Sony has announced the new Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5 GM OSS. The telephoto zoom is a new addition to the G Master series and is aimed at photographers working in nature, bird, sports, and press photography.
The lens offers a focal length of 100-400mm with a constant maximum aperture of f/4.5. According to Sony, the lens combines high resolution and the familiar G Master bokeh with significantly faster autofocus than its predecessor. Its relatively lightweight construction should also make extended handheld shooting easier.
Sony positions the new lens above the existing Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS lens, with features including a constant f/4.5 aperture and an internal zoom design.
G Master optics across the entire range
According to Sony, the lens delivers high sharpness across the entire 100 to 400mm zoom range. The optical design includes newly developed ED XA elements, XA elements, two Super ED elements, and three ED glass elements. This combination is intended to effectively correct chromatic aberrations and other optical flaws.
The lens also features Nano AR Coating II to reduce ghosting and flare, especially when shooting into the light. The rounded 11-blade aperture should produce soft, round background blur characteristic of the G Master series.
One benefit of the constant f/4.5 aperture is that exposure remains consistent while zooming. The lens also supports Sony’s 1.4x and 2x teleconverters, enabling focal lengths up to 800mm, or even 1200mm in APS-C mode.
For photographers seeking even greater telephoto reach, Sony also offers the Sony FE 400-800mm F6.3-8 G OSS.
Faster autofocus and tracking
For autofocus, the lens uses four XD linear motors and a floating focus mechanism. According to Sony, this delivers autofocus performance up to three times faster than the existing FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS. Subject tracking is also said to have improved by approximately 50 percent.
The lens is fully compatible with the Sony Alpha 9 III and supports continuous shooting at up to 120 frames per second with AF/AE tracking.
Lightweight design with internal zoom
Despite its extensive range, the lens weighs approximately 1,840 grams. Sony achieves this with an optical design that incorporates magnesium-alloy components and lightweight XD motors.
The internal zoom design prevents the lens from extending while zooming. This keeps its center of gravity stable, which is especially helpful when shooting handheld or tracking moving subjects.
Designed for professional use
The built-in image stabilization supports Active Mode on compatible cameras and works together with the camera body’s internal stabilization.
For videographers, the lens also supports focus breathing compensation, which corrects changes in angle of view during focusing. It also features four focus-hold buttons and a function ring for custom settings.
The body has a dust- and moisture-resistant finish, and the front element has a fluorine coating that makes dirt and water easier to remove.
Key specifications
- 100-400mm telephoto zoom lens
- Constant maximum aperture of f/4.5
- G Master optics
- Nano AR Coating II
- 11-blade aperture
- Four XD linear AF motors
- Internal zoom design
- Weight of approximately 1,840 grams
- Compatible with 1.4x and 2x teleconverters
- Support for focus breathing compensation
- Dust- and moisture-resistant construction
Price and availability
According to Sony, the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5 GM OSS will be available starting in June for a suggested retail price of approximately € 5,000.
