Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5 GM OSS announced alongside A7R VI

Sony's new G Master super-telephoto zoom brings a constant F4.5 aperture and triple the AF speed of its 2017 predecessor. It sits alongside rather than replacing the original, at $4299.

Sony announced the FE 100-400mm F4.5 GM OSS alongside the new A7R VI May 13, a new G Master super-telephoto zoom for full-frame Alpha E-mount cameras. The lens covers the 100–400 mm range with a constant F4.5 aperture throughout.

This is a significant upgrade over its predecessor, the FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS, which was released in 2017 and closes down to F5.6 at the long end. Also significant is the price difference, the new lens coming in at $1500 more at $4299, though it should be pointed out that this is an additional model and not a Mark II style replacement.

Optical formula

The optical formula comprises 28 elements in 20 groups, including a newly developed ED XA (extra-low dispersion extreme aspherical) element, one XA element, two Super ED, and three ED glass elements, targeting chromatic and spherical aberration across the full zoom range. Nano AR Coating II handles ghosting and flare in backlit conditions. The 11-blade circular aperture is up from nine blades on the predecessor.

Autofocus improvements are across the board as you would expect from a nine-year gap. AF is driven by four XD Linear Motors working alongside a floating focus mechanism, delivering AF speeds up to approximately 3x faster and subject tracking around 50% improved compared to the older model. The lens is fully compatible with the Alpha 9 III's 120 fps continuous shooting with AF/AE tracking.

Sony's new G Master telephoto zoom features an 11-blade circular aperture, up from nine blades on the 2017 predecessor

Minimum focus distance is 0.64 m (2.1 ft) at 100 mm and 1.5 m (4.9 ft) at 400 mm. Maximum magnification is 0.25x, which is actually down from the 0.35x of its predecessor. Compatible 1.4x (SEL14TC) and 2x (SEL20TC) teleconverters extend reach to 560 mm and 800 mm respectively, or 840 mm and 1200 mm in APS-C crop mode.

Dimensions and controls

It is both longer and heavier than its predecessor. Weight comes in at approximately 1840 g (65 oz), with an inner-zoom design that keeps the lens at constant length (328 mm / 13 in) throughout the zoom range, stabilizing the center of gravity.

The lens barrel carries four focus hold buttons, a focus range limiter, SteadyShot switches, and a customizable function ring

Controls include four focus hold buttons, a customizable function ring, a focus range limiter, SteadyShot on/off and mode switches, and a rotating tripod collar. A drop-in filter slot near the mount accepts 40.5 mm glass, complementing the 95 mm front filter thread. Built-in stabilization supports Active Mode and breathing compensation for video on compatible bodies. The lens is dust and moisture resistant, with a fluorine front-element coating.

Pricing and availability 

The FE 100-400mm F4.5 GM OSS will be available in June 2026 and is priced at approximately $4299 / £4400 / €5000.