A sharp short-telephoto lens, the FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM OSS from Sony is designed to deliver stunning bokeh in a portrait-length lens. Created for use with full-frame Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras, it can also be used on APS-C models where it will provide a 150mm equivalent focal length. It features Smooth Trans Focus technology which uses an apodization filter to produce smooth, rounded out-of-focus bokeh. This element, which resembles a radially graduated ND filter that tapers from clear in the centre to more dense around the edges, produces more circular out-of-focus highlights for more pleasing selective focus and shallow depth of field effects. A rounded 11-blade diaphragm further contributes to an attractive bokeh quality.
This is combined with an optical design that uses one aspherical element and one extra-low dispersion element to control both spherical and chromatic aberrations. A Nano AR coating has also been applied to the lens elements to reduce lens flare and ghosting and produce contrast-rich images with true colour, even when working in bright lighting conditions. A Direct Drive SSM system and internal focus mechanism ensures fast, quiet and smooth autofocus performance. A ring-switch permits selecting between two focusing ranges, including a dedicated close-up range for working with subjects as close as 57 cm away with a 0.25x maximum magnification. Optical SteadyShot image stabilisation is also included and helps to capture sharp handheld images by minimising the appearance of camera shake. This stabilisation system can also be combined with select cameras sensor-shift type image stabilisation for more effective control of camera blur. The lens is completed with a durable physical construction that is dust- and moisture-sealed for peace of mind when working in difficult environments. The manual aperture ring can also be de-clicked for smooth, silent aperture switching to benefit video applications.
