The New Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM Lens: Must-Have for Underwater Macro Shooters

Ikelite 200DL Underwater Housing featured with a Sony Alpha Camera and the new Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM Lens

Every so often a lens comes around that changes the game and Sony's new FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro G Master does just that. With 1.4x magnification, advanced optical stabilization, comfortable working distance, and the G Master line's notoriously impressive image resolution this lens sounds like it was designed with underwater photographers in mind. 

 

Features

1.4x magnification (2.8x max with the optional teleconverter). Larger than the typical 1:1 reproduction found in most other macro lenses means you can really fill your frame with the tiniest subjects. 

Advanced optical stabilization. The Optical SteadyShot (OSS) feature steadies your frame for handheld macro shooting. Topside macro work is already sensitive to camera shake but add in buoyancy and currents and this effect is magnified underwater (pun intended). The Sony 100mm macro GM OSS feature lets you get sharper handheld images and smoother macro video.

Comfortable working distance. The Sony 100mm macro features a minimum focus distance of 10.2 inches (259.08 mm) with a working distance of 3.5 inches (88.9 mm). This means you're getting tack-sharp images of the tiniest critters while still having enough separation from your subject for your lighting.

Fast and reliable autofocus. Four ultra-quiet XD linear motors power the Sony 100mm GM macro lens, boasting speeds nearly 2x faster than the Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 lens.

Impressive image quality. Sony's G Master line is a professional level lens lineup known for its exceptional image quality, and the new 100mm macro lens is no different. With 11 blade circular aperture you can expect a soft, pleasing bokeh that will make your subject pop from the background. The advanced optical design gives you 17 elements in 13 groups, including two XA (eXtreme Aspherical) and two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements to maximize sharpness and minimize abberation. The Nanon AR Coating II works to suppress ghosting and flare for optimized clarity and contrast. 

Versatility. Topside shooters will appreciate the versatility of this lens, useful for portraits, events, product shoots, and more.

 

Specifications

  • Dimensions: 3.2 in x 5.8 in (81.4 mm x 147.9 mm) 
  • Weight: 1.4 lb (646 g)
  • Filter size: 67mm
  • Mount: Sony E-Mount Full Frame
  • Aperture range: f/2.8 - f/22
  • Angle of view: 24º

 

Pricing and Availability

This exciting new lens retails for under US$1500, shipping from B&H and other retailers. 

 

Port Recommendations

Take your Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM Lens underwater today, find the right port recommendations for your Ikelite housing using our Port Charts: 

Manual focus gear for DL housings coming soon.

 

Need more help? Our team is here to help. Contact us today!

 

Additional Viewing

Sony Mirrorless Lineup Explained for Underwater [VIDEO]

Top 3 Best Lenses for Sony Full Frame Mirrorless Underwater [VIDEO]

Sony a1 II vs A1 // Which is Better for Underwater Photo & Videos??? [VIDEO]

3 Lightroom Edits to Make Macro Subjects POP [VIDEO]

Super Macro Underwater Photography Techniques

 

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