Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5 GM OSS

This Sony telephoto zoom covers 100–400mm on full-frame E-mount cameras. It suits wildlife and outdoor sport where subjects stay distant and their distance changes. You can tighten the view on one animal or leave more space around approaching action from one position.

Sony introduced it in 2026. Its constant f/4.5 maximum aperture stays available throughout the range. The main trade-off is size and weight, so plan how you will carry and support the camera and lens during long sessions.

Airshows and distant landscape details also suit the range. The zoom can reduce lens changes when framing needs change quickly. The short end still gives a telephoto view, so a wider lens helps when a large subject comes close.

The lens weighs 4 lb 0.9 oz (1840 g) and measures 12.91 in (328 mm) long and 4.72 in (119.8 mm) across. A monopod or rest can take the weight during long waits. Consider the full camera setup when choosing support and a carrying bag.

A screw-in filter attached directly to the lens must match its 95mm front thread.

At 400mm, a distant animal or player appears larger than at 100mm from the same position. The narrower view makes a fast-moving subject harder to find. Start shorter to locate it before tightening the framing. Where you stand determines perspective; zooming changes how much of the scene you include.

The maximum aperture remains f/4.5 throughout the zoom. You can retain that opening as framing changes, though a different part of the scene may need a different exposure. Moving between sunlight and shade still requires attention to your settings.

In early morning or toward dusk, a high shutter speed may need a higher ISO. A still subject gives more freedom to slow the shutter when the camera is steady. A nearby animal can have a soft background when there is enough space behind it.

The shortest focus distance is 2.1 ft (64 cm), measured from the sensor. This minimum changes with the zoom setting, so check focus again when reframing a nearby subject. Maximum magnification reaches 0.25x, useful for larger details. Leave room ahead of the front glass.

Built-in stabilization reduces camera shake and steadies the view at long settings. It helps with still subjects at slower shutter speeds. A running animal or flying bird still needs enough shutter speed for its movement.

Dust and moisture resistance help outdoors. Use cover in persistent rain. Fluorine coating helps water and oily marks wipe away from the front glass. Remove loose grit before cleaning.

The rotary zoom ring lets you adjust framing manually. There is no zoom lock switch.

Two aspherical elements help correct distortion and spherical aberration, which can bend lines or soften detail. One also uses ED glass. That element, three further ED elements and two Super ED elements help reduce coloured fringes at high-contrast edges.