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Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS specifications and in-depth review

Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS

Manufacturer: Sony

The Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS is a versatile telephoto zoom lens designed for Sony E-mount cameras. With a maximum focal length of 800mm, it’s built to capture distant subjects with precision and clarity. The lens is weather-sealed, making it suitable for challenging environments, and it includes a reversible lens hood for added convenience during storage and transport.

In terms of optics, the lens offers optical image stabilization for sharper handheld shots and has a 2x optical zoom range. The aperture ranges from f/6.3 at the wide end to f/8 at the maximum focal length. The lens also supports full-time manual focus and has a minimum focus distance of 3.5 meters, making it a reliable choice for photographers seeking a long-reaching zoom lens with solid performance in various conditions.

Pros
  • Weather-sealed design makes it suitable for shooting in challenging weather conditions.
  • Built-in optical image stabilization helps reduce camera shake for sharper images.
  • Reversible lens hood adds convenience for storage and transport.
  • The lens features a focus motor and full-time manual focus for flexible control over focus adjustments.
  • The front element doesn't rotate, making it easier to use polarizing filters.
Cons
  • The lens is relatively heavy, weighing 2470 g, which may affect portability and handling for extended periods.
  • The aperture is relatively small, with a widest aperture of f/6.3 at the minimum focal length, limiting performance in low-light situations.
  • The lens has a long minimum focus distance of 3.5 meters, which may be limiting for close-up shots.
Who is this for?

The Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS is ideal for wildlife, sports, and long-distance photography, where the ability to capture distant subjects with a maximum focal length of 800mm is essential. Its weather-sealed design makes it a strong choice for outdoor environments, even in challenging weather conditions. The optical image stabilization also helps users achieve sharp images even when shooting handheld, which is useful in dynamic shooting scenarios.

Who is this NOT for?

This lens may not be the best choice for those who need a compact or lightweight setup, as it weighs 2470 g, which can make handling and portability difficult during long shoots. Additionally, the smallest aperture of f/8 at maximum focal length limits its performance in low-light situations, making it less suitable for indoor or nighttime photography. The minimum focus distance of 3.5 meters also makes it less ideal for close-up or macro photography.

General info:

lens type Telephoto, Zoom
lens mount Sony E
release date March 2025
is weather-sealed (splashproof) ✓
Has a metal mount ✓
weight 2470 g
Front element doesn't rotate ✓
Includes lens hood ✓
Lens hood is reversible ✓
filter size 105 mm

The Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS features a telephoto zoom lens design with a metal mount and is compatible with Sony E-mount cameras. This lens is weather-sealed, offering protection against splashes and dust. It weighs 2470 g and includes a lens hood that is reversible for convenient storage. The front element doesn't rotate, making it easier to use polarizing filters. Additionally, it has a filter size of 105 mm, ensuring compatibility with larger filters for various photographic needs.

Optics:

maximum focal length 800 mm
minimum focal length 400 mm
has built-in optical image stabilization ✓
maximum angle of view 3.1°
minimum angle of view 6.1°
magnification 0.23x
optical zoom 2x

The Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS offers a 2x optical zoom, covering a focal length range from 400mm to 800mm. This lens also features built-in optical image stabilization, helping to reduce blur from camera shake. With a magnification of 0.23x and a maximum angle of view of 3.1°, it is designed to capture distant subjects with clarity and detail.

Aperture:

wide aperture (main camera) 6.3f
widest aperture at maximum focal length 8f
aperture blades 11
Has rounded aperture blades ✓
smallest aperture at maximum focal length 45f
smallest aperture at minimum focal length 36f

The Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS features a wide aperture of f/6.3 at its minimum focal length, which narrows to f/8 at the maximum focal length. It is equipped with 11 aperture blades, which help create smoother, more aesthetically pleasing bokeh. Additionally, the lens has rounded aperture blades, enhancing the quality of background blur for more natural-looking out-of-focus areas.

Focus:

Can focus to infinity ✓
Has focus motor ✓
Has full-time manual focus ✓
has a silent focus motor built into the lens ✓
minimum focus distance 3.5 m

The Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS offers full-time manual focus for precise adjustments, along with a focus motor built into the lens for fast and accurate autofocus. It can focus to infinity, and its silent focus motor ensures quiet operation, making it ideal for video recording. The lens also has a minimum focus distance of 3.5 meters, providing flexibility for closer shots.

Benchmarks:

Final Verdict

The Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS is a robust telephoto zoom lens designed for photographers who need to capture distant subjects with high optical zoom and built-in image stabilization. Its weather-sealed construction makes it well-suited for outdoor and challenging conditions, while the reversible lens hood adds practicality. However, its substantial weight and smaller aperture at the longer focal length limit its low-light capabilities. Overall, it is a solid choice for wildlife and sports photographers looking for a long-reaching zoom lens, though those needing a lightweight or low-light solution may find it less ideal.