Sony has officially announced the FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS (SEL100400) (Amazon/B&H Photo Video), a compact and affordable full-frame E-mount super-telephoto zoom designed with hobbyist photographers in mind — from birders and sports parents to travelers who want long reach without the bulk of a G Master lens.
The lens will be available in September 2026 for a suggested retail price of $849.99 USD / $1,079.99 CAD.
Compact Super-Telephoto Reach
Despite covering a 100-400mm zoom range, the FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS weighs just approximately 654g, making it easy to carry and comfortable for handheld shooting. Sony says the compact design helps first-time super-telephoto users frame distant subjects more quickly, whether birds, sports action, trains, or aircraft.
With the optional SEL20TC 2x teleconverter, reach extends to 800mm on full-frame, or up to about 1,200mm equivalent in APS-C mode.
Optics and Close-Up Performance
The optical design includes two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements and two aspherical elements to suppress color bleeding and distortion across the zoom range. A 9-blade circular aperture helps produce natural, soft bokeh.
Close-up performance is also stronger than many expect from a 400mm zoom:
- Minimum focusing distance: 0.86 m at the telephoto end / 1.13 m at the wide end
- Maximum magnification: 0.41x
That makes the lens usable for flowers, insects, and other nearby subjects as well as distant wildlife and sports.
Fast AF and Optical Stabilization
A linear motor drive delivers fast, precise, and quiet autofocus for tracking moving subjects. On the Alpha 9 III, the lens supports high-speed continuous shooting with AF/AE tracking at up to approximately 120 frames per second under Sony’s test conditions.
Built-in Optical SteadyShot helps control camera shake during handheld shooting. The lens also works with compatible camera body Active Mode / coordinated image stabilization, and supports breathing compensation for video.
Built for Outdoor Use
Practical controls include a customizable focus hold button, focus mode/range switching dial, and a zoom lock switch. A dust- and moisture-resistant design helps when weather changes outdoors, and a lens hood is supplied to reduce flare and ghosting.
Key Specs
- Focal length: 100-400mm
- Maximum aperture: F5.6-8
- Mount: Sony E-mount (full-frame)
- Weight: approx. 654g
- Optical design: 2 ED + 2 aspherical elements
- Aperture blades: 9 (circular)
- Min. focus: 0.86 m (tele) / 1.13 m (wide)
- Max. magnification: 0.41x
- Image stabilization: Optical SteadyShot
- Price: $849.99 USD / $1,079.99 CAD
- Availability: September 2026
Via Sony Alpha Universe / Sony