Sony 100-400mm f/4.5 GM OSS Lens Review: Lightweight Telephoto for Wildlife

Sony has released the 100-400mm f/4.5 GM OSS, a G-Master telephoto lens with a constant f/4.5 aperture. Priced at $4,299, it weighs 65 ounces (1,840 grams) and accepts 95mm filters. The lens features four XD linear motors for fast autofocus, a customizable rocker ring, and switches for manual focus, focus limiters, and image stabilization. Its tripod collar is not Arca-Swiss compatible. The lens offers excellent center sharpness at both 100mm and 400mm, with slightly weaker corners at the long end. Bokeh is smooth with clean specular highlights, though not as exquisite as more expensive lenses. It provides a 1:3 life-size reproduction ratio for close-ups. Video shooters benefit from near-zero focus breathing. The lens is a compromise between the slower, cheaper Sony 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 and bulkier alternatives like the Sigma 300-600mm f/4. It is recommended for photographers who need a lightweight, high-quality telephoto for closer wildlife and sports, but may lack reach for bird photography.