SONY

Sony makes 100 – 400 mm full-frame zoom lens 80% cheaper and 65% lighter

Sony demonstrates that full-frame zoom lenses with long focal lengths don’t have to be heavy or expensive. While the brand-new FE 100–400 mm f/5.6–8 isn’t particularly fast, it is comparatively compact and affordable. Sony nevertheless promises fast autofocus, optical image stabilization, and sharp photos.

Sony is expanding its lens lineup with a third 100–400 mm zoom lens. However, while the two older models were relatively fast for a telephoto zoom lens with a maximum aperture of f/4.5, the new model has a maximum aperture ranging from f/5.6 to f/8, depending on the focal length. This also makes it more difficult to use teleconverters, which effectively reduce the lens’s light-gathering ability even further.

Super-telephoto shooting in a compact, lightweight package...This lightweight, compact 100–400mm super-telephoto zoom lens weighs just 654 g (23.1 oz.), with a maximum diameter of 78.2 mm (3-1/8 in.) and a length of 164.5 mm (6-1/2 in.). Fill the frame with distant subjects and use telephoto compression to achieve unique perspectives in panoramic shots. An optional teleconverter extends the reach to 800 mm—or 1,200 mm in APS-C format.

This decision offers significant advantages in terms of the lens’s price and weight. With a list price of $850, the new lens is $3,450, or 80 percent, cheaper than the Sony FE 100–400 mm f/4.5 GM. Weighing 654 grams, the new lens is also about 1.2 kilograms, or 65 percent, lighter. The lens is 16.4 cm long with a diameter of 7.8 cm. Despite its lower price, Sony has opted for a complex design consisting of 15 elements in 10 groups and includes Optical SteadyShot (OSS).

An optical design featuring two ED glass elements and two aspherical elements effectively reduces chromatic aberration and other distortions, delivering sharp, clear subject rendering at both close and long ranges. A 9-blade circular aperture contributes to smooth, natural bokeh. With up to 0.41x magnification and a minimum focusing distance of just 0.86 m, you can also capture impressive close-ups of flowers and insects.

Easily capture challenging subjects handheld...Dual linear motors drive fast, precise, and quiet autofocus, effortlessly locking onto and tracking moving subjects. When paired with the α9 III body, continuous shooting at up to 120 fps is possible with full autofocus performance. The lens's optical stabilization also works with compatible camera bodies to deliver enhanced stabilization performance, effectively compensating for the pronounced blur that can occur with telephoto lenses and ensuring consistently stable framing.

Two ED lenses and two lenses with aspherically ground surfaces are designed to deliver high image quality across the entire zoom range. With a minimum focus distance of 0.86 meters, the lens achieves a maximum magnification of 0.41. The lens barrel features three sliders that can be used to lock the zoom, switch between autofocus and manual focus, and turn image stabilization on and off.

Pricing and availability...The Sony FE 100–400 mm f/5.6–8 OSS full-frame zoom lens will be released in late August 2026 at a suggested retail price of $850.

 

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