even when you close down to F5.6 thanks to its 12 aperture blade but you can see the 11 blades at F5.6
  • The background blur is very nice and soft
  • Color rendition is excellent
  • Contrast is excellent
  • Le Bokeh est très bon à pleine ouverture bien rond et sans artefacts, par contre on voit les 11 lames de diaphragme à F5.6
  • Le flou d’arrière plan est très doux 
  • Le rendu des couleurs est excellent
  • Le contraste est excellent
A close-up of a Playmobil figure with brown hair, wearing a black vest and a blue tie, against a soft-focus blue background.
F2.8
A close-up image of a Playmobil figure with brown hair, wearing a black vest and white shirt, set against a softly blurred blue background.
F4
A close-up of a Playmobil figurine with brown hair, wearing a suit and tie, set against a blurred background with blue bokeh effects.
F5.6
A close-up of a Playmobil figure with brown hair, wearing a black vest and a patterned tie, set against a blurred, colorful background of lights.
F8
Close-up of a Playmobil figure with brown hair, wearing a black suit and tie, against a blurred blue background.
TC1.4 F4
Close-up of a Playmobil figure with brown hair, wearing a black vest and a patterned tie, set against a blurred blue background.
TC1.4 F5.6
Close-up of a Playmobil figure with brown hair, wearing a black suit and a blue tie, set against a blurred colorful background.
TC1.4 F8
Close-up of a Playmobil figure with brown hair and a suit, set against a blurred, colorful bokeh background.
TC1.4 F11
Close-up of a smiling Playmobil figure with brown hair, wearing a suit vest and a tie, against a blurred blue background.
TC2 F5.6
Close-up of a Playmobil figure with brown hair and a suit, against a blurred blue background.
TC2 F8
Close-up of a Playmobil figure with brown hair, wearing a black suit and a patterned tie, against a colorful blurred background.
TC2 F11
Close-up of a Playmobil figure with blonde hair, wearing a suit and tie, set against a blurred colorful background.
TC2 F16

  • F2.8
  • F4
  • F5.6
  • F8
  • F2.8
  • F4
  • F5.6
  • F8
  • F2.8
  • F4
  • F5.6
  • F8
  • F2.8
  • F4
  • F5.6
  • F8
  • F2.8
  • F4
  • F5.6
  • F8
A close-up of a silver combination padlock on a rusty chain, secured to a weathered wooden post.
A display of vibrant pink bath products resembling mini cake bundts, stacked on a round stand, with softer peach and orange-colored items in the foreground.
A colorful display of various handmade bath products, including brightly colored bath bombs and soap bars, arranged on wooden shelves with price tags.
A display of various thermos steel bottles in pastel colors, labeled 'waterdrop,' showcasing a modern design with wooden caps.
Close-up of a red bottle with a bamboo lid, surrounded by softly focused green and beige bottles in the background.

3 Video

  • In video we get excellent results in term of sharpness, Bokeh, background blur, color rendition , AF
  • The Aperture ring that can be set to clickless and the Optica stabilisation are big plus for video 
  • Focus breathing is quite visible

  • Excellent résultats en vidéo en terme de piqué , beau bokeh et flou d’arrière plan, rendu des couleurs, aF
  • La bague d’ouverture sans clics et la stabilisation sont de vrai plus
  • Le focus breathing est assez visible

Focus Breathing

A Playmobil figure wearing a suit and tie, smiling with brown hair, set against a blurred background of bookshelves.
A bookshelf filled with cookbooks and reference books, featuring a 20 euro note placed among the books.

4 Comparison with other macros lenses / Comparaisons avec d’autres optiques macro

The closest competitor are / Les principaux concurrent sont

with AF / avec AF

in MF / en MF

Two camera lenses side by side, one with various control dials and markings, and the other labeled as 'Tamron 90mm F/2.8 Di III MACRO VXD'.
Two camera lenses side by side on a light background, showcasing their design and features.
Two camera lenses side by side, one with ribbed texture and various control buttons, labeled with measurement markings, and the other a smoother design with focus controls and an E-mount label.
Two macro camera lenses side by side on a white background: a black Sigma 105mm f/2.8 DG DN Macro lens on the left and a black Sony 90mm f/2.8 G OSS Macro lens on the right.

4.1 Specifications

  • Poids : 646g
  • Prix : 1599 euros
  • Ouverture : F2.8 – F22
  • Longueur : 147,9mm
  • Filtre : 67mm
  • Diaphragme à 11 lamelles
  • Boutons : limiteur de plage de mise au point, bouton de maintien de mise au point, verrou iris, DMF plein temps, OSS, AF/MF
  • Distance minimale de mise au point : 26 cm
  • Commutateur de bague de mise au point
  • Protection tout temps
  • Macro 1,4:1
  • Pare soleil
Sony 100mm F2.8 GM MacroTamron 90mm F2.8 Di III VXDSigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN MacroSony 90mm F2.8Voigtländer 100mm F2.5Laowa 100mm F2.8
Price / Prix1599 Euros699 euros829 euros1000 euros1200 euros600 euros
Weight / Poids646g630g715g602g771g692g
Length / Longueur147,9mm126,5mm133,6mm130.5mm99.7-157mm155mm
AF++++++++MF
with EXIFs		MF
Focus ring
Bague de mise au point		hard stops for min and infinityNo hard stops for min and infinityNo hard stops for min and infinityhard stops for min and infinity hard stops for min and infinityhard stops for min and infinity
Rings – Buttons / Bague – boutonsFocus clutch
Iris lock
Click/declick
Focus distance limit
AF/MF
Optical stabilisation
Focus Hold		Focus distance limit
Lens utility to customize		click or clikless aperture ring
Focus distance limit
AF/MF		AF/MF
Focus distance
Optical stabilisation
Magnification / Grossissement1.4 to 2.8 with TC1:11:11:11:12:1
Magnification scale/ échelle de grosssissmentYesNoNoYesYesYes
Lens extension / allongement en macroNoNoNoNoYesNo
Min focusing distance / Distance min de mise au point26cm23cm29.5cm29cm35cm24.7cm
Build Quality / Quality de construction+++++++++++++++++
Aperture blades / Lames de diaphragme 1112991013
Filter / Filtre67mm67mm62mm62mm58mm67mm
ExifYesYesYesYesYesNo

The Sony is the most expensive, the only one compatible with TC, the biggest, the one with best ergonomics

The Tamron is one of the cheapest and the smallest of the ones with constant size and with AF. . It is the one with the shortest min focusing distance. It is the one with the highest number of aperture blades

Le Sony est le plus cher, le seul compatible avec les TC, le plus grand, et celui avec la meilleure ergonomie

Le Tamron est le moins cher et le plus compact de ceux avec une taille constante et avec AF. C’est celui avec la distance min de mise au point la plus courte et le plus grand nombre de lames de diaphragme

4.2 Sharpness / Piqué

In term of pure sharpness the Sigma/Sony 100mm/Voigtländer are the best and can’t be differentiated at 1:1, but the Sony provide that performance also at 1,4x, 2x and reach excellent performance at 2.8x !

En terme de piqué le Sigma / Sony 100mm/ Voigtländer sont les meilleurs et ne peuvent être différencié a 1:1 , mais le seul est le seul a offrir cette performance a 1,4X à 2X et atteint aussi l’excellence à 2.8x

Comparison chart of macro lenses with ratings on image quality across different apertures (F2.8, F4, F5.6, F8, F11, F16).

The Sony 100mm F2.8 GM Macro vs others / Le Sony 100mm F2.8 GM Macro vs les autres

Close-up of a green printed circuit board (PCB) featuring various electronic components, including chips labeled ESMT and Samsung.
100mm 1X – F5.6 – 30 photos
Close-up view of a green printed circuit board featuring metallic connectors and solder joints.
Close-up view of a green printed circuit board (PCB) featuring an ESMT chip labeled 'F25L04PA,' with visible soldered connections and traces.
100mm 1,4X – F5.6 – 54 photos
Close-up image of a green printed circuit board showing copper traces and a small hole, typically used for component mounting or connections.
Close-up of a printed circuit board (PCB) showing various electronic components, including microchips and resistors, with green background and gold connections.
140mm TC1.4 F5.6 2X – 45 photos
Close-up view of a printed circuit board featuring a silver component and a circular copper pad with a black hole at its center.
Close-up of a green printed circuit board (PCB) featuring a microchip, various electronic components, and intricate copper traces.
200mm 2,8X F8 – 87 photos
Close-up of metal contacts on a green circuit board showing details of the solder joints and circuitry.
Close-up of various fruits including a ripe pear and a lemon, with several other pears in the background.
Sony 90
A close-up of assorted fruits, featuring a prominent green pear in the foreground and a yellow lemon in the background.
Sigma
Close-up view of a textured surface with a mix of brown, yellow, and slight variations in color.
Sony 90
Close-up of a textured surface, featuring shades of brown and yellow with intricate patterns.
Sigma
Close-up view of a metal key showing detailed milling and cuts on the blade.
Sony 90
Close-up image of a gold-colored key showing its intricate grooves and notches.
Sigma
Close-up view of a metallic surface with spiral patterns resembling shells and textured details.
crop 100% Sony 90
Close-up of metallic spirals with textured surface and subtle color variations.
crop 100% Sigma
Close-up of a green leaf with water droplets on its surface.
Sony
Close-up of a green leaf with water droplets on its surface, showcasing the leaf's texture and details.
Sigma
Close-up of a green leaf with water droplets on its surface, showcasing the leaf's texture and veins.
crop 100% Sony
Close-up of a water droplet resting on a green leaf, showcasing the leaf's texture and veins.
crop 100% Sigma

4.3 Bokeh and Background blur

The Tarmon has the best Bokeh balls that stay rounded even when closed to its 12 blades.

The Sony 100 mm is second

The Sigma is 3rd has more regular Bokeh balls compared to the Sony 90mm that exhibits some strange forms and that is not perfectly circular. Both exhibits some fringing at the border of the bokeh balls, whereas The Tamron and Sony 100mm have no issues

The background blur is very soft on all lenses

Bokeh et flou d’arrière plan

Le Tamron est le meilleur en terme de ronds de bokeh car ils restent rond même fermés à F5.6.

Le Sony 100mm est second

Le Sigma est 3ème avec des ronds de Bokeh plus réguliers que le Sony 90mm qui montrent des bokeh très tronqués sur les bords et qui n’est pas parfaitement circulaire au centre. Les deux optiques montrent des franges sur les bords des ronds de bokeh alors que le Tamron et le Sony 100mm n’ont aucun défaut visible

Le flou d’arrière plan est très doux sur les 4 optiques

Close-up of a Playmobil figure with short brown hair, wearing a black vest, white shirt, and a blue tie, set against a softly blurred blue background.
Sony 100mm F2.8 Macro GM
Close-up of a Playmobil figure with brown hair, wearing a black vest and a blue tie, against a blurred background of colorful bokeh lights.
sony 100mm F2.8 @F5.6
A close-up of a Playmobil figure with brown hair, wearing a suit and tie, against a blurred blue background.
Tamron F2.8
Close-up of a smiling Playmobil figure with brown hair, wearing a black vest and a tie, set against a blurred background with colorful bokeh lights.
Tamron @F5.6
A Playmobil figurine dressed in a suit stands in the foreground, with a blurred background featuring colorful bokeh lights.
Sigma F2.8
A Playmobil figurine dressed in a suit stands on a base with colorful blurred lights in the background.
Sony F2.8
A Playmobil figure dressed in a formal outfit stands in the foreground, with a blurred background of colorful bokeh lights.
Sigma F4
A Playmobil figure dressed in a suit stands on a black base, with colorful bokeh lights in the background.
Sony F4
Close-up of a Playmobil figure with brown hair, wearing a suit and tie, against a blurred colorful background.
Sigma F2.8
Close-up of a Playmobil figure with brown hair, smiling, wearing a suit and tie, against a colorful bokeh background.
Sony F2.8
A close-up of a smiling Playmobil figure with brown hair, wearing a black suit with a blue tie, against a blurred, colorful bokeh background.
Sigma F4
A close-up of a Playmobil figure with brown hair, wearing a black suit and tie, set against a softly blurred colorful bokeh background.
Sony F4
Close-up of a Playmobil figure with brown hair, wearing a black vest and a blue tie, against a colorful blurred background of lights.
Sigma F5.6
Close-up of a Playmobil figure with brown hair, wearing a black vest and white shirt, against a colorful bokeh background.
Sony F5.6

Portraits

  • All lenses delivers excellents portraits
  • Toutes optiques délivrent d’excellent portraits
A smiling man with a beard wearing a red jacket, standing in an urban setting with blurred people and storefronts in the background.
Sony 100mm F2.8
A smiling young woman with long hair, wearing glasses and hoop earrings, standing in front of a blurred background of a shop.
Tamron @ F2.8
A young man with curly hair wearing a hoodie, looking directly at the camera, with a blurred background of people and colorful awnings.
Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN

4.4 Distortion / CA / Vignetting / Flare

  • The Sony 100mm is the best in term of vignetting and distortion
  • Anyway Distortion and Vignetting will be automatically corrected by Lightroom
  • In term of resistance to flare the Tamron is one of the best followed by the Sony 100mm

Distorsion / AC / Vignettage / Flare

  • Le Sony 100mm est le meilleur en terme de vignettage et de distorsion
  • La distorsion et le vignettage seront automatiquement corrigés en Lightroom
  • En terme de résistance au flare le Tamron est un des meilleurs suivi par le Sony 100mm
Sunlight shining through green leaves, creating a natural lens flare effect in a garden setting.
Sony 100mm F2.8 @F22
Sunlight filtering through leaves, creating a starburst effect.
Tamron
Sunlight shining through green leaves, creating a lens flare effect.
Sigma 105mm f2.8 DG DN

4.5 Autofocus

No significant differences, but the Sony 100mm is a bit above the others

Pas de différences significatives, le Sony 100mm est le meilleur du lot

4.6 Video

The Lower focus breathing is a plus for the Tamron

The real aperture ring that can be set to clickless is a plus for the Sigma and 100mm. The Tamron allow to customise the focus ring as an aperture ring

The Sony 100mm is the only one combining clickless aperture ring and optical stabilisation

Le plus faible focus breathing est un plus pour le Tamron

La bague d’ouverture physique qui peut être sans clics est un plus pour le Sigma, même si le Tamron permet de programmer la bague de mise au point comme une bague d’ouverture

Le Sony 100mm est le seul qui combine bague d’ouverture sans clics et stabilisation optique

4.7 Conclusion

The Tamron is the best balanced lens among the 3 lenses Macro AF lenses, The Sigma is doing a bit better in term of sharpness in macro work but a bit less good in term of bokeh ball shapes for portraits.

In term of ergonomics, I prefer the physical control of the Sigma compared to The Tamron that does not even have a AF/MF button without The Tamron lens utility

The Sony is the best globally with is unique focus ring clutch , optical stabilization and ability to go to 2,8X and excellent ergonomics

Le Tamron est l’optique la plus équilibrée des 3 macros avec AF. Le Sigma est légèrement meilleur en terme piqué en pure macro mais un peu moins bon en terme de ronds de bokeh pour les portraits

En terme d’ergonomie , je préfère les contrôles physique du Sigma par rapport au dénuement du Tamron qui certes peut être programmé ave cel Tamron lens utility mais n’a par exemple pas de bouton AF/MF

Le Sony est le meilleur globalement avec des caractéristiques unique comme le commutateur AF/MF avec bague de mise au point avec arrêt , stabilisation optique et possibilité d’utiliser les TC pour atteindre le rapport 2,8X

5 Sample of Photos / Exemples de Photos

  • In real life , excellents results
  • En situation réelle les résultats obtenus sont excellents
  • F2.8
  • F4
  • F5.6
  • F2.8
  • F4
  • F5.6
  • F2.8
  • F4
  • F5.6
Close-up view of green ivy leaves and branches.
Close-up of colorful dessert platters featuring waffles topped with banana, strawberries, and chocolate drizzle.
Postcard featuring a panoramic view of Brussels, Belgium at dusk, showcasing illuminated historic buildings and a colorful sky.
A smiling woman wearing a winter coat and jeans stands in front of a man in a dark coat, both posing together outdoors on cobblestone pavement. The background features historic buildings.
A couple posing together outdoors, smiling at the camera. The woman is wearing glasses and a winter coat, while the man is wearing a beanie and has a playful expression.
Close-up portrait of a smiling woman with brown hair, wearing a brown jacket and colorful scarf, in an outdoor setting.
A man in a red jacket and a woman in a light blue jacket stand together in a lively indoor market, surrounded by people and holiday decorations.
A man wearing a red jacket and a woman in a teal coat stand smiling in a festive outdoor corridor lined with lights and decorations.
A woman in a red jacket walking down a busy street, carrying a bag and wearing glasses, with blurred pedestrians in the background.
Busy urban street filled with pedestrians, featuring various shops and vibrant signage. People of diverse backgrounds are walking, some wearing winter clothing, and trees line the walkway.
A bustling arcade with people seated at outdoor café tables, decorative hanging lights, and shop signs visible along the corridor.
A busy shopping gallery decorated with festive ornaments and lights, featuring people walking and browsing shops, with Christmas trees and a cheerful atmosphere.
A tranquil scene featuring a pond surrounded by greenery and modern buildings. Two people are sitting on the bank of the pond, enjoying the view.

6 Conclusion (English)

The Sony 100mm F2.8 GM Macro 1.4 X (1599 euros) is a dream macro lens

  • Outstanding Sharpness at 1x up to 2X and Excellent at F2.8X
  • Compatibility with TC
  • Outstanding ergonomics with focus clutch
  • Optical stabilisation
  • Superb contrast, soft background blur , very good Bokeh balls…

Alternatives

  • Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art (840 euros) : similar sharpness at 1:1, very good ergonomics but less good than the Sony, a also a real click/clickless aperture ring
  • Tamron 90mm F2.8 Di III Macro VXD (699euros) : a tiny bit less sharp, less good ergonomics than the Sigma and Sony but better Bokeh balls and less focus breathing

if you do own the Sigma or Tamron and do not need more than 1X macro you don’t need to upgrade , but if you do need more than 1X or looking for your first high end macro lens , the Sony 100mm is a must

Highly Recommended

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Pros

  • Outstanding sharpness on the entire field as of F2.8
  • Outstanding sharpness with TC1.4 at 2x
  • Excellent sharpness with TC2 at 2.8x
  • Very good bokeh balls
  • Smooth blurry background
  • Excellent color rendition
  • Excellent contrast
  • Excellent build quality
  • Excellent ergonomics with focus clutch, focusing ring with stops and magnification scale, click/clickless aperture ring,
  • Optical stabilisation
  • Excellent AF
  • Vignetting close to 0
  • Distortion close to 0
  • CA and LoCA close to 0
  • Weight

Average

  • Size
  • Price
  • Good Resistance to flare but could be better
  • Focus breathing

Cons

  • None
A Sony Alpha 7R camera with a large zoom lens attached, featuring various dials and buttons on the body.

6 Conclusion (Français)

Le Sony 100mm F2.8 GM Macro 1.4 X (1599 euros) est l’optique macro ultime

  • Superb piqué à 1x, 2X et excellent à 2.8X
  • Compatibilité avec les TC
  • Ergonomie superbe avec bague de mise au point débraille avec points d’arrêts
  • Stabilisation optique
  • Superbe contraste, flou d’arrière plan très doux , très bons ronds de bokeh

Alternatives

  • Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art (840 euros) : meme piqué à 1X, ergonomie légèrement moins excellente mais avec une bague d’ouverture avec ou sans clics
  • Tamron 90mm F2.8 Di III Macro VXD (699euros) : un peu moins piqué, moins bonne ergonomie que le Sony et le Sigma mais meilleur ronds de bokeh et moins de focus breathing

Si vous avez déjà le Sigma ou le Tamron et que le rapport 1X vous suffit pas besoin de faire la mise à jour , si par contre vous avez l’usage d’un rapport jusque 2,8X ou que c’est votre première optique macro et que le prix n’est pas un critère , alors le Sony 100mm est un maître achat

Hautement recommandé

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Pour

  • Piqué superbe sur tout le champ dès F2.8
  • Piqué surpaie avec le TC1.4 à 2x et F5.6
  • Piqué excellent avec le TC2 à 2,8X et F8
  • Très bons ronds de bokeh
  • Flou d’arrière plan très doux
  • Excellent rendu des couleurs
  • Excellent contraste
  • Excellent ergonomie avec bague de mise au point débrayable avec arrêt et échelle de grossissement, bague d’ouverture avec ou sans clics
  • Stabilisation optique
  • Excellent qualité de construction
  • Excellent AF
  • Vignettage proche de 0
  • Distorsion proche de 0
  • AC et AC longitudinales proche de 0
  • Poids

Moyen

  • Taille
  • Prix
  • Bonne résistance au flare mais pourrait être meilleure
  • Focus breathing visible

Contre

  • Aucun

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