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Sony FE 400mm F 2 8 GM OSS Review | 54 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£10,560
Avg. price in US: ~$13,000
Lens mount: Sony E
Maximum focal length: 400 mm
Maximum aperture (telephoto end): 2.8
Optical image stabilization: yes
Maximum angle of view: 6.2 °

Sony FE 400mm F 2 8 GM OSS review. Compare 54 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among camera lenses and if it is worth buying.

8.3

Excellent

8.3

Excellent

?

9.9
Low-light photography
Score components:
70.0%
9.8
Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
30.0%
10
Optical image stabilization
6.1
Travel
Score components:
30.0%
4.0
Lens length
25.0%
1.7
Lens diameter
25.0%
10
Weather sealing (splashproof)
20.0%
10
Optical image stabilization

No image

No image

Best prices in UK

£?

Best rankings

Verdict

The Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS is a professional super-telephoto prime lens engineered for full-frame E-mount cameras, featuring an advanced optical formula of 23 elements in 17 groups—including three fluorite elements and an 11-blade circular diaphragm. Key characteristics and pros include its exceptionally fast XD Linear Motor autofocus system capable of tracking sports and wildlife at up to 20 frames per second, built-in Optical SteadyShot stabilization with a dedicated tracking mode, and a remarkably lightweight, weather-sealed magnesium alloy construction weighing just 2,895 grams with rear-heavy weight distribution for optimal balance. However, main cons include its prohibitively expensive retail price, large physical footprint that may still necessitate a monopod during extended tracking, and a low 0.16x maximum magnification ratio.

Technical Specifications of Sony FE 400mm F 2 8 GM OSS

Overall score

8.3

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?

Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera lens.

When it matters: When you want to see which camera lenses attract the most buyer attention and review activity.

Mount & Format

10

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Lens type

What it is: The optical category that indicates whether the lens is a prime, zoom, macro, fisheye, or another design.

When it matters: When you are choosing between a prime, zoom, macro, or specialty lens for the kind of subjects you shoot.

Importance: LOW

prime

Lens mount

What it is: The mechanical and electronic interface that determines which cameras the lens can be attached to.

When it matters: When camera compatibility and access to the right lens ecosystem are central to your buying decision.

Importance: LOW

Sony E

Sensor format coverage

What it is: The largest sensor size the lens is designed to cover without severe vignetting.

When it matters: When you need the lens to fully cover your camera sensor without heavy corner darkening.

Importance: LOW

Full-frame

Filter thread size

What it is: The diameter of the front filter thread used for screw-in filters and compatible accessories.

When it matters: When you plan to use screw-in filters such as polarizers, ND filters, or protective glass.

Importance: LOW

?

Teleconverter compatibility

What it is: Whether the lens can be used with compatible teleconverters to extend focal length.

When it matters: When you want to extend reach for wildlife or sports without changing to a different long lens.

Importance: HIGH

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Optics & Aperture

8.7

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Minimum focal length

What it is: The shortest focal length the lens can provide, which determines its widest framing.

When it matters: When wide framing matters for landscapes, interiors, architecture, or travel shots.

Importance: LOW

400 mm

Maximum focal length

What it is: The longest focal length the lens can reach, which determines its telephoto reach.

When it matters: When you need more reach for wildlife, sports, stage events, or distant details.

Importance: LOW

400 mm

Optical zoom

What it is: The ratio between the longest and shortest focal lengths available in the lens zoom range.

When it matters: When you want one lens to cover a broader range of compositions without swapping glass.

Importance: LOW

?

Maximum angle of view

What it is: The widest scene the lens can capture at its shortest focal length.

When it matters: When you need to fit more of a room, skyline, or landscape into the frame.

Importance: LOW

6.2 °

Minimum angle of view

What it is: The narrowest scene the lens captures at its longest focal length.

When it matters: When you want tighter framing on faraway subjects without moving closer.

Importance: LOW

6.2 °

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Focus & Controls

6.6

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Focus motor

What it is: The autofocus drive system responsible for moving lens elements into focus.

When it matters: When fast, quiet autofocus matters for video, wildlife, street shots, or moving subjects.

Importance: LOW

linear motor, XD linear

Minimum focus distance

What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.

When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.

Importance: MEDIUM

Maximum reproduction ratio

What it is: The highest magnification the lens can achieve when focusing at its closest distance.

When it matters: When close-up magnification matters for macro work, textures, or small product details.

Importance: MEDIUM

Full-time manual focus

What it is: The ability to adjust focus manually without leaving autofocus mode.

When it matters: When you want to fine-tune focus instantly without switching out of autofocus.

Importance: HIGH

Internal focusing

What it is: A focusing design in which internal elements move while the outer barrel length stays unchanged.

When it matters: When you use polarizers, gimbals, or close-up setups that benefit from a lens that does not extend while focusing.

Importance: HIGH

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Stabilization

8.5

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Optical image stabilization

What it is: A hardware system that shifts optical elements to counteract camera shake and reduce blur.

When it matters: When you want steadier handheld shots and less blur, especially in low light or at longer focal lengths.

Importance: HIGH

Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)

What it is: The rated stabilizer benefit, measured in stops, under CIPA testing standards.

When it matters: When you are comparing stabilized lenses and want to know how much handheld shutter-speed advantage they offer.

Importance: HIGH

Build & Handling

8.6

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Weight

What it is: The total mass of the lens, affecting portability and handling balance on the camera body.

When it matters: When you carry a lens all day for travel, hiking, or event coverage and want to keep your kit manageable.

Importance: HIGH

?

Lens length

What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.

When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.

Importance: HIGH

Lens diameter

What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.

When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Weather sealing (splashproof)

What it is: Protective sealing intended to resist splashes, dust, and light environmental exposure.

When it matters: When you often shoot outdoors in light rain, dust, or changing conditions.

Importance: HIGH

Metal mount

What it is: A lens mount made of metal rather than plastic for greater durability at the camera connection point.

When it matters: When durability matters because you change lenses often or use heavier gear for work.

Importance: HIGH

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Lab Scores

9.0

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DxOMark overall score

What it is: The combined DxOMark lens rating based on lab-tested optical performance.

When it matters: When you want a quick lab-based summary of overall optical performance before comparing lenses in detail.

Importance: HIGH

?

DxOMark sharpness score

What it is: The DxOMark subscore that reflects how much detail the lens can resolve across the frame.

When it matters: When fine detail matters for landscapes, product work, or high-resolution cameras.

Importance: HIGH

?

DxOMark transmission

What it is: The measured light transmission of the lens, expressed as T-stop rather than nominal f-number.

When it matters: When real light loss matters for exposure consistency in studio, cinema, or mixed-lens shoots.

Importance: MEDIUM

?

DxOMark distortion

What it is: The DxOMark metric that measures how much the lens bends straight lines away from their true shape.

When it matters: When straight lines matter in architecture, interiors, copy work, or product photography.

Importance: MEDIUM

?

DxOMark vignetting

What it is: The DxOMark measurement of corner darkening relative to the center of the image.

When it matters: When even corner brightness matters for skies, studio backdrops, or clean product shots.

Importance: MEDIUM

?

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Sony FE 400mm F 2 8 GM OSS vs the average camera lens

Why is Sony FE 400mm F 2 8 GM OSS better than the average camera lens?

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Has optical image stabilization
Sony FE 400mm F 2 8 GM OSS has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
What it is: A hardware system that shifts optical elements to counteract camera shake and reduce blur.
When it matters: When you want steadier handheld shots and less blur, especially in low light or at longer focal lengths.
Importance: HIGH
Sony FE 400mm F 2 8 GM OSS has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
Teleconverter compatible
Sony FE 400mm F 2 8 GM OSS supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
What it is: Whether the lens can be used with compatible teleconverters to extend focal length.
When it matters: When you want to extend reach for wildlife or sports without changing to a different long lens.
Importance: HIGH
Sony FE 400mm F 2 8 GM OSS supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
Has focus hold button
Sony FE 400mm F 2 8 GM OSS has a focus hold button, the average camera lens does not. 16.5% of camera lenses include a focus hold button.
What it is: A button on the lens barrel used to lock focus temporarily during shooting.
When it matters: When you want to lock focus quickly during sports, wildlife, or recomposed portraits.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sony FE 400mm F 2 8 GM OSS has a focus hold button, the average camera lens does not. 16.5% of camera lenses include a focus hold button.
3 more fluorite elements
Sony FE 400mm F 2 8 GM OSS has more fluorite elements than the average camera lens (3 vs 0). The average lens has 0 fluorite elements.
What it is: Premium optical elements that help suppress chromatic aberration while keeping image quality high.
When it matters: When you are comparing premium telephoto lenses where chromatic aberration control is especially important.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sony FE 400mm F 2 8 GM OSS has more fluorite elements than the average camera lens (3 vs 0). The average lens has 0 fluorite elements.3 vs 0
2 more aperture blades
Sony FE 400mm F 2 8 GM OSS has more aperture blades than the average camera lens (11 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
What it is: The number of diaphragm blades that shape the aperture opening and influence blur rendering.
When it matters: When the look of out-of-focus highlights matters in portraits, close-ups, or cinematic video.
Importance: HIGH
Sony FE 400mm F 2 8 GM OSS has more aperture blades than the average camera lens (11 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.11 vs 9
Has drop-in filter support
Sony FE 400mm F 2 8 GM OSS supports drop-in or rear filters, while the average camera lens does not.
What it is: Support for filters placed behind the rear element instead of on the front thread.
When it matters: When you use large super-telephoto lenses where front filters would be expensive or impractical.
Importance: LOW
Sony FE 400mm F 2 8 GM OSS supports drop-in or rear filters, while the average camera lens does not.
1 stops stronger stabilization
Sony FE 400mm F 2 8 GM OSS has a higher stabilization effectiveness than the average camera lens (5 stops vs 4 stops). The average lens has stabilization effectiveness of 4 stops.
What it is: The rated stabilizer benefit, measured in stops, under CIPA testing standards.
When it matters: When you are comparing stabilized lenses and want to know how much handheld shutter-speed advantage they offer.
Importance: HIGH
Sony FE 400mm F 2 8 GM OSS has a higher stabilization effectiveness than the average camera lens (5 stops vs 4 stops). The average lens has stabilization effectiveness of 4 stops.5 stops vs 4 stops
Has focus limiter switch
Sony FE 400mm F 2 8 GM OSS has a focus limiter switch, the average camera lens does not. 16.4% of camera lenses include a focus limiter switch.
What it is: A control that restricts the focus range to improve autofocus speed and reduce hunting.
When it matters: When autofocus speed matters and you want to stop the lens from hunting through its full focus range.
Importance: LOW
Sony FE 400mm F 2 8 GM OSS has a focus limiter switch, the average camera lens does not. 16.4% of camera lenses include a focus limiter switch.
Teleconverter compatible
Sony FE 400mm F 2 8 GM OSS supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
Has drop-in filter support
Sony FE 400mm F 2 8 GM OSS supports drop-in or rear filters, while the average camera lens does not.
3 more fluorite elements
Sony FE 400mm F 2 8 GM OSS has more fluorite elements than the average camera lens (3 vs 0). The average lens has 0 fluorite elements.
2 more aperture blades
Sony FE 400mm F 2 8 GM OSS has more aperture blades than the average camera lens (11 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
Has focus hold button
Sony FE 400mm F 2 8 GM OSS has a focus hold button, the average camera lens does not. 16.5% of camera lenses include a focus hold button.
Has focus limiter switch
Sony FE 400mm F 2 8 GM OSS has a focus limiter switch, the average camera lens does not. 16.4% of camera lenses include a focus limiter switch.
Has optical image stabilization
Sony FE 400mm F 2 8 GM OSS has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
1 stops stronger stabilization
Sony FE 400mm F 2 8 GM OSS has a higher stabilization effectiveness than the average camera lens (5 stops vs 4 stops). The average lens has stabilization effectiveness of 4 stops.
Newer release date
Sony FE 400mm F 2 8 GM OSS was released more recently than the average camera lens.

Optics & Aperture

Focus & Controls

Build & Handling

Why is Sony FE 400mm F 2 8 GM OSS worse than the average camera lens?

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2 fewer aspherical elements
Sony FE 400mm F 2 8 GM OSS has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
1 fewer low-dispersion elements
Sony FE 400mm F 2 8 GM OSS has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
Also includes 3 fluorite elements.
2.4 m longer minimum focus distance
Sony FE 400mm F 2 8 GM OSS has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (2.7 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
0.03 x lower maximum reproduction ratio
Sony FE 400mm F 2 8 GM OSS has a lower maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.2x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.
267 mm longer lens
Sony FE 400mm F 2 8 GM OSS is longer than the average camera lens (359 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
81.1 mm wider lens barrel
Sony FE 400mm F 2 8 GM OSS is wider than the average camera lens (158.1 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
267 mm longer lens
Sony FE 400mm F 2 8 GM OSS is longer than the average camera lens (359 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.
When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.
Importance: HIGH
Sony FE 400mm F 2 8 GM OSS is longer than the average camera lens (359 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.359 mm vs 92 mm
81.1 mm wider lens barrel
Sony FE 400mm F 2 8 GM OSS is wider than the average camera lens (158.1 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.
When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sony FE 400mm F 2 8 GM OSS is wider than the average camera lens (158.1 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.158.1 mm vs 77 mm
2.4 m longer minimum focus distance
Sony FE 400mm F 2 8 GM OSS has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (2.7 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.
When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sony FE 400mm F 2 8 GM OSS has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (2.7 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.2.7 m vs 0.3 m
2 fewer aspherical elements
Sony FE 400mm F 2 8 GM OSS has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
What it is: Specially shaped lens elements used to reduce distortion and improve sharpness with fewer optical compromises.
When it matters: When edge sharpness and lower distortion matter in wide-angle, travel, or everyday shooting.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sony FE 400mm F 2 8 GM OSS has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.0 vs 2
19.92x more expensive
Sony FE 400mm F 2 8 GM OSS is more expensive than the average camera lens (£10,560 vs £530).
Sony FE 400mm F 2 8 GM OSS is more expensive than the average camera lens (£10,560 vs £530).£10,560 vs £530
1 fewer low-dispersion elements
Sony FE 400mm F 2 8 GM OSS has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
Also includes 3 fluorite elements.
What it is: Optical elements designed to reduce color fringing by controlling how different wavelengths focus.
When it matters: When you want cleaner edges and less color fringing in high-contrast scenes.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sony FE 400mm F 2 8 GM OSS has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.1 vs 2
6.38x less popular
Sony FE 400mm F 2 8 GM OSS is less popular than the average camera lens (1.00 vs 6.383).
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters: When you want to see which camera lenses attract the most buyer attention and review activity.
Sony FE 400mm F 2 8 GM OSS is less popular than the average camera lens (1.00 vs 6.383).1 vs 6.38
20.3% worse value for money
Sony FE 400mm F 2 8 GM OSS has a worse value-for-money score than the average camera lens (6.11 vs 7.346).
What it is: An indicator that combines the camera lens's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters: When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.
Sony FE 400mm F 2 8 GM OSS has a worse value-for-money score than the average camera lens (6.11 vs 7.346).6.11 vs 7.35

Optics & Aperture

Focus & Controls

Build & Handling

Graphic comparison of Sony FE 400mm F 2 8 GM OSS and

Attribute category

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Sony FE 400mm F 2 8 GM OSS?

Exceptional sharpness even at f/2.8
Incredibly fast and accurate XD Linear Motor autofocus
Well-balanced design with weight shifted toward the rear
Lightest 400mm f/2.8 lens in its class
Beautiful background separation and creamy bokeh
Robust, weather-sealed magnesium alloy build
Highly effective optical image stabilization (OSS)
Excellent performance with 1.4x teleconverters

What customers dislike about Sony FE 400mm F 2 8 GM OSS?

Extremely high price point
Noticeable drop in image quality with 2x teleconverters
Still physically large and heavy for extended handheld use
Original lens foot is not Arca-Swiss compatible
Manual teleconverter swapping is cumbersome in the field
Limited maximum magnification (0.16x)

Expert reviews

the-digital-picture.com

27/01/2024

Summary of the review

Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS Lens Review

The Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens is an elite, professional-grade, super-telephoto prime designed for demanding sports and wildlife photography, offering incredible sharpness, creamy G Master bokeh, and a lightweight, back-weighted design that is far more agile than its predecessors. It features a fast f/2.8 aperture for superior low-light performance and ultra-fast XD linear motor autofocus that keeps up with high-speed cameras, while its Optical SteadyShot system provides excellent stability. The primary drawbacks are its high price tag, which makes it inaccessible to most, and the fact that its physically large size can still cause fatigue during extended, unassisted handheld shooting, making a monopod or tripod recommended. Furthermore, the lens lacks an Arca-Swiss compatible tripod foot out of the box, and while it works well with teleconverters, using a 2x converter slightly compromises its exceptional baseline sharpness.

pcmag.com

07/10/2021

Summary of the review

Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS Review - PCMag

The Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS is an elite, ultra-high-performance telephoto lens designed for professional sports and wildlife photography, offering exceptional image quality and a bright f/2.8 aperture. Its magnesium alloy build features fast dual XD Linear AF motors and a balanced design that feels lighter than its weight, supporting rapid handheld or monopod shooting. However, the lens is very expensive and is designed specifically for professionals rather than hobbyists. Performance drawbacks noted include a relatively modest three stops of optical stabilization and a tripod foot that requires an aftermarket adapter for Arca-Swiss compatibility.

kenrockwell.com

02/10/2018

Summary of the review

Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS Review - Ken Rockwell

The Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS is a professional-grade, high-performance super-telephoto lens praised for its exceptional sharpness, fast f/2.8 aperture, and balanced, lightweight design, which makes it highly manageable for wildlife and sports photography. Key benefits include advanced autofocus, effective optical stabilization, and customizable control rings, all packaged in a robust, weather-sealed magnesium alloy chassis.

cameralabs.com

27/06/2018

Summary of the review

Sony FE 400mm f2.8 GM OSS review so far - Cameralabs

The Sony FE 400mm f2.8 GM OSS is a groundbreaking super-telephoto lens for full-frame mirrorless Alpha cameras, specifically engineered to compete directly with Canon and Nikon for professional sports and wildlife photography. Its standout advantage is its incredibly lightweight design; weighing 2,895 grams (6.4 lbs), it is roughly one kilogram (two pounds) lighter than its DSLR rivals, offering superior balance and making handheld shooting far more manageable. Optically, the complex layout of 23 elements in 17 groups (including three Fluorite elements) delivers exceptionally sharp details extending all the way into the corners, alongside highly attractive out-of-focus bokeh rendering. Autofocus performance is exceptionally fast and capable of confidently tracking rapid action across the frame, driven by a newly developed XD Linear Motor that claims to operate up to five times faster than older ring-type SSM systems, even when paired with 1.4x or 2x teleconverters. To help advance your research on this super-telephoto lens, please consider the following next steps

techradar.com

04/07/2018

Summary of the review

Field test: Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS - TechRadar

The Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS is a highly anticipated telephoto prime lens designed specifically for sports and nature photographers using Sony Alpha full-frame mirrorless cameras, such as the Alpha A9. Optics-wise, it features three fluorite elements to minimize chromatic aberration, an 11-blade aperture diaphragm for smooth background bokeh, and built-in optical image stabilization with multiple panning modes. It also incorporates newly developed XD Linear Motors that boast a 5x improvement in moving-subject tracking performance. In real-world testing, the autofocus proved to be incredibly fast and responsive when tracking high-speed subjects, delivering excellent image sharpness and contrast even when shooting wide open at f/2.8. A major pro of this lens is its remarkably lightweight design; weighing 2,895g, it is roughly 1kg lighter than equivalent Canon or Nikon models, making brief handheld shooting entirely possible. Additional pros include its balanced, non-front-heavy barrel design, very fast focus tracking speeds, a weather-sealed magnesium alloy build, and a customizable control ring with four focus-hold buttons. On the downside, the primary con is its incredibly steep price tag of £10,500 / $12,000, though this...

ephotozine.com

29/06/2018

Summary of the review

Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 G Master OSS Hands-On Review - ePHOTOzine

The Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 G Master OSS is praised in this ePHOTOzine review as a lightweight, professional-grade lens offering exceptional build quality, rapid autofocus, and outstanding sharpness for sports and wildlife photography. Key features include versatile, customizable controls and a significantly lighter design than competing lenses. While the lens delivers excellent, smooth bokeh, the review notes visible vignetting when shooting at f/2.8 and potential chromatic aberration that necessitates camera-based corrections. These minor illumination issues, along with potential performance considerations when using a teleconverter, are noted, but overall the lens is considered a triumph in its class.

dpreview.com

27/06/2018

Summary of the review

First Impressions: Sony FE 400 F2.8 GM OSS - DPReview

The Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS is a high-performance, lightweight super-telephoto lens for E-mount cameras, designed to deliver exceptional, contrast-rich images at f/2.8. In initial tests, it achieved a 98% keeper rate with superb autofocus tracking for action, featuring 11-blade circular aperture, effective optical stabilization, and a 40.5mm drop-in filter slot. While offering impressive balance, the lens is a significant investment at $12,000 USD, limiting its audience to professionals and serious enthusiasts. Though 1kg lighter than competitors, it is still a heavy piece of equipment, and while it features a rear-weighted design, users will likely need a monopod for extended, all-day shooting, as free-handing causes, and can lead to, arm fatigue.

briansmith.com

29/01/2026

Summary of the review

Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS Lens Review: Lightest, Sharpest & Fastest Focus in Class! briansmith.com

in english language, be very specific, mention pros and cons inside You sent: 1 tab and said: 2 paragraphs summary of this review in english language, be very specific, mention pros and cons inside briansmith.com File has been removed 2 paragraphs summary of this review in english language, be very specific, mention pros and cons inside

withmanish.com

13/11/2018

Summary of the review

Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS Lens Review - Manish Lakhani

in english language, be very specific, mention pros and cons inside You sent: 1 tab and said: 2 paragraphs summary of this review in english language, be very specific, mention pros and cons inside Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS Lens Review - Manish Lakhani 2 paragraphs summary of this review in english language, be very specific, mention pros and cons inside

alphacommunity.in

17/08/2019

Summary of the review

Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS lens review: My personal experience Would you like a comparison of how this lens performs against its Nikon or Canon equival...

The Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS lens is praised as a versatile, lightweight, and well-balanced tool for low-light, portrait, and landscape photography, offering exceptional sharpness, creamy bokeh, and fast, reliable autofocus. It is highly compatible with teleconverters, and its relatively low weight allows for comfortable handheld shooting and easy transport in standard backpacks. Alpha Community While described as a personal favorite for practical, on-location workflows, the review notes the lens is a specialized, massive prime that requires specific geographical locations, such as Ladakh, to effectively utilize its narrow field of view. The primary limitation is its highly specialized nature, requiring careful planning of shooting scenarios and subject distances to maximize its potential.

florissmeets.com

16/02/2019

Summary of the review

Review: SONY 400MM F2.8 GM OSS - Floris Smeets

The Sony 400mm f2.8 GM OSS lens is a lightweight, high-performance prime lens that excels in demanding wildlife photography environments. Tested alongside the Sony a9 camera body in freezing winter conditions, the lens achieves remarkable handling balance by positioning its heaviest glass components closer to the camera body rather than the front element. Its autofocus performance is exceptionally fast, capturing rapid action without missing a shot, and it easily outperforms competitor setups when tracking subjects in dense mist, low morning or evening light, and strong backlighting. Optically, the lens delivers razor-sharp results from edge to edge, robust optical stabilization down to 1/20s, and a signature creamy, ultra-smooth bokeh at f2.8. Despite its outstanding standalone capabilities, the lens exhibits a distinct drawback when paired with the Sony 1.4x teleconverter. While autofocus tracking speeds remain entirely unaffected by the extender, pixel-level analysis reveals a noticeable drop in contrast and sharpness that requires digital correction. This performance reduction is surprising compared to competitor legacy kits and stands in direct contrast to the positive experiences reported by other reviewers. Additionally, for specialized shooting techniques...

verybiglobo.com

24/11/2018

Summary of the review

Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM Hands On | Verybiglobo photo

The Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS is a highly advanced super-telephoto lens that delivers exceptional optical performance, featuring outstanding sharpness wide open, high micro-contrast, very smooth bokeh, and excellent aberration control. Weighing 2,897 grams, its standout advantage is a remarkably lightweight build compared to older DSLR equivalents, making it much easier to handle over extended multi-hour sports or wildlife shoots. Ergonomically, the lens boasts high-quality weather sealing, a lightweight carbon-fibre lens hood, and a dual high-speed XD Linear Motor system that yields incredibly fast, accurate, and quiet autofocus tracking. However, the lens has notable downsides, primarily its exceptionally high cost—comparable to the price of a medium-sized car—and its physically large footprint, which requires a sturdy tripod, monopod, or gimbal for practical use. The physical layout is also overly complex, featuring an intimidating array of nine different buttons and switches. This massive control layout presents a steep learning curve and can become confusing in the field, as vital functions like the focus limiter and optical stabilization switches are not distinctively grouped or textured for easy tactile identification while looking through...

ephotozine.com

27/06/2018

Summary of the review

Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 G Master OSS Hands-On Review - ePHOTOzine Would you like to see how this lens performs when paired with 1.4x or 2.0x teleconverter...

The Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 G Master OSS is described as an elite, high-speed lens that offers outstanding sharpness and rapid focus acquisition for professional sports and wildlife photography. As the lightest in its class, it delivers excellent image quality with smooth bokeh and effective in-camera correction for chromatic aberrations. ePHOTOzine While performance is superior, the review notes visible vignetting at f/2.8, particularly when used with teleconverters. Despite this, the lens is considered a robust, highly versatile tool for Sony E/FE mount bodies.

uk.pcmag.com

07/10/2021

Summary of the review

Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS - Review 2021 - PCMag UK

The Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS is a high-end, professional telephoto lens designed for mirrorless full-frame cameras, retailing at approximately $11,999.99. It delivers exceptional optical sharpness from corner to corner and features an incredibly fast autofocus system driven by dual linear motors, allowing it to easily keep up with fast-moving sports and wildlife. Its bright f/2.8 maximum aperture is ideal for low-light conditions, and it supports both 1.4x and 2x teleconverters to expand focal options. Built with a robust magnesium alloy barrel, the lens incorporates extensive weather sealing and a white exterior finish to reflect heat during prolonged outdoor use. It also balances remarkably well for handheld or monopod shooting, thanks to strategic weight distribution that centers the heaviest internal glass directly beneath the rotating tripod collar. Despite its superb performance, the lens carries a few notable drawbacks that position it mostly out of reach for hobbyists. Its prohibitively expensive price tag makes it a tool primarily for professionals or high-budget enthusiasts. While it does feature Optical Steady Shot stabilization, the system only nets about three stops of handshake...

wildenatur.com

24/07/2026

Summary of the review

Sony 400mm f/2.8 GM: Long-term Wildlife Review

in english language, be very specific, mention pros and cons inside You sent: 1 tab and said: 2 paragraphs summary of this review in english language, be very specific, mention pros and cons inside Sony 400 mm f/2.8 GM: Langzeittest Wildlife — Wildenatur.com 2 paragraphs summary of this review in english language, be very specific, mention pros and cons inside

mpb.com

17. Januar 2025

Summary of the review

Review: Sony 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS for Wildlife Photography

The Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS is a top-tier prime lens for wildlife photography, offering outstanding edge-to-edge sharpness at f/2.8 and lightning-fast XD linear motors for autofocus. Its key strength is a lightweight 2,895g construction that balances the center of gravity, making handheld tracking of animals much easier. Despite the performance, drawbacks include an exorbitant price tag, a fixed focal length that may lack reach for small, distant subjects, and a bulky size that requires a large bag. Furthermore, using teleconverters to extend the range requires a compromise, reducing the maximum aperture to f/4 or f/5.6.

g-foto.de

05/04/2022

Summary of the review

Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM Review

However, the lens is not without its drawbacks, primary among them being the incredibly high purchase price that makes it difficult for hobbyists to justify. This high cost extends to replacement parts, such as the carbon fibre lens hood which costs nearly €1,000. From a design standpoint, the reviewer heavily criticises the physical switch panel, noting that the buttons are too tiny and flat to be operated while wearing winter gloves. Turning off Optical Steady Shot (OSS) also requires using these fiddly physical switches rather than an in-camera command. The default tripod foot lacks comfortable contours or padding for carrying, forcing users to buy aftermarket replacements. Lastly, unlike newer competitor lenses like the Nikon Z 400mm f2.8, the Sony lacks a built-in teleconverter, meaning users must manually mount standard external teleconverters, risking sensor dust exposure during harsh outdoor shoots.

phototrend.fr

29/11/2023

Summary of the review

Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 G Master OSS Hands-On: The Gold Standard for Sports Telephotos

Overview and Design The Sony FE 400 mm f/2.8 G Master OSS is a high-end telephoto lens designed primarily for professional sports, wildlife, and news photographers. Despite weighing 2.9 kg and measuring 35.9 cm in length, the lens remains highly manageable due to a deliberate design choice that concentrates the optical elements toward the camera body, shifting the center of gravity backwards. Constructed with a magnesium alloy barrel and a carbon-fiber hood, it features professional-grade weather sealing and includes extensive physical controls, such as eight switches for autofocus customization and four focus-hold buttons. A notable design quirk is its front lens diameter, which restricts filter usage to a specialized gelatin filter slot near the mount, and a tripod collar foot that is not Arca-Swiss compatible. Performance, Pros, and Cons In real-world field tests, the lens delivers exceptional image quality with outstanding sharpness across the entire frame right from its maximum f/2.8 aperture, alongside beautifully smooth background bokeh. Key strengths (pros) include a remarkably fast, tracking-reliable XD linear motor autofocus system that excels even on non-sports camera bodies, highly efficient optical...

lesnumeriques.com

27/06/2018

Summary of the review

Sony 400mm f/2.8 Hands-on Review

Despite its premium build and flawless manufacturing quality, the lens has a few minor drawbacks. Esthetically, the white finish might not appeal to everyone, as the reviewer notes a black finish would have been preferable. In terms of handling, the lens feels totally disproportionate when attached to smaller mirrorless bodies like the Sony A7 or A9 series, making the use of a battery grip strongly recommended to achieve proper balance and avoid wrist strain. There is also no dynamic distance indicator on the lens body. Furthermore, using the combination for high-speed action highlights workflow bottlenecks rather than optical flaws: shooting at the maximum 20 frames per second creates an overwhelming amount of images to sort through, which becomes a major hindrance for agency photographers since the Sony A9 camera firmware does not allow file transfers while continuing to shoot.

apvl.ch

28/09/2018

Summary of the review

Field review of the Sony 400mm f2.8: The perfect lens?

This field review evaluates the Sony 400mm f/2.8 GM lens from a wildlife photographer’s perspective, assessing its real-world performance, handling, and optical quality. The reviewer notes that this lens represents a significant technological leap for mirrorless cameras, eliminating the need for autofocus micro-adjustments and leveraging linear motors for near-instantaneous, highly accurate tracking. Optically, the lens delivers exceptional sharpness right from its maximum f/2.8 aperture, making it an invaluable tool for low-light shooting at dawn or dusk. It exhibits excellent resistance to chromatic aberrations and flare under normal conditions, and provides a very soft, pleasing background bokeh. Its standout physical feature is its remarkably lightweight, front-lightened construction (around 3kg), which makes it exceptionally well-balanced and comfortably usable for hand-held shooting without a tripod. It also boasts impressive weather-sealing, having successfully survived heavy rain and sub-zero temperatures down to -20°C in Svalbard without any mechanical freezing. To help me provide more tailored information, please let me know: Are you considering purchasing this lens for a specific genre of photography (e.g., birds in flight, large mammals, sports)? Which Sony camera body do you...

mpb.com

17/01/2025

Summary of the review

Sony 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS Review: Wildlife Photography

The MPB review highlights the Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS as an elite, lightweight lens for wildlife, delivering exceptional optical performance, smooth bokeh, and superior handling in extreme conditions. Tested in the Galápagos, it combats thermal haze efficiently, while the linear response manual focus ring offers precise control for video users. However, the fixed focal length can feel limiting for distant subjects, necessitating teleconverters, and the lens remains a large prime that can cause fatigue during long, handheld field sessions. The lack of an internal teleconverter also requires extra gear for rapid focal length changes.

phototrend.fr

03/08/2018

Summary of the review

Hands-on with the Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 G Master OSS telephoto lens

The Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 G Master is a high-end, full-frame telephoto lens aimed at professional sports, news, and wildlife photographers. Its standout feature is its remarkably lightweight, magnesium-alloy design weighing 2,895 grams, which is roughly 1 kilogram lighter than its Canon and Nikon counterparts. Key advantages include a weight-balanced optical construction that keeps the center of gravity closer to the camera body to reduce user fatigue, a reduction in rotational inertia by 50% for smoother panning, and superb professional-grade image sharpness and bokeh. Additionally, it features a highly efficient dual XD linear motor autofocus system that excels at tracking fast-moving subjects, a specialized third stabilization mode for tracking action, and a convenient drop-in rear slot for 40.5mm filters. However, the reviewer noted a few drawbacks during their brief hands-on testing. The tripod collar notably lacks an integrated Arca-Swiss quick-release profile, which forces users to rely on separate plates. The reviewer also encountered initial setup difficulties with the autofocus when using the lens with a borrowed Sony A9 body, though they attributed this mostly to a lack of configuration time....

alphadxd.fr

28/09/2018

Summary of the review

TEST - Sony 400mm F2.8 GM OSS + TC14 + TC20 - AlphaDxD Forum

The Sony 400mm F2.8 GM OSS lens is highly praised as a dream choice for sports and wildlife photographers, delivering exceptional image quality, excellent center-to-corner sharpness across all apertures, and a beautiful 3D bokeh effect. Tested on the Sony A9 and A7RIII, the lens showcases blazing-fast autofocus performance that easily captures high-speed action like a sprinting cheetah. Photographers will appreciate its light, well-balanced 2.8kg build that allows for 30 to 60 minutes of handheld shooting, alongside professional features like advanced focus customisation, a drop-in filter slot, and a robust transport case. Furthermore, it pairs seamlessly with the 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters to expand coverage to 560mm (F4) and 800mm (F5.6) without sacrificing autofocus speed or sharpness. However, the review highlights several drawbacks, most notably its premium price tag of €12,000. To avoid motion blur, users must maintain high shutter speeds, and the reviewer strongly recommends relying on a monopod or a tripod with a gimbal head for prolonged, stable framing. A critical structural vulnerability is the lens hood's tightening screw mechanism; if overtightened, it can crack the carbon fiber hood,...

xatakafoto.com

02/07/2018

Summary of the review

Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS: Hands-on and sample photos of the new super-telephoto lens for professional photographers

Despite its impressive design, the lens has a few drawbacks, starting with its extraordinarily high retail price of twelve thousand euros, positioning it strictly as a specialized professional tool. Although it is lighter than its rivals, it remains an enormous piece of equipment that quickly causes arm fatigue after 5 to 10 minutes of handheld shooting, eventually requiring a monopod or tripod for extended use. During rapid testing, the autofocus system occasionally exhibited a form of "nervousness" by being excessively fast, which caused it to mistakenly shift focus away from a moving car onto small track debris in a fraction of a second. Finally, utilizing the optional teleconverters to reach 560mm or 800mm focal lengths results in a noticeable loss of image quality and makes framing the subject incredibly difficult without stable physical support.

fotografidigitali.it

10/07/2018

Summary of the review

Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS: Hands-on - Fotografi Digitali

The Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS (SEL400F28GM) review highlights the lens as a highly competitive super-telephoto prime designed to position Sony's mirrorless ecosystem—particularly the A9—as a true rival to flagship professional sports setups from Canon and Nikon. Tested at the Mercedes-Benz World in Weybridge, this premium optic features a advanced optical design containing 23 elements in 17 groups (including 3 fluorite elements and 1 ED lens) alongside dual linear focus motors. The review notes that despite containing more glass elements than older competitor designs, the lens achieves an incredible feat by weighing just 2895g. This makes it roughly 1 kilogram lighter than the equivalent Canon EF (3850g) and Nikon AF-S (3800g) lenses listed in the comparison table. The core advantages highlighted in this field test center around its groundbreaking lightweight build and weight distribution, which shifts the bulk of the heavy glass toward the rear two-thirds of the barrel. This strategic layout significantly lowers rotational inertia, results in lightning-fast autofocus speeds, and provides a center of gravity that dramatically improves overall handling and maneuverability. While still a substantial piece...

fotografia.it

05/07/2018

Summary of the review

First impressions of the new Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS

However, the review highlights a few notable cons, headlined by a prohibitively expensive retail price of approximately €12,000, which positions it strictly as an investment tool for working professionals rather than enthusiasts. Additionally, despite being roughly one kilogram lighter than its DSLR competitors from Canon and Nikon, it remains a physically massive lens that realistically necessitates the prolonged use of a monopod or tripod during a full day of field coverage. Finally, it is available exclusively on a made-to-order basis rather than standard off-the-shelf retail stock, meaning interested buyers face wait times and must rely on specialty shop samples just to test it out before purchasing.

mpb.com

17/01/2025

Summary of the review

In Action: Sony 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS for Wildlife - MPB

The MPB review of the Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS highlights it as an elite, high-performance lens for wildlife photography, praised for its exceptional sharpness, rapid autofocus via dual XD Linear Motors, and a balanced design that allows for manageable handheld shooting. The lens offers superior performance in heat haze compared to standard zooms and produces stunning subject isolation with its wide f/2.8 aperture. However, the 400mm lens faces drawbacks including an extremely high price point and a weight that still requires support for extended shooting sessions. While offering great speed, the fixed focal length can be too short for certain wildlife scenarios, and utilizing teleconverters to gain reach can reduce maximum sharpness, note the insights on MPB.

fotoclub.nl

18/08/2020

Summary of the review

Sony a9 II with FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS + 1.4x Teleconverter

The Sony a9 Mark II camera, paired with the FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens and a 1.4x teleconverter, is an exceptional, high-end setup perfectly tailored for wildlife and action photography. The reviewer notes several prominent advantages, starting with the revolutionary tracking autofocus system powered by Artificial Intelligence, which instantly locks onto human or animal eyes across the entire frame without letting go. Photographers can capture ultra-fast action at a blazing burst speed of 20 frames per second using a silent electronic shutter. Because the sensor reads out simultaneously, rolling shutter distortion is completely eliminated. Additionally, the system boasts zero viewfinder blackout, magnificent 5.5-stop image stabilisation, an impressive all-day battery life, and customisable memory recall buttons. The 400mm lens further enhances performance by delivering razor-sharp details, beautiful bokeh, and excellent handling, thanks to its well-balanced design that keeps the heaviest glass close to the camera body. Despite these stellar capabilities, the review highlights a few notable drawbacks. The overall setup demands a massive financial investment, with the lens priced around €12,000 and the camera body costing €3,899. While the camera...

focusmagazine.nl

17/11/2018

Summary of the review

Professional telephoto lens – Sony FE 400mm F2.8

The Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS super-telephoto lens successfully fills a critical gap in Sony's lineup for professional sports and wildlife photographers, offering an exceptional alternative to the slower FE 100-400mm lens. The pros of this lens include its impressively lightweight design of just 2,895 grams—nearly a quarter lighter than its Canon and Nikon SLR counterparts—and an optimized optical layout that shifts the weight center to the middle for superior handheld balance. Driven by two XD linear motors, its autofocus tracking is remarkably fast, silent, and reliable, comfortably maintaining pin-sharp accuracy even at continuous shooting speeds of up to 20 frames per second on the Sony α9. Optically, the lens delivers extraordinary corner-to-corner sharpness, high contrast, and smooth background bokeh at f/2.8, while effectively resisting chromatic aberration, flare, and ghosting thanks to its fluorite elements and anti-reflective nanocoating. It also features robust, weather-sealed magnesium construction, dual manual focus override, a highly functional video focusing mode, and flawless compatibility with 1.4x and 2x teleconverters. Conversely, the cons are highlighted by its massive financial investment, with a stratospheric price tag comparable...

tweakers.net

29/08/2022

Summary of the review

Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS - Passive - Product reviews

This professional-grade Sony telephoto lens earns a perfect 5-star rating for its exceptional, career-ready build and high-end performance. The reviewer highlights outstanding image sharpness, rapid speeds, and highly effective stabilization. Additionally, it features excellent ergonomics, a lightweight design, a handy twist-ring quick selection feature, and optimal weight balance when paired with a camera body and battery grip. Image quality also remains highly usable even when shooting in crop mode, and the lens ships with a premium travel case. However, these premium capabilities come with an incredibly steep financial barrier to entry. The primary drawbacks noted in the review are the overall high purchase price, which sits around €11,999, and the very high cost of replacement or additional drop-in filters. Ultimately, while it demands a massive investment, the lens delivers the top-tier sharpness, balance, and reliability that working professionals need to earn their living.

florissmeets.com

16/02/2019

Summary of the review

Sony 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS Review

In this field review, wildlife photographer Floris Smeets highly praises the Sony 400mm f2.8 GM OSS lens as an absolute powerhouse, particularly emphasizing its physical and optical advantages. Tested over nine days in harsh winter environments while tracking musk-oxen, a primary pro of the lens is its physical weight of 2.895 kg, which combines with the Sony a9 body to make a setup that is 1.77 kg lighter and far better balanced than comparable DSLR alternatives. The optical design cleverly shifts the heavy glass elements toward the camera body, facilitating comfortable handheld shooting for long periods. Performance-wise, the lens delivers a remarkably fast and flawless autofocus system that successfully tracks subjects without hunting, even in thick mist and deep backlit environments. Optically, it outputs razor-sharp contrast from edge-to-edge alongside a creamy, soft background bokeh. Despite the glowing assessment, Smeets highlights a major con regarding the lens's performance when paired with the Sony 1.4x teleconverter. He documents a noticeable drop in sharpness and a slight loss of contrast upon reviewing the teleconverter-assisted images on a large display, identifying a clear need...

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