The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sony 70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM II and the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 is the longer of the two lenses at 205mm. The Sony 70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM II with a length of 196mm, is 9mm shorter. On the other hand, the Sony 70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM II has a larger diameter of 95mm compared to the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6's 94mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 weighs 1395g, 6% (105g) lighter than the Sony 70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM II's weight of 1500g.
Filter Threads
Both the Sony 70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM II and the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 have the same Filter thread size of 77mm.
Below are links to the 77mm filters that we recommend you to consider for these lenses:
Lens Mounts
The Sony 70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM II has the Sony Alpha lens mount whereas the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 has the Sony E lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Sony A99 II, Sony A68 and Sony A77 II for the Sony Alpha Mount and Sony FX5, Sony A7R VI and Sony A7 V for the Sony E Mount.
Focal Range
Sony 70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM II has a focal range of 70-400mm and
5.7X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
105 - 600mm.
On the other hand, the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 has a focal range of 100-400mm and 4.0X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 150 - 600mm.
