Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS
Announced April 1, 2017
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS is a versatile, high-performance telephoto zoom lens that delivers exceptional sharpness and fast, reliable autofocus. While it commands a premium price and carries significant weight, its robust build and close-focusing capabilities make it an indispensable tool for sports, nature, and portrait photographers.
Weighted from 15 reviewer scores
Pros
- Fast, accurate, and silent autofocus performance
- Excellent image sharpness and detail across the focal range
- Robust, high-quality build with weather sealing
- Comprehensive feature set including zoom stiffness adjustment and optical stabilization
- Versatile close-focusing capabilities for macro-like shots
Cons
- High price point relative to alternatives
- Substantial size and weight for extended handheld use
- Minor handling issues with zoom ring and tripod foot
- Limitations in low-light focusing and aperture range
- Lack of integrated Arca-Swiss tripod mount
- Launch price $2,499 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6
- Mount & coverage Sony E Full-Frame
- Stabilization Optical IS
- Close focus 98 cm (0.35x)
- Filter thread 77mm
- Autofocus motor Double linear motor and Direct Drive SSM
- Weight & size 1395g · 93.9 x 205 mm (3.70 x 8.07 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 15 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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Considering its versatility, build quality, optical quality and price, the Sony 100-400mm GM is a home run and deserves a place in the kit of every Sony E mount shooter in need of telephoto reach. [...] If you can afford this lens, buy it.
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The Sony FE 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 G Master is a telephoto zoom for its e-mount mirrorless cameras, and corrected for use on full-frame bodies. [I]t delivers the longest reach of Sony's native e-mount lenses to date.
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The location of the zoom ring along with the ability to adjust the smoothness of the zoom ring are excellent additions, and the inset sliding door of the hood makes using polarizing filters a cinch.
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It has very high levels of sharpness, low fringing and vignetting, all helping it achieve a high DxOMark score.
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One one hand, the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS is a well-executed, competitive package that is great to use. On the other, the 100-400GM is priced like a premium lens – easily the most expensive lens with this focal range.
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[W]hat a completely awesome telephoto zoom lens.
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The Sony GM 100-400 f/4.5-5.6 is a very solid performer, as it should be with its price tag. Sharpness is great for a zoom, bokeh is very smooth, CA correction is good and AF is fast and precise.
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Focusing is extremely quick, and accurate the majority of the time. The hit rate when using it in conjunction with 20fps shooting on the A9 is superb, making it ideal for capturing important moments during sports and action photography.
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With its compact size, speed, excellent image quality and versatility, this lens is perfect for wedding photographers who want the extra focal length without overloading their gear bags. It’s a great portrait lens, too, and it focuses as close as 3.22 feet for those detail shots.
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There isn't a lot to say about the Sony 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6. It's a very impressive lens, and when it comes to finding faults, you have to nitpick.
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[T]his is the lens you should be considering.
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This Sony 100-400/4.5-5.6 GM OSS is Sony's best ultratelephoto zoom.
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The Sony 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS is one of my all-time favourite lenses, which is most frequently found mounted to my camera.
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This is by far my favorite lens in my camera bag, and it's been incredibly useful in all types of photography or video situations.
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[I]f you're looking for a far reaching telephoto lens that does it all, I can fully and absolutely recommend this one to you.
