Sony FE 400mm f/4.5 GM OSS Review: 994 Grams of Telephoto Glory
Weighing in at 994 grams (2.2 pounds) and measuring 242 millimeters (9.5 inches) in length, the Sony FE 400mm f/4.5 GM OSS is a compact telephoto prime lens with a 95mm front filter diameter. Launched alongside the FE 600mm f/6.3 GM OSS, this lens comprises 22 elements arranged in 16 groups and features an 11-bladed aperture, Super ED and ED elements, along with Nano AR Coating II. It is equipped with five switches, four customizable Focus Hold buttons, and a rotating tripod collar. Its autofocus system utilizes two XD motors and one XD Linear Motor, with a minimum focus distance of 2.5 meters (8.2 feet). Competitors include the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS and Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports, making it a strong contender for sports and wildlife photography.
Key facts
- The Sony FE 400mm f/4.5 GM OSS weighs 994 grams (2.2 pounds) without tripod foot and is 242 millimeters (9.5 inches) long.
- It has a 95mm front filter diameter and an 11-bladed aperture.
- The lens uses 22 elements in 16 groups, including Super ED and ED elements and Nano AR Coating II.
- Autofocus is driven by two XD (extreme dynamic) and one XD Linear Motor.
- Minimum focus distance is 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) with 0.18x maximum magnification.
- It accepts Sony's 1.4x and 2x teleconverters, becoming a 560mm f/6.3 or 800mm f/9 equivalent.
- The tripod foot is not Arca-Swiss compatible, and the focus ring feels loose.
- Alternatives include the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS ($2,800), the new FE 100-400mm f/4.5 GM ($4,300), the Sony 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS ($2,100), and the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports ($2,999 with $300 instant savings).
Entities
Artists
Institutions
- Sony
- Nikon
- Sigma
- PetaPixel
- Fujifilm
Locations
- Japan
- United States
- Canada