The Sony a9 now has a professional super-telephoto lens to complement its insane autofocus and frame rates. Today, you can preorder the Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens, the world's lightest 400mm f/2.8 lens.
The 400mm f/2.8 is the lens a lot of sports and wildlife photographers have been waiting for. The lens is remarkably light, coming in at 6.4 lbs (2.9 kg), about 2 lbs less than the Canon and Nikon versions. Sony also notes that they've reduced the number of elements at the front of the lens. This is in turn reduces the torque on the photographer's arm when hand-holding it and changes the moment of inertia, creating a better resistance to vertical rotation, enabling smoother and quicker panning with less physical effort on a monopod. Check out the complete specs below:
- Focal length: 400mm
- Aperture range: f/2.8 - f/22
- Aperture blades: 11 rounded
- Minimum focusing distance: 8.86 ft (2.7 m)
- Elements: 23 in 17 groups
- Three fluorite elements to reduce color fringing and chromatic aberrations
- Nano AR coating for reduced flare and ghosting
- Dual XD linear autofocus motors
- Three-mode optical stabilization
- Focus-hold controls at four separate locations with function customization
- Power focus functionality for video shooters
- Magnesium alloy body with dust and moisture resistance
- Drop-in filter holder
- Compatible with 1.4x and 2x teleconverters
- Weight: 6.4 lbs (2.9 kg)
- Price: $12,000
This is certainly an exciting lens for sports and wildlife shooters who have been interested in the Sony system, especially when combined with the a9 camera. You can preorder the Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens here.
Just for a few folks out there!
I don't understand optical formulae. How were they able to shave off 2 lbs from the Canon and Nikon versions?
Three fluorite elements, for one. And then since the majority of glass is closer to the camera, those are all significantly smaller elements. The Nikon 400mm f/2.8 FL has two fluorite elements, but four of its elements (including the protective front glass) are larger than 120mm in diameter. The Sony only has one such element up in the front. That by itself helps a lot, I'd expect.
The housing might be lighter too.
That makes sense. Thanks.
Light weight alright! Just 800 grams more than the 'tiny' Canon 400mm f/4 DO II.
Although I have no use for such a lens, I have always been amazed at what the Canon, Nikon and now Sony versions of the 400mm can do. I bet the 400mm and the A9 is a killer combination. Now if SONY could come up with a Tilt Shift lens, I could be 100% adaptor free using my A7Riii