Sony FE 100mm F2.8 STF GM OSS Review
Sony's G Master lens family has a new member in the form of the FE 100mm F2.8 STF GM OSS ($1,499.99). Like other GM lenses, it's designed for the high-resolution image sensors of today and tomorrow, but the 100mm F2.8 STF has a special trick up its sleeve. An integral apodization element cuts incoming light, smoothing out-of-focus highlights for a more pleasant background. Add in a close-focus mode that delivers 1:4 magnification and you get a versatile, albeit expensive, prime lens. It delivers extremely sharp images, but its light-gathering capability is compromised by the apodization element. It's a powerful tool for portraiture, but not the best choice to use in dim light.
Design
The 100mm F2.8 STF ($1,498.00 at Amazon) measures 4.7 by 3.4 inches (HD), weighs 1.5 pounds, and supports 72mm front filters. It's large compared with other lenses of this focal length, but balances well on full-frame Sony mirrorless bodies. Its barrel is tough polycarbonate, with a matching lens hood...
The Sony FE 100mm F2.8 STF GM OSS lens features an APD element to smooth out-of-focus highlights, and is certain to appeal to serious portrait photographers.
Apodization filter for smooth backgrounds; Optical image stabilization; Designed for high-resolution image sensors; Dust and moisture resistant
Expensive; Apodization filter limits light-gathering capability