Sony just launched two new G Master super-telephoto primes – the 400mm f/4.5 and 600mm f/6.3 – both considered the world’s lightest lenses of this kind and a welcome development for tenacious wildlife and fast-action sports photographers seeking a powerful yet portable shooting option.
Despite their obvious differences – that 200mm differential in focal length, for starters, plus their slightly divergent f/4.5 to f/20 and f/6.3 to f/20 aperture ranges, respectively – these two lenses share numerous similarities.
Size and weight are relative terms when comparing telephoto lenses of this calibre, but at just 242mm and 994g for the 400mm and 263mm and 995g for the 600mm, these two set a new benchmark for lightweight portability and exceptional handheld mobility.
(By comparison, the Sony SEL FE 600mm f/4.0 GM OSS, launched in 2019, measured 449mm in length and weighed a whopping 3.04kg, making it the world’s lightest lens in its class at the time but still a colossus next to the latest offerings.)
The new optical design also incorporates a single front element to transfer the lenses’ centre of gravity toward the camera body and create a more balanced and manageable setup.
View Sony FE 400mm f/4.5 and 600mm f/6.3 GM OSS Lens Pricing and Availability at Vistek
They’ve also got signature G Master build quality and optical performance going for them, ensuring the level of full-frame resolution and sharpness you’d expect, plus exquisite bokeh effects enhanced by a rounded 11-blade diaphragm.
Super ED and ED glass elements combine to minimize chromatic aberration, while Sony’s Nano AR Coating II effectively suppresses flare and ghosting. Integrated optical image stabilization comes with the additional advantage of selectable modes to deliver reliably stable framing when shooting handheld.
The dust- and moisture-resistant barrel sports four focus-hold buttons and a function ring that can be assigned to various controls. The front lens element features a fluorine coating to keep contaminants at bay and make it easier to clean.
Whether you’re content with the 400mm focal length or prefer to extend your reach with the 600mm, you can’t go wrong with either of these two stunning new lenses. They’re clearly in it for the long run and will be hard to beat anytime soon.
Features
- Full-frame E-mount
- Dual XD linear motor autofocus
- Optical SteadyShot image stabilization
- Custom function ring
- Four focus hold buttons
- 24 elements in 17 groups (600mm)
- 22 elements in 11 groups (400mm)
- Super ED elements
- Continuous AF/AE tracking up to 120 fps
- Rounded 11-blade diaphragm
- Dust- and moisture-resistant construction
- Fixed rotating tripod collar
You must log in to post a comment.