When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission. Image:Sony Sony has announced the FE 400-800mm F6. 3-8 G, the company's new furthest-reaching super-telephoto zoom for full-frame cameras.
It's made of 27 elements in 19 groups, with 6 ED elements, and has an 11-blade aperture. At 400mm, its minimum focusing distance is 1. 7m (5' 7"), which goes up to 3. 5m (11' 6") at 800mm. It's also compatible with Sony's 1. 4x and 2x optical teleconverters, which can give you up to 1600mm of reach at the cost of 2EV of light.
The lens weighs 2475g (4. 66lb) and accepts 105mm filters. It's weather-sealed and has a fluorine coating on the front element. It has three customizable buttons as well as a variety of switches to control focus mode, its focus limiter and optical image stabilization. Its zoom mechanism is internal, and Sony says its weight distribution puts the center of gravity over the integrated tripod foot.
The 400-800mm is compatible with the 120fps burst mode on Sony's a9 III, and its autofocus is handled by two linear motors.
Sony says the lens is meant for wildlife and sports shooters who need a bit more reach than its 200-600mm F5. 6-6. 3 or 600mm F4 lenses can provide. It will be available in March, at a retail price of $2900.
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Photos provided by Sony
Press Release:
Sony Electronics Unveils Specialty 400-800mm F6. 3-8 G OSS Super Telephoto Zoom G Lens: The Furthest Reaching Sony Lens To Date
Full-Frame E-Mount Lens Designed for Birding, Wildlife, and Sports Professionals
SAN DIEGO, Feb. 26, 2025 - Sony Electronics introduces the 400-800mm F6. 3-8 G OSS (SEL400800G), its longest-range full-frame E-Mount lens to date1, setting a new benchmark in focal length reach for the Sony mirrorless system. The Sony E-Mount lens lineup previously peaked at 600mm, but the 400-800mm F6. 3-8 G OSS extends the focal length to an incredible 800mm for specialty shooting. The additional reach is especially beneficial for birding, wildlife, aerial, and sports photographers seeking long-range lens capabilities.
The 400-800mm F6. 3-8 G OSS is designed to provide exceptional image quality and lens control across the entire ultra telephoto zoom range. Its internal zoom mechanism ensures stable handling, while its advanced optical design delivers creamy bokeh and sharp, detailed images. With a fast and accurate autofocus system combined with a durable, versatile build, this lens is a powerful tool ideal for both photographers and videographers documenting far away subjects.
"At Sony, we are dedicated to equipping photographers and videographers with the tools they need to push creative boundaries. The 400-800mm F6. 3-8 G OSS is a testament to this commitment, delivering unparalleled reach and reliability as a super telephoto within the G Series lens line-up,” said Yang Cheng, Vice President of Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. “By continually expanding our lens offerings, we ensure that Sony mirrorless users have the specialized gear to capture stunning imagery in even the most challenging environments. "
Extended Reach, Bokeh, and Autofocus
As the newest addition to our G lens lineup, the 400-800mm F6. 3-8 G OSS is designed for exceptional performance and consistency, even while extended to the furthest focal length. It is the first Alpha lens to offer a super-telephoto range of 400mm to 800mm, delivering unparalleled reach for the Sony Alpha full-frame system. For applications such as birding photography, the 400mm to 800mm zoom range allows photographers to locate subjects at the wide 400mm end before zooming in up to 800mm for tight, detailed shots. For those who need even more reach, the 400-800mm F6. 3-8 G OSS is compatible with the 1. 4x and 2x teleconverters2, extending its range up to a staggering 1600mm.
An internal zoom mechanism maintains a balanced length and weight distribution while adjusting focal lengths—enhancing stability and handling. A smooth, responsive zoom ring allows for precise adjustments, while a carefully designed structure helps prevent accidental focal length shifts. In addition, this lens’ zoom ring features a short rotation throw which enables quick zoom adjustments essential for tracking fast-moving subjects in birding, wildlife, and sports photography.
The 400-800mm F6. 3-8 G OSS is designed for exceptional optical performance, featuring an 11-blade circular aperture that produces beautifully smooth, creamy backgrounds with stunning bokeh when shooting at a narrow depth of field. Six ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements effectively minimize chromatic aberration, while advanced coatings suppress flare and ghosting, ensuring crisp, high-contrast images even in backlit conditions.
For fast, precise focusing, the lens is equipped with two precision linear motors, enabling seamless tracking that keeps up with the Alpha 9 III’s 120 fps3 maximum burst speed and up to 240 fps in video4. Its quiet operation, focus range switch, and suppressed focus breathing allow for enhanced control and make this lens an excellent choice for both photo and video use.
Enhanced Stability, Control, and Durability
The 400-800mm F6. 3-8 G OSS delivers solid support for both handheld and tripod-mounted shooting. Its built-in Optical SteadyShot™ (OSS) image stabilization minimizes shake-induced blur, and when paired with an Alpha camera body featuring in-body stabilization, stability is further enhanced. Durable construction, optimized balance, and a non-removable foot maximize reliability and performance. For tripod use, the tripod mount foot allows quick rotation between horizontal and vertical orientations, offering versatility for various shooting scenarios.
Designed for high-level control and reliability, the lens features three customizable focus hold buttons positioned at 90° increments for easy access in any orientation. Full-time Direct Manual Focus (DMF) automatically engages manual focus when the focus ring is adjusted, allowing for seamless fine-tuning. The redesigned lens hood includes a lock button and filter opening, ensuring effortless operation in any environment.
Additionally, the dust- and moisture-resistant5 design enhances durability, while a fluorine-coated front element repels contaminants for easier cleaning.
Pricing and Availability
The 400-800mm F6. 3-8 G OSS will be available in March 2025 for approximately $2,899. 99 USD and $4,099. 99 CAD. It will be sold directly through Sony and at a variety of Sony’s authorized dealers throughout North America.
A product video on the new 400-800mm F6. 3-8 G OSS can be viewed here: https://youtu. be/P7om9s8E6Fk
For detailed product information about the 400-800mm F6. 3-8 G OSS please visit: https://electronics. sony. com/imaging/lenses/full-frame-e-mount/p/sel400800g
Exclusive stories and exciting new content shot with the new 400-800mm F6. 3-8 G OSS and Sony's other imaging products can be found at www. alphauniverse. com, a site created to inform, educate, and inspire content creators.
1 As of the February 2025 product announcement
2 Sony FE 1. 4x Teleconverter SEL14TC Lens and 2x Teleconverter SEL20TC Lens
3 Sony test conditions. Maximum continuous shooting speed may be lower in some conditions. Continuous shooting speed may vary in the AF-C focus mode.
4 Functional compatibility may vary depending on the camera used.
5 Not guaranteed to be 100% dust and moisture proof
Sony FE 400-800m F6. 3-8 G Specifications:
Principal specificationsLens typeZoom lensMax Format size35mm FFFocal length400-800 mmLens mountSony E, Sony FEApertureMaximum apertureF6. 3-8Aperture ringYesNumber of diaphragm blades11OpticsElements27Groups19Special elements / coatings6 ED, fluorine coatingFocusMinimum focus1. 70 m (66. 93″)Maximum magnification0. 23×AutofocusYesMotor typeLinear MotorFocus methodInternalDistance scaleNoDoF scaleNoFocus distance limiter10m - near, Infinity - 8mPhysicalWeight2475 g (5. 46 lb)Diameter120 mm (4. 72″)Length346 mm (13. 62″)MaterialsPlasticSealingYesColourWhiteZoom methodRotary (internal)Power zoomNoHood suppliedYesTripod collarYes. dpreview.com
2025-2-27 17:00
