Sony

Sony SEL100F28GM 100mm f/2.8 GM Lens - Telephoto Prime

3.7 (17 reviews)
f/2.8

Sony's G Master 100mm STF lens delivers the smoothest bokeh in the Alpha system with razor-sharp subject rendering.

$1,698.00*
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 15, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Sony SEL100F28GM 100mm f/2.8 G Master lens occupies a singular position in Sony's lineup as the only E-mount lens featuring Smooth Trans Focus (STF) technology. At its heart is an apodization optical element—a special filter that gradually reduces light transmission from center to edge, smoothing the transition between in-focus and out-of-focus areas in a way that no aperture blade design or software processing can replicate. The result is bokeh that appears remarkably natural and creamy, with defocused highlights rendered as soft, evenly illuminated circles free of hard edges or distracting ring patterns. Combined with G Master-level resolution, the lens produces images where the subject snaps into sharp focus against a background that melts away with unusual grace.

The 11-blade circular aperture further contributes to the quality of out-of-focus rendering, maintaining round highlight shapes even when stopped down. Sony's DDSSM (Direct Drive Super Sonic Motor) autofocus system delivers fast, accurate, and nearly silent performance that suits both portrait sessions and video work. Built-in Optical SteadyShot stabilization adds versatility in lower light or when shooting handheld at slower shutter speeds. The lens focuses down to 0.57m with 0.25x magnification, opening up close-up and detail photography possibilities. It is worth noting that the apodization element does reduce effective light transmission to approximately T5.6, so photographers accustomed to shooting wide open at true f/2.8 exposure levels will need to compensate with ISO or shutter speed adjustments.

Key Features

Unique G Master mid-telephoto Lens w/ lifelike background defocus

G Master design combines extraordinary sharpness and smooth bokeh

Apodization element eliminates distortion of defocused highlights

11-blade circular aperture contributes to gorgeous bokeh

Direct Drive SSM (DDDSSM) for fast, quiet, precise focusing

Mounting Type: Sony E

Specifications

Brand
Sony
Model
SEL100F28GM
Focal Length
100mm
Maximum Aperture
f/2.8 (T5.6 effective)
Lens Mount
Sony E-Mount
Format Compatibility
Full-Frame
Special Elements
Apodization (APD) Element
Aperture Blades
11 (Circular)
Minimum Focus Distance
0.57m (1.87 ft)
Maximum Magnification
0.25x
AF Drive
Direct Drive SSM (DDSSM)
Image Stabilization
Optical SteadyShot
STF Technology
Smooth Trans Focus

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Apodization element produces uniquely smooth, creamy bokeh unmatched by conventional lens designs
  • G Master optical formula delivers exceptional sharpness at the plane of focus alongside the soft backgrounds
  • 11-blade circular aperture maintains beautifully round bokeh highlights across aperture settings
  • DDSSM autofocus is fast, precise, and near-silent for both stills and video
  • Built-in Optical SteadyShot stabilization helps maintain sharpness at slower shutter speeds

👎 Cons

  • Apodization element reduces effective light transmission to approximately T5.6, requiring higher ISO or slower shutter speeds than a standard f/2.8 lens
  • 100mm focal length on a full-frame body requires more working distance for portraits than shorter options like 85mm
  • Premium G Master pricing places it well above most 100mm alternatives
  • Heavier and larger than non-STF 100mm primes due to the additional optical elements

Frequently Asked Questions

STF uses a built-in apodization optical element that gradually reduces light transmission toward the edges of the aperture, producing exceptionally smooth and natural-looking background blur free of the harsh edges or "onion ring" patterns common in standard lenses.
Yes, the apodization element reduces the light reaching the sensor, so while the optical aperture is f/2.8, the effective T-stop for exposure purposes is approximately T5.6. This means the lens transmits less light than a standard f/2.8 lens.
Yes, the lens features built-in Optical SteadyShot image stabilization, which works independently or in conjunction with in-body stabilization on compatible Sony Alpha bodies.
The lens focuses as close as 0.57m (1.87 feet) with a maximum magnification of 0.25x, providing useful close-up capability for detail shots and tight portraits.
Yes, the Direct Drive SSM (DDSSM) autofocus motor is designed to be fast, precise, and virtually silent, making it suitable for video work where microphone pickup of lens noise would be a concern.