Sony's new FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS lens takes telephoto zoom to another level, reaching 800mm—a first for Sony zoom lenses. If wildlife or sports photography is your focus, it's worth a look.
Coming to you from Dustin Abbott, this practical video examines the Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS lens in real-world use and how it compares to Sony’s earlier 200-600mm lens. Abbott highlights key distinctions in build quality, handling, and optical performance. For instance, despite covering the same 400mm range, the 400-800mm lens actually has a narrower 2x zoom factor due to its starting point. Abbott also addresses important considerations, like the lens’ variable aperture—from f/6.3 at 400mm up to f/8 at 800mm—which impacts its usability in low-light conditions. He emphasizes how this lens demands ample light for optimal image quality and quick autofocus, especially at its maximum zoom.
Additionally, Abbott shares detailed insights about autofocus performance, noting improvements thanks to Sony’s latest XD linear motors. He demonstrates the lens’ capability by tracking fast-moving subjects like birds in flight, pointing out that autofocus is impressively fast and accurate under adequate lighting conditions. However, he candidly notes limitations when shooting indoors or in moderate lighting, where higher ISO settings and slower shutter speeds inevitably degrade image sharpness due to motion blur.
Key Specs
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Focal Length: 400 to 800mm
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Maximum Aperture: f/6.3 to 8
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Lens Mount: Sony E
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Image Stabilization
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105mm Front Filter Size
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Optical Design: 27 Elements in 19 Groups
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Minimum Focus Distance: 1.7 m (400mm) to 3.5 m (800mm)
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Maximum Magnification: 0.23x
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Diaphragm Blades: 11 (rounded)
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Weight: 5.45 lb / 2.47 kg
Beyond the technical aspects, handling this lens reveals practical challenges. The larger size, heavier weight, and non-removable tripod collar mean that handholding for extended periods will be demanding. Abbott suggests most photographers will benefit from using a monopod or tripod to manage fatigue and maintain stability, especially at longer focal lengths. He also points out the absence of an Arca-compatible tripod foot, which requires adding an external quick-release plate—an inconvenience for quick setups.
From an optical perspective, the lens performs admirably. Abbott finds image quality peaks around 500mm, delivering excellent sharpness and contrast. However, slight reductions in image contrast become noticeable at longer focal lengths, particularly at the 800mm end. Abbott shares a useful tip: stopping down slightly from f/8 to f/9 notably improves image contrast and overall quality at maximum zoom. The lens also handles chromatic aberrations and distortion impressively, providing evenly illuminated images with minimal vignette throughout the zoom range. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Abbott.
