Published: October 2, 2025
It’s been a decade since the release of the Sony FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS and for nearly half that time, users have been begging for a G Master version. Sony has finally answered with a new G Master macro with best in class corner-to-corner sharpness, smoother bokeh thanks to use of two XA (extreme aspherical) elements and XD Linear AF focusing twice as the previous lens. Finally, the new FE 100mm F2.8 Macro GM OSS is compatible with Sony FE teleconverters offering either greater shooting distance or maximum magnification up to 2x with Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter and up to 2.8x maximum magnification with the Sony FE 2x Teleconverter.
Here’s how the specs compare between the new Sony FE 100mm F2.8 Macro GM OSS and the Sony FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS lens.
| Lens | Sony FE 100mm F2.8 Macro GM OSS lens | Sony FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,498 | $1,198 |
| Focal Length: | 100mm | 90mm |
| Maximum Aperture: | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Dimensions (ø x L) | ø: 3.2 x L: 5.8″ / ø: 81.4 x L: 147.9 mm | ø: 3.11 x L: 5.14″ / ø: 79 x L: 130.5 mm |
| Weight | 1.4 lb / 646 g | 1.32 lb / 602 g |
| Filter Size | 67mm (Front) | 62mm (Front) |
| Diaphragm Blades | 11, Rounded | 9, Rounded |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 10.2″ / 26 cm (From Camera Sensor) | 11.02″ / 28 cm |
| Maximum Magnification | 1.4x Magnification | 1x Magnification |
| Optical Design | 17 Elements in 13 Groups | 15 Elements in 11 Groups |
| XA (extreme aspherical) elements | 2 | 0 |
| Auto Focus Type | Four XD Linear Motors | Direct Drive SSM |
| Aperture Ring | Yes | No |
| Compatible with Sony FE Teleconverters | Yes | No |
Order Sony FE 100mm F2.8 Macro GM OSS Lens from B&H Photo | Amazon | Sony
Order Sony FE 90 F2.8 Macro G OSS Lens from B&H Photo | Amazon | Sony
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1 thought on “Tale of the Tape: Sony FE 100mm F2.8 Macro GM OSS -vs- FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS”
Thanks for the reminder and after viewing the SO MANY YouTube videos and other places yes Sony WINS. Not really a macro capturer but when you see that something that is very small or that someone else has captured you have to just try! There is just one thing missing from all the info about macro capturing that few even know about that I have tried and that is the using of old film lenses telephotos or some put in backwards or many connected together somewhat that we ALL have tried at onetime or another. And the lighting involved and the multi captures put together some how using the old software.
Just saying, when showing such a great lens that has two uses a little info of the past of how it has been done over the years past that makes this lens such a miracle of abilities like OSS where when used with todays IBIS you also get a 5th element steadiness where as in the past you had to use tripods with camera and lens in one focal point tied down and using a external shutter and with the old mirrored cameras a mirror locked up for one little movement would make hours of prep time for NOT. That is just one remembrance that few if any today know about. There are many books in the past years, yes paper, that covered every detail of a macro capture and all the gear needed and then finding all that was needed going from one camera store to another to find all taking many months and then the assembly in a room where no one has access to ruin it all.
Now here is a lens that you can take with you to that place where the object of your obsession is and just handhold and on a camera that is steady everything then do a automatic layered captures with even eye focus of whatever.
The other great thing is that of using as a portrait lens of a far off object/bird and being a full frame and with a push of a selected button for APS-C you can even get closer and add the Teleconverter either 1.4X or 2X the added closeness without a long Telephoto extension added to all things. Just go on a walkabout and play at ones content with a lot of images on a little card to again play with in your electronic dark room.
The only thing missing in the digital print is the ability to put the story of the capture on the back of a print yes you can print one out and paste to the back but!