Extreme Macro & Scientific Photography — 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO (2018): 2:1 magnification at a price no first-party lens can match — the specialist macro choice for Sony shooters who need maximum magnification.
Macro, Portrait & Nature Photography — 105mm f/2.8 DG DN Macro Art (2021): Art-series macro quality at a compelling price — arguably the best-value 1:1 macro for Sony FE shooters who want professional results without the G-series premium.
Who should buy what
Quick take: The 100mm f/2.8 2x ultra macro apo is the most affordable; only the 105mm f/2.8 dg dn macro art is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO (2018) | 105mm f/2.8 DG DN Macro Art (2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £399 | £699 |
| Sensor | f/2.8 (max aperture) | f/2.8 (max aperture) |
| Video | 22.6cm minimum focus distance (2:1 macro) | 29.5cm minimum focus distance (1:1 macro) |
| Autofocus | Manual focus only — precision helicoid for close-up work | HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) — fast and near-silent |
| Stabilisation | None (body IBIS or careful technique required) | None (relies on body IBIS) |
| Burst Rate | N/A | N/A |
| Battery Life | N/A | N/A |
| Weight | 638g | 715g |
| Dimensions | 73mm diameter × 123.5mm length | 79.6mm diameter × 141.2mm length |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Viewfinder | N/A | N/A |
| Screen | N/A | N/A |
| Mount | Sony FE (full-frame E-mount) | Sony FE (full-frame E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | N/A | N/A |
| Connectivity | N/A | N/A |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO | 105mm f/2.8 DG DN Macro Art |
|---|---|---|
| Macro | ||
| Portrait | ||
| Landscape | — |
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