Sony E-Mount Telephoto Lenses Guide

Hello and welcome to my Sony E-mount telephoto lenses guide.

In this guide I’ll be covering both APS-C and Full-Frame (FE) Sony E-mount telephoto lenses which have a focal length of at least 200mm.

Contents

• Buying a Telephoto Lens
• Top 10 Sony E-mount Telephoto Lenses
• APS-C Telephoto Lenses
• Full-Frame FE Telephoto Lenses
• Teleconverters
• Telephoto Lens FAQs

**Please Note: Unless otherwise mentioned no post processing has been applied to the image samples in this guide except for cropping. Full resolution SOOC JPEG images are available to download. RAW files are also available but password protected to help keep my hosting costs sensible. However, I do provide the username/password to all members of our community forum. All images are copyright protected and may be used for personal use only.

Buying a Telephoto Lens

When it comes to buying a telephoto lens it’s important to ask yourself what subjects you are wanting to shoot, how far away these subjects are likely to be, and what type of light you will most often be shooting in. You’ll then be able to narrow down your lens choices based on the following characteristics:

Focal Length

The lens focal length will determine how close your subject will appear through your cameras viewfinder. The larger the focal length the closer you will be able to get to your subject.

If I’m shooting a motocross event and I’m able to get very close to the track then often I won’t need a focal length longer than 200mm on a full-frame camera. But if I’m shooting birds in flight then these will be much further away and the subject will also be much smaller, so then I usually prefer a focal length in the 400-600mm range on a full-frame camera.

Aperture

The aperture of the lens together with shutter speed and ISO will determine your exposure. A lens with an aperture of f/2.8 will let in twice the amount of light compared with an f/4 lens, this not only allows you to keep your ISO lower but also improves the autofocus speed.

Many zoom lenses will have a variable aperture that changes depending on your focal length. For example, the Sony FE 100-400mm GM lens has a maximum aperture of f/4.5 when you are at 100mm, but at 400mm the maximum aperture changes to f/5.6. However, some lenses that have a constant aperture that doesn’t change as you zoom, like the Sony FE 70-200 F2.8 GM lens which has a maximum aperture of f/2.8 and 70mm and also at 200mm.

For indoor photography where light levels are low apertures of f/2.8 or faster are often preferred. Fast apertures are also preferred for outdoor photography when using fast shutter speeds or if you want to create the smoothest separation between your subject and the background.

Autofocus Speed

If you are planning to shoot very fast subjects such as superbikes or birds in flight then it’s important that the autofocus motors in the lens are able to keep up with your subject, if they can’t then you’ll struggle to get any shots in focus.

Prime or Zoom

Prime lenses are almost always sharper than zoom lenses but there are a couple of downsides to using them.

First of all because prime lenses have a fixed focal length you can only move closer or get further away from your subject by using your feet (which may not always be practical), whereas a zoom lens needs just a quick twist of the zoom ring.

Prime lenses are a lot more expensive than zoom lenses. For example, the Sony FE 200-600 f5.6-6.3 G lens normally costs around $1,998.00, whereas the Sony 600mm F4 GM lens costs a whopping $12,998.00.

Top 10 Sony E-mount Telephoto Lenses

Here are the 10 most popular telephoto lenses for Sony E-mount:

1. Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS
2. Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS
3. Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS
4. Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G OSS
5. Sony FE 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G OSS
6. Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS
7. Sony FE 600mm F4 GM OSS
8. Sony E 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 G OSS
9. Sony E 18–200mm F3.5–6.3 OSS LE
10. Sony E 55-210mm F4.5-6.3 OSS

Keep scrolling to find out more about each of these lenses.

APS-C Telephoto Lenses

Sony E-mount APS-C telephoto lenses are designed for cameras like the Sony a5100, a6000, a6100, a6300, a6400, a6500 and a6600 but will also work on full-frame E-mount cameras like the Sony a7 Series or a9 when shooting in APS-C (Super-35) Mode.

Sony E 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 G OSS (SEL70350G)

The Sony E 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 G OSS is the longest APS-C zoom lens currently available for the Sony E-mount.

I bought this lens on the first day that it was available and it has quickly become one of my favorite APS-C lenses for travelling, shooting sports and shooting my dog Frank. I also often use this lens on my a7R IV in crop mode as it’s so small and light.

The lens has a focal length of 70mm to 350mm and a variable aperture of f/4.5 – 6.3. From 70mm to 82mm its f/4.5, 83mm to 113mm its f/5, 114mm to 199mm its f/5.6, and 200mm to 350mm is f/6.3.

The lens is well built and weighs only 625 g (22.1 oz.). It features an AF/MF switch and OSS (Optical Steadyshot) On/Off switch. There’s also a customizable function button and a zoom lock switch. Unfortunately Sony missed off a focus limiter switch that can be useful at times, and there’s also no panning mode 1/2 switch.

The lens is pretty sharp when shooting at 350mm and f/6.3 but by stepping down to f/7.1 you’ll see an improvement in sharpness.

To learn more about this telephoto lens I’d recommend watching this very nice review from Christopher Frost:

Here are a few shows that I’ve taken with this lens:

Sony a6400 + E 70-350 @ 350mm | 1/2000 | f/6.3 | ISO 500 | Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG | RAW **

Sony a6400 + E 70-350 @ 350mm | 1/2000 | f/6.3 | ISO 640 | Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG | RAW **

Sony a6400 + E 70-350 @ 210mm | 1/2000 | f/6.3 | ISO 1000 | Cropped | Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG | RAW **

Sony a6400 + E 70-350 @ 160mm | 1/2000 | f/5.6 | ISO 1000 | Cropped | Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG | RAW **

And here’s one I shot with this lens on my a7R IV in crop mode:

Sony E 70-350 G @ 350mm | 1/2000 | f/6.3 | ISO 1000 | Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG | RAW **

Pros: Very fast and quiet autofocus, lightweight and compact, sharpness
Cons: No focus limiter or panning modes
Recommended Reviews: Christopher Frost (Youtube) | Arthur R (YouTube)
Sample Photos: Sony Gallery
Format: APS-C
Lens Construction: 13 groups, 19 elements
Angle of View: 22°-4°40′
Aperture Blades: 7 circular
Minimum Aperture: f/4.5-6.3
Maximum Aperture: f/22-32
Minimum Focusing Distance: 3.61–4.93 ft (1.1–1.5 m)
Maximum Magnification Ratio: 0.75
Auto Focus: Yes
Stabilization: Yes
Filter Thread Size: 67mm
Length: 142mm
Diameter: 77mm
Weight: 625 g (22.1 oz.)

Sony E 18–200mm F3.5–6.3 OSS LE (SEL18200LE)

The Sony E 18–200mm F3.5–6.3 OSS LE lens has a focal range from 18-200mm and a variable aperture from F3.5-6.3, there’s also optical steadyshot (OSS) built in.

The lens is sharp between 50mm and 100mm, although at 200mm sharpness isn’t as great, but will still be acceptable to most. At 18mm images are reasonably sharp even at the maximum aperture of f/3.5. Stopping down doesn’t offer any improvement in sharpness and diffraction takes hold at f/8-f/11.

There is some chromatic aberration at the wide and tele-ends, but in-camera corrections will mostly take care of this if you are shooting JPEGS. There is some vignetting at 18mm and f/3.5 but it’s gone by f/5.6. At 200mm vignetting at f/6.3 is also visible until you stop down to f/8. Distortion is also visible throughout the focal range but again in-camera corrections will take care of this.

Flare is handled fairly well even if you are shooting directly into the sun.

I’d recommend watching this review from John Sison to learn more about this lens:

Pros: Wide focal range, build quality, central sharpness, flare control
Cons: Vignetting wide-open, distortion, price
Recommended Reviews: James Tan | John Sison (YouTube)
Sample Photos: Flickr
Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.5m (1.64ft)
Minimum Aperture: f/22-40
Maximum Aperture: f/3.5-6.3
Aperture Blades: 7
Auto Focus: Yes
Stabilization: Yes
Filter Thread Size: 62mm
Length: 97.1mm (3-7/8 in.)
Diameter: 68mm (2-3/4 in.)
Weight: 460g (16.3oz.)

Sony E 55-210mm F4.5-6.3 OSS (SEL55210)

The Sony E 55-210mm F4.5-6.3 OSS variable aperture lens covers a very wide focal range, it also includes Optical Steadshot (OSS).

The build quality is pretty good and the autofocus motor is reasonably fast and virtually silent.

From 55mm to 120mm the lens is very sharp in the center of the frame when shooting wide-open, the corners are a little softer but stepping down one stop soon improves them. At 210mm the center is a little softer but is still sharp enough. There are signs of vignetting and chromatic aberration, but for JPEG shooters in-camera corrections will take care of this.

I own this lens myself and it’s a super little all-round lens, although after purchasing the Sony E 70-350 it’s no longer getting much attention.

I’d recommend watching this review from Arthur R to learn more about this lens:

Here are a few shots that I have taken with it:

Sony E 55-210mm (Shot on a6400) @ 210mm | 1/1000 | f/6.3 | ISO 1000 | Handheld | ** Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG | RAW

Sony E 55-210mm (Shot on a6400) @ 150mm | 1/640 | f/5.6 | ISO 400 | Handheld | ** Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG | RAW

Sony E 55-210mm (Shot on a6500) @ 210mm | 1/250 | f/6.3 | ISO 200 | Handheld

Pros: Price, central sharpness, weight, autofocus performance
Cons: CA, vignetting
Recommended Reviews: Jay SonyAlphaLab | Technology Mafia (YouTube)
Sample Photos: Flickr
Minimum Focusing Distance: 1m (3.28ft)
Minimum Aperture: f/22-32
Maximum Aperture: f/4.5-6.3
Aperture Blades: 7
Auto Focus: Yes
Stabilization: Yes
Filter Thread Size: 49mm
Length: 108mm (4-3/8 in.)
Diameter: 63.8mm (2-5/8 in.)
Weight: 345g (12.2oz.)

Full-Frame FE Telephoto Lenses

Full-Frame (FE) lenses are designed for cameras with full-frame 35mm sensors like the Sony a7 and a9 series, but they are also supported and work perfectly on APS-C cameras like the Sony a6400. Because the longest APS-C telephoto lens is currently the E 70-350mm, wildlife shooters will often use the full-frame lenses for more reach.

Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS (SEL70200GM)

The Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS lens is a great choice for shooting indoors and in low light environments thanks to its fast constant aperture of f/2.8.

This is a G-Master lens which means it’s one of Sony’s best lenses for build, optical quality and autofocus performance. The lens includes Optical Steady Shot (OSS) built in, there’s 3 customizable function buttons, a mode 1/2 panning switch, AF/MF switch and a autofocus range limiter. There’s also a fixed tripod collar and removable lens foot.

The zoom mechanism is all internal, so the lens doesn’t extend as you zoom in. The zoom ring also has a very short throw that allows you to go from 70mm to 200mm with just a short twist of the wrist.

This lens also supports both the Sony FE 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters that extend the reach to 280mm with the 1.4x and up to 400mm with the 2.0x.

For a closer look at this lens the following review from Wes Perry is worth watching:

I own this lens myself and love using it for a range of different sports. Here are a few shots that I’ve taken with it:

Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM (Shot on a9) @ 200mm | 1/1000 | f/2.8 | ISO 100 | Cropped | Exposure Correction in LR | ** Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG | RAW

Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM (Shot on a9) @ 200mm | 1/1600 | f/2.8 | ISO 500 | Cropped | ** Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG | RAW

Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM (Shot on a9) @ 165mm | 1/2000 | f/2.8 | ISO 200 | ** Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG

Pros: Very sharp, excellent color rendition, extremely fast autofocus, creamy bokeh
Cons: Expensive, heavy
Recommended Reviews: Nick Smyth (Youtube) | DxOMark
Sample Photos: Flickr
Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.96 m (3.15 ft)
Minimum Aperture: f/22
Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
Aperture Blades: 11 circular
Auto Focus: Yes
Stabilization: Yes
Filter Thread Size: 77 mm
Length: 200 mm
Diameter: 88.0 mm
Weight: 1480 g (52.20 oz.) without tripod mount

Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G OSS (SEL70200G)

If you don’t require the fast f/2.8 aperture of the GM lens, then the Sony FE 70-200 F4 G lens is definitely a more affordable option.

Like the GM version, this is an internal zoom lens with a short zoom throw. There’s a constant aperture of f/4 and although the bokeh isn’t quite as smooth and creamy as the f/2.8 of the GM, it’s still very nice.

Build quality is excellent and the lens features a removable tripod collar with foot attached, a mode 1/2 panning switch, focus distance limiter, AF/MF switch and 3 customizable function button. The lens also has optical steadyshot (OSS) built in.

The lens is sharp across the frame even at the maximum aperture of f/4, the autofocus motor works both quickly and quietly.

This lens isn’t only good for shooting sports and wildlife, it’s also a favorite for landscape shooters because of its sharpness across the frame and the fact that it weighs only 840 g (29.63 oz.).

For a closer look Wes Perry has also reviewed this lens:

I also own this lens myself so here are a couple of shots that I’ve taken with it:

Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G (Shot on a7III) @ 113mm | 1/1600 | f/4 | ISO 500 | Cropped | ** Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG | RAW

Sony FE 70-200mm F4 (Shot on a6400) @ 200mm | 1/200 | f/4 | ISO 320 | Cropped | Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG | RAW **

Pros: Build quality, sharpness, bokeh, weight, price
Cons: A little corner softness wide-open, vignetting
Recommended Reviews: Phillip Reeve | Matt Granger
Sample Photos: Flickr
Minimum Focusing Distance: 1 m (3.28 ft)
Minimum Aperture: f/22
Maximum Aperture: f/4
Aperture Blades: 9 circular
Auto Focus: Yes
Stabilization: Yes
Filter Thread Size: 72 mm
Length: 175 mm
Diameter: 80 mm
Weight: 840 g (29.63 oz.) without tripod mount

Tamron 70-180mm F2.8 Di III VXD

The Tamron 70-180mm f2. 8 Di III VXD has not long been released.

I have purchased it myself so will be adding my own views here shortly.

In the meantime for a closer look at this lens the following review from Dan Watson is worth watching:

Here’s a sample image of Frank for now.

Tamron 70-180mm F2.8 (Shot on a7III) @ 154mm | 1/4000 | f/2.8 | ISO 250 | ** Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG | RAW

Pros:
Cons:
Recommended Reviews: Dan Watson (Youtube) | Camera Labs
Sample Photos: Flickr
Minimum Aperture: f/22
Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
Aperture Blades: 9
Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.85m (Full zoom range) MF: 0.27m (WIDE), 0.85m (TELE)
Auto Focus: Yes
Stabilization: No (Can use IBIS in camera)
Filter Thread Size: 67 mm
Length: 149 mm
Diameter: 81 mm
Weight: 810 g (28.57 oz.)

Sony FE 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G OSS (SEL70300G)

The Sony FE 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G OSS has a variable aperture which goes from F4.5-F5.6. From 70mm to 82mm its f/4.5, 83mm to 153mm its f/5, and from 154mm to 300mm its f/5.6. The lens body also extends when you zoom in.

The build quality is very good and on the lens body you’ll find a customizable function button, AF/MF switch, OSS on/off switch and a focus distance limiter switch. There’s also a lock switch to prevent the lens from extending on its own when at 70mm.

Probably due to its size Sony decided not to include a tripod collar with this lens, but they also left off the panning mode 1/2 switch that the FE 70-200 F4 G lens does include.

Optical quality is very good in the center of the frame even at f/5.6 and 300mm. The AF motor is both fast and silent and both vignetting and CA are well controlled.

To learn more about this lens I would recommend watching this review from Mathieu Gasquet:

I do own this lens, although it hasn’t received quite so much attention since I bought the Sony FE 100-400 lens. Here are a few shots that I’ve taken with it:

Sony FE 70-300mm (Shot on a6400) @ 300mm | 1/1000 | f/5.6 | ISO 1250 | ** Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG | RAW

Sony FE 70-300mm (Shot on a6400) @ 210mm | 1/1250 | f/5.6 | ISO 100 | ** Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG | RAW **

Sony FE 70-300mm (Shot on a6500) @ 196mm | 1/250 | f/5.6 | ISO 160 | Cropped (I don’t provide full res images for superbike shots I’m afraid)

Pros: Center sharpness, fast autofocus, build quality
Cons: No tripod collar, corner softness wide-open
Recommended Reviews: John Sison (YouTube) | Imaging Resource
Sample Photos: Flickr
Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.9 m (2.96 ft)
Minimum Aperture: f/22-29
Maximum Aperture: f/4.5-5.6
Aperture Blades: 9 circular
Auto Focus: Yes
Stabilization: Yes
Filter Thread Size: 72 mm
Length: 143.5 mm
Diameter: 84 mm
Weight: 854 g (30.12 oz.)

Sony FE F4.5-5.6 100-400mm G Master (SEL100400GM)

The Sony FE F4.5-5.6 100-400mm G Master is the most expensive lens that I have purchased so far for Sony E-mount.

I bought it on the very first day that it was released and it has spent more time mounted to my cameras than any other lens I own, although since picking up the FE 200-600 that may change very soon!

It carries the GM badge so the build quality is excellent.

Weighing in at only 1395 g (49.21 oz.) and measuring 205 mm (8.07 in.) in length at 100mm, this is a very packable and travel friendly lens that I spent a couple of weeks together with in Borneo (my Borneo adventure).

The lens is weather sealed against dust and moisture which I tested extensively in the very humid jungles of Borneo. Thankfully I never spotted any moisture inside the lens during my time there. I’ve also spent quite some time shooting in the rain with this lens and again so far I haven’t had any issues with water ingress.

Sharpness across the frame is excellent and DxOMark have rated this as the sharpest lens in the 100-400mm focal range.

Both the Sony FE 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters are supported, these extend its reach up to 560mm with the 1.4x and up to 800mm with the 2x.

If you would like to learn more about this lens I’d recommend watching this review from Jay:

Here are a few sample images that I’ve shot with this lens:

a6500 + 100-400 GM @ 345mm | 1/250 | f/5.6 | ISO 400

Sony a7R III + 100-400 @ 400mm | 1/400 | f/5.6 | ISO 100 | Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG | RAW **

Sony a6400 + 100-400mm GM @ 400mm | 1/1250 | f/5.6 | ISO 800 | Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG

Sony a7R III + 100-400 @ 400mm | 1/800 | f/5.6 | ISO 640 | Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG

Sony a7R III + 100-400 @ 400mm | 1/250 | f/5.6 | ISO 5000 | Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG | RAW **

Pros: Fast autofocus, very sharp across the frame, color rendition, bokeh, build quality
Cons: Price
Recommended Reviews: My Review | DxOMark
Sample Photos: My Review Samples
Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.98 m (3.22 ft)
Minimum Aperture: f/32-40
Maximum Aperture: f/4.5-5.6
Aperture Blades: 9 circular
Auto Focus: Yes
Stabilization: Yes
Filter Thread Size: 77 mm
Length: 205 mm
Diameter: 93.9 mm
Weight: 1395 g (49.21 oz.) without tripod mount

Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS (SEL200600G) Lens

Despite loving my FE 100-400 lens I always craved a little more reach especially for shooting wildlife. So when the Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS was announced I ordered it on day one.

Initially I considered selling my 100-400 but after comparing and reviewing both lenses (200-600 vs 100-400) I’ve decided to keep both and sell a kidney instead.

The lens has a focal range of 200-600mm and a variable aperture of f/5.6 to f/6.3. It changes to f/6.3 at 300mm.

Despite being labelled as a G lens and not a GM lens, the build quality is still very similar to the 100-400 GM.

On the lens body you’ll find a fixed tripod collar, a removable tripod foot, 3 customizable function buttons, an AF/MF switch, an OSS on/off switch, a panning mode 1/2/3 switch and a focus distance limiter switch.

This is certainly not a small lens and it weighs in at around 2115g (74.60 oz.) and measures 318mm in length. It’s also an internal zoom lens so it does not extend as you zoom in, this makes it much easier to balance on a gimbal. Also the zoom ring has a very short throw which means you can go from 200mm to 600mm with just a short twist of the wrist.

If 600mm is not long enough then it is also compatible with both the 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters that take the range up to 900mm and 1200mm.

If you do end up buying this lens, then I’d recommend taking a look at my Sony 200-600 Bag Guide as you may find that you need a larger bag!

I’d recommend watching this review from Jay to learn more about this lens:

Here are a few shots that I’ve taken with it:

Sony a7R IV + FE 200-600 G + 1.4x @ 840mm | 1/500 | f/9 | ISO 400 | Crop | Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG | RAW **

Sony a7 III + FE 200-600 @ 600mm | 1/1000 | f/6.3 | ISO 640 | Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG | RAW **

Sony a7III + FE 200-600 @ 600mm | 1/2000 | f/6.3 | ISO 640 | Cropped | Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG

Sony a7III + FE 200-600 @ 600mm | 1/2000 | f/6.3 | ISO 800 | Cropped | Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG | RAW **

Sony a7III + 200-600 @ 600mm | 1/2000 | f/6.3 | ISO 500 | Cropped | Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG | RAW **

Pros: Internal zoom, sharpness, 1.4x & 2.0x teleconverter compatibility
Cons: Size, weight
Recommended Reviews: Mark Smith (YouTube)
Sample Photos: My Sample Gallery
Minimum Focusing Distance: 2.4m (7.88 ft)
Minimum Aperture: 32-36
Maximum Aperture: 5.6-6.3
Aperture Blades: 11 circular
Auto Focus: Yes
Stabilization: Yes
Filter Thread Size: 95mm
Length: 318 mm (12 5/8 in.)
Diameter: 111.5 mm (4 1/2 in.)
Weight: 2115g without tripod mount (74.60 oz.)

Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS

The Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS has not long been released, as soon as reliable information is known about this lens this section will be updated.

I have purchased this lens myself and the image quality is very good and extremely close to the Sony FE 100-400 lens.

Unfortunately the autofocus performance is not on par with the Sony. It misses more shots and if you are shooting bursts with AF-C priority set to balanced emphasis it struggles sometimes to lock-on and fire the shutter.

I will be doing a full review and comparison with the Sony FE 100-400 GM lens very soon.

Until then this first look video from Gordon Laing is worth watching:

Pros:
Cons:
Recommended Reviews:
Sample Photos: Sigma Gallery
Lens Construction: 22 elements in 16 groups
Angle of View (35mm): 24.4° – 6.2°
Aperture Blades: 9 rounded
Minimum Aperture: f/22-29
Maximum Aperture: f/5
Minimum Focusing Distance: 112 (Wide) – 160cm (Tele) / 44.1 – 63in.
Maximum Magnification Ratio: 1:4.1 (400mm)
Auto Focus: Yes
Stabilization: Yes
Filter Thread Size: 67mm
Length: 199.2mm / 7.8in.
Diameter: 86mm / 3.4in.
Weight: 1,140g / 40.2oz.
Website: Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS

Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS (SEL400F28GM)

The Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS is the longest and fastest prime lens that Sony currently makes.

With a maximum aperture of f/2.8 if you shoot in low light environments or demand only the best performance then this is the lens you will want in your bag.

Well it will be if you can afford it, since the price label is usually around $11,998.00 in the US or £10,499.00 in the UK.

I’ve not yet used this lens myself, but I know from many Alpha Shooters who have that it is extremely sharp across the frame and has terrific autofocus performance.

It weighs only 2895g (102.12 oz.) which is actually remarkably light for such a large prime lens.

It also supports both the 1.4x and 2x teleconverters taking the reach to 560mm and 800mm, which makes it a very versatile lens capable of shooting both sports and wildlife.

He is a Sony Ambassador, but Mark Galer definitely has one of the best reviews of this lens and it is the one that I’d recommend watching to learn more about it:

Pros: Lightening fast autofocus, low light performance, sharpness, weight, handling
Cons: Very expensive
Recommended Reviews: Mark Galer (YouTube)
Sample Photos: Flickr
Minimum Focusing Distance: 2.7 m (8.86 ft)
Minimum Aperture: f/22
Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
Aperture Blades: 11 circular
Auto Focus: Yes
Stabilization: Yes
Filter Thread Size: 40.5 mm (slot-in)
Length: 359 mm
Diameter: 158.1 mm
Weight: 2895 g (102.12 oz.)

Sony FE 600mm F4 GM OSS (SEL600F40GM) Lens

The Sony FE 600mm F4 GM OSS lens currently holds the title of Sony’s longest prime lens, it has a maximum aperture of f/4.

It also holds the title of Sony’s most expensive lens with a price of around $12,998.00 in the US or £11,999.00 in the UK.

Like the 400mm F2.8 this is an exceptionally sharp lens with very fast autofocus motors.

Both the 1.4x and 2x teleconverters are also supported, taking this lens to 900mm or 1200mm.

This is definitely my dream lens but I would need to remortgage my house to afford it 🙁

Whilst not an in-depth review I’d highly recommend watching this video from Mark Smith to see exactly what this lens is capable of in the right hands:

Pros: Extremely sharp, fast f/4 aperture, lightweight for a 600mm f/4
Cons: Very expensive
Recommended Reviews: Ryan Mense | Mark Smith (YouTube)
Sample Photos: DPReview
Minimum Focusing Distance: 4.5 m (14.8 ft)
Minimum Aperture: 22
Maximum Aperture: 4
Aperture Blades: 11 circular
Auto Focus: Yes
Stabilization: Yes
Filter Thread Size: 40.5 (slot-in)
Length: 449 mm (17-3/4 in.)
Diameter: 163.6 mm (6-1/2 in.)
Weight: 3040 g (107.3 oz.)

Teleconverters

There are two teleconverters available that can be used to extend the focal length of your lens by either 1.4x or 2x.

Sony 1.4x Teleconverter Lens (SEL14TC)

The Sony 1.4x teleconverter (SEL14TC) can only be used with the Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM, Sony 100-400mm GM, Sony FE 200-600 G, Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM and Sony FE 600 F4 GM lenses. It does not physically fit any other Sony E-mount lenses.

You will lose one stop of light when using this teleconverter but autofocus performance remains very good no matter which lens you are using it on.

a7R III + 100-400 GM + 1.4x @ 560mm | 1/200 | f/8 | ISO 800 | *Full Resolution Download: JPEG | RAW

Pros: Extends focal length by 1.4x, autofocus speed, size and weight
Cons: Price
Recommended Reviews: Danny Eusebio (YouTube)
Sample Photos: Flickr
Length: 33.6 mm
Diameter: 62.4 mm
Weight: 167 g (5.89 oz.)

Sony 2x Teleconverter Lens (SEL20TC)

The Sony 2x teleconverter (SEL20TC) is also only compatible with the Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM, Sony 100-400mm GM, Sony FE 200-600 G, Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM and Sony FE 600 F4 GM lenses.

With this teleconverter you will lose two stops of light. Also depending on the lens that you are using you might find that this pushes your camera out of phase detection and into contrast detection, where you will notice a slowdown in AF performance.

Pros: Extends focal length by 2x, size and weight
Cons: Price
Recommended Reviews:
Sample Photos:
Length: 62.4 mm
Diameter: 42.7 mm
Weight: 207 g (7.30 oz.)

Telephoto Lens FAQs