The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 and the Sony 70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM 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 with a length of 196mm, is 9mm shorter. On the other hand, the Sony 70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM 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, which means it is 95g (6%) lighter than the Sony 70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM which has a weight of 1490g.
Filter Threads
Both the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 and the Sony 70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM 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 FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 has the Sony E lens mount whereas the Sony 70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM has the Sony Alpha lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Sony FX5, Sony A7R VI and Sony A7 V for the Sony E Mount and Sony A99 II, Sony A68 and Sony A77 II for the Sony Alpha Mount.
Focal Range
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.
On the other hand, the Sony 70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM 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.
