Sony’s two latest E-mount lenses were designed with bokeh in mind. Both the new FE 100mm F2.8 STF G Master and FE 85mm F1.8 are ideal for portraits, weddings and fashion photography with their mid-telephoto focal lengths and large maximum aperture.
Sony claims that this latest G Master lens produces the best looking bokeh of all their flagship lenses and it’s clear that was their goal since the 100mm features their newly designed 11-blade aperture and a new optical apodization lens element.
The apodization element (one of 14 elements in 10 groups) softens the transition between in-focus and out-of-focus areas, which Sony says makes for exceptionally soft, smooth bokeh.
The FE 100mm focuses quickly and silently thanks to the Super Sonic Motor (SSM) system and support for both contrast and focal-plane phase detection autofocus.
There’s also built-in Optical SteadyShot image stabilization and the lens is dust/moisture resistant.
The FE 85mm F1.8 is a mid-range alternative to Sony’s flagship FE 85mm F1.4 GM lens that was launched last year. While those that want the very best Sony has to offer will go for their 85mm G Master, those willing to take a one-stop compromise will find the $799.99 price tag easier on the wallet.
While it “only” has 9 aperture blades, the FE 85mm is made for “exceptionally sharp portraits with soft background defocus”. The non-G Master lens is also significantly smaller and less than half the weight of it’s larger sibling while remaining dust/moisture resistant.
Both lenses are expected at the end of March with the FE 100mm F2.8 STF GM OSS carrying an MSRP of $2,049.99 while the FE 85mm F1.8 goes for $799.99.