Sony has officially launched two new additions to its G Master lens lineup: the FE 400mm F4.5 GM OSS and the FE 600mm F6.3 GM OSS. These new super-telephoto prime lenses are highlighted by their exceptionally lightweight designs, marking them as Sony’s lightest-ever super-telephoto prime lenses. The 400mm F4.5 is priced at 18,999 Chinese Yuan, while the 600mm F6.3 comes in at 24,999 Chinese Yuan.
Lightweight and High-Performance Design
Both lenses weigh in at under 1kg, a significant achievement for lenses of this focal length. They promise excellent MTF performance at their maximum apertures, ensuring impressive image quality even when significant cropping is required. To combat chromatic aberration, Sony has incorporated three Super ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements and one ED (Extra-low Dispersion) element into the optical design of each lens. Autofocus and auto-exposure tracking at up to 120 frames per second are supported, thanks to the integration of two XD (Extreme Dynamic) Linear Motors.
Ergonomics and Advanced Coatings
Sony has also focused on user experience with an optimized lens element layout. This design shifts the center of gravity closer to the camera body, making the lenses more comfortable to hold and maneuver during extended shooting sessions. The aperture mechanism features 11 blades, designed to produce smooth, circular bokeh. Furthermore, the second-generation Nano AR Coating is applied to suppress ghosting and flare, ensuring clearer images in challenging lighting conditions.
Versatility and Accessibility
When paired with Sony’s full-frame camera bodies, the total weight of these lens and camera combinations is approximately 1.7kg, making them an accessible option, even for newcomers to super-telephoto photography. The lenses also support the use of teleconverters, offering a way to further extend their reach. For image stabilization, they feature a 3-stop Optical SteadyShot (OSS) system, which works synergistically with in-body stabilization on compatible Sony cameras. The minimum focusing distance for both lenses is approximately 2.5 meters.
Target Audience
These new lenses are poised to be attractive options for a wide range of photographers, including sports, wildlife, and nature enthusiasts who require the reach of a super-telephoto lens without the often-associated bulk and weight. The combination of professional-grade optical performance, advanced autofocus capabilities, and a surprisingly portable design makes the FE 400mm F4.5 GM OSS and FE 600mm F6.3 GM OSS compelling choices in Sony’s E-mount lens catalog.
