Sony has unveiled the FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS, a super-telephoto zoom lens for E-mount Alpha cameras that weighs 654 grams and costs 899 euros. This makes it by far the lightest and most affordable 100-400mm lens in the E-mount system. It is scheduled to be available starting August 21, 2026. The catch: the maximum aperture drops quickly to f/8.
Key Points at a Glance
- Focal length 100 to 400 mm, maximum aperture f/5.6 to f/8
- 654 grams, 78.2 × 164.5 mm, 67-mm filter thread
- MSRP 899 euros, launch date August 21, 2026 (U.S.: September, $849.99)
- Two linear motors, optical image stabilizer, dust- and moisture-resistant
- No tripod collar; attaches directly to the camera body
Why Sony is building a slow 100-400mm lens of all things
Sony doesn’t really have a problem with its lineup in the telephoto range. There’s the FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS, there’s the 200-600mm G, and there are the large prime lenses. What was missing until now was a lens for people who visit a national park once a year and don’t want to spend 2,500 euros on reach.
The new model is aimed precisely at filling this gap. Sony explicitly identifies its target audience as ambitious amateur photographers interested in birds, wildlife, or sports. Jazz Sidharh, Lens Marketing Manager at Sony Imaging Products and Solutions Europe, puts it this way: The lens combines “outstanding portability with excellent image quality.”
The weight is the real selling point here. At 654 grams, it’s about 500 grams lighter than the Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN, and Sony’s GM counterpart weighs 1,395 grams—more than twice as much. Anyone who’s ever spent a day walking through the woods with a heavy telephoto zoom lens around their neck knows just how much of a difference that makes in everyday use.
Sony FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS: Technical Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Sony FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS (SEL100400) |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 100 to 400 mm |
| Maximum Aperture | F5.6 to F8 |
| Optical Design | 15 elements in 10 groups, including 2 ED and 2 aspherical elements |
| Aperture blades | 9, circular |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 1.13 m (wide-angle) / 0.86 m (telephoto) |
| Max. magnification | 0.41x |
| Image stabilization | Optical SteadyShot, supports Active Mode |
| Autofocus | Two linear motors, up to 120 fps with the Alpha 9 III |
| Filter diameter | 67 mm |
| Dimensions | 78.2 × 164.5 mm |
| Weight | approx. 654 g |
| Teleconverters | SEL14TC (1.4x) and SEL20TC (2x) |
| MSRP | 899 euros |
Autofocus, Image Stabilization, and Operation
Inside, two linear motors work to track focus even while zooming. With the Alpha 9 III, you can shoot up to 120 frames per second with AF and AE tracking—which looks impressive on paper but, in practice, says more about the camera than the lens itself. The image stabilizer works in conjunction with the in-body stabilization system and supports Active Mode for video recording.
Of interest to videographers: The lens features breathing compensation, which compensates for changes in the angle of view when focusing. This only works with compatible cameras such as the Sony Alpha 7 V or the new FX5 Cinema Line camera.
Controls include a focus hold button, a switch for focus mode and focus range, and a zoom lock to prevent the front element from extending while carrying the lens. The body is dust- and moisture-resistant, and a lens hood is included. Sony hasn’t included a tripod collar, so the lens always remains attached to the camera body. At 654 grams, this is manageable, but it feels unusual during longer sessions on a tripod.
F8 Is the Price You Pay for Lightness
The most interesting figure in the spec sheet isn’t the weight, but the aperture. F5.6 applies only at the wide end. According to PetaPixel, the lens reaches F8 as early as around 220 mm and remains there up to 400 mm.
This has consequences. In sunny conditions out in a field, f/8 isn’t an issue—short shutter speeds at ISO 400 are sufficient. At dusk, in the woods, or in a sports arena, however, things get tight because ISO settings quickly reach four digits. Anyone who regularly takes photos in low light is better off with a faster lens, even if it weighs more and costs more.
Although teleconverter compatibility is listed in the spec sheet, it’s borderline in practice: With the 2x converter, you reach 800 mm, but only at f/16. In APS-C mode, you can even reach 1,200 mm. This is only practical in very bright light.
Initial Real-World Impressions
PetaPixel has already tested the lens and offers a sober assessment: Sharpness is decent and consistent across the zoom range, though there are slight compromises in the corners. The autofocus works adequately, though it occasionally seems indecisive at the minimum focusing distance and doesn’t quite keep up with Sony’s more expensive lenses. The build quality is visibly optimized for the price point, featuring plenty of plastic without feeling cheap.
Noteworthy: According to PetaPixel, Sony itself makes it clear that the lens doesn’t match its own premium models in terms of resolution and bokeh. It’s rare to see a manufacturer state this so openly, and it captures the lens’s positioning quite accurately.
The Competition
Conceptually, Canon’s RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM comes closest: 635 grams, 164.7 millimeters long, around 790 euros. However, it’s only compatible with Canon camera bodies. In the E-mount ecosystem, Sony must primarily hold its own against third-party manufacturers:
| Lens | Weight | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Sony FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS | 654 g | 899 euros |
| Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS C | 1,140 g | Starting at approx. 920 euros |
| Tamron 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD | 1,155 g | Starting at approx. 1,080 euros |
| Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS | 1,395 g | Starting at approx. 2,000 euros |
Sigma and Tamron offer faster apertures and more robust build quality, but weigh nearly twice as much. Those seeking maximum image quality will end up choosing the GM anyway, though they’ll pay well over twice as much. Those looking for a lightweight travel zoom now have an option that wasn’t previously available for the E-mount.
Price and Availability
The Sony FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS is available for pre-order now and is scheduled to hit stores on August 21, 2026, at a MSRP of 899 euros. In the U.S., the price is $849.99, though shipments there won’t begin until September.
Conclusion
The Sony FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS isn’t a lens for people who want the absolute best in terms of technical performance. It’s for people who need 400 millimeters but don’t want to deal with the weight or the price of a professional telephoto zoom. Within this context, it makes sense: 654 grams for 899 euros is a combination that hasn’t been available in the E-mount system until now. Whether it’s right for you depends primarily on the lighting conditions. If you’re shooting outdoors in daylight, you’ll get a lot of reach for very little weight. If you regularly shoot at dusk, you should take the f/8 aperture seriously and opt for a model with a faster aperture instead.
Sources: Sony Press Center, Sony product page,
