ProfHankD's reviews

  • Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM OSS SEL100F28GM

    10 out of 10 points and recommended
    Best apodization yet; No vignetting nor flare, very high sharpness; AF works quite well despite apodization; OSS works well, helps with non-IBIS bodies and sort-of compensates for light loss due to apodizer; Handles like a G lens
    $1500; Not small (it doesn't vignette at f/2.8!); Build uses a lot of plastic; Close focus, but unfortunately not macro; Light loss from apodization filter (even when lens is stopped down and not apodizing) -- pity the apodizer isn't removable

    This is a truly excellent lens that also happens to be apodized (seemingly to slightly better effect than the Minolta 135mm STF, significantly better than the Laowa 105mm STF, and way better than my homemade apodizers). Basically, this is the new king of smooth bokeh -- but it would be more accurate to think of it as the ultimate lens for making images that are all about the primary subject, because the lack of vignetting and flare combining with high sharpness and smooth bokeh essentially eliminate all distractions. Thus, I think this lens is best suited for wide-open use on portraits and product photography. The smooth bokeh also helps minimize artifacting for focus stacking, and IQ seems still good on extension tubes for getting into the macro range.

    I posted a little review at DPReview last week, including some sample photos: https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/59510810

    reviewed May 10th, 2017 (purchased for $1,500)