Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM OSS vs Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM OSS is 100mm, the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM is 35mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM OSS for zoom, the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM OSS if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 100mm vs 35mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot close-ups — 1.4x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Choose the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 35mm vs 100mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM opens to f/1.4 vs the Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM OSS's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM OSS is 100mm, Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM is 35mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM is $1,399, $101 under the Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM OSS.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM OSS has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Close-up: the Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM OSS reaches 1.4x magnification vs 0.23x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Weight: the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM is 524g (1.16 lb) vs 646g (1.42 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM OSS or the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM OSS is 100mm, the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM is 35mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM OSS for zoom, the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM for short-telephoto / portrait.
Who should choose the Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM OSS?
Choose the Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM OSS if you need more reach — it goes to 100mm vs 35mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot close-ups — 1.4x magnification gets you true macro the other can't. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Who should choose the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM?
Choose the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM if you want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 35mm vs 100mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
What is the main difference between the Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM OSS and the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM?
Aperture: the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM opens to f/1.4 vs the Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM OSS's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 100mm | 35mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 17 | 14 |
| Optical Groups | 13 | 10 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 11 | 11 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 24° – 24° | 63° – 63° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | XD Linear | XD Linear |
| Focus Limiter | Yes | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 26 cm | 27 cm |
| Max Magnification | 1.4x | 0.23x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | No |
| Aperture Ring | Yes | Yes |
| Declickable Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $1,500 | $1,399 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 79mm | 76mm |
| Length | 134mm | 96mm |
| Weight | 646g (1.42 lb) | 524g (1.16 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
