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Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Initial Review

Sony has released its longest ever native super telephoto zoom lens with the Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS, which offers an extensive zoom range that is ideal for wildlife, bird, and sports photographers.

With a 400-800mm range, built-in Optical SteadyShot, and teleconverter compatibility for up to 1600mm, this full-frame Sony E mount lens brings unique capabilities to mirrorless Alpha photographers. In doing so it also fills an important gap in Sony’s lineup, with a far more affordable alternative to fixed super-telephoto primes, while offering greater reach than the FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS.

Our Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Initial Review compares these two telephoto zoom lenses, and includes real world sample images, which Gareth Evans captured during his hands-on video review of this lens.

If you’re interested in these kinds of super tele subjects join us as we explore more in this first look review and discover whether this is the perfect zoom for your needs.

Key Features

Sony has packed the FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS with the latest optical design, fast autofocus, and optical image stabilisation, so let’s take a closer look at what sets this lens apart.

• 400-800mm range offers versatility for distant and small subjects
• f/6.3-8 aperture optimised for size, weight, and image quality
• Dual XD Linear Motors deliver fast, accurate autofocus for the latest tracking algorithms
• 11-blade circular aperture renders smooth, natural bokeh
• Optical SteadyShot (OSS) stabilisation compensates for motion blur at long focal lengths
• Internal zoom mechanism maintains a stable centre of gravity
• Teleconverter compatibility extends the focal length up to max. 1600mm
• Lightweight for its class, at 2,325g

Sample 01. Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS with the Sony A9 III @800mm. Camera settings: 1/400 sec. f/8. ISO 1250 (right click to open larger)

Performance and Handling

Two XD Linear Motors provide the speed necessary to capture fast or distant subjects. This dual focus system does deliver precise, silent autofocus, while being compatible with tracking via Sony’s AI-driven AF systems.

Despite the relatively narrow variable f/6.3-8 aperture, Sony sensors are renowned for delivering clean image quality, even at higher ISO settings. Software based noise reduction tools are also extremely commonplace noways which help reduce the effects of noise significantly without negatively affecting image quality or sharpness.

The inclusion of Optical SteadyShot (OSS) further enhances performance, providing stabilisation at longer focal lengths, although the exact level of compensation has yet to be confirmed.

It is worth noting that at 2,475g, the Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS is lightweight for its focal length, but still hefty enough to benefit from additional support. While handheld shooting is without doubt possible, especially with Optical SteadyShot stabilisation, longer sessions and when shooting at 800mm or beyond with a teleconverter will likely require a monopod or tripod for optimal stability and shooting comfort. When wielding 3kg and greater panning can also be more cumbersome, which is why some wildlife photographers opt for a gimbal head.

Back to the lens and the internal zoom design helps maintain a stable centre of gravity, which does make it easier to balance on a gimbal or fluid head for tracking subjects like birds in flight or motorsports. However, for extended wildlife sessions or static compositions, a tripod with a gimbal head does offer the best long-term usability while reducing fatigue.

Sample 02. Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS with the Sony A9 III @800mm. Camera settings: 1/1000 sec. f/9. ISO 1600 (right click to open larger)

Autofocus and Tracking

The autofocus system in this super telephoto lens is optimised for action, with snappy performance and reliable tracking even at these kinds of very long focal lengths. Combined with Sony’s Real-time Eye AF and subject recognition AI, it performs well for Gareth when he was shooting seagulls in flight and similar fast-moving subjects.

The Dual XD Linear Motors are a great pair driving the focus lenses during tracking with confidence. Sony’s AI-driven Real-time Tracking and Eye AF spans birds, select animals, vehicles and other subjects, which is great news for anyone who shoots with a comparatively new , such as the 

The Dual XD Linear Motors in the Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS lens provide confident and precise focus tracking. When coupled with Sony’s AI-driven Real-time Tracking and Eye AF, which can detect and follow subjects such as birds, select animals, and vehicles including airplanes, this system is capable of great hit rates, for sharp and reliable performance.

This is particularly advantageous when paired with newer Sony mirrorless cameras such as the A7 IV, A7R V and the A6700 (amongst many more), which all support these advanced autofocus features.

To further optimise focusing speed, the FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS includes a focus range limiter switch at 8m, reducing focus hunting when tracking predictable subjects at known distances.

Sample 03. Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS with the Sony A9 III @800mm. Camera settings: 1/1250 sec. f/8. ISO 1000 (right click to open larger)

Optical Quality

Sony has engineered the FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS with an advanced optical formula to render high resolution, contrast, and minimal aberrations, even at extreme focal lengths. The lens incorporates six Extra-low Dispersion (ED) elements, which reduce chromatic aberrations and maintains high level of sharpness, with clean, well-defined details without distracting colour fringing.

The 11-blade circular variable aperture design enhances bokeh quality, producing rounded smooth and natural background bokeh from point light sources, and a good level of defocus that helps the subject stand out. This is particularly beneficial for isolating birds, wildlife, or other subjects from busy or distracting backgrounds, delivering a pleasing aesthetic with good background separation.

Sample 04. Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS with the Sony A9 III @800mm. Camera settings: 1/1250 sec. f/8. ISO 2500 (right click to open larger)

Sony FE 400-800mm vs. Sony FE 200-600mm Comparison

For photographers who are choosing between the 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS and 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS our specs comparison table shows exactly how they compare.

Sample 05. Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS with the Sony A9 III @800mm. Camera settings: 1/1250 sec. f/9. ISO 500 (right click to open larger)

This comparison highlights how the Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS offers a longer focal range, which is of course better for smaller or more distant subjects. However, it has a slightly narrower maximum aperture range (f/6.3-8) compared to the FE 200-600mm, which will slightly affect performance in low-light conditions.

Both lenses are compatible with the Sony 1.4x Teleconverter and 2.0x teleconverter, extending their focal lengths to 560-1120mm and 800-1600mm for the 400-800mm lens, and 280-840mm and 400-1200mm for the 200-600mm lens, respectively.

Unsurprisingly the FE 400-800mm lens is a little larger and heavier, weighing 2475g with dimensions of 119.8 x 346 mm, compared to the FE 200-600mm at 2115g and 111.5 x 318 mm. Although it’s only 300g or so, it is a larger lens, which will benefit from a monopod or tripod for extended use.

The Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS includes a slightly different optical formula than the FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS. We’re looking forward to making some side by side comparisons in the future to see how these render the same subject, but both lenses are sharp, with accurate colour rendering and great contrast.

While the FE 200-600mm is still a versatile and highly capable option, while the 400-800mm benefits from upgraded optics, and is a better choice for photographers who need the additional reach.

Sample 06. Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS with the Sony A9 III @600mm . Camera settings: 1/800 sec. f/8. ISO 640 (right click to open larger)

Who Is the Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS For?

The Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS is ideal for photographers who need extreme reach without heading into Sony’s prime super telephoto territory, which incudes the FE 600mm F/4 (£12,000), or the FE 400mm F/2.8 (£10,000). With 800mm of native focal length (extendable to 1600mm with a 2x teleconverter), it’s a specialist lens for subjects that are difficult to approach , very distant or smaller such as bird in a tree.

Common use cases include:

• Wildlife and Bird Photography where you can capture small and distant birds without disturbing them
• Outdoor Sports and Action where the lens is a good choice for football, rugby, motorsports, and track events, where a long lens is able to isolate players
• Surfing and Water Sports thanks to extended reach, which allows for detailed shots of surfers, windsurfers, and jet-ski riders from the shoreline
• Aviation Photography and this is an excellent choice for tracking aircraft, capturing airshows, and commercial planes from a distance
• Astrophotography and Moon Shots with its high-resolution optics and teleconverter compatibility, this lens can capture detailed images of the moon and nearby celestial objects.

Photographers who specialise in any of these fields will find the 400-800mm fills a gap in Sony’s lineup, with more reach than the 200-600mm or the 100-400mm GM, and without the size and cost of a fixed 600mm prime.

Reserve your Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Lens today or browse our comprehensive range of super telephoto lenses from Sony to find the perfect lens for your favourite subjects.

Don’t forget that we’ll buy your unwanted camera equipment, and you can use the money towards any upgrade. Get a fast, free quote here and decide if it’s the right move for you.

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By Nick Dautlich on 26/02/2025

Nick Dautlich

Senior Content Writer and Product Reviewer

Nick Dautlich is the Senior Content Writer and Product Reviewer at Park Cameras, with over 15 years of photography experience. A Sony Imaging Professional and expert reviewer, Nick has worked with major brands such as Canon, Sony and Nikon. His work is also featured on Vanguard World UK’s website, Capture Landscapes, and Shutter Evolve. Nick’s photography includes National Trust projects and magazine covers and he is passionate about landscapes and storytelling. Nick also enjoys hiking and teaching his children about nature. Learn more on his profile page.