By technical editor Matt Allard:
At CP+ in Tokyo, Sony were showing the FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS. This full frame capable macro lens features Sony’s OSS (Optical Steady Shot Image Stabilization) system and close focusing up to 29cm (0.96ft). A switch on the side of the lens allows for infinity focus or focus up to 0.5 meters down to 0.28 meters. Strangely enough this contridicts the minimum focus distance of 0.29 meters written on the front of the lens, 0.28 on the actual focus barrel and the 0.30 that comes up on the camera display. To my eye it looked like the lens could focus even closer than any of those figures. You also have the ability to turn the OSS on or off on the side of the lens. It will be interesting to see how the OSS would work with the the in built 5 axis stabilisation on the a7 Mark II.
I had a bit of hands on time with the lens at CP+ and was very impressed by the optical performance. It is very sharp and the OSS definitely makes a big difference when shooting any type of macro work. Even when not used as a Macro lens the 90mm looked to provide nice separation between your subject and the background. Build quality was very nice and was right up there with any of the FE ZE lenses on offer.
There is no indication of price or availability from Sony.
