Sony FE 400-800mm F6.3-8 G OSS
Sony · 400–800 mm · f/6.3–8 · G · Image Stabilization
Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
66
SCORE /100
What We Like
+Exceptional 800mm reach—Sony's longest telephoto zoom with outstanding native focal length capability
+Internal zoom mechanism ensures stable center of gravity and consistent handling throughout the range
+Impressive optical sharpness across the zoom range with excellent performance above 90% at 400mm and near 100% at 800mm
+Fast and precise autofocus with dual linear motors tracking at 120fps on Sony a9III with subject detection capability
+Weather-sealed construction with dust/moisture resistance and fluorine-coated front element for durability
+Well-balanced design with short 90-degree zoom throw and effective Optical SteadyShot stabilization with three modes
Worth Knowing
−Large and heavy at 2475g with 346mm length—requires monopod support for extended handheld shooting
−Variable f/6.3-8 aperture severely limits low-light autofocus speed and indoor sports performance
−Expensive 105mm filters required, and premium pricing at ~$2900 compared to 200-600mm alternative
−Slower autofocus performance in dim lighting conditions; not suited for fast-moving action in poor light
General | |
|---|---|
About This LensThe Sony FE 400-800mm F6.3-8 G OSS offers a long range of super-telephoto focal lengths reaching 800mm in a relatively compact, handheld-weight, weather-sealed body with very good image quality. The internally zooming design allows for near-instant zooms, more consistent balance, and improved handling in the field, while dual linear motors track easily with the 120 fps maximum burst speed of the a9III with continuous AF even while zooming. The slow f/6.3-8 aperture struggles in dull light and is not fast enough for indoor sports, making this lens most compelling for dedicated wildlife and distant-subject photography where superior reach justifies its size and cost. | |
| Brand | Sony |
| Release Year | 2025 |
Production Status ⓘCurrent status of lens manufacturing (e.g., in production, discontinued). |  In Production |
Pro Branding ⓘSpecific branding codes used for professional-tier lenses. | G |
Lens Mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Sony E |
System ⓘIndicates which camera system the lens is designed to attach to. | Sony E |
Maximum Format ⓘLargest sensor size compatible with the lens. |  Full Frame |
Physical85/100 | |
| Lens Weight | 2475 g |
Lens Diameter ⓘWidth of the lens at its widest point | 119.8 mm |
Lens Length ⓘHow long the lens is from front to back. | 346 mm |
Front Filter Compatible ⓘSome lenses are compatible with front filters, some are compatible with back filters and some are compatible with both. Front filters are usually more convenient to add and remove. |  Yes |
Front Filter Size ⓘDiameter of attachable filters. | 105 mm |
Optics51/100 | |
Focal Range ⓘShortest to longest focal length of the lens (zoom range start - end ) | 400–800 mm |
Aperture Range ⓘLargest aperture at the lens's shortest focal length to longest focal length (aperture range start - end) | 6.3–8 |
| Focal Length Angle of View | 6.19°–3.1° |
Flange Focal Distance ⓘDistance from lens mount to sensor. | 18 mm |
Diaphragm Type ⓘStructure and design of the aperture |  Automatic |
Blades ⓘNumber of diaphragm blades in aperture | 11020 |
Zoom Lens ⓘZoom allows you to vary the focal length, change between long shots and close-ups |  Yes |
Zoom Mechanism ⓘSystem enabling zoom function |  Manual |
Zoom Ring ⓘIf zooming is adjusted using a zoom ring |  Yes |
Zoom Type ⓘThe design or approach to zooming |  Rotary |
Closest Focusing Distance ⓘMinimum distance for a subject to be in focus. | 170 cm01500 |
Maximum Magnification ⓘLargest size a subject can be reproduced | 0.23x |
| Autofocus Mode |  Yes |
| Manual Mode |  Yes |
| Manual Focusing Ring |  Yes |
Features96/100 | |
Weather Sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  Yes |
Fluorine Coating ⓘCoating to repel water and oil from lens elements. |  Yes |
| Built In Lens Hood | No |
| Lens Hood Type |  Petal |
Zoom Lock ⓘZoom lock allows the zoom ring to be locked at the desired focal length | No |
Teleconverter ⓘA teleconverter (extender) is an extra piece of equipment that fits between the lens and the camera body to enhance magnification |  Yes |
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
IS Efficiency ⓘIS efficiency refers to the effectiveness of the image stabilization system in compensating for the blurring effects of camera shake, quantified by the number of stops of stabilization it provides. | 4.6 stops |
Construction38/100 | |
Elements ⓘLens elements refer to individual pieces of glass within the lens. | 27 |
| Groups | 19 |
Aspherical Elements ⓘThe number of aspherical lens elements which can help correct aberrations such as spherical aberration. | 0 |
Bi Aspherical Elements ⓘElements with two non-spherical surfaces | 0 |
Low Dispersion ⓘElements that reduce chromatic aberration | 6 |
Super Low Dispersion ⓘAdvanced elements further reducing chromatic aberration | 0 |
CA Reduction ⓘBuilt-in features to reduce chromatic aberration | 0 |
Internal Focusing ⓘInternal Focusing means that the lens does not change in size during focusing, and the front element does not rotate. |  Yes |