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Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5 GM 2026 Review

With an existing, very good quality Sony FE 100-400mm G Master super-telephoto zoom lens currently available, you may be wondering what Sony can do to make the new Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5 GM OSS lens better?

Watch Gareth's Hands-on video review of the zoom lens here

However, a lot has changed since April 2017, when that original 100-400 GM lens was released. We know that Sony has a wealth of new and updated optical technology at their disposal since those early days of Alpha mirrorless lenses, which we explore in this Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5 GM 2026 Review.

Whether you are considering upgrading, or are new to this popular model, join us as we get to grips with the new super-telephoto zoom in a hands-on video, with plenty of sample images and a specs comparison compared to the original, so you can see which might be best for your needs.

Let's dive right in, beginning with the release date and price, which will be one of the first questions on potential buyers' minds.

Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5 GM OSS lens release date and UK price

The Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5 GM OSS lens costs £4,400.00 at launch, and was released on 13th May 2026. This is more than double the price of the original 100-400mm GM, which currently retails at £2,149.00. So what does Sony's new everyday super-telephoto zoom deliver for the price?

Let's find out next.

Does the 2026 Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5 GM have a constant aperture?

The first thing you'll no doubt notice about the new Sony 100-400 GM lens is the constant aperture. It is an f/4.5 lens throughout the whole zoom range, whereas the earlier model is a variable f/4.5-5.6 aperture. This is a difference of around 0.7 stops of light.

The constant aperture is perhaps best thought of as allowing you to maintain consistent exposure throughout the zoom range, rather than looking at it as a 0.7-stop advantage. It means you can track subjects across the whole range without needing to think about exposure as you zoom, which saves a step when working fast.

But there's more, Sony has improved much more than a little extra light into this lens, which we explore in a moment, after looking at why 100-400mm lenses are such a staple for so many photographers.

Why are 100-400mm zoom lenses so popular?

You'll no doubt have seen many references to this zoom range, which is available in virtually every camera mount. In the case of the Sony E mount, there are several 100-400mm lenses available, so what is it that makes a 100-400mm zoom so popular?

To begin with, this zoom range is typically quite affordable. That means photographers who aspire to capturing more distant subjects, such as outdoor sports, wildlife and action, can try their hand and confidently achieve great results with these subjects before investing more heavily.

This zoom range is very versatile too, as you can capture more than just relatively distant subjects. Other suitable genres include portraits, landscapes, events, photojournalism and lifestyle, as well as other subjects that benefit from reach and some compression.

The weight of a 100-400mm lens is also generally quite manageable, allowing you to hike, scope shots and walk to destinations where you would typically find suitable subjects without your kit being too heavy.

These are very valid points in comparison to professional super-telephoto lenses, which can cost five figures and often weigh significantly more, despite generally being fixed focal lengths.

This makes 100-400mm lenses versatile, affordable and manageable, while delivering good quality results, which explains why they are a staple super-telephoto lens for so many users.

With that said, let's get back to the new Sony zoom lens, and what it brings to the party.

What’s new in the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5 GM OSS Lens?

Aside from offering a fixed aperture design, which gathers more light across the zoom range, how does the new 100-400mm GM lens set itself apart from the original? The good news is that it does so in a number of ways, and key features include:

• An internal zoom design, so the length does not extend while zooming
• New AF control algorithms
• Four XD Linear Motors for up to 3x faster focusing
• Up to 120fps AF tracking support
• Extremely advanced optical design for higher image quality
• Improved bokeh quality
• An 11-blade circular aperture
• The latest Nano AR Coating II
• Shorter overall length when older model is extended
• Dual 95mm threaded filters and 45mm rear drop-in filter system

The combination of these upgrades improves your chances of capturing the defining moment across difficult shooting situations, such as:

1. During unpredictable movement
2. Where the subject is small within the frame
3. Where instant response is required
4. For high speed action and tracking
5. In darker environments or with more limited space

While these features improve operation and image quality, Sony has also carried across many of the most valuable capabilities from the original, including:

• Compatibility with 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters for a maximum 800mm reach
• The inclusion of Super ED and ED glass elements
• Excellent tele-macro capabilities for close focusing with high magnification
• Zoom torque switch, with smooth and tight response
• Fluorine coating
• Dust and moisture resistance

This results in a better all-round lens, which is slightly shorter overall, faster, more accurate and delivers even better image quality with more light gathering. But let's see how that looks on paper, with a specs showdown.

Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5 GM Vs Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM

The specifications table below highlights the key differences and similarities between these two Sony super-telephoto lenses, in order to help your decision as to which best suits your purposes.

There's no question that the newer model is more capable, but this does not detract from the original, which is still an excellent option, that is suitable for many users. But which should you choose? That's what we look at next.

Lens controls image supplied by Sony

Which Sony 100-400mm GM lens is for you?

The newer model provides several key advantages over the original Sony 100-400mm GM, which make it better suited to professional use. If you frequently have to get specific shots, or work in tight environments such as trackside or behind a fence during motorsports, it will provide a better chance of capturing what you need.

It's better equipped for tracking subjects, handles smaller subjects better, and retains focus on erratically moving subjects better too. If these are primary concerns, whether you're an advanced enthusiast or a professional, this would be the lens to choose.

For less demanding situations, or where you want a lighter setup, or where you don't need the absolute fastest AF available, the original Sony E Mount zoom lens will probably meet your needs.

It still provides many of the benefits of a versatile super-telephoto lens, is compatible with teleconverters, and achieves excellent image quality with a very good minimum focus distance for close-ups.

Whether you’re interested in bird photography, professional sports and action, or wildlife, landscapes, events and more, there’s now a Sony lens that better suits your needs, and budget.

Shop for the new Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5 GM OSS Lens to experience the very latest telephoto performance, or browse for the original FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS, which is still an extremely capable and versatile option.

It should be noted that this new lens launched alongside the latest generation A7R VI camera, which is no coincidence. You can read more about that here in our Sony A7R VI Review and Specs Comparison.

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By Nick Dautlich on 13/05/2026

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.