Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5 GM OSS Lens | Sony E

The Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5 GM OSS is a highly versatile and far-reaching lens, crafted as a super-telephoto zoom without compromise; it is specifically designed to cater to the requirements of professional photographers in wildlife, birding, sports, and journalism. With its portable design featuring internal zoom and focus, along with the esteemed G Master optical performance, this constant maximum aperture zoom delivers the necessary performance and rendering for capturing small and distant subjects at high speeds with exceptional precision.

G Master Optical Performance

Sony's G Master label is specifically assigned to its top-tier optics, which provide exceptional sharpness, the smoothest bokeh, maximum speed, and superior overall performance. The 100-400mm f/4.5 fulfills all these criteria as it aims to serve as a singular lens substitute for multiple telephoto prime lenses.

The constant f/4.5 maximum aperture is more user-friendly compared to the 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM predecessor, providing enhanced performance at the longer end of the spectrum while maintaining a compact, handholdable design. The sufficiently bright design is appropriate for use in ambient lighting conditions, particularly when combined with the OSS, and it also allows for improved control over depth of field and the separation between the subject and background. The inclusion of ED XA, XA, Super ED, and ED elements results in exceptional sharpness and smooth rendering, making it ideal for capturing distant and backlit subjects, especially in scenarios with complex backgrounds and intense lighting.

Nano AR Coating II effectively reduces flare, providing vibrant contrast and vivid colors across diverse lighting situations. The floating focus design ensures consistent image quality across the entire focusing range, achieving uniform sharpness from infinity down to the 2.1' minimum focusing distance. The rounded 11-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing, circular bokeh effect.

High-Speed AF, Reliable OSS

Primarily intended for speed, accuracy, and dependability, the focusing and stabilization systems are advantageous for wildlife, sports, and journalism uses. Furthermore, the lens is ideally suited for hybrid applications, encompassing wildlife and sports videography.

Four XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors provide rapid and responsive autofocus performance that is both quiet and smooth. The focusing system supports continuous shooting speeds of up to 120 frames per second or high-speed video recording at rates of up to 240 frames per second. In comparison to the earlier 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM, the autofocus speeds of this lens are nearly three times faster, tracking performance has enhanced by 50%, and subject tracking accuracy has improved due to new algorithms. The internal focusing design facilitates quicker focusing speeds while keeping the lens length consistent during operation. The internal zoom mechanism preserves the overall length of the lens in use and maintains a stable center of gravity, making it easier to handle on a tripod, particularly with gimbal heads.

The optical focus breathing has been significantly minimized, and the lens incorporates the Breathing Compensation feature in certain cameras to effectively prevent shifts in the angle of view when adjusting the zoom position. The maximum magnification of 0.25x, combined with a minimum focusing range of 2.1-4.9 feet, is ideal for capturing close-up subjects at near-macro magnification. The manual aperture ring provides a tactile means of exposure control, and it can be de-clicked for smooth and silent adjustments of the iris, or it can be secured in the 'A' position for aperture switching via the camera. Weighing approximately 4 pounds, a significant portion of this weight is located at the rear of the lens, contributing to a balanced design that facilitates comfortable handheld operation. An advanced Optical SteadyShot image stabilization system guarantees sharp images while shooting handheld, even at the longest focal lengths. Various modes are offered, including standard (Mode 1), panning (Mode 2), and moving subjects (Mode 3).

Intuitive Operability and Design

In spite of its extensive super-telephoto range, internal zoom and focus mechanism, and a fairly bright constant maximum aperture of f/4.5, the lens remains portable and can be effectively used on a tripod, monopod, or even while handheld.

• Measuring 12.9 inches in length and weighing approximately 4 pounds, this lens is about 5 inches longer and nearly 1 pound heavier than the FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS lens. It successfully incorporates internal zoom and focus mechanisms along with a constant maximum aperture of f/4.5.
  
  
• It accommodates both 40.5mm rear drop-in filters through the provided holder and 95mm front screw-in filters.
  
  
• The lens features four programmable focus hold buttons and a focus mode switch, allowing for intuitive focus management.
  
  
• The customizable Function Ring can be programmed to control various camera and exposure settings.
  
  
• Designed to be dust- and moisture-resistant, it includes rubber gaskets at every seam and a rubber ring that seals the lens mount, ensuring reliable performance in adverse weather conditions.
  
  
• Its hybrid construction combines metal and plastic components to enhance durability while maintaining a lightweight design.
  
  
• The front lens element is treated with a fluorine coating that repels water, oil, and other contaminants, making it easier to clean.
  
  
• The removable tripod collar features a clicking mechanism to assist in aligning the lens when switching between horizontal and vertical shooting orientations.
  
  
• The included lens hood is equipped with a locking button and a filter window, facilitating easier adjustments of rotating filters such as polarizers and variable ND filters.
  
  

Teleconverter Compatibility

The FE 100-400mm f/4.5 GM OSS is designed to work with the optional Sony FE 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters. These teleconverters allow for use while maintaining complete autofocus and auto-exposure functionalities. When utilized, the 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters will yield effective focal lengths and apertures of 140-560mm f/6.3 and 200-800mm f/9, respectively.