URGENT UPDATE: Sony has just announced the release of its highly anticipated 100mm macro lens with groundbreaking features designed for macro photography enthusiasts. This new lens promises to elevate your macro shooting experience by delivering enhanced magnification and superior bokeh that makes tiny subjects appear larger and more isolated in their natural settings.
In a compelling video demonstration, photographer Dros puts the 100mm macro against its predecessor, the 90mm macro, showcasing real-world performance in a forest setting. The video reveals that while the new lens is slightly larger and heavier, it introduces a range of impressive features including an aperture ring, a second custom button, and significantly faster autofocus capabilities. Notably, the 100mm macro boasts a maximum magnification of 1.4x, a crucial upgrade for macro photographers.
Photographers will appreciate the enhanced bokeh quality, which is evident in side-by-side images where backgrounds appear smoother and less distracting, even when stopped down. The video also highlights the 100mm macro’s compatibility with teleconverters, a feature absent in the 90mm model, further expanding creative possibilities.
The lens is designed for full-frame Sony E mount cameras and features a minimum focus distance of 10.2 inches (26 cm), making it ideal for capturing intricate details. Dros tests the lens on various subjects, from tiny mushrooms to raindrops on leaves, demonstrating its versatility in achieving a dreamy aesthetic at an aperture of f/2.8 while maintaining a clean background.
As Dros pushes the lens to its limits, he captures stunning details of microscopic droplets and minute insects, showcasing the lens’s ability to reveal textures and patterns invisible to the naked eye. The use of a 1.4x teleconverter allows for extreme close-ups, while still maintaining a razor-thin depth of field, further enhancing the artistic quality of the images.
In the video, Dros also discusses the practical aspects of upgrading from the 90mm macro to the new model, especially as prices for used gear may drop. This conversation is particularly relevant for photographers weighing the benefits of increased magnification and teleconverter flexibility against their current equipment.
With the 100mm macro lens now available, photographers are encouraged to explore its capabilities, particularly in challenging macro environments. The lens offers an exciting opportunity to redefine macro photography, pushing creative boundaries as we head into the fall season.
For an in-depth look at the features and performance of the 100mm macro lens, watch the full video demonstration by Dros above. Stay tuned for more updates as this lens hits the market!
