Lens

Sony Unveils the FE 400-800mm F6.3-8 G OSS – A New Super-Telephoto Zoom Lens

Posted by

On 26/02/2025

In conjunction with the release of the FE 16mm F/1.8 G ultra-wide-angle prime lens, Sony introduced a new super-telephoto zoom lens: the FE 400-800mm F/6.3-8 G OSS. This impressive lens boasts the longest focal length in the Sony E-mount lineup, making it ideal for capturing birds, wildlife, and sports photography, as well as filmmaking. Let’s take a closer look!

In 2019, Sony launched the FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS and the impressive FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS telephoto prime lens. Although the super-telephoto zoom lens market may appear somewhat “niche,” Sony is expanding its E-Mount lineup, which will now include focal lengths ranging from 12mm to 800mm with the introduction of the new FE 400-800mm F/6.3-8 G OSS.

Sony FE 400-800mm F/6.3-8 G OSS super-telephoto zoom. Image credit: Sony

Sony FE 400-800mm F/6.3-8 G OSS – features

The Sony FE 400-800mm F/6.3-8 G OSS is an impressively large lens, measuring 11.9cm (4.68 inches) in diameter, 34.6cm (13.6 inches) in length, and weighing 2.47kg (5.22lbs) with the tripod collar. This lens is designed for intentional use, taking up significant space in a backpack or case.

This super-telephoto zoom lens is compatible with full-frame image sensors. It boasts a broad zoom range from 400mm with a maximum aperture of F/6.3 to 800mm at F/8, making it the longest focal length in Sony’s E-Mount lens lineup. Additionally, when paired with the optional 1.4x teleconverter, it can achieve 1120mm at F/11 and an impressive 1600mm at F/16 using the 2.0x teleconverter.

The lens body of the Sony FE 400-800mm F/6.3-8 G OSS is equipped with two large rings: one for zooming and the other for focusing. Notably, the lens employs an internal zooming design, meaning it does not extend or retract while zooming, which helps maintain the center of gravity of your setup.

Additionally, the lens features numerous buttons and switches, including:

Three focus hold buttons.
An AF/MF focus mode switch.
A full-time direct manual focus (DMF) switch, allowing you to toggle DMF on or off without accessing the camera’s menu.
An Optical SteadyShot (OSS) image stabilization system, complete with an OSS on/off switch and a mode switch to choose from three stabilization settings.
A focus range limiter with three options: full, 10m – near, and 8m to infinity.

At the bottom of the lens, you’ll find a tripod mount that includes both 1/4″-20 and 3/8″-16 mounting points. The lens also comes with a lens hood featuring a filter window.

Designed primarily for outdoor shooting, this super-telephoto zoom lens is dust- and moisture-resistant. All seams are sealed, and the buttons and switches are equipped with silicone rubber gaskets, along with a rubber ring that seals the lens mount.

In terms of performance, the autofocus system is powered by two linear motors, providing fast, precise, and quiet autofocus capabilities. When switching to manual focus, the focus ring offers a linear response for accurate adjustments.

Lastly, Sony claims that the FE 400-800mm F/6.3-8 G OSS exhibits nearly zero focus breathing and is compatible with breathing compensation on certain cameras.

The Sony FE 400-800mm F/6.3-8 G OSS in the field. Image credit: Sony / Sasan Amir

Lens design

The design of the Sony FE 400-800mm F/6.3-8 G OSS lens includes an impressive 27 elements arranged in 19 groups, with six ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements to help correct chromatic aberration.

The front element is treated with a Fluorine coating that not only repels water and oil but also aids in cleaning while providing an additional layer of protection.

The aperture diaphragm features eleven rounded blades, contributing to smooth and pleasing bokeh. The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 1.7m (66in) at 400mm and 3.5m (137in) at 800mm. Additionally, the front filter diameter is a substantial 105mm.