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Sony FE 400–800mm F6.3–8 G OSS · Photo source

Sony FE 400–800mm F6.3–8 G OSS
Photo 1 of 10

Sony FE 400–800mm F6.3–8 G OSS · Photo source

Sony

FE 400–800mm F6.3–8 G OSS

Released March 2025

A full-frame E-mount super-telephoto zoom with optical stabilisation, internal zoom and support for Sony teleconverters.

Mount
Sony E
Focal length
400–800 mm
Max aperture
f/6.3–8
Stabilisation
Yes
Weight
2,475 g

What reviewers say

Both praise sharp images, quick autofocus and smooth zooming, while noting weight, the restricted wide end and small aperture. Amateur Photographer finds stabilisation very effective but the lens inflexible for some sports compositions. PetaPixel favours its reach for wildlife, while finding occasional distant-focus misses and textured blurred highlights.

From amateurphotographer.com and petapixel.com

Optics

Lens type
Zoom
Focal length
400–800 mm
Maximum aperture
f/6.3–8
Minimum aperture
f/36–45
Optical construction
27 elements in 19 groups
Special elements
Six ED elements
Coatings
Fluorine coating on front element
Diaphragm
11 rounded blades
Angle of view
6°10′–3°10′ full frame; 4°10′–2° APS-C

Mount and compatibility

Mounts
Sony E
Image circle
Full frame
Image circle detail
Full-frame coverage; 600–1,200 mm equivalent field of view on APS-C
Teleconverter support
Compatible with SEL14TC and SEL20TC; 2× converter extends maximum physical focal length to 1,600 mm

Focus and stabilisation

Autofocus
Yes
Minimum focus distance
1.7 m
Maximum magnification
0.23×
Optical stabilisation
Yes
Autofocus detail
Two linear motors; full-time DMF
Focus distance detail
Minimum focus 1.7 m at 400 mm and 3.5 m at 800 mm; PetaPixel rounds the long-end distance to 3 m, so the maker value is used
Stabilisation detail
Optical SteadyShot; compatible stabilised bodies provide coordinated stabilisation; no maker stop rating published here
Video features
Optical design suppresses focus breathing

Design

Dust and moisture resistant
Yes
Filter diameter
105 mm
Maximum diameter
119.8 mm
Length
346 mm
Weight
2,475 g
Controls
Three customisable focus-hold buttons, full-time DMF switch and focus-range limiter
Zoom design
Internal zoom maintains lens length and keeps the centre of gravity within a small range
Weather resistance
Dust- and moisture-resistant design; not guaranteed completely dust- or moisture-proof
Weight detail
Approximately 2,475 g including the fixed tripod foot; separate hood, caps and strap excluded
Tripod mount
Non-removable rotating tripod foot
Lens hood
ALC-SH181 round bayonet hood with lock button and filter-access opening
In the box
ALC-SH181 hood, ALC-F105S front cap, ALC-R1EM rear cap and lens strap; no case listed by Sony Japan
Release detail
Sony UK announced on 26 February 2025 with March 2025 availability and an approximate £2,550 list price; first-sale precision remains the month

Pros and cons

Pros

  • 800 mm maximum focal length
  • Optical stabilisation
  • Internal zoom preserves barrel length

Cons

  • F8 maximum aperture at 800 mm
  • 2,475 g lens weight
  • Fixed tripod foot

Closest rivals

Model
MountFocal lengthMax apertureStabilisationWeightReleased
Sony E600 mmf/6.3Yes995 gSept 2026
Sony E200–600 mmf/5.6–6.3Yes2,115 gJul 2019
Sony E400 mmf/4.5Yes994 gSept 2026

Sources

  1. sony.jp/ichigan/products/SEL400800G/spec.html
  2. sony.co.uk/presscentre/sony-launches-its-first-800-mm-super-telephoto-zoom-g-le…
  3. amateurphotographer.com/review/sony-fe-400-800mm-f6-3-8-g-oss-review
  4. petapixel.com/2025/02/26/sony-400-800mm-f-6-3-8-g-review-a-wildlife-photography…

Photo: sony.jp

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