CameraDecision
  • CAMERAS
    • All Cameras
    • Cameras by Brand
      • Sony Cameras
      • Canon Cameras
      • Nikon Cameras
      • Pentax Cameras
      • Fujifilm Cameras
      • Olympus Cameras
      • Panasonic Cameras
      • Leica Cameras
      • Samsung Cameras
    • Cameras by Body Type
      • Mirrorless Cameras
      • DSLR Cameras
      • Compact Cameras
      • Bridge Cameras
      • Waterproof Cameras
    • Cameras by Lens Mount
      • Sony E Mount Cameras
      • Canon RF Mount Cameras
      • Nikon Z Mount Cameras
      • Micro Four Thirds Mount Cameras
      • Fujifilm X Mount Cameras
      • Leica L Mount Cameras
      • Nikon F Mount Cameras
      • Canon EF Mount Cameras
      • Canon EF M Mount Cameras
      • Canon EF S Mount Cameras
      • Pentax KAF Mount Cameras
      • Sony Alpha Mount Cameras
      • Fujifilm G Mount Cameras
      • Sigma SA Mount Cameras
      • Nikon 1 Mount Cameras
  • LENSES
    • All Lenses
    • Lenses by Mount
      • Sony E Mount Lenses
      • Canon RF Mount Lenses
      • Nikon Z Mount Lenses
      • Canon EF Mount Lenses
      • Canon EF M Mount Lenses
      • Canon EF S Mount Lenses
      • Nikon F Mount Lenses
      • Fujifilm X Mount Lenses
      • Micro Four Thirds Mount Lenses
      • Leica L Mount Lenses
      • Pentax KAF Mount Lenses
      • Fujifilm G Mount Lenses
      • Sigma SA Mount Lenses
      • Sony Alpha Mount Lenses
    • Teleconverters
    • Cinema Lenses
      • Sony E Mount Cine Lenses
      • Canon RF Mount Cine Lenses
      • Nikon Z Mount Cine Lenses
      • Canon EF Mount Cine Lenses
      • Nikon F Mount Cine Lenses
      • ARRI PL Mount Cine Lenses
      • Fujifilm X Mount Cine Lenses
      • Micro Four Thirds Mount Cine Lenses
      • Leica L Mount Cine Lenses
  • TOOLS
    • Cameras
      • Smart Find
      • 1-on-1 Comparison
    • Lenses
      • Smart Find
      • 1-on-1 Comparison
  • BLOG

Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS E Mount Review

Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS

Main Features

  • 100-400mm Focal Range
  • F4.5-5.6 Max Aperture
  • Image Stabilization
  • Weather-sealed
  • Filter Thread: 77mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Sony E Mount
  • Weight: 1,395g / 3.07 lb
  • Dimensions(øxL): 94mm x 205mm
  • Min Focus Distance: 0.98m
  • Max Magnification: 0.35x
CHECK PRICE
CHECK PRICE
Compare To
x
Add a Lens for comparison

Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM Overview


Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM is a Variable aperture Auto Focus (AF) Super Telephoto Zoom lens with Optical Image stabilization and 35mm FF max sensor coverage, and it is designed to be used with E Mount cameras.

What type of photography is the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM lens good for?

The type of photography that you are planning to use the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated its suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type Suitability
Bird/WildlifeVery Good
SportsVery Good
PortraitFair
TravelPoor
StreetPoor
WeddingFair
Walk AroundFair
VloggingPoor
LandscapeFair
MacroAverage

Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM is a member of Sony's GM series of lenses. GM stands for G Master and represents the top of the line lenses on the Sony E mount line-up. Below you can see the latest lenses in this series.

GM Series Lenses in Sony E Mount
Model Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II Lens Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II
Compare
35mm FF 547gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sony FE 50mm F1.4 GM Lens Sony FE 50mm F1.4 GM
Compare
35mm FF 516gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II Lens Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
Compare
35mm FF 695gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II Lens Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II
Compare
35mm FF 1045gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sony FE 14mm F1.8 GM Lens Sony FE 14mm F1.8 GM
Compare
35mm FF 460gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM Lens Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM
Compare
35mm FF 778gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sony FE 35mm F1.4 GM Lens Sony FE 35mm F1.4 GM
Compare
35mm FF 524gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sony 12-24mm F2.8 GM Lens Sony 12-24mm F2.8 GM
Compare
35mm FF 847gr AF Amazon B&H Photo

Reasons to Buy Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS Lens

Here we've included a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS lens in a list form to help you determine whether it offers the features you need.

PROs
Optical Image Stabilization
Weather-sealed
Autofocus
Stabilization On/Off Switch on Lens
Compatible with Sony Teleconverters
Hood supplied
Tripod Collar
Full-time Manual Focusing
Focus Distance Limiter
Zoom Lock
Covers Full-Frame Sensor
9 Diaphragm Blades for Smooth Bokeh
400mm reach great for Wildlife Photography
Report a correction

Buy Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM from Amazon or B&H PHOTO


CONs
Lens Extents while zooming
Slow Aperture at Wide end
Slow Aperture at Tele end
Variable Aperture
Heavy
Pricey


Lens Mount

Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM is compatible with cameras that have a Sony E lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Sony E lenses are Sony A7C Mark II, Sony A7CR and Sony A6700.

Sony A7C Mark II with Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM Lens Size
Sony A7C Mark II with the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM Lens
Sony A7CR with Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM Lens Size
Sony A7CR with the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM Lens
Sony A6700 with Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM Lens Size
Sony A6700 with the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM Lens

Size, Weight and Filter Thread

Size and weight is a very important decision factor when searching for your next lens. Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM has a maximum diameter of 94mm and total length of 205mm when not extended. It weighs 1395g / 49.2 oz.

Below you can find a scaled side-by-side image of Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM and Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 OS (Sony E mount) to get a better idea of how their sizes compare in real life. Check the detailed comparison of these two lenses here.

Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM vs Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 OS Lens Size Comparison
Comparison image of the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM and the Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 OS Size and Weight

Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM has a filter thread of 77mm. Below are links to the filters that we recommend you to consider for your Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM:

  • 77mm Variable ND Lens Filters
  • 77mm Circular Polarizer Lens Filters
  • 77mm Clear Protection Lens Filters




Focal Range

Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM 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 an 35mm (FF) equivalent of 150 - 600mm.


Teleconverter Compatibility

Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM is compatible with the Teleconverters below. With the use of these TC/extenders, you can find how the total focal reach and effective aperture of your Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM changes below:


Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM Focal Range and Aperture Change with Teleconverter
Model Coverage with TC Aperture with TC Street Price
Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter Lens Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter 140 - 560mm F6.3 - 7.84 Amazon B&H Photo
Sony FE 2x Teleconverter Lens Sony FE 2x Teleconverter 200 - 800mm F9 - 11.2 Amazon B&H Photo

Weather Sealings

https://cameradecision.com/lenses/img/other/Sony-FE-100-400mm-F4.5-5.6-GM-OSS-sealing.jpg
Weather Sealings of the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM

The Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM is a weather-sealed lens, which provides extra protection to prevent water and dust get inside the lens and camera body under light rain, snow and wind. In order to have effective protection, you have to pair the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM with a weather-sealed camera body such as the Sony A7C Mark II, Sony A7CR and Sony A6700.

Optical Image Stabilization

The Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM features an optical image stabilization system which helps to reduce the blur that occurs due to shaking during hand-held shooting.

Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM also has a Stabilization On/Off switch on the lens body so you don't need to delve into your cameras menu to disable or enable the IS.

Tripod Collar

With a total length of 205mm and a weight of 1395g, the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM is a large lens. Fortunately, it comes with a tripod collar which you can use to attach the lens directly to a tripod or monopod instead of attaching the camera. This connection helps to better balance the lens/kit combination.

Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM MTF Charts

Below you can find the MTF chart of Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM which would give an idea of the its contrast and resolution from the center to its edges.


https://cameradecision.com/lenses/img/other/Sony-FE-100-400mm-F4.5-5.6-GM-OSS-mtf-chart-1.jpg
MTF Chart of the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM

Zoom Method

Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM features Rotary (extending) zoom method where the length of the lens changes as you zoom in or out. This makes it possible to design the lens with a smaller minimum length ( generally when it is zoomed out) compared to internal zoom lenses. The disadvantages of this design are being harder to seal against dust and moisture, weight balance shifting while zooming and zoom creep in certain lenses.

Zoom Lock

Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM has a Zoom lock feature which eliminates Zoom creep where focal length of the lens changes with gravity when it's held downwards or upwards.

Maximum Magnification Ratio

Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM has a Max Magnification Ratio of 0.35x and has a minimum focusing distance of 0.98m. For a non-macro lens, the 0.35x is considered a high magnification and will come handy for close-up shots.

Below are the 3 Super Telephoto Zoom type Sony E mount lens alternatives with highest max magnification ratios:

  • Tamron 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 VC: 0.5x - (Compare)
  • Tamron 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD: 0.5x - (Compare)
  • Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS: 0.41x - (Compare)

Aperture

Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM is a variable aperture lens with a max aperture of f4.5 and a minimum aperture of f32 at 100mm, and a max aperture of f5.6 and minimum aperture of f40 at 400mm .

Focal Length Max Aperture Min Aperture
100mm F4.5 F32
400mm F5.6 F40

Optical Formula

Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM's optical formula consists of 22 elements in 16 groups . Following special elements are used in this design:

  • Two ED
  • 1 super ED element
  • Fluorine-coated front element.

https://cameradecision.com/lenses/img/other/Sony-FE-100-400mm-F4.5-5.6-GM-OSS-optical-structure.jpg
Optical Construction of the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM

Lens Hood

Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM comes with a removable lens hood which is handy to reduce lens flare and glare in your photos. The model number of the hood is ALC-SH151.

Body Colour

Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM is available in White color.

Popular Comparisons of Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM

Here are the eight most popular comparisons of the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM amongst Camera Decision readers.

Top Alternatives of Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM Lens
Model Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS Lens Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS
Compare
35mm FF 1,135 g / 2.50 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II Lens Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II
Compare
35mm FF 1,045 g / 2.30 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM Lens Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM
Compare
35mm FF 1,365 g / 3.00 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sony FE 200-600 F5.6-6.3 G OSS Lens Sony FE 200-600 F5.6-6.3 G OSS
Compare
35mm FF 2,115 g / 4.65 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS S Lens Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS S
Compare
35mm FF 2,100 g / 4.62 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sony FE 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G OSS Lens Sony FE 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G OSS
Compare
35mm FF 854 g / 1.88 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di III VC Lens Tamron 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di III VC
Compare
35mm FF 1,155 g / 2.54 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron 150-500mm F5-6.7 Di III VC VXD Lens Tamron 150-500mm F5-6.7 Di III VC VXD
Compare
35mm FF 1,724 g / 3.79 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS Alternatives in Sony E Mount
Model Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
Sony E 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 G OSS Lens Sony E 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 G OSS
Compare
APS-C / DX 625 g / 1.38 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sony FE 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G OSS Lens Sony FE 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G OSS
Compare
35mm FF 854 g / 1.88 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS Lens Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS
Compare
35mm FF 1135 g / 2.50 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron 70-300 F4.5-6.3 Di RXD III Lens Tamron 70-300 F4.5-6.3 Di RXD III
Compare
35mm FF 545 g / 1.20 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo

Related Blog Posts

Tamron 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD Lens Available for Pre-Order. And Yes, It is a Full-frame Lens
Fujifilm GF 110mm F5.6 T/S, 30mm F5.6 T/S and 55mm F1.7 Lenses: Medium Format comes with a Price tag
Panasonic Releases Updated 100-400mm and 35-100mm Lenses for MFT Cameras
New Lens Roadmap Released for Fujifilm G Mount
Sigma 100-400mm DG DN and 23mm F1.4 DC DN lenses released for Fujifilm X-mount
Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM Mark II vs I Size and Specs Comparison
Tamron 17-50mm f4 Di III VXD Lens for Sony E-Mount under Development
Panasonic released new S series Lens Roadmap for the L Mount

Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM Detailed Specifications


General
Brand Sony
Lens Type Zoom
Lens Type Telephoto Zoom
Lens Mount Sony E
Max Format 35mm FF
Focal Range 100-400mm
Image Stabilization Yes
Colour White
Zoom Method Rotary (extending)
Power Zoom No
Zoom Lock Yes
Zoom Ratio 4.0X
APERTURE
Max Aperture F4.5-5.6
Min Aperture F32-40
Aperture Ring No
Diaphragm Blades 9
Optics
Optical Elements 22
Optical Groups 16
Special Elements Two ED, one super ED element. Fluorine-coated front element.

FOCUSING
Min Focus Distance 0.98m
Max Magnification 0.35X
Autofocus Yes
AF Motor Type Linear Motor
Full Time Manual Yes
Focus Method Internal
Focus Distance Limiter Yes
Distance Scale No
DoF Scale No
PHYSICAL SPECS
Weight 1395g
Diameter 94mm
Length 205mm
Materials Magnesium alloy
Weather Sealing Yes
Filter Thread 77mm
Filter Notes -
Hood Supplied Yes
Hood Code ALC-SH151
Tripod Collar Yes
Report a Correction
Frequently Asked Questions about Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS
is the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS a Weather-sealed lens?
What is the Minimum Focusing Distance of Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS
is the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS an Autofocus (AF) lens?
What is the Filter Thread Size of Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS
Does Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS have Image Stabilization?
Does Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS have Aperture Ring?
What is the Maximum Magnification Ratio of Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS


FOLLOW US


Latest Sony E Lenses
Tamron 17-50mm f4 Di III VXD
Tamron 17-50mm f4 Di III VXD
Sony E | F4.0 Wideangle Zoom
Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II
Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II
Sony E | F2.8 Wideangle Zoom
Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G OSS II
Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G OSS II
Sony E | F4.0 Telephoto Zoom
Viltrox AF 85mm f1.8 FE II
Viltrox AF 85mm f1.8 FE II
Sony E | F1.8 Telephoto Prime
Viltrox 75mm f1.2 AF
Viltrox 75mm f1.2 AF
Sony E | F1.2 Telephoto Prime
Viltrox AF 16mm f1.8 FE
Viltrox AF 16mm f1.8 FE
Sony E | F1.8 Wideangle Prime
Sigma 14mm F1.4 DG DN
Sigma 14mm F1.4 DG DN
Sony E | F1.4 Wideangle Prime
Samyang AF 35-150mm F2-2.8 FE
Samyang AF 35-150mm F2-2.8 FE
Sony E | F2-2.8 Telephoto Zoom
Sigma 50mm F2 DG DN C
Sigma 50mm F2 DG DN C
Sony E | F2.0 Standard Prime
Sigma 17mm F4 DG DN C
Sigma 17mm F4 DG DN C
Sony E | F4.0 Wideangle Prime
Latest Compatible Cameras
Sony A7C Mark II
Sony A7C Mark II
33 MP | Full frame BSI-CMOS
Sony A7CR
Sony A7CR
60 MP | Full frame BSI-CMOS
Sony A6700
Sony A6700
26 MP | APS-C BSI-CMOS
Sony ZV-E1
Sony ZV-E1
12 MP | Full frame BSI-CMOS
Sony A7R V
Sony A7R V
61 MP | Full frame BSI-CMOS
Copyright © 2023 by CameraDecision
Privacy About Contact Us SpeakerDecision LaptopDecision

Report a Correction